In Honor of Natalie Katz Rogers

Natalie Katz Rogers, a pioneer in advocating for children with cerebral palsy, began her journey in 1950 when she visited the cerebral palsy ward at Queens General Hospital Center. Seeing how children with cerebral palsy were in need of services, Natalie established United Cerebral Palsy of Queens (now known as Queens Centers for Progress) with a group of concerned parents and homemakers who wanted to help others.

Throughout her remarkable career, Natalie played a pivotal role in expanding QCP's reach, from recruiting local doctors, therapists, and teachers to securing funding from local lawmakers that garnered city and state support. Her leadership and vision propelled the agency's growth, leading to the construction of a new training and treatment center in 1974, appropriately named in her honor.

Beyond her contributions to QCP, Natalie's impact resonated throughout the state and national levels. As an active member of the NY State Cerebral Palsy Association (CP State) and past President of its Board of Directors, she advocated policies on the state and federal level of government that empowered individuals with disabilities and helped improve the landscape of services available to people impacted by a lifetime of challenges. Her unwavering commitment to excellence led CP State to name an award after her, the Natalie Rogers Employee of the Year Award—a testament to her enduring legacy.

Natalie's limitless energy and diverse talents transcended boundaries from her successful business ventures to her leadership roles in political campaigns and community organizations. Her incredible journey—from serving as an aeronautical engineer during World War II to becoming a Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Ocean Beach on Fire Island, all while maintaining a role on QCP's board—exemplified her tenacity, resilience, and service.

Natalie's tireless advocacy persisted throughout her life, embodying a commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities that endured until her final days at 103 years old. Natalie passed away peacefully at her residence in Florida on May 7, 2023, however her legacy lives on through Queens Centers for Progress and the countless individuals whose lives she touched.

AS MUCH AS I CAN, AS LONG AS I CAN…

One year after Natalie Rogers passed away, QCP held a street re-naming ceremony to honor the legacy of our founder, role model and mentor. On Friday, May 10, 2024, community members and leaders came together in Jamaica Hills at the corner of 164th Street and Goethels Avenue – now officially known as Natalie Rogers Way – to honor her life and the legacy she leaves behind.
The co-naming was made possible by legislation sponsored by City Councilman Jim Gennaro.

"In honoring Natalie Katz Rogers with this co-naming, we not only recognize her tireless dedication to individuals with cerebral palsy, but also celebrate her enduring legacy of compassion, advocacy, and service," Gennaro said in a statement. "Natalie's remarkable journey, from founding Queens Centers for Progress to her advocacy at the state and national levels, exemplifies the profound impact just one person can have on their community and beyond."

The Street Naming Ceremony took place on the corner of 164th Street & Goethals Avenue. Gennaro was joined by State Sen. John Liu, Assembly Member David Weprin, Assembly Member Sam Berger, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; and members of the Rogers family.

Queens Centers for Progress remains committed to fostering independence, community integration, and an enhanced quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

For more information, please contact Wendy Phaff-Gennaro at (718) 380-3000, ext. 325 or visit https://www.queenscp.org/.