Due to ongoing capital improvements at the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center, the main entrance at 1130 Grand Concourse is closed. All guests, visitors and staff should use the accessible entrance located in the rear of the building through the parking lot on Carroll Place. Please exercise caution when entering and exiting the parking lot.
When the predicted heat index reaches 95°F or higher, the City of New York declares a “CODE RED”. During a Code Red, the BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team will be working hard to help our most vulnerable neighbors get off the streets and into shelter. Designated cooling centers are open during a CODE RED. If you are living without air conditioning and need a place to cool down contact 311 or click here.
If you have ever been to the BronxWorks Administrative Office, you have probably met Lisette Diaz. A lifelong Bronx resident, Lisette is stationed at the front desk of the building and manages reception. In this position she interacts with a wide range of individuals, from Bronx residents looking for services, to vendors, other stakeholders, and countless deliveries. She takes all of her responsibilities seriously, treating everyone who walks through the doors with respect and assisting them however she can.
Prior to joining BronxWorks, Lisette worked as a Collection Manager for a leasing company for over 15 years. During this period, she had a child and began searching for a job that better fit her schedule as a caretaker for both her young son and her aging mother. Lisette then joined BronxWorks in 2019 as a receptionist for the Fiscal department, and only a few months later she transitioned to Administrative Assistant at the front desk.
Beyond her reception duties, Lisette takes on numerous responsibilities that help keep the Admin office operating smoothly. She is the first recipient of all mail addressed to BronxWorks and is very diligent in processing correspondence, accepting deliveries, updating records, maintaining inventory, and supporting the Fiscal and Development teams. She also oversees maintenance throughout the building and always steps in to help when extra hands are needed.
“My job title may be Administrative Assistant, but I will do anything. I am a team player, I like to help out. That’s how I was raised. If I see people who need help, I get involved.”
Lisette also typically supervises a cohort of students enrolled in the Summer Youth Employment Program, guiding them as they assist with clerical, maintenance, and administrative tasks. She takes pride not only in serving as their supervisor but also in acting as a mentor who helps them build confidence and adapt to a professional environment. As a result of Lisette’s guidance and encouragement, several SYEP participants have gone on to secure full-time employment with BronxWorks, including some who continue to work alongside her at the Administrative Office today.
“All I ask for is respect. You respect me, I respect you. You do your job, you do what I ask of you, you’re good with me.”
Lisette sees her BronxWorks co-workers as true friends and family. She finds great support and care from her colleagues, which also motivates her to go out of her way to support them as well. Outside of work, Lisette spends time with her mother, who is 91 years young. Lisette also enjoys taking weekend trips to visit family in Pennsylvania.
If you have ever been to the BronxWorks Administrative Office, you have probably met Lisette Diaz. A lifelong Bronx resident, Lisette is stationed at the front desk of the building and manages reception. In this position she interacts with a wide range of individuals, from Bronx residents looking for services, to vendors, other stakeholders, and countless deliveries. She takes all of her responsibilities seriously, treating everyone who walks through the doors with respect and assisting them however she can.
Prior to joining BronxWorks, Lisette worked as a Collection Manager for a leasing company for over 15 years. During this period, she had a child and began searching for a job that better fit her schedule as a caretaker for both her young son and her aging mother. Lisette then joined BronxWorks in 2019 as a receptionist for the Fiscal department, and only a few months later she transitioned to Administrative Assistant at the front desk.
Beyond her reception duties, Lisette takes on numerous responsibilities that help keep the Admin office operating smoothly. She is the first recipient of all mail addressed to BronxWorks and is very diligent in processing correspondence, accepting deliveries, updating records, maintaining inventory, and supporting the Fiscal and Development teams. She also oversees maintenance throughout the building and always steps in to help when extra hands are needed.
“My job title may be Administrative Assistant, but I will do anything. I am a team player, I like to help out. That’s how I was raised. If I see people who need help, I get involved.”
Lisette also typically supervises a cohort of students enrolled in the Summer Youth Employment Program, guiding them as they assist with clerical, maintenance, and administrative tasks. She takes pride not only in serving as their supervisor but also in acting as a mentor who helps them build confidence and adapt to a professional environment. As a result of Lisette’s guidance and encouragement, several SYEP participants have gone on to secure full-time employment with BronxWorks, including some who continue to work alongside her at the Administrative Office today.
“All I ask for is respect. You respect me, I respect you. You do your job, you do what I ask of you, you’re good with me.”
Lisette sees her BronxWorks co-workers as true friends and family. She finds great support and care from her colleagues, which also motivates her to go out of her way to support them as well. Outside of work, Lisette spends time with her mother, who is 91 years young. Lisette also enjoys taking weekend trips to visit family in Pennsylvania.
