“May I help you?” Ed Ng cordially greeted a Cabrini Apartments visitor. Told of a meeting with Philip Deans, he promptly called the housing manager, then escorted the guest to the office. Mr. Ng is a concierge, a job usually associated with luxury domains. But in this low income senior housing, concierges are fundamental to the fabric of life, due to the creativity of Mr. Deans, the commitment of residents and generosity of the Cabrini Mission Foundation.

In piloting this volunteer, resident-manned service, Mr. Dean’s aim was to provide attentive, affordable front desk monitoring when night security services were not on duty. Housing staff is on site during the day, but the time needed to address the building’s daily comings and goings drew them from their primary tasks.

When Mr. Deans broached the concierge concept to residents, five stepped up and received training from him. The quintet not only met the goal of providing the needed extra eyes and ears. They’ve also fostered community-forging heart and soul for the young building, opened in late 2005.

“Each one is so positive, adaptable and dedicated,” said Mr. Deans. “They realize that what they do makes a big difference here.”

Jack and Jills of All Trades
Concierges welcome visitors, sign for packages, give clerical aid, including Chinese and Spanish translations, summon emergency help, and lend kind ears to flagging spirits. They can be found checking on an ailing neighbor, securing help for hanging a picture and dispensing information.

“If I don’t have the answer, I ask Mr. Deans or the social worker,” said former businessman Mr. Ng, who, with his peers, lauds the manager’s patience and support. While all are grateful for the modest stipend secured from a Cabrini Mission Foundation grant, they stress that money is not their motivation.

“This is heaven on earth for me. It’s therapeutic,” said Sylvia Kaula, a retired health care worker who credits life experiences for informing her work.

“I like to be with people and I like to help them,” said concierge Carmen Nicotra, a retired building superintendent. “We all get along with and help one another. The concierges bring people together.”

Each one, also including former secretary Ping Wong and public relations worker Susan James, is steeped with a gracious spirit of service to others. “You need to listen and help in life,” said Mr Ng.