“I loved working at GCF…[GCF helped me] learn about what it takes to make a lasting change in the NYCHA community through the work that we did on the farm; we were helping, learning and growing with the communities around us.”
Ashley Phillips (she/her)
Graduated: 2023, Cohort 25
From: Castle Hill Houses, Bronx
Current Position: Parks Worker, NYC Parks Opportunity Program
The Parks Opportunity Program (POP) hires applicants to clean and green our parks, playgrounds, and other facilities citywide. These POP Workers receive orienting, on-the-job training, career coaching and specialized training opportunities during their 6 months of employment with NYC Parks. This support not only helps them to succeed while at our agency, but also helps them in their search for their next job.
Tell us about your current role and daily responsibilities:
“My current job is with the Parks Opportunity Program (POP), and we clean and green our parks, playgrounds, and other facilities like athletic fields, tennis courts, public pools, recreational facilities, nature centers, golf courses, and beaches throughout the five boroughs citywide. A typical work day for me would look like waking up before 5:00 am in order to get to work on time at 7:00 am and traveling to my park location and starting my tasks for the day like opening up the park, garbage pickup, bathroom cleaning/restock, and inspection of the park for any damages or graffiti. I’m sometimes mobile and don’t stay in one park all the time. My day ends at 3:30 pm, and I work 5 days a week.”
Describe your career pathway. How has your GCF experience helped you?
“A lot of my summer youth jobs that I had in the past had qualified me for the role that I have now, like being a custodian and groundskeeper. How my GCF experiences have helped me in my position and career pathway is by helping me to learn about what it takes takes to make a first and lasting impression in an interview; having a good resume and cover letter; taking my teamwork skills and communication with my teammates and applying it to the position that I am in now by efficiently talking with my supervisor about the supplies that I need and things that need fixing or working with other people.”
What advice do you have for current Corps Members and other Alumni?
“Some advice I would have for any current Corps Members would have to be to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Your time at GCF may seem long, but it’s going to fly by just as fast, so learn new things you may be interested in and meet new people, even if it feels out of your comfort zone. The GCF family really cares for the young adults who come into the program. You can rely on them to help you through the six months that you are there to help you with whatever you may need help with or anything that you may want to do afterward. Also, rely on your team. Don’t take each other for granted – help when you can and get help from them when you need it as well. Work together, not divided.”
Achievements at GCF:
“Some of my achievements at GCF were [receiving] the Attendance & Punctuality Award, the Certificate of Completion, [and receiving certifications for] OSHA 10, OSHA 30, ROOTS, and SST.”
What’s your favorite GCF memory?
“If you would’ve asked me what my favorite GCF memory was when I was in Cohort 25, I would have said Saturday farm stands hands down. Now that I’ve graduated, I feel that this question would be near impossible to answer with just one thing because I loved working at GCF. I have been thinking about it a lot recently; I miss ALL my teammates and the Forest community and residents a whole lot. I think about what my teammates are doing now and hope that they are doing well in anything that they are doing.”
GRADUATION TESTIMONY:
“Green City Force has meant a lot to me. It has been life-changing more than I ever thought possible. I chose to become a Corps Member with GCF because of my two older sisters who were also a part of Green City Force in Cohort 13. The most important thing I learned during my time with GCF is the power of teamwork and collaboration. I learned to value the strength and perspective of those around me and have witnessed firsthand how working together can create real change in the NYCHA community. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the staff, my team and my family who supported me throughout this journey. The staff at GCF were incredible mentors and motivators, always pushing us to be our best selves. The Forest team became like a second family to me, cheering each other on and offering support during both the challenging and rewarding moments. Overall, I’m thankful for all the opportunities I have been given and I’m excited to continue making a positive impact in my community and beyond, all thanks to the invaluable guidance and support of Green City Force.”
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