Ken Marshall has dedicated his entire career to ensuring smooth operations of important services. Born in Jamaica and raised in the Bronx, Ken joined the U.S. Navy right after graduating high school. He served for eight years and primarily worked on naval ships in operational positions. After completing his military service, Ken attended Baruch College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, focusing in Operations Management. He then worked for a social services agency in Brooklyn for 17 years, maintaining operations for women’s shelters and other program sites. Ken returned to his home borough when he joined BronxWorks in 2019 as Facilities Manager, overseeing our flagship community center and several other locations.
With an organization as diverse and widespread as BronxWorks, Ken’s work days can vary greatly every week. While he is based out of the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC), our largest and busiest service location, he is also responsible for overseeing maintenance and operations at our Early Childhood Learning Centers, Administrative office, some walk-in offices, and more. Ken is also extremely responsive to unexpected or sudden program needs. Whether he is leading the set up the gym for special events, receiving and moving huge quantities of deliveries and in-kind donations, or addressing a cooling systems issue in the summer, Ken’s adaptability significantly contributes to the execution of the organization’s mission.
Ken is proud to leverage his operational expertise to give back to the community, which has kept him in the social services sector. His calm demeanor, willingness to help those around him, and his years of experience make him a trusted Facilities Manager of our main program site.
It brings joy to me that I’m maintaining this building and everyone who comes in can enjoy what the building provides.”
Unsurprisingly, Ken is an instrumental part of the capital improvements going on at CMCC. During the various phases of the projects, Ken is working side by side with the project team to ensure accessibility for participants and help services continue to run smoothly during the renovations. He has also been through other drastic operational changes at BronxWorks, such as the COVID pandemic in 2020. During that time, CMCC hosted vaccination clinics on-site to the community, staff, and even people from far outside NYC. As he always does, Ken maintained seamless operations of services despite the unprecedented challenges.
Outside of work, Ken likes listening to music and is a big fan of most New York sports teams. He enjoys watching the Yankees, Knicks, and Jets, especially live in the stadiums.
Ken Marshall has dedicated his entire career to ensuring smooth operations of important services. Born in Jamaica and raised in the Bronx, Ken joined the U.S. Navy right after graduating high school. He served for eight years and primarily worked on naval ships in operational positions. After completing his military service, Ken attended Baruch College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, focusing in Operations Management. He then worked for a social services agency in Brooklyn for 17 years, maintaining operations for women’s shelters and other program sites. Ken returned to his home borough when he joined BronxWorks in 2019 as Facilities Manager, overseeing our flagship community center and several other locations.
With an organization as diverse and widespread as BronxWorks, Ken’s work days can vary greatly every week. While he is based out of the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC), our largest and busiest service location, he is also responsible for overseeing maintenance and operations at our Early Childhood Learning Centers, Administrative office, some walk-in offices, and more. Ken is also extremely responsive to unexpected or sudden program needs. Whether he is leading the set up the gym for special events, receiving and moving huge quantities of deliveries and in-kind donations, or addressing a cooling systems issue in the summer, Ken’s adaptability significantly contributes to the execution of the organization’s mission.
Ken is proud to leverage his operational expertise to give back to the community, which has kept him in the social services sector. His calm demeanor, willingness to help those around him, and his years of experience make him a trusted Facilities Manager of our main program site.
It brings joy to me that I’m maintaining this building and everyone who comes in can enjoy what the building provides.”
Unsurprisingly, Ken is an instrumental part of the capital improvements going on at CMCC. During the various phases of the projects, Ken is working side by side with the project team to ensure accessibility for participants and help services continue to run smoothly during the renovations. He has also been through other drastic operational changes at BronxWorks, such as the COVID pandemic in 2020. During that time, CMCC hosted vaccination clinics on-site to the community, staff, and even people from far outside NYC. As he always does, Ken maintained seamless operations of services despite the unprecedented challenges.
Outside of work, Ken likes listening to music and is a big fan of most New York sports teams. He enjoys watching the Yankees, Knicks, and Jets, especially live in the stadiums.
If you’ve passed by our flagship location at 1130 Grand Concourse recently, you may have noticed ongoing construction to the exterior and interior of the building. The BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) is undergoing major capital improvements to modernize the 100-year-old building. This community center has been an icon of the Grand Concourse since it opened in 1926. A century later, BronxWorks is striving to maintain its longevity, not only has a hub of community services, but also as a historic building in the Bronx community.
The overall capital improvement project is still in early stages, although several renovations have begun throughout the building. The first project, completed earlier this year, modernized the second-floor bathrooms, which now features an ADA-compliant family restroom and an expanded gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls.
The finalized gender-neutral restrooms on the second floor of the building.
