New director at Howard Beach senior center

Mark Frey says he’s been welcomed with open arms.
His first day on the job as the new director of the Howard Beach Senior Center was Monday, August 1 – and he says the staff and the seniors “are making me feel that I’m making a positive impact on people and the community.”
Frey follows in the footsteps of Ike Albala, who retired recently after 15 years at the helm.
“Ike has some big shoes,” Frey told The Courier. “It will be a transition for the seniors to get used to a new person.”
But, he said, one of his strengths “is to connect with individuals and the community and let them know we are working together.”
Frey, who now lives in Brooklyn, has come full circle.
Born in Ohio, he grew up in Geneva, New York (near the Finger Lakes) and worked in Manhattan for Columbia University Community Services helping the homeless and mentally ill. He lived in Springfield Gardens before moving to Long Island.
He even taught English in Japan.
Most recently, he, his wife and two sons lived in Massachusetts, where he was executive director of a community organization to prevent child abuse and neglect by educating and engaging the community. He also worked for the Department of Public Health as director of Supportive Housing for those living with HIV/AIDS.
So coming back to Queens for Frey is like a homecoming.
And, since he is “familiar with non-profits, community and state work and the processes that go along with state funding,” Frey says his priority is to make sure the center has the “funding to stay open, and that seniors have a place to go that is bright and cheerful with a good meal.”
“We have to prioritize our vulnerable population,” said Frey.
And, to that end, he is grateful that “Ike left the center in a good position as far as staff and volunteers. They really know what they are doing and have the seniors’ best interests at heart.”
Looking forward, Frey told The Courier he’d like to bring more seniors to the center, especially those in their 60s, to get involved as volunteers and leaders.
“We want to make sure we’re reaching a whole range of people.”
The Howard Beach Senior Center is located at 156-45 84th Street (entrance on 85th Street). Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, it currently serves about 150 seniors daily with morning and afternoon activities, lunch and more. To learn about the center, call 718-738-8100 or visit howardbeachseniorcenter.org.