NYCHA Now

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NYCHA Now
Seniors at the open house
August 2017 

Supporting Seniors’ Needs

Michael Corwin
Seniors at the open house
Open house for seniors and caregivers at Sondra Thomas Apartments.

Being a caregiver requires tremendous patience and a tireless work ethic. Just like the people they look after, caretakers need support too.

The nonprofit Presbyterian Senior Services’ (PSS) Circle of Care program has teamed up with NYCHA to support both caregivers and their senior charges at four NYCHA developments: Saint Nicholas Houses, Sondra Thomas Apartments, UPACA (Site 6), and Cassidy-Lafayette Houses.

Family Partnerships Department Senior Director Ukah Busgith
Family Partnerships Department Senior Director Ukah Busgith welcomes open house attendees.

The collaboration kicked off with an open house for seniors at Sondra Thomas Apartments in July. The open house was an opportunity for seniors to learn about free caregiver support services and programs for seniors, participate in wellness activities, and meet community members. (Check out a slideshow of the event here.)

Blood pressure screening
Free blood pressure screening from a community partner.

“The magnificent event informed the residents and the surrounding community that PSS is here and now open for business,” said Karen Patterson, Deputy Director of NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department.

NYCHA staff at the open house
Family Partnerships Department Senior Director Ukah Busgith, Family Partnerships Department Deputy Director Karen Patterson, NYCHA Resident Board Member Victor A. Gonzalez, Family Partnerships Department Administrator Marina Oteiza, Community Engagement & Partnerships Senior Advisor Tischelle George (from left to right).

The goal of the open house, and the Circle of Care program, is to give caretakers and seniors a helping hand, whether it’s assistance with transportation, buying and preparing food, paying bills, doing household chores, or any other daily need. Circle of Care will also provide caretaker guidance and training resources, assistance with vital benefits and entitlements, and bilingual support. ​Thanks to partnerships with providers like PSS, NYCHA can connect residents to programs and services that address their needs and improve their quality of life.

Dancing at the open house
NYCHA Resident Board Member Victor A. Gonzalez, Community Engagement & Partnerships Senior Advisor Tischelle George, and an open house attendee know that dancing is a good way to get some exercise.