The front elevation of the building is currently undergoing restoration to maintain the architectural style. Some upgrades include replicating historical architectural elements, such as stone details and granite bases. New railings and lighting fixtures will also be added to enhance both accessibility and safety. 1130 Grand Concourse has been recognized by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission as having a special historical and architectural value to the community. As such, the goal with the exterior work is to preserve the building’s cultural significance in the Bronx.
Rendering of the exterior updates to the front of the building.
Concurrently, the entrance and lobby are also under construction, with the goal of reimagining the experience for those entering the building. The lobby will feature an expanded waiting area, as well as updated information panels and floorplan. Another necessary and long-awaited improvement for this century-old building is the installation of an upgraded HVAC system.
Top photo: The lobby of 1130 Grand Concourse, prior to the start of construction. Bottom photo: Rendering of the reimagined lobby, featuring the new waiting area.
For the last century, 1130 Grand Concourse has been used in service of the community. In 1926, the building opened as a children’s shelter for the Bronx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. In 1951, it became the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association, and then transitioned to the Girls Club in the 1980s. In 1993, BronxWorks acquired the building when combining with the Girls Club, and we have operated services here ever since.
1130 Grand Concourse throughout the years. Top left: 1920’s, when the building was a children’s shelter for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children; Top right: 1980’s, when the building was home to the Girls Club; Bottom left: 2000’s, owned by BronxWorks, then known as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau as listed on the yellow banner; Bottom right: 2020’s, now known as the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center.
With these renovations, BronxWorks is working to create a more accessible, comfortable environment for community members as they engage with services. Our staff are committed to providing high-quality programming to uplift our neighbors, and we want the location of the services to reflect that as well. We are also seeking to increase capacity for staff and programs within the building, as our largest service location. CMCC currently contains over a dozen programs, more than 100 staff each day, the BronxWorks Indoor Pool, the organization’s IT department, and the kitchen with the largest daily output. Our reach within the community also increases each year, therefore causing us to consistently need additional space for services. Some of the planned renovations to the building, such as a second, ADA-compliant elevator and an upgraded kitchen, will help to expand the building’s footprint and capacity. The current projects are just Phase 1 of the overall Capital Improvement Project, and additional phases of renovations will unfold in the coming years.
This Capital Improvements Project would not be possible without the support and partnership from Matiz Architecture & Design, Archstone Builders LLC, Urban Projects Collaborative, and all those who participate in the BronxWorks Board of Directors Facilities Committee. Your expertise and guidance are invaluable as we embark upon this journey to create a modernized community center.
In addition, we are incredibly grateful for funding received from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul through the BRICKS initiative, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Assemblymember Landon Dais, New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda, the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and New York City Council Member Althea Stevens and the Bronx Delegation.
Lastly, thank you to the staff and community members who are adapting to these changes as we continue to provide services at CMCC. Your patience and understanding are so appreciated, and we are excited for everyone to see the new renovations!
Stay tuned for more updates on the Capital Improvements Project on this page!
If you’ve passed by our flagship location at 1130 Grand Concourse recently, you may have noticed ongoing construction to the exterior and interior of the building. The BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center (CMCC) is undergoing major capital improvements to modernize the 100-year-old building. This community center has been an icon of the Grand Concourse since it opened in 1926. A century later, BronxWorks is striving to maintain its longevity, not only has a hub of community services, but also as a historic building in the Bronx community.
The overall capital improvement project is still in early stages, although several renovations have begun throughout the building. The first project, completed earlier this year, modernized the second-floor bathrooms, which now features an ADA-compliant family restroom and an expanded gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls.
The finalized gender-neutral restrooms on the second floor of the building.
The front elevation of the building is currently undergoing restoration to maintain the architectural style. Some upgrades include replicating historical architectural elements, such as stone details and granite bases. New railings and lighting fixtures will also be added to enhance both accessibility and safety. 1130 Grand Concourse has been recognized by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission as having a special historical and architectural value to the community. As such, the goal with the exterior work is to preserve the building’s cultural significance in the Bronx.
Rendering of the exterior updates to the front of the building.
Concurrently, the entrance and lobby are also under construction, with the goal of reimagining the experience for those entering the building. The lobby will feature an expanded waiting area, as well as updated information panels and floorplan. Another necessary and long-awaited improvement for this century-old building is the installation of an upgraded HVAC system.
Top photo: The lobby of 1130 Grand Concourse, prior to the start of construction. Bottom photo: Rendering of the reimagined lobby, featuring the new waiting area.
For the last century, 1130 Grand Concourse has been used in service of the community. In 1926, the building opened as a children’s shelter for the Bronx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. In 1951, it became the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association, and then transitioned to the Girls Club in the 1980s. In 1993, BronxWorks acquired the building when combining with the Girls Club, and we have operated services here ever since.
