Jacqueline Stewart’s early years profoundly shaped the dedicated caregiver she ultimately became. “I am able to do the challenging but rewarding work we all do because of my background and influences,” said Jackie. “I remember when I was growing up, the kind of help my family needed and what that help looked like. It had a huge effect on my life.”
As Project Guardianship’s Housing Specialist, Jackie serves as a critical member of PG’s guardianship services team, helping to ensure that her clients are securely housed in the best living situation for their needs. This is a tall order that requires Jackie to be intrepid and flexible.
Along with her team members, who include case managers, attorneys, finance associates, and a benefits manager, Jackie supports PG’s 200 clients – older adults and people with disabilities – helping them live and thrive. It is especially important work because these individuals have dementia, mental illness, or other conditions that affect their ability to care for themselves. They are also largely alone without relatives or close friends equipped to address their complex needs.
With more than a decade of relevant experience, Jackie spends her days confidently navigating the city’s vast residential landscape. As part of the arduous process of securing suitable homes, she applies for and oversees benefits, including Section 8 housing through NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority), manages leases, and interacts regularly with landlords and property managers.
“I would say the biggest challenge I face is finding affordable housing for our clients due to the cost of living in the city,” she said.
Jackie also works diligently to keep her clients safe and in compliance with the law. She shared the case of Joseph Winston*, a client with severe mental illness whose private home posed a danger to himself and the public. The brownstone was overflowing with clutter and other possessions, completely blocking the entryway and the sidewalk – the result of Mr. Winston’s hoarding habit.
After considerable effort, Jackie and her team succeeded in accessing the home for extensive cleaning and removed the debris from its exterior, creating a safer, more sustainable living environment. “Because of this accomplishment, the client is no longer receiving huge fines for violations of street property and is no longer wasting unnecessary funds on paying those fines,” Jackie explained. The team also helped secure mental health services for Mr. Winston.
Raised in a multigenerational Harlem family, the third of seven siblings, Jackie has a deep connection to her clients, the majority of whom are from underserved communities. Describing herself as “relatable and empathetic,” she feels compelled to give back to these communities. “Although my life may have been a little hard for some, I appreciate every moment and lesson and would not change a thing,” she said.
In a lively home with a constant stream of visitors, young Jackie also learned to be accepting, patient, and curious. “I met people from all walks of life, like painters, basketball players, musicians, even schoolteachers. It made me who I am today and gave me a sense of community, no matter what that person’s occupation or lifestyle was,” she added.
Since serving as the Housing Specialist for nearly two years, Jackie has distinguished herself as a knowledgeable and hard-working champion for her clients and a dependable colleague. This work has also deepened her desire for continued professional growth at Project Guardianship.
“I discovered that I now have a passion to do and learn more than just housing. PG has opened my mind to explore other areas of interest I know I will excel in, such as the legal side to housing, being that I work with a legal team so closely,” commented Jackie, who is enrolled in a certified paralegal program.
Jackie, who lives in Brooklyn, is also enthusiastic about the arts and spends her downtime enjoying music and movies. (Fun fact: a one-time film student, she always dreamed of making documentaries!)
At the end of the day, what remains paramount to Jackie are the individuals whose lives and livelihoods she has immeasurably improved with her skills and care. “I am proud to work at PG because I see the impact we can make helping the population we serve.”
*“Joseph Winston” is a pseudonym for a Project Guardianship client. Project Guardianship maintains the privacy and protects the identity of, and all information related to, our clients.
During the month of June, Project Guardianship is spotlighting the critical work of caregivers. Honor the caregivers in your life by making a donation to Project Guardianship and sharing their stories.