Piece by Piece is excited to announce that Jay Corrigan (he/they) has stepped into the role of Program Manager, building on a year of exceptional service as our AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordinator.
Over the past year, Jay has become a familiar and trusted presence throughout Piece by PIece's programs, supporting artists, volunteers, and staff while helping strengthen the systems that make our work possible. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to community have made a lasting impact, and we are thrilled to see them take on this expanded leadership role.
As Program Manager, Jay will work closely with Dawn Mendelson and our Programs VISTA, Sumeya Abdulkarim to ensure classes and services run smoothly across all Piece by Piece program locations, including our South Los Angeles studio, the Skid Row Care Campus, and the West Los Angeles VA.
In this role, Jay will help coordinate program scheduling, support curriculum development, assist with our artist certification program, and help ensure participants receive the resources and support they need to succeed both inside and outside the studio. They will also work with participants to connect them with supportive services and community referrals, helping advance Piece by Piece's commitment to holistic wellness and personal growth.
An important part of Jay's work will be ensuring that every class continues to provide healthy lunches for participants, fostering the sense of community and care that is central to the Piece by Piece experience.
Jay will also collaborate closely with John Montgomery, our Outreach VISTA, to help new participants discover Piece by Piece programs and receive the orientation, support, and warm welcome they need to thrive. Together, they will help ensure that artists entering our programs feel connected, informed, and supported from day one.
Originally from New York City, Jay has long viewed art as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and social change. Before joining Piece by Piece, they taught art to young children in Harlem through the Children's After School Studio Arts program at Little Sisters of the Assumption, where they witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of creative expression. They also led art workshops and coordinated field trips at Sweet Readers, a nonprofit that connects students with adults living with neurodegenerative diseases.
Since joining Piece by Piece, Jay has brought that same passion for community building to their work. As Volunteer Coordinator, they helped strengthen our volunteer program by improving recruitment, developing onboarding materials, creating volunteer engagement opportunities, and building relationships with community partners.
Now, as Program Manager, Jay will continue to play a key role in supporting the artists and participants who make Piece by Piece such a vibrant and welcoming community.
Please join us in congratulating Jay on this well-deserved new role. If you have questions about Piece by Piece programs, classes, participant services, or the certification program, feel free to reach out and say hello at Jay@piecebypiece.org.
We are grateful for Jay's leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication to our mission, and we look forward to all they will accomplish in this next chapter at Piece by Piece.