1130 Grand Concourse throughout the years. Top left: 1920’s, when the building was a children’s shelter for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children; Top right: 1980’s, when the building was home to the Girls Club; Bottom left: 2000’s, owned by BronxWorks, then known as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau as listed on the yellow banner; Bottom right: 2020’s, now known as the BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center.
With these renovations, BronxWorks is working to create a more accessible, comfortable environment for community members as they engage with services. Our staff are committed to providing high-quality programming to uplift our neighbors, and we want the location of the services to reflect that as well. We are also seeking to increase capacity for staff and programs within the building, as our largest service location. CMCC currently contains over a dozen programs, more than 100 staff each day, the BronxWorks Indoor Pool, the organization’s IT department, and the kitchen with the largest daily output. Our reach within the community also increases each year, therefore causing us to consistently need additional space for services. Some of the planned renovations to the building, such as a second, ADA-compliant elevator and an upgraded kitchen, will help to expand the building’s footprint and capacity. The current projects are just Phase 1 of the overall Capital Improvement Project, and additional phases of renovations will unfold in the coming years.
This Capital Improvements Project would not be possible without the support and partnership from Matiz Architecture & Design, Archstone Builders LLC, Urban Projects Collaborative, and all those who participate in the BronxWorks Board of Directors Facilities Committee. Your expertise and guidance are invaluable as we embark upon this journey to create a modernized community center.
In addition, we are incredibly grateful for funding received from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul through the BRICKS initiative, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Assemblymember Landon Dais, New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda, the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and New York City Council Member Althea Stevens and the Bronx Delegation.
Lastly, thank you to the staff and community members who are adapting to these changes as we continue to provide services at CMCC. Your patience and understanding are so appreciated, and we are excited for everyone to see the new renovations!
Stay tuned for more updates on the Capital Improvements Project on this page!
Over 10 years ago, Pascal settled in New York City with the desire to help the less fortunate in his community. Having grown up in Haiti and living in several other Caribbean countries, Pascal has witnessed first-hand underserved communities that do not have resources to meet their needs. His passion for understanding and helping people, especially those from different backgrounds, led him to go back to school at City College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies. Pascal was determined to enter a field in which he can use his voice to advocate for others. In 2023, he joined BronxWorks as a Housing Specialist for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).
I found this job with BronxWorks and I thought, ‘This is home for me. This is exactly where my purpose is.’”
As a Housing Specialist, Pascal works with unhoused individuals who have accepted assistance from BronxWorks HOT and are going through the process of obtaining permanent housing. Many clients are understandably unfamiliar with the process, so he guides them through each step and ensures they are informed to make their own decisions along the way. He also joins the outreach workers out in the field to establish connections with clients, especially those who may be wary of receiving assistance. Pascal works hard to earn the trust of the community members by being a consistent resource of support and care.
“Each day I go to work, it is a new day. I give my best to every client every day… If you have the chance to help others, do it with all your heart.”
Pascal has worked as a Housing Specialist for almost three years, and he is already pursuing a higher degree to further his career and his impact. Pascal is currently participating in the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) program while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. OYR has allowed Pascal to continue working at the organization while going back to school, and he can complete required internship hours through his current employment at BronxWorks.
“I am so grateful for [the OYR program] because it gives me more reasons to move forward in my career and do my best for the agency.”
Outside of work, Pascal enjoys staying active, spending time with his dog, and taking advantage of summer days at the beach. He hopes to use his education to advance social justice, promote equity, and advocate for individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability.
Over 10 years ago, Pascal settled in New York City with the desire to help the less fortunate in his community. Having grown up in Haiti and living in several other Caribbean countries, Pascal has witnessed first-hand underserved communities that do not have resources to meet their needs. His passion for understanding and helping people, especially those from different backgrounds, led him to go back to school at City College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies. Pascal was determined to enter a field in which he can use his voice to advocate for others. In 2023, he joined BronxWorks as a Housing Specialist for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).
I found this job with BronxWorks and I thought, ‘This is home for me. This is exactly where my purpose is.’”
As a Housing Specialist, Pascal works with unhoused individuals who have accepted assistance from BronxWorks HOT and are going through the process of obtaining permanent housing. Many clients are understandably unfamiliar with the process, so he guides them through each step and ensures they are informed to make their own decisions along the way. He also joins the outreach workers out in the field to establish connections with clients, especially those who may be wary of receiving assistance. Pascal works hard to earn the trust of the community members by being a consistent resource of support and care.
“Each day I go to work, it is a new day. I give my best to every client every day… If you have the chance to help others, do it with all your heart.”
Pascal has worked as a Housing Specialist for almost three years, and he is already pursuing a higher degree to further his career and his impact. Pascal is currently participating in the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) program while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. OYR has allowed Pascal to continue working at the organization while going back to school, and he can complete required internship hours through his current employment at BronxWorks.
