August 16, 2012 - 5:52am
By Paula Katinas
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
A new senior citizens center is opening in Bensonhurst.
State Sen. Marty Golden made the big announcement.
The center — expected to provide 23,750 meals a year as well as a comprehensive array of social services, including health and wellness care, citizenship assistance for foreign-born members, and case management — will operate under the umbrella of Homecrest Community Services, overseen by the city's Department of the Aging.
“As a longtime supporter of Homecrest Community Services, I am proud to be part of this historic announcement designating them as an official NYC Neighborhood Senior Center. I thank Commissioner Barrios-Paoli of the New York City Department for the Aging, for recognizing the need for this program to be established in my district,” Golden said.
The new center, at 7907 New Utrecht Ave., will be a boon to Bensonhurst’s growing Asian-American community, Golden said.
“I know that this senior program will greatly advance the Asian-American community in Southwest Brooklyn, and will support all senior citizens in need in my community,” Golden said. “Senior centers are places where many of New York’s older adults go for essential services and socialization. Today, we build upon the opportunities available in my community that is home to one of the highest concentrations of senior citizens in New York State,” he said.
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, commissioner of the Department for the Aging, shared in the excitement.
“The programs suggested by Homecrest during the city’s rigorous solicitation process clearly demonstrated a thoughtful plan to meet the needs and desires of seniors in the burgeoning Asian community in their neighborhood," she said.
Richard Kuo, executive director of Homecrest Community Services, said he was pleased his organization won the city’s approval to operate the center.
“We are very pleased to be designated for this new senior center contract after many years of dedication and work. The new center will give seniors access to essential government services and help promote their overall health, socialization and well-being,” Kuo said.