The dust may still be settling from the holiday season, but our office has hit the ground running. I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve this community for another four years, and as I begin my final term, I am committed to making this year our most productive yet. There are a number of exciting initiatives in the pipeline for 2018 - and among the first I'd like to share with you is a new, no-cost transportation service for seniors.
I am pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Queens Delegation, $25,000 has been allocated for Selfhelp Community Services. The funding we have secured for this program provides a dedicated transportation service and a Virtual Senior Center program to seniors - all at no-cost.
The Selfhelp Community Services program, which began taking calls on January 2, 2018, provides transportation to any senior living in Queens for medical appointments up to two long distance trips, or four local trips per month. Rides are scheduled the day before the appointment, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
To schedule a ride, simply call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center at (718) 224-7888.
Please note that seniors eligible for alternative medical transport programs, such as HANC or JSPOA, are encouraged to utilize those programs first, as Selfhelp Community Services was meant to supplement existing services.
In addition to transportation, Selfhelp Community Services provides access to a Virtual Senior Center (VSC). Eligible participants from around the Borough will be able to join this platform. The VSC engages home-bound seniors into the larger community by using technology to connect them with other participants in a range of activities.
A cornerstone activity of the program is its interactive, real-time classes where participants can hear, see and talk with each other in an interactive session. Over 40 classes are typically offered each week, ranging from art history to current events, to museum tours to weight training, and other exercise programming. Classes are offered in English, Mandarin, Korean, and Russian, and a Spanish platform will be offered in the near future.
To learn more and see if you or someone you know is eligible, call (718) 559-4460.
As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call my District Office at (718) 738-1083.
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