“I am so grateful for [the OYR program] because it gives me more reasons to move forward in my career and do my best for the agency.”
Outside of work, Pascal enjoys staying active, spending time with his dog, and taking advantage of summer days at the beach. He hopes to use his education to advance social justice, promote equity, and advocate for individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability.
Robert Ealey has spent over 30 years at BronxWorks committed to maintaining important facilities where the organization provides critical programs uplifting the Bronx.
Robert originally joined the organization at our flagship community center at 1130 Grand Concourse as a maintenance worker. He then moved over to the BronxWorks Living Room drop-in center, where he worked in maintenance for several years. After almost a decade of working at two of the organization’s key sites, Robert transferred to the Willow Avenue Family Residence to be the facility’s Super. He has remained at Willow Ave for the past 21 years.
As the Super, Robert worked alongside a maintenance crew to ensure the building was properly maintained and cleaned. The residence houses over 100 families, who work with BronxWorks program staff to progress towards housing stability. Almost every day, Robert would make sure units were ready for new families to move in, as other families transitioned to permanent housing.
This job has definitely been a learning experience for me. You don’t realize what people are going through or what led them to be there. I learned that you cannot be judgmental, you do not know their story.”
After 19 years of being the Super at Willow Ave, Robert reached retirement. However, after a short time, he missed working and returned to Willow Ave. Robert now works as a Driver for the residence and has the opportunity to bring staff and clients to view potential apartments as they strive to achieve stable housing.
During his 30 years with the organization, Robert has developed strong bonds with his coworkers. He is so grateful for the trust instilled in him by his supervisors over the years, many of whom are still his colleagues.
“BronxWorks has always taken care of me and my family. My wife Rene worked for BronxWorks at the community center for 18 years as well… I’ve met a lot of great people, and they keep me coming back.”
Prior to joining BronxWorks, Robert served in the military and traveled to many countries. When he returned from service, he quickly missed New York, where he was raised, and moved back home. Although he now drives for a living, Robert enjoys driving along the east coast to visit friends and family. He also likes to travel to other countries and hopes to take a cruise with his sisters soon.
To learn more about Robert’s beloved wife, Rene, click here.
Robert Ealey has spent over 30 years at BronxWorks committed to maintaining important facilities where the organization provides critical programs uplifting the Bronx.
Robert originally joined the organization at our flagship community center at 1130 Grand Concourse as a maintenance worker. He then moved over to the BronxWorks Living Room drop-in center, where he worked in maintenance for several years. After almost a decade of working at two of the organization’s key sites, Robert transferred to the Willow Avenue Family Residence to be the facility’s Super. He has remained at Willow Ave for the past 21 years.
As the Super, Robert worked alongside a maintenance crew to ensure the building was properly maintained and cleaned. The residence houses over 100 families, who work with BronxWorks program staff to progress towards housing stability. Almost every day, Robert would make sure units were ready for new families to move in, as other families transitioned to permanent housing.
This job has definitely been a learning experience for me. You don’t realize what people are going through or what led them to be there. I learned that you cannot be judgmental, you do not know their story.”
After 19 years of being the Super at Willow Ave, Robert reached retirement. However, after a short time, he missed working and returned to Willow Ave. Robert now works as a Driver for the residence and has the opportunity to bring staff and clients to view potential apartments as they strive to achieve stable housing.
During his 30 years with the organization, Robert has developed strong bonds with his coworkers. He is so grateful for the trust instilled in him by his supervisors over the years, many of whom are still his colleagues.
“BronxWorks has always taken care of me and my family. My wife Rene worked for BronxWorks at the community center for 18 years as well… I’ve met a lot of great people, and they keep me coming back.”
Prior to joining BronxWorks, Robert served in the military and traveled to many countries. When he returned from service, he quickly missed New York, where he was raised, and moved back home. Although he now drives for a living, Robert enjoys driving along the east coast to visit friends and family. He also likes to travel to other countries and hopes to take a cruise with his sisters soon.
To learn more about Robert’s beloved wife, Rene, click here.
Ken Small, BronxWorks Development Director, is celebrating 30 years at the organization!
Ken was born and raised in Central and East Harlem and, like many New Yorkers, his first job was through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). In 1972, under the guidance of his mother, an SYEP site coordinator for the DeWitt Clinton Houses, a public housing complex, he helped oversee a meal distribution program that predated Meals on Wheels. His mom, whose formative years were during the Great Depression, created a distribution and data management system that provided him with valuable experience for future jobs.
Ken’s dad, a longshoreman and a shipyard worker, also provided valuable lessons. His dad worked at Bethlehem Steel for 35 years, providing Ken with critical insights regarding institutional hierarchies, peer relationships, equity, and teambuilding.
