LONGEVITY AND NEW BEGINNINGS FOR QCH OLDER ADULT CENTERS

June was a celebration of both longevity and new beginnings for our older adult centers! On June 15, neighbors from Rego Park and across the borough joined to celebrate 45 years of the QCH Rego Park Older Adult Center serving the community. On June 28, a few miles from Rego Park, we held the grand opening of the QCH Jamaica Older Adult Center, marking our 6th older adult center in the borough.

Over the past four decades, QCH staff at our older adult centers have been committed to establishing and maintaining culturally-rich environments where older adults can engage with peers, make new friends, enjoy a hot meal, keep physically active, learn new skills and explore new interests, and give back through volunteer opportunities. We’re excited to replicate what we learned from our 45 years operating older adult centers to ensure our newest site can serve older adults in Jamaica for years to come!

QUEENS POWER RALLY DEMANDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

As rents continue to rise in Queens and throughout New York City, staff from our Housing and Family Support Services have been hearing directly from Queens residents about their overwhelming rent; meanwhile, they keep seeing luxury apartments be prioritized over affordable housing. On June 11, staff from our Housing and Family Support Services led the mobilization of two busloads of neighbors affected by the lack of affordable housing to join the Queens Power Rally for 100% Affordability. The rally gathered 1,200+ people demanding the state-owned land at the Creedmoor campus be used to provide 3,000 affordable homes to keep Queens inclusive.

Speakers at the event included QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases, who also serves as Co-Chair of Queens Power, and Alma Reyes, QCH Outreach Worker, who gave a moving speech about her personal experience dealing with the housing crisis in the borough. Alongside Queens families affected by the lack of affordable homes, we will continue to push for 100% affordability at the Creedmoor site.

A COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER FOR NEW MOTHERS IN QUEENS

The journey to becoming a new mother certainly doesn't come without its obstacles and stress. From taming worries about inexperience to managing the physical, mental, and emotional toll it can have; it can be quite overwhelming. Our Queens Childcare Network (QCCN) is committed to helping mothers in Queens access quality maternal health care, and on June 17, we partnered with Metro Plus Health to host a Community Baby Shower that connects new and expectant mothers with the resources and support available for them during this pivotal time of their lives. QCCN will continue to raise awareness and promote action to improve the health and well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

CELEBRATING PRIDE IN JACKSON HEIGHTS

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