St. John’s Residence Play Yard Scores a Win

On October 22, St. John’s Residence for Boys welcomed leaders from the building management industry as part of its ongoing “Play Yard Mentorship Program.” The event was hosted by Executive Director Jennifer Horsley and brought together union and industry professionals to speak with the young men and women about career pathways and preparing for success in New York City’s building services sector.

An integral part of the “Play Yard Project” is the mentorship program. Each contractor, architect, engineer, or industry professional associated with the play yard project has committed to participating and teaching the young people at St. John’s about their trade, craft, and profession, along with the career opportunities it holds for them. “As the project unfolds, the boys will be able to connect the dots better, and possibly see themselves performing one of these jobs in their own lives,” said Peter Grande, Co- Chair of the building committee.

Guest speakers included Jimmy Brennan, executive board member of Local 32BJ; Tim Lopez of Local 32BJ; and Orlando Rondon, President-Elect of the Scandinavian Building Managers Guild. Local 32BJ, the largest property service workers union in the United States, represents more than 185,000 members. The Scandinavian Building Managers Guild, founded in 1934, remains one of the most longstanding and highly recognized associations of registered apartment managers in New York City.

Following the mentorship session, Jennifer Horsley, Director of St. John’s, provided an update on the architectural and engineering progress of the new Play Yard construction. Zambrano Architects, headed by Willy Zambrano, past president of NYS American Institute of Architects (AIA) and long-time member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, have been hired and are actively designing the layout. Horsley also announced that Brian Mahoney, former St. John’s men’s basketball coach, professional player, and NYC basketball personality, has joined the design team to bring his distinct stamp to the final design.

St. John’s Residence for Boys is nearing a historic milestone: 200 years of continuous service to youth in the Rockaways as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All charitable contributions to the Play Yard project are tax deductible. Consider scanning the QR code to donate.