P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. 9th Annual Benefit Gala: Atrévete 2018

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Welcome

Welcome to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem’s Ninth Annual Gala!

It was a busy but successful year for P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. complete with many “first-of-its kind” initiatives and advancements for our organization. And it was all made possible by your generous support and the incredible work and dedication of our staff, interns, and volunteers.

One of our top priorities in 2017 was to press the city to make changes to the Tenant Interim Lease Program. Indeed, we got Mayor DeBlasio’s attention and successfully pressed the City Council’s Housing Committee to hold a public hearing to address the problem and hear tenants concerns. This expanded our visibility and influence, and has led to substantial changes to the TIL Program. For decades, tenants who manage their properties (CityOwned buildings) have waited to receive quality repairs and rehabilitation of their building in order to convert their apartments to cooperatives. We are finally making progress for these long ignored residents.

We are grateful to have you with us tonight, standing shoulder-toshoulder with our members and supporters. In this room we have community leaders, local developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders who are all here with a common purpose, working on the frontlines of homeless prevention, poverty, mental health, domestic violence, and racial and ethnic discrimination; individuals who work tirelessly to uplift themselves and their families; and individuals who donate to and volunteer at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E.. The change our work creates simply would not be possible without our crosscultural alliance of individuals representing every borough and background. Together, we protect and create a better New York for all.

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Welcome (CONT’D)

At P.A.'L.A.N.T.E., we believe that the challenges we face as a community can best be solved by its members and stakeholders working together. It is a place where ideas to overcome obstacles are born, skill and experience are applied and institutional knowledge is shared. Our passion and dedication to clients is paramount at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E., we say, “come as you are, bring what you can.�

We are here, as we have been for the last nine years, taking bold action to support justice and economic security for the families who need it most. Simply put and thanks to you, we continue to deliver steady, positive results for the people we represent and help!

Thank you for your commitment and for putting your trust, time, resources, and hope in us. As we continue to fulfill our mission to make a better New York City for all, we know we can count on your support.

Warm Regards,

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Honorees Evening Program 6:00 PM

VIP Reception Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres

7:00 PM

Welcome Remarks Hon. Keith L.T. Wright Elsia Vasquez Founding Executive Director

8:00 PM

Dinner & Awards Ceremony Good Citizenship Signe Mortensen Community Leader

Outstanding Community Service Michael Palma Mir Community Leader

Steven Reyes Torres P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem Stand & Deliver Youth

Joseph A. Tahl Tahl Propp Equities

Leader of the Year David W. Hanzal Community Leader

9:00 PM

Closing Remarks & Party

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Master of Ceremonies Keith L.T. Wright is the Director of the Government Relations Group at Davidoff Hutcher and Citron LLP (DHC).

Mr. Wright joined DHC after serving 23 years in New York State Assembly, having chaired such committees as Housing, Election Law, Social Services, and Labor. His work on the Equal Economic Keith L.T. Wright Opportunity and Human Rights subcommittee sought protections for domestic workers and created additional benefits for senior citizens. Leading the Public Housing subcommittee, he championed the rights of public housing residents.

Active in his Harlem community, Mr. Wright has helped foster small business development, create affordable housing, and increase opportunities for youth. He has also served as the chairman of the Harlem Community Development Corporation.

Prior to his time in the Assembly, Mr. Wright held positions in New York City’s Human Resources Administration, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and the New York City Transit Authority.

A graduate of Rutgers Law School and Tufts University, he credits his parents for teaching him the importance of strong values, commitment to community and defense of civil rights. He is the son of New York State Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Bruce Wright and his mother Constance Wright who served as a long time educator and former principal in the New York City public school system. Assemblyman Wright lives in Harlem with his family.

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Honoree Hanzal credits his mother for instilling in him the drive to fight unceasingly for what he believes in.

Born in Southern Minnesota as one of six kids raised by a single mom, he spent his formative years studying engineering in the Midwest. In 2004, Hanzal launched Technologies International, a company that delivers vocational training equipment and David W. Hanzal education to the Middle East and North Africa.

David continued to run Technologies International after moving to New York City and in 2006 he moved into his current Harlem apartment. A predatory landlord purchased his apartment building in 2014 and he began to feel the “squeeze” that so many renters face.

