Queens Community House to Celebrate 30 Years of Adult Day Service Program

Forest Hills’ Queens Community House will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its adult day service program on Oct. 27.

The center, located at 108-25 62nd Drive, will hold the celebration from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Social Adult Day Services program was founded in 1983 after Joan Goldberg, a social work student intern at the community house, formed the notion that seniors who had formerly utilized the center could become active again with transportation assistance.

She began organizing “Social Sundays,” an afternoon gathering for older adults at the house’s Forest Hills center.

The weekend events grew into the current program, which was the first of its kind in Queens and only the second to be established in the five boroughs.

“In a safe and welcoming environment, members have opportunities to interact with their peers and to participate in activities that increase their confidence and feelings of self worth,” said Laurie Avery, the program’s director.

Social Adult Day Services currently offers two programs – LIFT, which is for elderly borough residents who are physically or emotionally frail, and TYME AWAY, which is for those living with moderate to early stage Alzheimer’s disease or similar degenerative dementia disorders.

On a day to day basis, program participants interact with peers, participate in therapeutic art projects and take trips to community events and cultural institutions.

“I couldn’t even paint a straight line when I started coming here,” said Angel Avadisyan, who has taken part in the program for nine years. “I have now created over 80 paintings.”

This month’s celebration is meant for current members, their families and the families of past members.

Those interested in attending should RSVP by Oct. 18 by calling 718-592-5757, ext. 237 or emailing lavery@qchnyc.org.

The event will include refreshments and entertainment.