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The Cabrini Mission Foundation supports the Cabrini Eldercare Consortium and other MSC Ministries around the world.
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Philip Deans
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Housing Manager, Cabrini Apartments, New York City
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 Although Philip Deans quickly mastered his job description as Housing Manager for the recently -constructed Cabrini Apartments, it became clear to all who worked with him that the way he approached his work rendered the job title obsolete. To anyone who spends time at the apartments, it becomes quite clear that Philip has a driving passion to serve the community, whatever the needs might be. While Mr. Deans manages the basics of the building, the sensitivity, energy and creativity he devotes to these tenants in their most vulnerable years make him more missioner than manager. Whether holding an anxious octogenarian’s hand en route to the hospital, showing up after hours for heating emergencies or special programs, setting up a volunteer concierge service, or tirelessly lending a sympathetic ear, he never limits his response to the formal job description. No task is too big or too small for his attention.
Mr. Deans’ grasp of the Cabrinian Mission was apparent from his earliest days when eligible tenants were chosen by lottery from more than 700 applicants. He welcomed each one with warmth, respect and compassion, guiding them through the complex rental process. He did whatever was necessary to get them settled, from securing furniture for a previously homeless man to ensuring that a beloved family photo was securely fastened to a wall. Mr. Deans is also mindful of the breadth of the Cabrinian mission, turning to Cabrini Immigrant Services for custom food pantry baskets for a resident in need, or tapping the Adult Day Health Care Program for others. At his initiative, the Apartments received a Cabrini Mission Foundation grant which has enabled five tenants to serve as part time concierges while earning a stipend for their efforts. While enhancing daytime security at an affordable cost, the smiling, professional greeting by someone who obviously enjoys living there enhances the warmth, charm and special feeling generated upon entering the building. This atmosphere extends, no doubt, from Mr. Deans’ unfailingly friendly, hospitable demeanor. With a genuine love for his work and the people he serves, he continually seeks more and better ways to meet their needs, including hosting Café Cabrini, the Monday morning coffee klatch. Forging a sense of community among strangers was particularly challenging among this multicultural population speaking Chinese, Russian, Spanish, in addition to English. While applying his creativity to developing the concierge program, he also tapped the volunteers’ language skills to translate all building communications into Chinese and Spanish and calls on them to interpret for fellow residents. Café Cabrini and a host of other activities Mr. Deans has established help bring people together, and he has successfully encouraged residents to assume responsibility for and initiate programs, from knitting circles and health information presentations to intergenerational gardening. As the newest addition to the Cabrini Eldercare Consortium, the Cabrini Apartments often attract visitors who simply drop by to see the building, and the gracious Mr. Deans is always eager and proud to share the building’s beauty. With a spirit of helpfulness and generosity he also shares the space for meetings with the Missionary Sisters and other groups. Perhaps this can all be summed up in the words of resident concierge, Edward Ng, a Hong Kong native: “He’s always patient. Whenever there is something I need or a question I can’t answer, I can always turn to Philip.” |
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