Three Offices and More Than 15 Years at New York Cares – Meet Our Receptionist
Our receptionist, Sandra Velez, has been at New York Cares for about 17 years. She’s been in 3 offices, answered countless phone calls, fielded strange requests from the staff, and always lets us know when there’s food in the kitchen. So who better to help you understand our organization better? Learn about Sandy’s time here below:
I started at the old, old building on 16th Street & Union Square as a receptionist, as well as dabbling in other assignments. My it was such a tiny location, and since then, New York Cares has grown to be a fabulous place to work.
I started in 1994 or ’95, I can’t quite remember my start date. When I first started I was so nervous and shy, that I cried on my first day there. Just thinking about it now, it’s kind of funny. I think I got sent home to refresh for the next day.
Anyway, I quickly outgrew that, and started to come into my own being a receptionist at New York Cares. Then a couple years later came 29th Street, and I thought -wow. I said to myself, we are moving up! But that was before moving to 65 Broadway a couple months ago. Now we are bigger and better than ever, at the downtown location where all the big shots go to work. I felt even more important than ever! I love the area, the commute, and the staff that I am so pleased to work for. I’ll answer questions from volunteers, greet people when they come into our office, help new employees get used to the new place, and countless other tasks that come up throughout the day. I’ve loved the 17 years I’ve been here, I really do!
By Sandy Velez
A group of 15 extraordinary teens from all over New York City dedicated more than 800 hours of service to New York Cares and our partner agencies throughout July. The Teen Service Team spent three weeks making short videos with middle schoolers at Episcopal Social Services Summer Program in Brooklyn; giving manicures and dancing with the seniors at Cobble Hill Health Center; serving meals, handing out pantry bags, and socializing with the clients at The Momentum Project soup kitchen in the Bronx; and playing games and doing arts and crafts at Rivington House.
