The People's Money (2022-2023)

What problem would you like to solve?

There is an overwhelming amount of people in the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona community who have health issues, mental and physical, and do not have access to readily-available, culturally-responsive, affordable, and inclusive services. Community members fear asking for help because of their citizenship status, language proficiency, and the stigma associated with seeking help about their well-being, mental health especially. This issue compounded with the effects of COVID-19 and area disinvestment reduces the community’s quality and length of life. Unnecessary loss of life makes it imperative for creating a better response to addressing well-being.

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

There are many resources available, but community members are not accessing them. Help is out there and people need to be aware. It is relevant in the community because there is stigma around seeking help, especially for mental health. People are suffering because of it, e.g. suicides, estrangement, and abuse. By addressing this issue, the community can heal from the impacts of the pandemic, as well as any personal issues they may be experiencing. This can bring the community together to feel like they belong.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

I would like to partner Executive Fitness, my business, with other local organizations (nutritionists, personal trainers, counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, life coaches, etc.) to provide personalized plans to community members based on their wellbeing needs. For example, community members will come to the fitness center and ask for information where they will be directed to services and professionals who can assist. In addition to this, the program can host public town hall meetings and private focus groups. When program participants make progress in their wellbeing, they are awarded. The program will also offer the option to have an accountability partner (“buddy system”) to help stay on track.

Who would that help?

This would help people who are 13 years and older, who reside in historically underserved communities. This is intended to be an intergenerational program, emphasizing the importance of uplifting the Latinx and BIPOC+ population at large.

What NYC borough would benefit from your idea?

The program would be open top anyone in Queens who would like to participate, with the goal of benefitting residents of Elmhurst, Corona, and Jackson Heights community.