Hanzal realized his well-being, and the well-being of those around him, was under attack and began researching Tenant Associations.

He quickly organized 25 tenants, who collectively formed Manhattanville Tenants’ Association, to which he was elected President.

During his battle with his landlord Hanzal had written a letter on which he’d copied the NYS Attorney General, the Mayor, City Council Members and the Governor. One of these elected officials connected him to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E., and the similarities in their goals and determination to fight injustice were immediately apparent.

Hanzal has continued to work with PA’LANTE fighting for tenants’ rights and remains an ally willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

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Honorees Honoree A Seattle native, Signe now lives in New York City where she works as a coffee Education Administrator, community organizer and musician in her West Harlem community.

Mortensen has been a board member of her Block Association since 2010 and the group created the Unify and Beautify W 150th campaign, which Signe Mortensen aims to build pride and unify the block through beautification, education and youth outreach. Signe has found a home and community that inspires and excites her healthy curiosity for other people, their cultures, stories and backgrounds.

In 2011 Mortensen joined a group of concerned citizens, clergy and NYPD to form the West Harlem Empowerment Coalition. This group connects youth and community members to resources in the West Harlem area to help empower and allow them to excel to their greatest potential.

In 2013 she joined local Community Board 9 as one of 50 members of the board where she continues to learn from those who have served for decades. She currently serves on the Housing Land Use and Zoning committee and in 2014, she began serving on the board of the 30th Precinct Community Council having worked closely with the NYPD for many years before joining the Board.

Always keeping busy, Signe lends a hand whenever possible to other associations and causes.

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Honoree

Michael Palma Mir

A lifelong and second generation resident of Hamilton Heights, Mr. Palma has born witness to the dramatic changes in the neighborhood since the 1960’s. He divides his time between work in the theater, housing, photography and as an advocate for a better quality of life in Hamilton Heights. Mr. Palma received his undergraduate and masters from Columbia University. A founding member of the HDFC Coalition, launched in 1992 Palma advocated for improvements in the policies of the City of New York towards HDFC cooperatives.

In 2011, Mr. Palma joined Broadway Housing Communities as its Director of Housing and saw to the marketing and rent-up of its new affordable housing building on Sugar Hill. And In early 2016, the Coalition decided to become more active in response to recent City efforts to terminate existing tax relief programs for HDFCs and modify regulations pertaining to HDFC buildings.

An active member of Manhattan community board 9 for the past 17 years, he has served on both the Housing and Arts & Culture Committees.

Mr. Palma is also a volunteer leader for the Montefiore Park Neighbor Association, an organization started by his late mother Alida Palma in 1994.

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Honorees Honoree Steven, a Spanish Harlem native- born and raised in Harlem, is a first-generation citizen and grew up in an immigrant household with both hard working Mexican parents.

Steven constant pursuit for knowledge had him seeking out internship opportunities and programs that he could join. In 2015, during his sophomore year in high school he got a chance to participate in the Winter Pathfinders program. A program that provides paid internship opportunities to a selectfew students based on their grade point average.

Steven Reyes Torres

It was through this program that Steven came to intern at P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem. At 15 years old, Steven reported directly to the Executive Director of the organization and immediately helped modify the organization's Client Relationship Management database to help better segment their constituents. Steven's commitment, attention to detail, and passion for social justice, was strong enough that he was given a part-time position at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem.

Steven served as the Youth Stand & Deliver Program Director and managed a team of eight young adults that are also part of P.A.’L.A.N.T.E.'s youth mentoring program which focuses on maximizing their potential and inspiring greatness in the youth. Steven has learned to know and care for our clients and he has grown immeasurably. His knowledge on housing rights is almost as good as any paralegal.

Steven is currently studying at SUNY New Paltz and there is no doubt he’ll find a job where he will be able to pay it forward.

