Queens Senior Centers Get $100K In State Funding

ELMHURST, QUEENS -- Two Queens senior centers will receive a combined $100,000 to employ additional staff and offer more activities to the elderly populations they serve, state lawmakers announced Wednesday.

Elmhurst Senior Center and Elmcor Senior Center in East Elmhurst were each granted $50,000 in state funding to provide "services and activities to the elderly." State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Queens) traveled to both senior centers to personally tell residents and staff members the good news.

He called seniors "the foundation of our communities," but noted they're often among the most vulnerable members.

"For me, it is extremely important that we provide seniors with all the services they need," Peralta said. "As they face many difficulties, senior centers are places for them to socialize, enjoy quality time and have access to a wide variety of services."

Saeeda Dunston, executive director at Elmcor - which serves the elderly populations of East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Lefrak - said the funds will help her center employ more "quality staff" to better serve the 150 seniors it serves daily.

"It is critical that our community stakeholders, such as our local elected officials, support the work that we do at Elmcor to enhance the lives of our seniors by providing healthy well-balanced nutritional meals; physical health management, and socialization activities that promote healthy aging” Dunston said.

(Lead photo courtesy of the Office of Sen. Jose Peralta)