2008 Nuestra Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Paul François, Resident Services Coordinator, Baptist Minister, Social Work student, and father of 3, has been awarded the 2008 Distinguished Service Award by his fellow staff members of Nuestra Comunidad. Paul, originally from Haiti, has lived in Massachusetts for over 20 years, and has worked at Nuestra Comunidad since 2004. Paul is perhaps best known for his tireless work with the 95 families at Adams Court in Mattapan, successfully organizing their relocation while the buildings were rehabilitated and then assisting them to return to their restored apartments in 2007. But Paul is also responsible for providing support services to residents of 9 other properties with a total of 213 units. He routinely acts as the liaison between the residents and the management company and provides assistance with job search, training, referrals, and housing to the residents. Beyond his routine duties, Paul also willingly provides translation for Haitian Creole speaking residents in search of housing and other services. He can be found conducting resident meetings to solve issues between the residents or with management as well as providing training to residents in community organizing around issues of local concern. Paul reports that he “finds the meaning of life in service to others.” Beginning in 2009, Paul will expand his service to the residents of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan by becoming Nuestra’s Public Safety Specialist. He will be organizing crime watches and neighborhood associations, coordinate Nuestra’s Annual Cleanest Streets Campaign, and develop new initiatives to increase the safety, security, and quality of life for our community. Kompliman Paul! Bon Travay! [Congratulations Paul! Good Job!] |
Photo Courtesy: Forrest David Milder |
