Silent Voices United Delivers Powerful Senior Dine-In Cinema Despite Defunding

Silent Voices United Inc. Triumphs With a Powerful Pre-Thanksgiving Senior Dine-In Cinema at The Apollo Stages — Despite Sudden Defunding

Harlem, NY — November 24, 2025 — This past weekend, Silent Voices United Inc. delivered an unforgettable Pre-Thanksgiving Senior Dine-In Cinema experience at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, honoring Harlem’s grandmothers and uplifting the borough’s beloved seniors — despite facing an unexpected funding setback.

Just weeks before the event, Silent Voices United Inc. was defunded of $10,000 in anticipated support from the Office of Harlem Council Member Yusef Salaam, jeopardizing the program. But in a powerful demonstration of resilience and community strength, local sponsors, youth partners, and volunteers stepped forward to ensure Harlem’s elders still received a celebration worthy of their legacy.

A Celebration of Legacy, Culture, and Love

The event opened with the soulful, sultry sounds of jazz vocalist Deborah Newallo, whose performance set the tone for an afternoon filled with nostalgia, warmth, and gratitude. Seniors enjoyed a screening of the black-and-white classic “Stormy Weather,” transporting the room back to the elegance of a bygone era.

Tables were beautifully decorated with autumn florals and Thanksgiving-themed details, creating an atmosphere of dignity, joy, and holiday spirit.

Community Partners Who Made the Impossible, Possible

In the absence of city funding, an extraordinary network of community sponsors ensured the event exceeded all expectations:

• MetroPlus Health – Provided healthy hot meals and essential senior-focused insurance information.
• Big Tots Little Tikes Gourmet Catering & Taste of Seafood Harlem – Delivered soulful dishes reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.
• Easy Living Shelter Inc. (Youth Ages 16–24) – Served as table runners and servers, taking orders and delivering meals with professionalism and heart.
• Fire Studio – Energized the room with light cardio and bingo.
• Lee Lee’s Baked Goods – Mr. Lee blessed seniors with gourmet rugelach in raspberry, apricot, and chocolate.
• Ms. Smith’s Dessert & Café – Closed the evening with beautifully decorated cupcakes and specialty cookies.
• Law Enforcement Explorers Program (Ages 14–20) – Packed and distributed gift bags, strengthening ties between youth, police, and community.

In total, seniors left with gift bags filled with fresh produce, holiday items, and a Cornish hen lovingly provided by Silent Voices United’s Executive Director, Tiffany Fulton, and Senior Program Director, Sheila Harrison.

A Night Harlem Will Remember

More than 150 seniors attended — many sharing emotional testimonies about the care and respect they felt.

One senior declared:
“There has never been an event in Harlem with this level of elegance, grace, and protection.”

The room was filled with music, community love, and the unmistakable spirit of Harlem.

A Message From Silent Voices United Inc.

“Even when funding is taken away, our commitment to seniors remains unshaken,” said Tiffany Fulton, Executive Director of Silent Voices United Inc.
“Harlem deserves joy. Our elders deserve to be honored. Thanks to our sponsors and volunteers, we showed that the community will always rise above obstacles.”

About Silent Voices United Inc.

Silent Voices United Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Harlem communities since 2008, offering literacy programs, youth empowerment, senior support, and cultural enrichment programs dedicated to strengthening and uplifting families across New York City.

Media Contact:

Silent Voices United Inc.
Email: SilentVoicesUnitedInc@gmail.com
Instagram: @SilentVoicesUnited
Harlem, New York