A local nonprofit organization supporting developmentally disabled adults and children celebrated a significant funding injection of $550,00 from Assembly Member Nily Rozic (D-25).
The Queens Centers For Progress (QCP) held a Building Restoration and Rededication Ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in front of the QCP’s Adult Center, located at 81-15 164th St.
Local elected officials, including Assembly Member Sam Berger (D-27) and Council Member James F. Gennaro (D-24), attended the event. QCP staff honored Assembly Member Rozic for securing the grant funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), which will support the building’s critical infrastructure.
In August, QCP utilized a portion of the funding for waterproofing, upgrading the building’s membrane and flashing, and extensively refurbishing the supporting steel posts and beams.
The funding will continue to support planned upgrades, including installing a new, environmentally compliant roof, replacing ten original rooftop air conditioning units, and comprehensive waterproofing and brickwork restoration to prevent further structural damage.
Wendy Phaff-Gennaro, Director of Development at QCP, said Assembly Member David Weprin(D-24) also provided $250,000 in funding to upgrade the fire alarm system. Assembly Member Berger has also committed funding to QCP for other infrastructure needs.
Assembly Member Rozic explained that funding for community centers like QCP furthers support for vital community institutions.
“It’s really essential that we keep the actual building in good repair so that future clients will have a space to come here. It’s been years that QCP has been trying to repair the building and get it into a state of repair that can quite frankly serve their clients,” Rozic said. “When you’re actually worried about the brick and mortar structure of your building, I knew it was time to step in and get them the state funding that they deserve.”
Rozic said that the funding represents the foundation of QCP physically and symbolically. After she toured the building in 2022, she recognized the immediate need for infrastructure upgrades.
“There was a lot of work that needed to be done. I said get me a list, and we, as a Queens Delegation and State Assembly, will figure out the rest of it, and we did that. I am so excited that two years later, we get to stand here and celebrate,” Rozic said.
QCP Executive Director Terri Ross said the funding is critical, as the building has faced wear and tear over the years. “We’re always fighting the fight to get more funding to keep the things together that we have. This building was built in 1974 and literally, the bricks are starting to fall off. I would drive into the garage in the morning on a rainy day, and it was like taking a shower. It affected the beams in the building, so much had to be fixed,” Ross said. Ross said that the center is grateful for the support from Rozic and the other local electeds. “ It means so much to us… we could not do this without you,” she said.
At the end of the ceremony, Rozic was presented with colorful thank-you cards made by the residents of QCP.
Founded in 1950 as the United Cerebral Palsy of Queens, QCP has served over 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the support of over 400 dedicated staff members, QCP helps children and adults maximize their skills, foster independence, and improve their overall quality of life.
