Seniors cut up the dance floor during a birthday party at the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services Howard Beach Senior Center. Photo by Phil Corso
A total $15,000 in state funding will help senior centers in Howard Beach and Rockaway Park press on.
State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) allocated the funding in an effort to ensure senior citizens maintain the services they need through the centers, which he described as a vital resource that connects them with essential community programs.
“The services offered by our local senior centers are not luxuries but an important necessity for our growing senior population trying to stay active,” said Assemblyman Goldfeder. “This State funding will allow for these essential services to continue and help our centers flourish.”
Through the assemblyman’s allocation, both the Howard Beach and Rockaway Park Senior Centers will each receive $7,500 to support daily operations, programing and essential services, Goldfeder said.
“The Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services Howard Beach Senior Center is honored to receive grant money from Assemblyman Goldfeder,” said Judy Ascherman, program manager of Catholic Charities Howard Beach Senior Center. “The Assemblyman has been a great champion for our center, and we continue to appreciate his support in all areas.”
Fay Schwimmer, project director of JASA Rockaway Park, said her organization was thrilled to have the assemblyman’s support.
“Assemblyman Goldfeder has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to the seniors in his district,” Schwimmer said. “JASA is very grateful for the generous funding he has secured for the Rockaway Park Senior Center, funding that enables JASA to continue to provide vital services to the community.”
Goldfeder, a member of the Assembly Aging Committee, said he has kept the southern Queens senior centers at the top of his priority list for as long as he has been in the legislative body.
“This is another step in the right direction and I will not stop until every senior has the resources they need to stay in the community and continue to enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” Goldfeder said.
By Phil Corso