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Board of Directors

Tony Hasbun Chair

Luisa Rodriguez Treasurer

Moshe Aronov Anthony Giordano Marvin Holland Elsia Vasquez

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Honoree

Joseph Tahl is President and Co-Founder of Tahl Propp Equities (“Tahl Propp”). Tahl Propp is a leading owner, manager, builder and developer of primarily affordable housing in both East and West Harlem. Founded in 1998 by Mr. Tahl and Rodney M. Propp, the Firm now owns, manages and has in development almost 3,000 units of primarily affordable housing. Messrs. Tahl and Propp are Lifetime Gold Members of the NAACP.

Joseph A. Tahl

Tahl Propp is an active participant in Housing New York, Mayor De Blasio’s 10-year, 200,000 unit affordable housing preservation and development plan.

Over the past several years, they have successfully worked with HPD, HDC and HUD to complete the long-term preservation of over 1,500 project-based Section 8 units in Harlem. Through his organization and during his career, Joseph has supported a great number of local charitable organizations .

Mr. Tahl is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and earned his J.D. at the Washington College of Law of American University.

Mr. Tahl is married with three children and lives in Harlem with his family.

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Our Mission

To reduce poverty and advocate for safe housing by organizing, educating and empowering residents. We are committed to supporting communities and to preserving quality of life, health, and personal safety by assisting rents and homeowners when their rights have been violated and by holding unresponsive property owners accountable.

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Event Planning Committee

P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. extends a special thanks to those who have made our gala a smashing success.

Gabriel Bencosme

Kelvin Ortiz

Pin Bencosme

Scott E. McDowell

Anokye Adigun Bomani

Antonio Marrero

Alex Chang

Thomas Michaelsen

Justin Cheung

Christopher Padron

Christian Cruz

Krystle Santana

Ayoka Foster-Bell

Steven Reyes Torres

David W. Hanzal

Kito Kai Noni Risbrook

Will Hulihan

Luisa Rodriguez

Juliana Kim

Clarissa Vasquez

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Stand & Deliver Youth Program

The Stand & Deliver program is a peer-led program developed to address the need of paid employment and community service opportunities for youth in underserviced communities.

P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. offers high school and college freshmen from Harlem, Washington Heights and the Bronx paid employment that can also fulfill internship or community service requirements. The program teaches the inner workings of how to run a not-for profit organization; build movements that empower people and communities; provide culturally competent direct services; marketing and housing inspection policies and procedures.

Every year, a new customized curriculum and training program is developed featuring speakers in various white and blue-collar occupations. These interactions are the basis for lifelong relationships that can lead to jobs or mentorship opportunities.

Parental engagement is another key to increase the success of our participants so that they may have the support necessary to reach their full potential. We track students through college by inviting them back to be guest speakers and mentors to current participants. This helps college retention rates and provides a safety net when a student has dropped out of college or an apprenticeship program.

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Honorary Committee

Hon. Gale A. Brewer Manhattan Borough President

Hon. Carmen De La Rosa New York State Assembly Member

Hon. Ruben Diaz, Jr. Bronx Borough President

Hon. Adriano Espaillat U.S. Congressman

Hon. Vanessa Gibson New York City Council Member

Hon. Mark D. Levine New York City Council Member

Hon. Daniel O’Donnell New York State Assembly Member

Hon. Bill Perkins New York City Council Member

Hon. Helen Rosenthal New York City Council Member

Hon. Keith L.T. Wright New York County Committee Chair

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Silent Auction Please take a moment to read through this fantastic list of auction items. Be sure to get your bid in before time is up! All items are numbered and bidding sheets are located at the tables around the perimeter of the banquet hall. Winners will be notified from the podium during this evening’s program. Following the gala, you must purchase your item(s) using Visa, Mastercard, or by check and take them home with you this evening. A convenient check-out table is located near doors to the banquet hall. Or if you prefer, you can come to PA’LANTE’s office, beginning Monday, February 5th through February 12th. 

Couture handmade jewelry made by talented local artisan (Larimar, Crystal Quartz, Scapolite and Crystal gemstones)

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Double knit cashmere poncho by Jackie Puello Rabo

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Handmade couture jewelry: earrings, necklaces, and bracelets

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La Grande, super-sized tote get-away bag by SoHarlem

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Tickets to The Apollo

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Gift certificates for dinner at W 107 Next Door; Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, and Chipotle Mexican Grill

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Live Orchid Plant arrangement by LaFleur Harlem

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Krystle

Last Summer I made a personal choice to invest in myself, my mind and my purpose. After a few attempts at different jobs and schools, a series of seemingly unfortunate events opened up an opportunity for me to be able to work at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E.. I had always heard the name and heard the general work that they do from my grandmother, who is a client, but I never really understood in detail. I imagined that it was simply a government-owned program that provided public services, until I actually met Elsia and the team.

