50 for 50: Meet Paulette Blair

2023 was a landmark year for Queens Community House, celebrating both our legacy and a new chapter for older adults in the borough. While we proudly marked 45 years of service for the QCH Rego Park Older Adult Center, a testament to its enduring impact, we were equally thrilled to celebrate the exciting opening of the QCH Jamaica Older Adult Center. This older adult center is our sixth in Queens, and we're leveraging decades of experience from our 45+ years operating older adult centers to ensure it provides exceptional service to our Jamaica neighbors for many years to come. You're about to hear firsthand from Paulette, one of our wonderful participants at the Jamaica Older Adult Center, about the vibrant community she's found here.

"When I retired, my daughters worried about me just sitting at home, watching TV all day. They wanted me to find a purpose, to stay active. And bless their hearts, they were looking for places, but I actually found QCH’s Jamaica Older Adult Center myself!

It was my first time at a center like this, and what a difference it has made. Before, I wasn't really going out or connecting with people. But the Center? It’s a fun place to be! I’ve made so many friends. I just love it; when I get there, I want to stay.

I’m a regular now, almost every day. I love the aerobics classes and getting involved in arts and crafts. We have wonderful community celebrations, too. Every month, we celebrate birthdays with cake and pictures. There’s so much joy here.

The biggest change for me is being happy and having friends. I even joined the Advisory Council. It's wonderful to encourage others to come, and we go on trips, too. My daughters are so happy to see how much I love it here. The Center really gives our Jamaica neighborhood a sense of community. It just goes to show you can always contribute and better yourself, no matter your age!"

— Paulette Blair