Ken graduated from Fordham University with a BA in economics in 1979 and then from Long Island University (LIU) with an MA in economics in 1981. Preceding his graduate fellowship at LIU, Ken worked part-time at several divisions of the New York Public Library (NYPL) where he interacted with patrons from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
Ken secured a position with the New York office of the Bureau of Labor Statistics prior to receiving his master’s degree. He honed his writing and data analysis skills at BLS as a researcher and an economist.
Returning to NYPL during the 1981 recession, Ken briefly considered a master’s degree in library science. In 1984, he landed his first job with the National Urban League, one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country. He oversaw the organization’s strategic planning and program evaluation activities until he came to BronxWorks in August 1995.
Ken has held the development director title since joining BronxWorks. While his work has evolved over time, he remains a valuable member of our organization’s fundraising infrastructure.
A big lesson I’ve learned at BronxWorks is that it’s important to work as a team. Anything that is done well at BronxWorks is done by a group of people working together.”
Early on, Ken oversaw all aspects of development for BronxWorks, including grant writing, event planning, external communications, and government affairs. He has also worked alongside senior leadership to diversify sources for both public and private funds, which has allowed the organization to increase programming to meet needs while maintaining financial stability.
Today, Ken’s work focuses on institutional grant writing, reporting, and stewardship. He has played a key role in helping BronxWorks secure funding from the Robin Hood Foundation every year since 1997. Over the years, Ken has also served as a mentor to many colleagues, interns, and fellow development staff.
“What’s most rewarding to me is that you see the fruits of your labor here. I’ll be on the subway with my work ID on, and someone will come up to me and say thanks to BronxWorks they avoided eviction, moved into permanent housing, or secured affordable childcare. It’s those kinds of stories that make me want to come to work every day.”
Outside of work, Ken enjoys jazz music at some of the city’s iconic jazz spots, such as Village Vanguard and Lincoln Center.
Ken Small, BronxWorks Development Director, is celebrating 30 years at the organization!
Ken was born and raised in Central and East Harlem and, like many New Yorkers, his first job was through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). In 1972, under the guidance of his mother, an SYEP site coordinator for the DeWitt Clinton Houses, a public housing complex, he helped oversee a meal distribution program that predated Meals on Wheels. His mom, whose formative years were during the Great Depression, created a distribution and data management system that provided him with valuable experience for future jobs.
Ken’s dad, a longshoreman and a shipyard worker, also provided valuable lessons. His dad worked at Bethlehem Steel for 35 years, providing Ken with critical insights regarding institutional hierarchies, peer relationships, equity, and teambuilding.
Ken graduated from Fordham University with a BA in economics in 1979 and then from Long Island University (LIU) with an MA in economics in 1981. Preceding his graduate fellowship at LIU, Ken worked part-time at several divisions of the New York Public Library (NYPL) where he interacted with patrons from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
Ken secured a position with the New York office of the Bureau of Labor Statistics prior to receiving his master’s degree. He honed his writing and data analysis skills at BLS as a researcher and an economist.
Returning to NYPL during the 1981 recession, Ken briefly considered a master’s degree in library science. In 1984, he landed his first job with the National Urban League, one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country. He oversaw the organization’s strategic planning and program evaluation activities until he came to BronxWorks in August 1995.
Ken has held the development director title since joining BronxWorks. While his work has evolved over time, he remains a valuable member of our organization’s fundraising infrastructure.
A big lesson I’ve learned at BronxWorks is that it’s important to work as a team. Anything that is done well at BronxWorks is done by a group of people working together.”
Early on, Ken oversaw all aspects of development for BronxWorks, including grant writing, event planning, external communications, and government affairs. He has also worked alongside senior leadership to diversify sources for both public and private funds, which has allowed the organization to increase programming to meet needs while maintaining financial stability.
Today, Ken’s work focuses on institutional grant writing, reporting, and stewardship. He has played a key role in helping BronxWorks secure funding from the Robin Hood Foundation every year since 1997. Over the years, Ken has also served as a mentor to many colleagues, interns, and fellow development staff.
“What’s most rewarding to me is that you see the fruits of your labor here. I’ll be on the subway with my work ID on, and someone will come up to me and say thanks to BronxWorks they avoided eviction, moved into permanent housing, or secured affordable childcare. It’s those kinds of stories that make me want to come to work every day.”
Outside of work, Ken enjoys jazz music at some of the city’s iconic jazz spots, such as Village Vanguard and Lincoln Center.
Gina Lee has always had a strong passion for helping people and envisioned herself as a direct-service worker. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State University and started her career assisting New Yorkers submit social security disability claims. In search of a position where she could be part of a larger mission impacting her community, she found BronxWorks. She joined the organization in 2011 as a Program Specialist in the Family Rewards Program, where she thrived for several years. While in that position, Gina’s supervisor encouraged her to take on a data systems project for managing the department’s data collection.
