You are reading

City to Invest $58 Million in Senior Services, Open 25 Centers as Part of Five-Year Plan

A senior center in Manhattan, shown here in 2016 (Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photo Office)

April 14, 2021 By Allie Griffin

The city will invest $58 million to expand services for seniors to help them stay in their own homes, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday.

The money will be invested in the first year of de Blasio’s five-year “Community Care Plan” for older New Yorkers.

The plan calls for the creation of 25 additional senior centers across the five boroughs — specifically in communities with large aging populations that are currently underserved — as well as additional program staff, transportation services and outreach efforts.

De Blasio didn’t say what specific neighborhoods the new senior centers would be placed in.

The 25 new senior centers, also known as Older Adults Centers (OACs), will be funded by the NYC Department for the Aging. The department currently funds nearly 250 senior centers citywide.

Senior center membership is free and open to anyone 60 or older. The centers offer activities and services like transportation services, technology classes, benefits screenings, walking clubs, yoga and dance classes, art classes, free lunches, recreational trips and holiday celebrations.

The city will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the new senior centers as one of the first steps in the five-year plan. However, city officials didn’t say when they would release the RFP.

The Community Care Plan will also increase existing services that help older adults to remain in their homes and avoid institutionalization.

Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said now more than ever the city should invest in efforts to allow seniors to age in their own homes.

“The pandemic highlighted the detrimental effects that living in institutions had on both older adults and their families,” Cortés-Vázque said in a statement. “This investment in Community Care will provide the continuum of services, safety net and community network that older New Yorkers need to continue living in their homes, communities and among their loved ones.”

The program announcement was praised by local legislators in Queens, where roughly 16 percent of residents are 65 and older.

“We have continually worked to improve the quality of life for our seniors and today we stand together to once again make clear that New York City is reflecting the needs of our rapidly booming senior population,” Council Member Paul Vallone said. “This investment is crucial during the pandemic to assist older New Yorkers in being able to live in their homes near friends and family.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Advocates urge passage of New York for All Act as Assembly session nears end

Jun. 16, 2025 By Jimmy Robles

As the State Senate concluded its legislative session on Thursday, immigrant rights advocates renewed calls for lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act before the Assembly adjourns on Tuesday, June 17. The proposed legislation, along with several other immigration-related bills, remains pending as the clock winds down on this year’s session.

Queens gun buyback takes 74 firearms off streets, including ghost guns and assault weapons: DA

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday that 74 firearms were taken off the streets at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica during a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 14. The weapons were exchanged for bank cards pre-loaded with cash, with no identification required and no questions asked.

“Gun buybacks serve as a critical tool for reducing gun violence and promoting public safety within our communities,” Katz said. “This Saturday, working with the NYPD and clergy leaders in Jamaica, we received 74 surrendered guns — including five automatic weapons. As a result, these firearms will not be used to cause heartache and tragedy.”

Queens Distance Runners hosts second annual track meet at St. John’s University, spotlighting Olympian and local talent

Jun. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Dozens of runners gathered at the DaSilva Field Track in St. John’s University for the second annual track meet last month. Hosted by Queens Distance Runners (QDR), a grassroots running organization, the sporting competition welcomed sprinters and distance runners of all skill levels to test their abilities, vying for the podium in track events from 100 meters to 5,000 meters.

Elmhurst bus stop tragedy: Senior killed in freak accident involving Q52 on Friday the 13th

A Middle Village senior was struck and killed by an MTA bus in what officials say was a freak accident at a bus stop in front of Hoffman Park in Elmhurst on Friday the 13th.

Police from the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst responded to a 911 call of a vehicle accident at the intersection of Hoffman Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard just before 2 p.m., where they found the victim lying on the roadway after he was struck by an MTA Q52 bus. EMS responded to the scene of the collision and rushed the senior to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead a short while later.