New Community Security Administrative Assistant Janesa Henry has been visiting NCC properties since she was a little girl to see relatives. She started working as a Security Officer for NCC in 2014 and throughout her years with the organization, she has helped plan events, specifically for Security. Recently, she decided to organize activities for NCC seniors and families.
In June, Henry organized a painting event for the residents of Associates, with the help of Sgt. Aleta Morse and Sgt. Habeebah Rasul. The trio provided canvases with image outlines and paint so the residents could choose how to design their creations. They decorated the Community Room of the building and provided refreshments. Click here to see photos from the event.
In August, Henry worked with Resident Services Coordinator for Families Anibal Alvelo to host a Family Movie Night. The event was a fun evening for children and families with refreshments and a school supply giveaway. Alvelo had some donated backpacks and Henry solicited additional donations from NCC staff members to ensure each child in attendance received school supplies, snacks and drinks. Members of the NCC Task Force volunteered their time for the event and also ordered pizza. Additional members of the Security Department also donated funds and items to ensure the event was a success.
Henry has helped plan a variety of events for the Security Department over the years. When she first started working at New Community, she threw a baby shower for a friend. It was so successful that many people suggested she get into party planning as a job. She wasn’t interested in that then, but as time went on, she helped organize department Christmas parties and other events.
“I just really like helping people and being involved,” she said. “I like to see smiles on people’s faces when they enjoy themselves.”
While Henry likes the planning aspect of events, she prefers to be in the background rather than be the face of the affair.
“I’m more of the backup help that basically makes sure that everything’s in the right place so the people that are in the front, they have the tools that they need,” she said.
Henry and her sister hope to start a business offering balloon arches and wall backdrops, as well as event planning.
Henry plans to continue organizing events for New Community residents. Her next project is a Harlem Nights movie night at Roseville Senior at the end of September. She also hopes to host field days for the seniors next spring to get them moving and outside.
In addition to producing fun events for residents, Henry also hopes to show them that NCC Security is part of their community and not just there to enforce rules.
Henry said New Community is in her blood and that’s one of the reasons she wants to give back.
Henry’s grandmother on her mother’s side used to live at Commons Senior and she remembers the security officer having her mother sign in when they would visit. Her grandmother on her father’s side currently lives at Douglas Homes and turned 101 earlier this year. Henry was present for the birthday celebration that Resident Services hosted in the Community Room.
“New Community is like home,” she said.
Henry hopes to be able to host more events that are larger in scope to bring the community together and provide joy to NCC residents.
“I really love New Community,” she said.
