Making a Difference at LESC Pencer House

Lucy’s Passion for Helping Others in Supportive Housing in NYC

Lucy, an integral part of LESC’s Pencer House, plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission. Pencer House offers supportive housing in NYC for individuals
living with HIV/AIDS. As a community of 40 studio apartments free of stigma and discrimination, Pencer House provides a safe haven for individuals in need.

With 21 years of recovery under her belt, Lucy expressed gratitude for the support she received at LESC Su Casa years ago: “I went through the process myself, and I’m working for LESC now. It’s something that brings me to tears because I never thought I could get this far. If it wasn’t for LESC, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Lucy’s affection for her work at Pencer House is evident as she shared, “Well, I love coming to work here. I’ve been here 17 years. I love the work I do in the kitchen and when I can help out with anything else, I pitch in.” Her genuine enthusiasm extends beyond her work to the supportive housing residents in NYC she serves. “I love the people that live here at Pencer House. I brighten their day just like they brighten mine. That’s why I enjoy coming to work,” she added. Lucy explained her responsibilities: “I prep meat for the kitchen coordinator. I can cook. I make breakfast. We don’t make cereal. We work together. But my main role is prepping, washing dishes, and helping serve the food and stuff like that.” Her versatility and dedication to her tasks demonstrate her commitment to supporting LESC’s daily operations.

Dedication and Resilience during Challenging Times

Even during challenging times, Lucy’s dedication has remained unwavering. When asked about the impact of working at Pencer House on her life, Lucy shares, “This is like my second home. I came here as a part-timer 17 and a half years ago, and now they’re my family.” Despite facing personal challenges over the years – including a heart attack, covering work at LESC during Superstorm Sandy and citywide power outages, and the ongoing scare of the COVID-19 pandemic – Lucy’s commitment to her work and the residents has remained steadfast, a testament to her own recovery journey. “I walked the bridge from my house in Brooklyn. I was at Pencer House when there were no lights here in Manhattan. I worked with whatever food was there,” she related. “I would have no light, no gas… nothing. And I cooked that food with a burner, and I made it happen. Everybody got to eat.”

Lucy recognizes the significance of human connection and support within the LESC community. She emphasized the importance of social interaction and the positive impact it has on both the residents and the staff. “I really love talking to our tenants because a lot of them have no family, and I have the chance to give them encouraging words and just make their day a little better. They encourage and inspire me too,” she said.

Creating a Safe Haven and Changing Lives

For many individuals in the supportive housing program of the residents at Pencer House, the impact of a safe and stable environment is profound. She recognizes the significance of having a safe place to sleep, access to food, and someone to talk to. Lucy understands that Pencer House provides a haven for those who may have previously experienced homelessness or other challenging circumstances. “The tenants that live here come from all sorts of different backgrounds and some finally have a place to live and food to eat,” Lucy explained.

In addition to providing shelter and food, Lucy acknowledges the critical role that Pencer House plays in the residents’ health and well-being. “One thing that they might not have if they didn’t have a home and food, they also probably weren’t taking the medication they needed to be taking on a regular basis,” Lucy explained. Through the supportive environment at Pencer House, residents receive the attention they need for their medical care. “They get to visit the doctors and receive the medical attention they need,” Lucy added.

Lucy’s Favorite Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

·       2½ lbs chicken

·       2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder

·       2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning or chicken seasoning

·       3 cloves garlic, crushed

·       1 medium yellow onion, chopped

·       2 medium carrots, chopped

·       1 small potato, diced

·       1 ½ tsp freshly grated ginger

·       3 tbsp cooking oil or olive oil

·       Boiling water

·       Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a bowl, add the chicken, curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, garlic, onion, ginger, and salt; mix everything together and leave to marinate for 30 minutes or more. In a pot add the cooking oil and set on medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the oil and stir well. Let the chicken cook until lightly brown on all sides. Don’t let the pot burn, add a tip of water if necessary. Stir in the carrot and potato. Add enough water to cover the chicken in the pot. Cover and leave to cook for 25-30 minutes – until the chicken is cooked and the water is reduced to a curry gravy. Serve over rice.

Enjoy a nutritious and delicious low-salt recipe straight from Lucy’s kitchen at LESC Pencer House. Her favorite Chicken Curry is bursting with Jamaican flavor with her own Puerto Rican twist.

Going Above and Beyond to Make a Difference

Lucy’s dedication to the residents in the LESC supportive housing program extends beyond her kitchen duties. Lucy goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of the residents. She willingly takes on additional tasks to connect with the residents and offer support. “Sometimes I help with security at the front desk or general cleaning. I help out wherever they need me to,” Lucy shared. Her incredible dedication, resilience, and commitment to the residents at Pencer House exemplifies the transformative impact of LESC. Through her work, Lucy helps to create a supportive environment, where tenants find not only shelter and sustenance but also a sense of belonging, connection, and access to essential healthcare.