OLDER ADULT TOWN HALL AT FOREST HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER

Queens is leading the way in older adult population growth in New York City, with a remarkable increase of 39.3% in the last decade. To care for Queens means to ensure that the needs of older adults are being heard and addressed. By involving them in the City's decision-making processes, we can create more inclusive and equitable communities.

On August 28, we hosted NYC Mayor Eric Adams at our Forest Hills Community Center for the City's Older Adult Town Hall. Over 120 older adults from our six Older Adult Centers across Queens gathered to discuss issues important to them, and had the opportunity to ask Mayor Adams questions about what’s being done to address those concerns. Many of the participants emphasized the need to increase funding for NYC Aging to support programs and services for older adults. Other issues mentioned include safety, housing, mental health, and transportation.

To watch the Older Adult Town Hall, click here!

CONVERSATION ON RACIAL EQUITY

In November 2022, New York City voted to establish the Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) to advance racial equity in government operations and to increase community voice in government decision making. CORE developed and released draft community equity priorities to improve the wellbeing of New Yorkers harmed by racism. On August 15, we partnered with CORE to host a community conversation on racial equity at our Admin Headquarters in Forest Hills. New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds came together to voice what they want NYC government to prioritize to make our city more equitable. Feedback from the conversation will be incorporated into CORE's efforts to advocate for more equitable policies and practices across NYC's food, housing, education, policing, and economic systems.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: PATRICIA ROBINSON

On August 6, QCH Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) hosted a Career Panel at Queens Borough Hall, featuring professionals from a variety of fields who talked about their career journeys and offered advice to hundreds of youth in attendance. In this special edition of Meet Your Neighbor, hear from one of the panelists: Patricia Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer at Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

"Discovering QCH and the range of services they provide to the community instantly drew me to collaborate with them as a partner. Their dedication to working with young adults through SYEP resonates deeply with me. My own journey began 40 years ago through SYEP. I got my first job through the program, and it gave me invaluable work experience and a sense of independence as a young adult. SYEP shaped me into the successful and engaged community partner and business leader I am today. I was happy to be a part of QCH’s SYEP Career Panel because it gave me an opportunity to share my experience with today’s youth. I am dedicated to supporting organizations like QCH that invest in the future generation."

Queens Community House provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.