Executive Director Emeritus' Letter

Dear Friends,

December 1, 2008 marked my 30th Anniversary as Executive Director of the Community House. That milestone gave me pause to reflect on all that has happened over those 30 years and on the strength of our mission. I am most proud of the Community House’s consistent record of excellence with regard to its commitment to providing quality human services with dignity and respect.

The Queens Community House, formerly the Forest Hills Community House, has withstood the tides of time and challenges. We have witnessed enormous changes in human services—both good and not so good. Some issues have been catalysts for advocacy and have helped carve our direction and enlighten our vision.

Colleagues, legislators and others have credited my leadership with growing a small local, community-based organization into a City-wide force to be reckoned with. Their accolades remind me that the unsung heroes of this organization have always been its staff. That is why, when I mark my last day with Queens Community House on June 30, 2009, I feel confident that I am leaving the legacy that we have grown together in very capable hands and under the very capable leadership of Irma Rodriguez. Many of you know that Irma has actually been at the House almost as long as me; 26 years as Associate Director and as Executive Director Designate since October 2007. Over the years Irma has provided the perfect balance to my style. She knows the historic subtleties of the Organization and she has a great perspective on what Queens Community House can be. Because we are all committed to our service community, I know that you will embrace Irma’s vision for the future and help raise our organization to new heights. It is certainly her turn to reap the rewards of all of her hard work.

My original retirement date was set to be in 2010, but the realities of the recent fiscal climate and its affect on the organization propelled me to move up my retirement date to this year. I use the term “retirement” loosely. Beyond the time I plan to spend in a new pottery studio in upstate New York redirecting my creative energies, don’t be too surprised if you run into me in Albany, or at a conference. I have a suspicion that I’ll find myself in the middle of some of the issues that affect public funding and the well being of the human services communities.

It has been my distinct honor to serve as Executive Director of Queens Community House, and even more importantly, to serve the diverse communities of Queens. Plans are underway for a “send-off” celebration in the fall and I look forward to sharing this moment with you—details to follow. I’ll be around until the end of June, so I also hope to see many of you before I leave.

I have loved knowing all of you and I treasure my time in your service. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our programs and to the people of this great borough of Queens.

Sincerely,
O. Lewis Harris
Executive Director Emeritus