Staff Spotlight: Chad Williams, Cornerstone Community Programs

BCS’s programming is led by Directors, Program Managers, and staff who bring passion and, most importantly, vision. Vision! That’s exactly what Chad Williams brings to the Families, Community Building, and Workforce Development Division.

Chad Williams: From the Fatherhood Program to Deputy Director

Since his early days with the Fatherhood Program, Chad has had a vision — not just for programming, but for how Brooklynites and New Yorkers experience Brooklyn Community Services. For example, he launched the Annual Father’s Day Legacy Game and built programming that centers the whole family. As a result, Chad has helped shape a program that men in the community want to be part of, not one they’re mandated to attend.

Today, Chad acts as Deputy Director of Families, Community Building, and Workforce Development, driving innovation across our Cornerstone programs.

“My hope is to build a program that feels less like a traditional nonprofit and more like a community brand that people are proud to be part of. That means creating experiences that are creative, relevant, and rooted in the neighborhoods we serve while connecting young people to opportunities they may not otherwise have,” says Chad.

Inside the Cornerstone Community Programs

Our three Cornerstone Community Programs are located within three NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) Community Centers across Brooklyn. They provide engaging opportunities for youth and adults year-round through educational programming, community fellowship, and resource sharing. Programming across these locations is designed with the community’s needs in mind. That means our leaders must understand, appreciate, and empathize with the Brooklyn communities they serve. The work isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding.

In Chad’s Own Words

“Without question, my favorite part of this work is the opportunity to be creative and build relationships with young people, creating experiences they’ll remember long after they leave us. I love working with our program directors to see an idea go from just a conversation to something that brings us and these communities together. Whether it’s a basketball clinic, a creative workshop, or simply talking with kids after school, letting them know they are valued and supported remains the heart of the work.”

Chad hopes to leave participants with this simple reminder: “Think bigger, take risks, and never be afraid to try something that hasn’t been done before — whether it’s planning a program, pursuing a career, or chasing a dream. I hope everyone we work with understands that the only real limits are the ones we place on ourselves. Hope is a powerful tool that can inspire growth, and that’s what I want from all of my staff and participants.”

Thank you, Chad, for your continued commitment and everything you do to keep Brooklynites uplifted.