CATHERINE M. LOZADA
Sunnyside Community Services is a multi-service, multi-generational settlement house serving 18,000 people throughout Queens annually. This month, the center will be celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Sunnyside Community Services, located at 43-31 39th Street, serves children, families and seniors. The vibrant senior center serves 200 meals a day and offers a variety of classes, including yoga, creative writing, meditation, billiards, painting, discussion groups, movies and arts and crafts. There are parties for all occasions and birthdays held once a month. The Center for Active Older Adults is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m. and seniors can take home an additional meal on Friday. On Sundays the center is open for coffee and bingo from noon to 3 p.m.
The adult day services help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments socialize and participate in therapeutic and recreational activities. There are also case management programs, Home Care, Meals on Wheels and geriatric mental health services available to address almost any need a senior may have, to help them continue to thrive in the community.
“It’s a great place for seniors to make new friends, exercise and have a creative outlet. We hope they feel like it’s a second home in a safe, trusting environment,” said Executive Director Judy Zangwill.
Sunnyside provides afterschool programs at P.S. 150 and P.S. 199 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. offering homework help and recreational activities. The Family Literacy Program at P.S. 199 helps immigrant parents and their children learn English and computer skills.
There is a College Readiness Program for adolescents citywide that includes SAT preparation, helps with the college application process and takes students on tours of local colleges. The program has helped people access more than $21 million in financial aid. There are also GED classes and a Youth Employment Program where students receive job readiness and skills training to prepare them for employment.
Sunnyside Community Services is always open to volunteers, who can do anything from serve meals at the senior center, run classes and workshops, or help tutor children. For more information, log on to www.scsny.org or call 718-784-6173.
