October 2025 Spotlight: Celebrating Barbara Brutus and the Magic at Zest for Life

 

Fort Greene Council leadership is proud to announce that our Zest for Life Older Adult Club, along with the dynamic duo behind all the magic happening there,

has been selected as our October 2025 Highlight.

The incredible transformation taking place at this site is nothing short of inspiring — a testament to the leadership, teamwork, and dedication that continue to define the

Fort Greene Council family.

At the heart of this transformation is Ms. Barbara Brutus, a familiar face and longtime pillar within our organization. Barbara is no stranger to hard work — or heart work — and her impact on the culture of Zest for Life

has been both profound and uplifting.

“Her passion for and extensive knowledge in all things FGC and NYC Aging is astonishing.”

— Etienne Eaton, Marketing Manager,

Fort Greene Council

“Barbara is calm, centered, and deeply rooted in her foundational beliefs. Her passion for older adult advocacy guides everything she does. She is articulate, intelligent, and has an incredible ability to connect with colleagues, members, and the broader community.”

From Data to Direct Service

Beginning in 2022, Barbara transitioned into the role of Database Manager for Fort Greene Council, working closely with leadership to streamline processes, reduce compliance errors, and align all sites with updated NYC Aging (DFTA) protocols. Under her leadership, Program Directors implemented comprehensive, data-informed systems that improved efficiency and significantly reduced infractions across the organization.

In 2025, Barbara returned to her first love — direct service — as the Program Director of Zest for Life, our youngest NYC Aging site located in Flatbush’s Little Haiti.

A proud Brooklyn native and fluent Creole speaker of Haitian descent, Barbara embodies the community she serves. Her leadership reflects a perfect blend of professionalism, empathy, and cultural connection — and it shows in the energy and engagement of her members.

An Advocate for All Generations

Throughout her time with FGC, Barbara has remained a steadfast advocate for intergenerational collaboration, believing that by supporting today’s youth, we nurture the next generation of community leaders.

“I believe older adults will continue to thrive as long as they have the proper support system and the opportunity to do so,” Barbara shared. “As a public servant, I do everything in my power to consider all the factors that impact our members’ well-being and help them succeed — both while they are in our care and beyond.”

Her hands-on approach includes addressing personal, social, and family challenges that may affect members — whether through individual counseling, connecting them with our in-house caseworker, or guiding families toward other community resources.

A Dynamic Duo: Barbara & Reney

Barbara is quick to share the spotlight and praise the person she calls her "right-hand man" — 

Program Director Assistant Reney Biscombe.

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“I couldn’t do it without him,” Barbara said warmly. “Reney brings so much heart and consistency to our work. His energy, professionalism, and love for what he does make all the difference in our day-to-day operations.”

Transitioning from Head Chef to Program Director Assistant, Reney has proven that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about commitment. He consistently demonstrates dedication, punctuality, and excellence in everything he does. Reney takes great pride in his work and genuinely loves serving the older adult community. Members connect with him easily, and his reliability and warmth have made him an indispensable part of the

Zest for Life team.

Barbara describes him as “a steady force with a big heart — someone who keeps the energy high, the work flowing, and the smiles coming.”

Together, Barbara and Reney have cultivated a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving environment that truly lives up to its name — Zest for Life.

What Her Colleagues Say

“Working with Barbara Brutus has been incredibly refreshing,” said Cericia Thorne, Program Director at Maria Lawton

Older Adult Club.“She has a knack for finding unique solutions and is always ready to take initiative. Barbara is one of my favorite people to work with — she’s organized, kind, and brings so much joy and professionalism to every project.”

“Let me tell you about Barbara Brutus — she’s the definition of a rock star teammate,” said Lois James, Program Director at Grant Square

Older Adult Club.“Hardworking? Absolutely. Dependable? 100%. But what truly makes Barbara shine is how much she genuinely cares. She’s the first to lend a hand, always brings positivity, and makes even the busiest days feel lighter just by being around. Barbara doesn’t just show up —

she shows up with heart.”

 

Barbara’s leadership reminds us that true service begins with compassion and connection. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy, community, and excellence continues to strengthen Fort Greene Council’s mission and the lives of everyone she touches.

From all of us at FGC — thank you, Barbara, for your light, your leadership, and your love for the work we do. You are proof that when passion meets purpose, magic happens.

And to Reney — thank you for being the steady rhythm that keeps that magic alive each day. Your hard work, positivity, and dedication embody the spirit of teamwork that makes

Zest for Life truly shine.

Étienne Eaton,

Fort Greene Council, Inc. Marketing Manager