From Administrative Assistant to Program Director

Congratulations to Monique Phillips on her new role as Program Director of the NCS Residence!

Monique joined Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter in 2006, shortly after moving to New York City from Jamaica. Since her first position as the Administrative Assistant at the NCS Residence, she has also worked at Louis Nine House, and Chance for Change, taking on more responsibility in each new position before returning to the Residence as Program Manager in 2018.

“Monique represents the best of NCS,” said Robert Yancey, Chief Program Officer. “She epitomizes and embodies the heart and soul of a dedicated and committed human services worker. Always willing to give it her all without ever complaining or stopping to think about what she is being asked to do. Her rapport with our residents is amazing to watch. She is a great asset to our organization and will continue to shine in her new role.”

Hear from Monique in her own words about the highlights and most challenging times working at NCS.

My favorite aspect of working at NCS...

The smiles I see on the residents’ faces. It was surreal when I returned to the Residence in 2018 (after working at Louis Nine House for seven years). The residents were so excited to see me… the feeling is mutual.

My relationship with the clients...

I think our relationship is built on mutual respect and trust. I always try to listen to what they’re saying and do my best to address their concerns— I always try. But I don’t make any promises that I can’t keep, and I think they respect that.

I think they also appreciate that I have been here for so many years, and I really know them on an individual basis. I don’t always try to be serious with them. Sometimes, we need to laugh and have fun.

My favorite memories are...

My favorite memories are from the dinners we have together and from preparing them and cooking. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas at the residences and also the summer BBQs. The residents are all so happy and in good moods. This Thanksgiving is going to really mean a lot to them. I am so grateful that we are in a place where celebrate together safely again.

The hardest part has been...

There were some real traumatic moments for us as a community over the past year and a half. There was a lot for us to process, but then we all needed to be there for the clients as well. We have been through a lot together. And I needed to make sure that clients were wearing masks and staying socially distanced and then helping them get vaccinated, but I also needed to work through everything with them. I’m happy I was able to be there to support them.

I’ve had a lot of roles at NCS...

I am very thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given to grow in my profession at NCS. Some of it has to do with my work ethic and my passion for the clients we serve. But a lot of it has to do with the management here. I have always been supported. I’ve had supervisors that push me and encourage me to take steps forward. There are role models ahead of me so that I can look at them and say, “I’m gonna be that one day.”