Elsia, herself, is an inspiring and dedicated woman to even cross paths with, let alone to work for. She has created an organization from scratch that is an extension of her own heart, and she invests just that into every person that walks in; whether intern or client. I have seen some of the worst living conditions and unjust treatment that I could know exists in my own neighborhood, and in the same breath, I have seen how, in these desperate moments, P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. has been a stable hope for these families. Parents that regain their peace of mind and families that are restored through the security of a livable home are the most priceless results to see. Being a part of these small moments of change, helped me understand the bigger picture. Every person affected is a world that is changed and uplifted with value, and together, those individuals are the substance that builds a community.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. has changed the way I view so many things in my community, but most importantly, it has changed the way that I view my own purpose. It’s encouraged me to never undermine who I am and who I will be, because, even if my purpose feels small now, it’s needed for someone’s world and that realization has empowered me to confidently be able to empower others in the same way, and it’ll keep paying forward! P.A.'L.A.N.T.E.!

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Christian

Being a part of P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has not only helped me grow as an individual; P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. opened up opportunities for me that no other organization would. In August of 2017 I had the honor to host P.A.’L.A.N.T.E.’s very first radio show on WHCR 90.3FM at City College; the Stand & Deliver Program, every Monday evening.

The experience is amazing, getting to do something that I’ve wanted to do later in my life became a reality sooner than I expected. I owe a huge thanks to Elsia Vasquez who I met as a sixteen year old and has always been there for me and the General Manager of WHCR 90.3 FM, the voice of the Paradigm Shift, Angela Harden.

The Stand & Deliver show gives me a chance to reach and influence my generation and share knowledge of what’s going on around them in regards to housing in NYC. Not only am I gaining the experience hosting a radio show, through each weekly episode, I’m learning new information about housing I never knew. Through the research and articles I read weekly, I’m not only spreading valuable information over the airwaves to the masses but I’m learning on the job.

So far I’ve tackled current events in housing, whether it’s involving necessary policy changes, slumlords being tossed in jail, tenant rights, success stories and more. It’s an opportunity I can never take for granted and I’m grateful to speak through your speakers every Monday night. Be sure to give us a listen– WHCR 90.3 FM on Mondays at 6:15 PM.

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Anokye

Hi, my name is Nana Kwame Anokye Adigun Bomani, however I go by my middle name, Anokye. I am seventeen years old, and I am currently the youngest intern at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem. I am a senior at the Art & Design High School in East Midtown majoring in illustration.

I began high school with no ambition and no plan towards my future making for a pretty rough experience. However, as I have seen the oppressive conditions of the country that we live in, this began to make me look into what I can to do to make change and make this world a better place.

Working at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has been a very unique experience. I go to work and feel as if I am with family. This has been a nurturing environment for me to grow in and has allowed me to strive for bigger and better things. Throughout my journey during high school I discovered that I want to help people in their own life passage.

Working at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. makes me understand what it’s like to work in a non-profit organization and gives me exposure to an entirely different culture filled with different kinds of people, different kinds of food, and a different outlook on what is considered family.

This time has made clear my aspirations for the future - to create a non-profit organization for the youth. This organization will help bring the youth together no matter what race, gender, or financial background; Keep them out of crime, putting them in organizations like P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. where they too can work towards making the world a better place.

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Sergio I was referred P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. by Council Member Mark Levine in 2004 when I was in desperate need for help. My landlord Illegally dropped my name off the lease that was shared with my uncle. After contacting the management office several times, they continually gave me the runaround stating it was a mistake and the correct changes would me made. As time went on it seemed that nothing was being done to resolve the issue.

