“I came to the Community House in September 1979 as part of my second-year field placement for social work school. One of our assignments was to write a funding proposal. I submitted a proposal for a Neighborhood Stabilization Project—and it got funded!
Queens Community House's six Older Adult Centers are vibrant spaces designed to foster lifelong learning, discovery, and community. Beyond providing opportunities for socialization and exercise, our centers allow older adults to explore new interests and develop new skills.
Our Early Childhood Center was one of the new organization's first three programs, and it was given its own specially designed space in a building down the block from the community center.
QCH's Kew Gardens Community Center was established in 1996 through the efforts of the Kew Gardens Civic Association and other local residents who advocated for a senior center to serve their neighborhood.
"I was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens. Growing up, I didn't see many positive programs for young women. When I was 12, I saw a Girls Inc. interview on TV, inspiring me to seek a leadership program. My mom found the Access for Young Women (AFYW) program at QCH.
"I was there, you know, pretty much from the beginning, we knew it as SAGE in Queens. I guess you could say I was one of the first participants at what's now known as the Queens Center for Gay Seniors, of Queens Community House.
"In 1975, my family of four could not afford a two-bedroom apartment on our income, so we were so excited when we received a letter stating that we were eligible to live in the Forest Hills Coop.
QCH is celebrating 50 years of impact and community building across the borough! We're continuing our "50 for 50" series, honoring people – past and current – who embody the QCH spirit.
