- 212) 431-9700
- info@parodneckfoundation.org
- 121 Sixth Avenue, Suite 501New York, NY 10013
For over five decades, The Parodneck Foundation for Self-Help Housing and Community Development has played a pivotal role in providing financial, technical and organizing assistance to New York City’s self-help housing and community development efforts. The mission of the Foundation, a city-wide, tax- exempt, not-for-profit agency, is to provide low and moderate-income residents with resources and capabilities that will enable them to create, own, and/or manage their own housing and improve their neighborhoods. Since 1970, the Foundation has helped tens of thousands of low and moderate income households obtain and preserve decent, safe, affordable housing and has provided crucial support to many important planning and community development projects.
During the 1970′s, The Parodneck Foundation provided funds and technical assistance to residents seeking to purchase buildings from absentee owners in what became the city’s first ownership transfer program. The Foundation was the first organization to fund local “sweat equity” projects that enabled residents to leverage government funds to rehabilitate and take ownership of abandoned buildings. In the 1980s, the Foundation expanded the range of its activities by assisting the city’s community district boards to develop and gain acceptance of their own community land use and development plans. It also developed a new program to provide financial and technical assistance to senior citizen homeowners. During the 1990s the Foundation became the lead supporter of a new, innovative mutual housing program that rescues and preserves affordable housing. Most recently, the Foundation has been at the forefront of efforts to address the increasingly widespread problem of predatory lending in New York City.
History of our Logo
Since 1970, The Parodneck Foundation has worked with groups of residents that attempt to rehabilitate their buildings through self-management. One resident, Ernesto Ramos, who was a Homesteader on the Lower East Side, designed and donated the logo for the commemoration of our 50th Anniversary, which we celebrated in 1987.
Executive Director
Thomasina White is a dedicated professional with an impressive track record in the not-for-profit sector, showcasing over years of steadfast commitment to making a positive impact on communities. With a wealth of experience spanning more than 30 years in the non-profit sector, Thomasina has been a cornerstone of the Foundation since 1998.
As an individual deeply committed to the Foundation’s values, showcasing her leadership acumen and ability to guide the organization through transitions. Her extensive experience, coupled with a genuine passion for community service, positions Thomasina White as a driving force behind the Foundation’s continued success in making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.
General Counsel and Director of Compliance>
Harold DeRienzo led the Parodneck Foundation from 1982 to 2006 as President. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mr. DeRienzo was the founding executive director of the nationally recognized Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, Inc. Mr. DeRienzo holds a JD from the New York Law School, and a B.S. in Economics from Manhattan College. He has authored numerous articles on housing and social justice issues for New York Affairs, City Limits the National Civic Review, and other publications.
Vice President of Operations
Tadessech is a dedicated servant leader with 23 years in affordable housing, real estate, and finance. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Jamaica, she graduated from Binghamton University in 2000. She has managed over 600 housing units and holds multiple real estate and insurance licenses across several states. In 2021, she founded Legacy Better Days Inc., a nonprofit supporting underserved families in the U.S., Jamaica, and Ghana. Committed to making a global impact, she leverages her expertise to educate and serve her clients.
Chief Financial Officer
Ben Rodriguez is the CEO of Consultants Just for You, Inc. He is leading this company in providing advisory and consulting services to non-profits, small businesses, and foundations in areas related to financial management, operational efficiency, strategy development, administrative oversight, and real estate asset development and management.
He is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in operations, finance, development and strategic planning in the education, youth, social services, health, and housing sectors.
Fiscal
vhosten@parodneckfoundation.org
Victor Hosten worked at The Walt Disney Company for 20 years before arriving at The Parodneck Foundation in 2021. He began as part-time help assisting the Director of Finance in handling administrative clerical duties after the office reopened after the pandemic. Later that year, he was offered a full-time position in the fiscal department as a bookkeeper.
Program Associate
Ms. Levy joined the Parodneck Foundation in 2022. She first interned with the Foundation after high school before gaining experience with NYC community programs and working as a Legal Secretary on foreclosure and mortgage issues. Her passion for helping others led her back to the Foundation, where she now serves as a Program Associate.
Administrative Assistant
Daizahnelle Bracey began working for the Parodneck Foundation July 2023 as an Administrative Assistant. She has been active in the administrative field for 7 years. She started her Admin career at the Borough of Manhattan Community College which she attended during her time there. In June 2023, she graduated with an Associates Degree in Psychology. During her time there she worked as Admin Assistant to the Director of the CUNY Start program. Daizahnelle is passionate about helping her community grow and progress. She looks forward to continuing to use her skillset to help the foundation thrive, as well as continue her education.
Chairperson, Executive Board
Treasurer, Executive Board
Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