The landlord started a holdover case against me and eventually took me to court. The untrustworthy landlord accused me of not being the primary resident nor the leaseholder of the premises which made me feel lost. I grew worried about what to do next as I spent most of my time working just to make ends meet. The thought of being homeless put me in a deep pool of stress and had me up late nights working harder. But thanks to P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. they educated me on my rights as a tenant, motivated me to keep fighting the good fight, and taught me to never give up on the place I call home.

From the moment I stepped foot into the P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. office they were extremely welcoming. Their wonderful staff and their caring nature put me at ease and allowed me to put my trust into them.

P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. helped refer to me to attorney John Gorman who represented me in court. Shockingly, after 2 years of fighting the owner sold the building and the new owner started a new lawsuit against my uncle who had moved to Mexico and no longer lived in the apartment. The owner would not cash my checks because to him I wasn't the lease holder. Throughout the entire ordeal I was required to provide evidence, from bill statements to bank accounts, that showed proof of my residency. In all it took 3 years, month after month, until my name was put on the lease.

What I learned is knowledge is everything.

Knowing your rights gives you strength to fight slumlords. All of the power and glory is because of P.A.’L.A.N.T.E.. Thank you all for your dedication, help, and good efforts to ensure safe and affordable housing in this community.

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Honorees Upcoming Events

March 2018

Community Leaders Roundtable May 2018

Demystifying Housing 2018 June 2018

10th Year Anniversary Celebration December 2018 35

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Special Update

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. is committed to expanding opportunities for low & moderate-income home ownership through New York City’s Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) program. We are certain that with clear goals, guidelines and transparency we may finally produce the right formula to successfully convert the 145+ buildings into Housing Development Fund Corporations (HDFC Coops). Here are the highlights of the success we have been able to achieve thus far: 

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development adopted new rules governing tenant succession in buildings under its jurisdiction. 2014—Law Amendment

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Organized the TIL City-Wide Tenants Coalition. 2015

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Broken Promise: New York City’s Tenant Interim Lease Program And Those Left Behind—Report. 2016

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NYC Council Hearing. April 2017 

Result: immediate program changes. The City implemented a new approach to improving the buildings while also making adjustments to the ANCP program (New TIL Program) to address resident concerns including restructuring of the TIL operations. A newly created position, Assistant Commissioner for TIL, was also created and will focus on nothing but making TIL buildings coop-ready and repaired. The City also conducted roof to cellar inspections to make emergency capital improvements and are now covering the costs for fuel and electricity in the public areas.

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Michaela

My name is Michaela and I am a single mother of two. My queen is three and my king is one. I moved to the Bronx from Poughkeepsie, NY with my children's father in February of 2016. Unfortunately there were incidents of abuse and so for my safety and that of my children I decided to pack up my kids and go to a shelter in June of 2016.

P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has changed my whole attitude about fighting for my rights. I have never felt so empowered in my entire life. They have been guiding me every step of the way to help me fight this fight, one that people like me don't usually win. I honestly felt like nobody would listen. I mean, who am I? My situation has continued to improve ever since I was introduced to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. and every time I speak to them I thank them. I don't think I could ever thank them enough. Because of P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. I feel like I can fight any battle if I just use my resources and say something. To anyone out there that may be in a similar situation, living in a shelter with children, call P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem and they will guide you and prepare you to fight the necessary fight.

I don't thank the Mayor, nor do I thank the City. I THANK P.A.’L.A.N.T.E.

Sparking Transformations

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Kendra

I want to take the time to thank P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem!

I was living in Brooklyn with my five children, in horrible conditions; mice, rats, and a roach infestation. I called everyone that came to mind and all I ever got was a ‘we will call you back’.

I came across a WPIX news segment with Monica Morales and how P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. helped another young lady in a similar situation and P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. helped her.

I was hesitant to call their office because I had been turned down so often in the past. But I did it, I called and Elsia was so great; she listened to me cry and break down. Once I got my story out she gently said ‘we are going to help you because no one deserves to live in those conditions and she did exactly what she said.

I’ve never met this wonderful Lady personally and yet she has done so much for my family. We live in a beautiful 4-bedroom apartment on the upper west side in a wonderful neighborhood with the best neighbors. Me and my children are forever grateful for Elsia’s kindness. P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem is an amazing organization that truly cares and I can't thank them enough.

Sparking Transformations

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Summary of Our Work

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