Queens nonprofit organization protects most vulnerable during winter storm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Queens nonprofit organization protects most vulnerable during winter storm

Queens, New York (January 9, 2018) - As temperatures dropped to record lows this month, staff at Queens Community House's (QCH) Senior Centers took extra steps to make sure their most vulnerable participants were protected.
Before Winter Storm Grayson hit Queens last Thursday, QCH staff members worked around the clock, calling senior participants they hadn’t seen in a while or who were unexpectedly absent from programming, to make sure they had heat, food, and necessary supplies. Calls were made to the agency’s home-bound seniors to make sure their pharmacy needs would last throughout the storm. “We make sure our members have everything they need before the chilling weather hits,” said Program Director Evelyn Gottlieb. “No senior should be without the basic necessities or become isolated because of cold weather.”
Many of the 6,000 seniors who participate in QCH programming rely on home-delivered meals as their only source of nutrition.  When Grayson was predicted to drop more than half a foot of snow on Queens, Meals on Wheels came to work early to double up on the daily orders so participants wouldn’t skip a meal if deliveries couldn't be made. “No senior goes hungry on my watch,” said Jose Pena, Program Coordinator. “Every last participant will have something warm to eat at every meal, no matter the weather.”

###

About Queens Community House: Founded in 1975, Queens Community House, is a multi-site nonprofit organization that offers a wide network of comprehensive services to individuals, families, and communities throughout Queens. From 29 sites in 14 diverse neighborhoods, QCH helps thousands of Queens residents to thrive in school, make healthy life choices, succeed in educating themselves, become engaged citizens, stabilize their housing situations, and make the most of their senior years.  Learn more at www.qchnyc.org.

Contact:

Jennifer Weil, Communications

Queens Community House

108-25 62nd Drive, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Office: (718) 592-5757 Ext. 249

jweil@qchnyc.org