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The Queens Ledger spoke with SCS Executive Director Judy Zangwill about efforts to assist the residents of an apartment building that caught fire in December, forcing hundreds of people out of their homes just days before Christmas. Read the article here.
Photo from the Queens Ledger.
On December 20, a massive fire In Sunnyside, Queens displaced hundreds of residents. NBC New York spoke to residents and to SCS Executive Director Judy Zangwill. See the video here.
Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) has renamed its Adult and Immigrant Services division the Judy Steele Center for Adult and Immigrant Services, in memory of Judy Steele, a former SCS Board Member. Family, friends, and SCS staff gathered on November 27 at SCS’ Sunnyside location for the dedication ceremony.
“I am extremely grateful for having been able to call Judy Steele a friend and supporter, both personally and professionally,” said Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of SCS. “She wanted to help her neighbors and make our community stronger, so it is fitting that we name our Adult and Immigrant Services division after her. I am so pleased that her commitment to education and service will live on in the Judy Steele Center for Adult and Immigrant Services.”
As a teenager, Judy Steele created, obtained funding for, and ran a summer camp program for children in East Harlem. In college, she volunteered for programs for impoverished children, and student-taught in the South Bronx. She became a teacher in that same community and taught ill and home-bound children, before embarking on a successful career educating and training adults in the business world.
Judy Steele was a Sunnyside resident for three decades and a Queens resident for nearly her entire life. Her involvement with SCS arose when her love for Sunnyside merged with her lifelong commitment to serving others. She served on the SCS Board of Directors for 14 years, from 1996 – 2010, and as vice president of the Board from 2006 – 2008.
The naming of the center after Judy Steele honors her passion for education and her commitment to SCS and is made possible thanks to a significant contribution to SCS by the family and friends of Judy Steele.
“Judy cherished the energy and spirit of Sunnyside and wanted the best for its residents,” said Ned Steele, SCS Board Member who was married to Judy Steele until her death in 2010. “With its mission to enrich lives and strengthen the community, she found a perfect ally in SCS. I am proud that her name is now intertwined with the organization that she held in such high regard. I hope this connection will inspire others to support the vital work of SCS.”
To learn more about SCS and its programs, call 718-784-6173 or email info@scsny.org.
In this issue of the News and Views newsletter, you can read about recent news regarding SCS. Stories in this issue include: the M. Joseph Levin Legacy Society; the Caregiver Gala; a new Elder Justice Program added to the organization’s services for older adults; an inspirational visit from U.S. Representative Nydia Velazquez; and more.
Read the newsletter online at issuu.com.
On Thanksgiving Day, staff, volunteers, and Board Members of SCS prepared, cooked, and served a traditional Thanksgiving meal for more than 175 older adults at the Center for Active Older Adults. The Thanksgiving Day event is just one of many programs throughout the year that SCS offers for adults aged 60 and older.
The Thanksgiving Day meal is an annual tradition at SCS. The in-person event allows older adults who participate in programs at SCS to socialize with their friends and peers, while enjoying a home-cooked meal. In the spirit of the holiday season, volunteers help make this event a success, donating their time and talents to help cook, prepare, and serve the meal. The event was sponsored by Citymeals on Wheels.
On Saturday, November 18, Sunnyside Community Services (SCS), in partnership with DoorDash, Queens Together, NYPD 108th Precinct, and Assemblymember Steven Raga, distributed turkeys to 270 families in Queens.
The turkeys were given to individuals and families in need who participate in other SCS community programs, including older adults from the SCS Center for Active Older Adults, immigrants learning English in ESOL classes, and families involved in SCS programs at Woodside Houses, a public housing development in Woodside, Queens. In total, more than $10,000 worth of turkeys and fresh produce were distributed. In addition to providing funds to purchase turkeys, DoorDash also supplied $1,000 in gift cards.
“The generosity of our partners has helped ensure that more Queens families can gather around the table and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with their families,” said Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of Sunnyside Community Services. “Thanks to DoorDash, Queens Together, the 108th Precinct, United Way, and Assemblymember Raga, we were able to provide hundreds of Queens families with a turkey, easing their financial stress during this holiday season. We’re grateful for the community support that makes events like this possible, and for the chance to spread hope and joy to our neighbors.”
The turkey giveaway is one of many events SCS has planned for the holiday season. On Thanksgiving Day, SCS will hold its annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration, complete with a traditional Thanksgiving meal, for more than 175 older adults. In December, SCS will host two holiday events for families living in migrant shelters in Western Queens.
On November 17, SCS celebrated the 102nd birthday of Jong Soon Lee of Sunnyside, Queens with a party and cake. New York City Council Member Julie Won stopped by to join the celebration.
Ms. Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, where she graduated from Seoul University as an obstetrician. After retiring, she moved to the U.S. and now lives in Sunnyside.
Ms. Lee is a member of the SCS Center for Active Older Adults. The Older Adult Center holds many events throughout the year including parties, field trips, games, concerts, holiday events, exercise classes, and more. Learn more about the Older Adult Center here.
The Sunnyside Post highlights SCS and other Queens organizations for their article about giving back this holiday season. Read more here.
We offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers age 15 and older. rely on volunteers For more information about volunteering at SCS, including tutoring youth, serving meals in our Center for Active Older Adults, visiting homebound older adults, administrative support, and more. To learn more, visit our Volunteer page or contact us at 718 784-6173 or volunteering@scsny.org.
This year’s Sunnyside Post Mile was held on October 28, 2023. The event included the main race, as well as as well as two children’s dashes: a 50-yard dash for 2–5 year olds, and a 100-yard dash for 6–9 year olds.
The event was organized by the Sunnyside Post / Queens Post / Schneps Media and the Woodside Sunnyside Runners.
Thank you to all of our sponsors:
Premier Sponsor
Alera Group
Platinum Sponsor
Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I.
Silver Sponsors
Aubergine Cafe
Bridge Printing, Inc.
Jin Brothers Wine & Liquor
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New York, Inc.
Triad Management
Bronze Sponsors
Broadway Stages
Brookside Market
Welcome Home Real Estate
Supporter
Council Member Julie Won
Photos by John Marino; Instagram: @twocansam4
