Meg
Grande has lived in Staten Island her whole life, been active
in the community for more than years, served as vice-president
of her neighborhood's 120 Precinct Community Council for eight
years, and on the board of Neighborhood Housing Services of Staten
Island (NHSSI) for nine years. She has served as that board's
vice-president for the last four years.
While her
work has been visible in numerous community events, neighborhood
improvements, and fundraising efforts, Meg has also focused on
getting her fellow neighbors more involved in the community. She
took her community council meetings on the road to attract more
attendees, recruits new volunteers for events and committee work,
and mentors new volunteers to take on leadership roles.
NHSSI provides
services in support of community revitalization, home ownership,
and neighborhood self-reliance. Claire Mitchell-Dumas, executive
director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Staten Island, says,
“Meg's volunteer accomplishments have been recognized throughout
New York City , from the United Nations to the Police Department,
the mayor's office to the Archdiocese of New York. We couldn't
be more proud—or thankful—that her roots and her home are here
in Staten Island.” Additional honors for Meg's volunteer service
have come from the U.S. and New York Senates, the New York City
Office of Parks and Recreation, and the Stapleton and Tompkinsville
Patrols.
Her four
children—ages 32, 37, 38, and 43—continue to live in Staten Island
and are all business owners in the community. Meg is also the
proud grandmother of five grandchildren.