“My supervisor saw something in me that I didn’t see, and gave me the opportunity to try it out. She has always supported my growth with the organization.”
From there, Gina spearheaded the department’s launch into using data management technology, which became her primary role. In 2019, Gina transitioned to the CQI department and is now the Business Systems Manager for BronxWorks. In this role, she and her colleagues work together to evaluate data collection methods across the agency and assist programs with implementing the data management system. Gina often meets with program staff to understand how they are collecting data and then adapts the technology to support those processes, making it easier for the client-facing staff. Having started at BronxWorks working in direct services, Gina understands that data collection, while vital, can be very time consuming and she strives to streamline the workflow as much as possible for staff.
“I find it rewarding to be able to pull insights from the data showing all the great work that is being done, and knowing that this data is being used to make decisions across the organization. It allows us to tell a clearer story about our impact.”
Gina was born and raised in the Bronx and now lives in Tennessee with her family. She has two young children who take up most of her time and they love to do arts and crafts. Gina has also recently started creating her own animations as a hobby.
Gina Lee has always had a strong passion for helping people and envisioned herself as a direct-service worker. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State University and started her career assisting New Yorkers submit social security disability claims. In search of a position where she could be part of a larger mission impacting her community, she found BronxWorks. She joined the organization in 2011 as a Program Specialist in the Family Rewards Program, where she thrived for several years. While in that position, Gina’s supervisor encouraged her to take on a data systems project for managing the department’s data collection.
“My supervisor saw something in me that I didn’t see, and gave me the opportunity to try it out. She has always supported my growth with the organization.”
From there, Gina spearheaded the department’s launch into using data management technology, which became her primary role. In 2019, Gina transitioned to the CQI department and is now the Business Systems Manager for BronxWorks. In this role, she and her colleagues work together to evaluate data collection methods across the agency and assist programs with implementing the data management system. Gina often meets with program staff to understand how they are collecting data and then adapts the technology to support those processes, making it easier for the client-facing staff. Having started at BronxWorks working in direct services, Gina understands that data collection, while vital, can be very time consuming and she strives to streamline the workflow as much as possible for staff.
“I find it rewarding to be able to pull insights from the data showing all the great work that is being done, and knowing that this data is being used to make decisions across the organization. It allows us to tell a clearer story about our impact.”
Gina was born and raised in the Bronx and now lives in Tennessee with her family. She has two young children who take up most of her time and they love to do arts and crafts. Gina has also recently started creating her own animations as a hobby.
Tyler McCormick recently joined BronxWorks as Chief of Staff and Strategy. She comes to the organization with many years of experience in social service. Born in Los Angeles, Tyler moved to New York to attend Barnard College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Visual Arts. However, she quickly realized her true passion was working in youth services and transitioned her career trajectory. Since then, Tyler has worked for Association to Benefit Children (ABC), NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), CAMBA, the Youth Development Institute (YDI), and Phipps Neighborhoods, in various leadership positions.
Early in her career, Tyler went back to school to expand her skills in youth service development. She earned a Master’s Degree in Science of Education with a focus on Community Based Learning from Bank Street College, as well as a Master’s in Youth Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Through various positions, Tyler discovered that she had a strong interest in professional development for human service workers and implemented systems for staff development and program growth. She also earned a Doctor of Education Degree from NYU Steinhardt’s Leadership and Innovation program. Most recently, Tyler was Chief Strategy and Integration Officer at Phipps Neighborhoods, where she led the organization’s development department, education and capacity building, data, evaluation and learning, and integration of services. After five years at Phipps, Tyler joined BronxWorks in 2025.
“I had a chance to speak with Eileen, and there was just something about this organization. The work, the spirit, the vision for the future of the agency, it all felt really inspiring.”
As Chief of Staff and Strategy at BronxWorks, Tyler has many responsibilities that support the operations and longevity of the organization. She views her role as a collaborator, bringing together her colleagues to find solutions to strengthen the organization’s impact. Her tasks include overseeing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), evaluating and developing more efficient systems for agency operations, guiding the strategic planning process, and leading special projects, among others.
“Relationship building is so core to the work that I do and I’ve been so inspired by the staff I’ve met so far. They’re incredibly passionate about what they do, and it comes off within an instant of meeting them.”
Outside of work, Tyler loves to spend time outdoors with her partner and her dog. She has also recently found building Lego sets to be very relaxing.
Tyler McCormick recently joined BronxWorks as Chief of Staff and Strategy. She comes to the organization with many years of experience in social service. Born in Los Angeles, Tyler moved to New York to attend Barnard College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Visual Arts. However, she quickly realized her true passion was working in youth services and transitioned her career trajectory. Since then, Tyler has worked for Association to Benefit Children (ABC), NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), CAMBA, the Youth Development Institute (YDI), and Phipps Neighborhoods, in various leadership positions.
