Catherine Molyneux

Catherine Molyneux has always had a passion for helping young people, especially those who are disadvantaged and have a history of behavioral problems. She sees herself as a fighter for the underdog.
 
Ms. Molyneux realized her true calling after she began her career as a Family Assistant with the New York City Department of Education. Families and children needed help coexisting in a harmonious way. She met them where they were and she took care to listen to young people – not just dictate to hem.

At the age of 40, she went back to school and attended York College, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Education Psychology. She then changed her direction at the DOE, and became a Conflict Resolution Counselor, a position she held for five years. She decided to move forward with her education, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work at Adelphi University. She went on and became a Health teacher and counselor until her retirement in 2010.

Staying true to her passion, Ms. Molyneux continued to devote her life to the advancement of young people. She is a staunch advocate who spends much of her time conducting community service while still mentoring youth in her community. She is also a strong voice for homeless women, most of them young, where she works to help them obtain desperately-needed housing and resources so that they can get back on their feet.

Currently, she is the Project Manager of the Racial Inclusion and Equity Task Force of the Rockaways for the Civic Engagement Commission of the Mayor’s Office. This allows her to mentor youth in the community, distribute information about the resources available to them, and bridge the gap between generations.

As a Rockaway resident, she believes it is her duty to give back to the community which helped her so much in accomplishing her dreams of being educated and successful.

As a mother of three children, two girls and one boy, Ms. Molyneux found inspiration from her children, particularly her son, who always reminded her that she had a big heart and so much love to give. After her son’s passing, she continues to remember his words – and they still inspire her to this day.