Catching Up with Phyll
My name is Jenna Sayed and I am a Princeton University undergraduate and an intern at Community Access this summer. With COVID-19 raging through New York City in the past few months, I wanted to hear how Community Access participants felt during these difficult times.
Phyll Fisher is a Community Access tenant of twelve years and an active member of the Program Participant Advisory Group (PPAG). She first reached out to Community Access after a referral from her therapist as she was living in an unsafe home with a dangerous brother-in-law. Community Access provided her and her husband with not only a new apartment, but a fresh start.
As a result of severe abuse growing up, Phyll lives with mental health concerns. The various mental health resources provided by Community Access have been a great support to her in her recovery – and she frequently draws from her experience to help others. “When I got to Community Access, I finally felt like someone was listening to me,” she says. “Someone was caring about me. Now, if I can help change just one person’s life, everything I’ve been through will have been worthwhile.”
During the current pandemic, Community Access’ mental health resources have been all the more important. Despite having some initial anxiety, Phyll says, “I have had a wonderful support system. Group therapy, therapist appointments, daily calls from my service coordinator. I can always reach out to somebody.” She also notes that the organization has been quick to provide for her various sanitary needs, including masks and cleaning supplies.
As an elected representative of PPAG, Phyll is directly involved in advocating on behalf of tenants and looking out for their interests. She reports that overall, Community Access’ response to the pandemic has been excellent and has effectively kept tenants safe and healthy. No doubt, Phyll’s advocacy on behalf of her fellow tenants will keep playing a major role in making Community Access the strong, caring agency it is.
