SCS News

On Saturday, September 6, enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of smooth jazz featuring the sounds of composer Mark Wade. Stick around after the performance for a light reception where you can mingle and connect with fellow music lovers.

Date/Time: Saturday, September 6 at 2 pm
Location: Sunnyside Community Services, 43-31 39th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104
RSVP: here

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

 
 

Asia Piña-Smith, Director of the SCS Elder Justice program, recently spoke to NY1’s In Focus about elder abuse and how to spot the signs of elder abuse. You can watch the clip online at https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/in-focus-shows/2025/07/19/elder-justice-program-director-asia-pina-smith-discusses-elder-abuse

If you think someone is experiencing abuse or neglect, please call or email our Elder Justice team at 718-392-0836 or elderjustice@scsny.org. We provide service to individuals living in Western Queens (Community Districts 1-7 and 11), including Long Island City, Sunnyside, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Corona, Flushing, Rego Park, and many other neighborhoods. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

 

In this issue of the News and Views newsletter, you can read about recent news regarding SCS. Read about Lou, one of our Home Care participants, who has received care from our Home Health Aides for many years. Other stories include: a letter from the SCS Executive Director; a special event to raise awareness about elder abuse; a ceremony honoring SCS volunteers; the annual Caregiver Conference; photos of students making art for Mother’s Day; and a photo of ESOL students at Astoria Park.

Read the newsletter online at issuu.com.

Photo above: Courtesy of Lou’s family.

 

We celebrated National Volunteer Week by recognizing the outstanding contributions of several of our dedicated volunteers. The event featured an evening of dinner, music, dancing, and a special ceremony honoring five individuals: Victoria Fann, Ana Rios, Massimo Turcios, Rosaura Vazquez, and Diana Zych.

We depend on volunteers to bring programs and services to more than 16,000 people each year. Individuals (ages 15 and older) and corporate volunteer teams can help out with meal preparation, administrative support, events, activities, and more. For more information, visit our volunteer page.

Photo, from left to right: Diana Sabogal Arango, SCS Immigration Navigator/Immigration Paralegal; Luis Rios Gomez, Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator for SCS; Michelle Rodriguez, Program Coordinator for SCS Beacon Program at I.S. 5Q; Victoria Fann, SCS Volunteer; Massimo Turcios, SCS Volunteer; Rosaura Vazquez, SCS Volunteer; Ana Rios, SCS Volunteer; Judith Zangwill, SCS Executive Director; Diana Zych, SCS Volunteer; Kerly Serrano, Director of the Older Adult Center at SCS; Chandra Moore, SCS Home Care Administrative Assistant; Jose Miranda, Associate Executive Director of Youth, Family, & Immigrant Services at SCS.

   

Jeff Simmons, the host of the It’s in Queens podcast, speaks with SCS Executive Director Judy Zangwill, and SCS Associate Executive Director for Older Adult Services Shyvonne Noboa about elder justice, affordable housing, and more.

Listen to the full podcast online here.

   

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NYC Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vásquez addressed more than 100 seniors at SCS as part of our Elder Justice Program. Other speakers at the event included Chief of Staff for New York City Council, Nick Gulotta; SCS Executive Director Judy Zangwill; SCS Elder Justice Director Asia Piña-Smith, MSW; and a client who offered a firsthand account about the impact of our Elder Justice Program.

Read the article online at https://sunnysidepost.com/queens-da-elder-abuse-sunnyside-community-services.

Photo by Shane O’Brien; courtesy of Sunnyside Post

 
 

Hundreds of seniors and their advocates, joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, for a rally protesting the $102 million proposed budget cut to the New York City Department for the Aging. The reduced funding would impact services to older adults and could lead to the closure of up to 90 senior centers across the city. The rally, held at Queens Borough Hall, was organized by LiveOn NY.

Read the Queens Post article about the rally here: https://queenspost.com/hundreds-rally-at-queens-borough-hall-to-protest-102m-cuts-to-senior-services

Photo above: SCS staff and members of our Center for Active Older Adults joined hundreds of seniors and advocates at a rally protesting cuts to senior centers.

   

SCS Case Manager Guisela Lara has received the LiveOn NY Hero Award for her work advocating for more than 1,300 homebound older adults in Western Queens. The Hero Award is awarded by LiveOn NY to front line workers who positively impact the lives of older adults in New York City. Guisela is one of only six individuals who were honored with the award. Guisela has been a dedicated case manager at SCS for 23 years and we’re proud of her unwavering dedication to her work.

Recently, PIX11 News stopped by our offices to talk to Guisela and congratulate her. Watch the PIX11 News piece online here.

SCS Executive Director Judy Zangwill has been selected as one of City & State’s “50 Over 50” – 50 distinguished leaders over the age of 50 who have been driving change in New York for decades. This year’s list is presented in partnership with AARP New York and highlights the accomplishments of these talented and motivated individuals.

In the City & State New York article, Judy Zangwill talks about what keeps her motivated: “I’m motivated by seeing our services make a difference, by the passion exhibited from staff, by seeing wrong and making a concerted effort to right it.”

See the full list online at https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2025/01/2025-50-over-50/402409/