Early in her career, Tyler went back to school to expand her skills in youth service development. She earned a Master’s Degree in Science of Education with a focus on Community Based Learning from Bank Street College, as well as a Master’s in Youth Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Through various positions, Tyler discovered that she had a strong interest in professional development for human service workers and implemented systems for staff development and program growth. She also earned a Doctor of Education Degree from NYU Steinhardt’s Leadership and Innovation program. Most recently, Tyler was Chief Strategy and Integration Officer at Phipps Neighborhoods, where she led the organization’s development department, education and capacity building, data, evaluation and learning, and integration of services. After five years at Phipps, Tyler joined BronxWorks in 2025.
“I had a chance to speak with Eileen, and there was just something about this organization. The work, the spirit, the vision for the future of the agency, it all felt really inspiring.”
As Chief of Staff and Strategy at BronxWorks, Tyler has many responsibilities that support the operations and longevity of the organization. She views her role as a collaborator, bringing together her colleagues to find solutions to strengthen the organization’s impact. Her tasks include overseeing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), evaluating and developing more efficient systems for agency operations, guiding the strategic planning process, and leading special projects, among others.
“Relationship building is so core to the work that I do and I’ve been so inspired by the staff I’ve met so far. They’re incredibly passionate about what they do, and it comes off within an instant of meeting them.”
Outside of work, Tyler loves to spend time outdoors with her partner and her dog. She has also recently found building Lego sets to be very relaxing.
Amanda Perez began working in the nonprofit sector while completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Statistical Theory at Barnard College. She worked as a case manager assigned to Bronx middle and high schools, providing students with individual counseling to address chronic absenteeism. In these positions, Amanda practiced the real-world application of her studies and used statistical analysis to track her students’ progress. Her interest in this work continued to flourish and led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Data Analysis at Baruch College.
“Working on these projects, I realized that there is a direct connection between the statistical theory I was studying at school, and the quality of service being provided. We could use the data to inform that.”
After completing her degrees, Amanda pursued Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) positions in the nonprofit sector throughout the city. However, she missed working for an organization that was making an impact in the Bronx community. She joined BronxWorks in 2016 as the Program Director of the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), once again immersing herself in case management work for a Bronx high school. As a Bronx resident and native, Amanda enjoyed being part of a large, mission-driven agency focused on her community, though her passion for data analysis remained.
Two years after she joined BronxWorks, Amanda became the organization’s first full-time Director of Compliance. She managed existing CQI Specialists within various programs and established foundational practices for ensuring program compliance. Since then, the CQI department has expanded to include additional staff, more systems of evaluation, and new technology to support data collection for client-facing staff. Amanda is now the Director of Program Quality & Evaluation, overseeing evaluation and improvement across the agency and leading projects creating new guidelines for quality assurance.
“I love seeing how each individual department is contributing to our work as an agency. We are moving towards one common goal, but when you’re in one program you don’t typically see the big picture. For me, I see it as a puzzle all coming together.”
Outside of work, Amanda loves to spend time playing and learning with her daughter. She also enjoys reading and doing karaoke with loved ones.
Amanda Perez began working in the nonprofit sector while completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Statistical Theory at Barnard College. She worked as a case manager assigned to Bronx middle and high schools, providing students with individual counseling to address chronic absenteeism. In these positions, Amanda practiced the real-world application of her studies and used statistical analysis to track her students’ progress. Her interest in this work continued to flourish and led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Data Analysis at Baruch College.
“Working on these projects, I realized that there is a direct connection between the statistical theory I was studying at school, and the quality of service being provided. We could use the data to inform that.”
After completing her degrees, Amanda pursued Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) positions in the nonprofit sector throughout the city. However, she missed working for an organization that was making an impact in the Bronx community. She joined BronxWorks in 2016 as the Program Director of the Jill Chaifetz Transfer School (JCTS), once again immersing herself in case management work for a Bronx high school. As a Bronx resident and native, Amanda enjoyed being part of a large, mission-driven agency focused on her community, though her passion for data analysis remained.
Two years after she joined BronxWorks, Amanda became the organization’s first full-time Director of Compliance. She managed existing CQI Specialists within various programs and established foundational practices for ensuring program compliance. Since then, the CQI department has expanded to include additional staff, more systems of evaluation, and new technology to support data collection for client-facing staff. Amanda is now the Director of Program Quality & Evaluation, overseeing evaluation and improvement across the agency and leading projects creating new guidelines for quality assurance.
“I love seeing how each individual department is contributing to our work as an agency. We are moving towards one common goal, but when you’re in one program you don’t typically see the big picture. For me, I see it as a puzzle all coming together.”
Outside of work, Amanda loves to spend time playing and learning with her daughter. She also enjoys reading and doing karaoke with loved ones.
