50 for 50: Joan Goldberg

From its earliest days, the Community House has treated social work interns not simply as students, but as full participants in its mission—people encouraged to observe closely, respond creatively, and act on what they see. Over the years, many interns have gone on to make lasting contributions to QCH and to the broader field of social work. Joan Goldberg is a powerful example.

In 1983, while interning at the Forest Hills Senior Center, Joan noticed that many formerly active older adults were no longer attending—not from lack of interest, but because declining health and transportation barriers made participation increasingly difficult. Rather than accepting this isolation as inevitable, she began thinking about how to help them reconnect with their community. She recognized that many older adults were able to attend on weekends with the support of family members and began organizing informal weekend gatherings known as "Social Sundays".

Those modest gatherings quickly revealed a deeper need—and a real opportunity. Under Joan’s leadership, Social Sundays evolved into what became QCH’s Social Adult Day Services program—the first of its kind in Queens and only the second in New York City at the time. Designed to support older adults who are physically or emotionally frail, as well as those living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, the program created a safe, welcoming environment centered on dignity, connection, and meaningful engagement. As it evolved into a weekday Social Adult Day Services model, those who were unable to get to the Center on their own were provided with van transportation.

Joan was hired as the program’s first Director, a position she held for nearly two decades. 40 years later, Social Adult Day Services remains a vital part of QCH’s work with older adults. Joan's story reflects a core belief at the Community House: that when people—regardless of position—are given the space and encouragement to follow their curiosity and passion, good ideas can grow into programs that endure.