Joaquin Rodriguez, Program Coordinator

Rodriguez, moved from Brooklyn, NY to Springfield, MA in Sept. 1990. Mr. Rodriguez has played a significant role in the outreach efforts in the North End of Springfield and the City of Springfield. He has substantial experience in providing overall program management and staff supervision and is highly qualified with over 19 years experience working with the Latino community. Mr. Rodriguez has worked with Gandara Mental Health Center, New North Citizens’ Council, Springfield South West Health Center, Brightwood Health Center, Springfield Health Department, Nueva Esperanza, Holyoke Street School, and Preventive Medicine. Mr. Rodriguez has designed and implemented outreach trainings for the City of Springfield and other community based organizations. He is also very knowledgeable of community resources and community providers. Mr. Rodriguez is currently attending Springfield College and is working on his BA in Human Services. He is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

Maira Velez, Community Health Worker: Zones 1, 2

Velez was born in a small town called Juana Diaz in Puerto Rico. She moved to Massachusetts in 1990 and in 1996 volunteered at NEON which was originally called North End Community Health Task Force. Within time she became an employ of NEON. She finds that the most important and interesting part of her job is making sure that she provides accurate information, complete services, and give support to these families. While she has been working at NEON she obtained her High School Diploma and attended some courses at STCC. As a wife and mother who resides in the North End she feels proud of the type of work she is involved with daily. "I love my community, I love my people, and everyday I feel like I am learning more."

Manuel Torres, Community Health Worker: Zones 4, 7

Torres, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico but has lived in the North End of Springfield, MA since the age of 7. He is the oldest of three. Growing up in the community allowed him to witness many changes. He acknowledges that there are many resources within the community and the best one is that we help eachother. When he found himself without a job, he decided to volunteer at the Drop-in Center to help other people. As he was volunteering he found out that NEON was hiring and decided to apply. Working for NEON has been the best thing that has happened to him and now he can help and bring info the residence regarding all the support and resources that exist in the neighborhood. He feels that many folks do not know about the resources and this is his opportunity to help and share.

Wanda Acosta, Community Health Worker: Zones 6, 9

Acosta, a single parent lives with her sons in the North End. The community, which she also works in. She moved from New City with mom and brothers when she was a little girl. She really enjoys working with the community. With the support of NEON when she was hired as a Community Health Worker she was able to obtain her High School Diploma. She is also now working on completing a certification for alcohol and substance abuse which she believes will help her to better serve the people she works with. Her work at NEON is to offer resources to the community and everyday she strives to make sure the residents know and understand what is available to them.