Instead of making a problem worse by complaining, why not help solve it? Complaining may be simpler, but taking action is a more worthy endeavor. It could lead to a better Bronx, and ultimately a better world.
For Heather Guerino, these outcomes are what make it all worthwhile. At the heart of Guerino’s advocacy is her organization, Crusaders for Children’s Rights, which significantly impacts the lives of children in the foster care system. One of Guerino’s most compelling success stories involves a young boy called “T.T.”
He was in the foster care system. “T.T.’s” teeth were in very bad shape and in desperate need of proper care. But due to bureaucracy and red tape, he was not able to get the braces he needed by going through various dentists and insurance companies. But because of Guerino’s persistent advocacy, “T.T.” finally received the orthodontic treatment he required.
“I’m from the Bronx. I am for the Bronx. There are children in Norwood, I’m advocating for them. There are children in the South Bronx, I’m advocating for them,” Guerino said. “I’m just for the Bronx, plain and simple. …Wherever there are children that are being affected, whether it’s by gun violence or by vandalized graffiti, I’m going to be there for them, advocating for changes.”
This achievement underscores Guerino’s commitment to putting the needs of children first and navigating complex systems to ensure their well-being. Her passion for service shines through in multiple capacities as she works to uplift and empower vulnerable populations in marginalized communities.
“Back in 1997, a little girl named Amy Burney, she was five years old when she was murdered in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. It happened not that far, maybe five buildings away from the daycare that I ran on University Ave. I was heartbroken,” Guerino explained to the Amsterdam News what inspired her and the beginnings of Crusaders for Children Rights.
“That year, my husband and I decided to have a street fair called ‘Give your child a hug day,’ in memory of Amy Burney. I wanted that day to be recognized as a day of remembrance for Amy Burney and for all the Amy Burneys out there. But I also wanted to bring awareness to what is happening to our children.”
Guerino also leads another initiative known as “Guerinos Against Graffiti,” an anti-graffiti campaign aimed at beautifying the Bronx, while addressing deeper societal issues. She believes that vandalism is oftentimes a symptom of poor mental health. Through community engagement and education, Guerino is working towards eradicating graffiti, as well as fostering a sense of pride and care in all local neighborhoods. Her efforts demonstrate a profound understanding of the intersection between environmental conditions and mental well-being.
“Luckily for me, I haven’t received any resistance from anyone in the Hip Hop community,” Guerino said. She acknowledged that the Bronx is the birthplace of rap and the role that graffiti plays in it.… “I would like to see beautiful artwork. If it’s an artwork that depicts our children in our community, I don’t have a problem with it. But ‘Guerinos Against Graffiti’ is always trying to make sure that the Bronx stays vandalized [and] graffiti free. I just really got tired of just seeing what was going on. I felt like no one cared about our children, and our children are our future. I said, ‘Why is it that in some sections of the Bronx, you’re not going to see vandalized graffiti?’ If you go to the country club section of the Bronx, if you go to City Island, you’re not going to see vandalized graffiti. But why is there vandalized graffiti in the South Bronx? Why is there vandalized graffiti in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx?”
Guerino’s advocacy extends to victims of domestic violence as well, a cause that became deeply personal to her following the tragic murder of Lisa Marie Velasquez in 2018. Velasquez, a Bronx native, was brutally killed while trying to intervene during a physical altercation involving Daquan Wheeler and Ciara Martinez. This heartbreaking event served as a catalyst for Guerino to delve into domestic violence prevention and initiative . She now works tirelessly to provide resources, awareness, and protection for individuals facing domestic abuse, honoring Velasquez’s legacy through her efforts.
“I realized that in 2018, it was a hard year here in the Bronx,” Guerino said. “[Lisa Marie Velasquez] was a victim when she was just trying to help a friend, who was a victim of domestic violence [herself]. “And I said, ‘You know what?’ I have to do something because I’m realizing that we don’t have laws to protect victims of domestic violence, and we need more social services. … I advocated with then assemblywoman, Natalia Fernandez, to pass stronger domestic violence bills.
Guerino’s impact on her borough is undeniable. Whether helping children navigate the foster care system, leading efforts to reduce vandalism, or standing up for victims of domestic violence, Guerino embodies the spirit of resilience and compassion. Her work not only addresses immediate needs but also strives to create systemic change and foster a healthier, safer community for all.