One year ago, Governor Kathy Hochul released New York’s Master Plan for Aging, a comprehensive roadmap charting how the state can support older adults for decades to come. On this anniversary, LeadingAge NY, AARP NY, Selfhelp and LiveOn NY commend the Governor for that vision and for recognizing what so many of us already know: New York’s growing population of older adults and their family caregivers need the sustainable in-home, community-based, and congregate residential services envisioned by the Governor’s Master Plan for Aging.

Selfhelp Community Services held its 90th Anniversary Gala, raising over $1.6 million to support programs serving older adults, Holocaust survivors, and other vulnerable New Yorkers. The event brought together nearly 500 guests and was emceed by actor Richard Kind, with honorees including Jeff Schoenfeld, recipient of the Fran Eizenstat Legacy Award, and Rep. Grace Meng, recipient of the Visionary Leadership Award.

Selfhelp is focused on building a brighter tomorrow for seniors in Queens. In June, the state Energy Research and Development Authority awarded $1 million to the Selfhelp Realty Group for a new all-electric senior housing project on its Flushing campus, joining the repurposed Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills as Selfhelp projects in development in the borough. For more than a quarter century, CEO Stuart C. Kaplan has spearheaded the organization’s commitment to programming and housing for older adults throughout the city.

When pundits discuss new Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s affordability policies, they talk about the benefits to his base of young supporters. They imagine how the call for cheaper groceries and rent freezes will help 20- and 30-somethings navigating early adulthood and parenthood.

Founded originally to serve Holocaust survivors, Selfhelp Community Services now offers a wide variety of care options to all older New Yorkers through home and community-based programs.

From my first exposure to politics, I was advised that the job of our representatives was to bring home the bacon or dollars to their districts. So, let’s acknowledge it is at least one measure of success. But should that still be considered a valid objective?

I love the Queens Night Market. It’s a wonderful way to try new dishes and revisit old favorites. I try to go multiple times each season and always bring friends so we can scatter to get food from around the world and share a meal together. I have happy memories of Nixtamal’s mole poblano, while the stews from Persian Eats and Emeye’s Ethiopian are delicious, just like the keema palata from Burmese Bites. Moon Man’s kue pancong is a great dessert—although I often sneak back to Persian Eats for their saffron ice cream!

The health of New Yorkers—especially our most vulnerable—depends on more than prescriptions and doctor visits. It depends on whether they have enough to eat, a roof over their head, and support to navigate the challenges of aging or disability.

Russell Lusak, Chief Operating Officer of Selfhelp Community Services, is the new chair of the board of directors of the Home Care Association of New York State (HCANYS), succeeding Michelle Mazzacco, Executive Vice President of St. Peter’s Partners Continuing Care, who has led the board since May 2023.