Twenty alumni members from the Scranton Club of New York participated in beautifying the Catholic Charities Catherine Sheridan Senior Center in Jackson Heights as part of Scranton University’s day of service.
“The Scranton Club of New York is the Alumni Chapter of Scranton University that covers New York and all of the participants were alumni from different years,” said Sephora Rosario, Marketing and Media Relations Associate of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. “We had some seniors present to welcome the alumni and they were excited to talk to so many young people.”
The makeover project, which included painting and cleaning, was held at the senior center located at 35-24 83rd Street on Saturday, April 16.
“It was a great opportunity for our alumni to give back and so happy that we were able to do something,” said Mary Jane Rooney, Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Scranton. “The seniors that we had met were great – it was a great day.”
According to Larry Harfmann, program manager of the senior center, senior citizens from the center welcomed approximately 20 alumni members from the Scranton Club of New York.
“It was a tremendous help, particularly during the budget crisis, when the community came together,” said Harfmann. “The seniors were most grateful to have the volunteers to conduct the makeover. It was needed to brighten the room; it was truly a great experience.”
Harfmann noted that every weekday, over 150 to 175 seniors have gathered at the senior center and have participated in various multicultural activities and classes, which have included tai chi, yoga, salsa dancing, ESL classes, art classes, celebrations, and hot lunches.
“The center has been here since 1973 and has served the community of Jackson Heights for over 30 years,” Harfmann said.
The Home Depot from the Long Island City donated all the paint supplies.
“We donated approximately $500 to $700 in paint supplies,” said Eric Salas, pro-account representative for Home Depot. “We strive to give back as much as possible to the community, we have a responsibility and that core value is giving back to the community.”
“Thanks to our community partnerships with the University of Scranton and The Home Depot, seniors at our Catherine Sheridan Senior Center will continue to feel at home in a welcoming and beautiful environment,” said Harfmann. “For many older adults, our senior centers are a home away from home where they not only receive hot meals, but participate in various activities that keep them young at heart.”
“We are more than happy to help,” said Salas. “Sometimes we can’t always donate all that we can, but we try to help and take care of our neighbors.”
“We have 16 senior centers, two case management, two Alzheimer programs, two meals on wheels, and two friendly visitor programs and this is within the agency itself,” said Harfmann. “This is their home and it adds to their betterment, life, longevity – we are the family they don’t have.”
Maria Williams, president of the Advisory Council of the Catholic Catherine Sheridan Senior Center is an active member and felt the center makeover was “like a vitamin you can’t get from anywhere else.”
