Joseph R. Nocerino has resided in Queens for 20 years and has immersed himself in making his neighborhood a better place. His first venture in community service was as a member of the Community Board #6.

In those years since, his ventures include: Vice President of the Forest Hills Youth Activity Association, Director of Forest Hills Girls Softball League, and a member of The Citizens Police Academy as well as the Community Emergency Response Team.  In 2003, the Parents Association of PS 144 created a Community Affairs Liaison position on its board exclusively for JR. As Community Affairs Liaison, he serves as a bridge between the school and the community, enhancing awareness of events and activities for children in the neighborhood. This volunteer effort has been so successful that many of the local schools have utilized him as their liaison as well.

Nocerino's latest endeavor was the launch of Kidz Care in May of 2004, a new junior civic association in the Forest Hills area. This youth volunteer program provides children the opportunity to make a contribution to their community. Kidz Care has visited nursing homes, removed graffiti and shoveled snow for neighborhood seniors. The children have joined forces for other good causes by raising money for school supplies to send to Tsunami victims, mailing calling cards to soldiers overseas and also by making a donation to the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp to replace a lost ambulance. According to Nocerino, this club enables children to experience the rewards of helping others. "By starting them now doing things for other people for nothing more than a "thank you," they will be better adults." Kidz Care started with 10 kids in 2004 and is growing strong with a current membership of 130 children.