Chairman Rhea and Vice-President for Strategy & Program Development Debra-Ellen Glickstein (both center) with NYCHA REES staff at 2012 Opportunity Awards. (Photo by LETICIA BARBOZA)

NYCHA’s efforts to assist residents become self-sufficient through access to job opportunities were recognized by a local workforce development organization. The NYCHA Resident Training Academy (NRTA) was honored on June 20 with a ‘2012 Opportunity Award’ by the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC).

In attendance to share in the honors were Melek Marcelle, a resident of O’Dwyer Gardens in Brooklyn, and Daniel Lopez Maza, of Ocean Bay Apartments in Queens. They were singled out by NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea as exemplary graduates of NRTA whose training led to full-time employment at NYCHA. 83 percent of NRTA graduates have been placed in jobs at NYCHA, its contractors or other employers. “It’s a humbling feeling to be here now,” said Mr. Lopez Maza, who works as a pesticide technician and is looking forward to becoming a full-fledged exterminator. “I am so grateful for everyone who taught and devoted time for us.”

The NRTA is the result of collaboration between NYCHA and community based organizations that provide training and funding, including Robin Hood, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, St. Nicks Alliance, Nontraditional Employment for Women, New York City College of Technology, and the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park. As part of the Plan NYCHA imperative to connect residents and communities to critical services, NYCHA works with partners to take advantage of innovative and high-quality programming, ensuring that residents receive the maximum benefit from critically-needed services.