COVID-19 has been especially trying for the 25,000 older New Yorkers we serve. Since March 2020, we’ve adapted to new protocols to keep our staff safe, while continuing to serve our clients. Learn about our COVID-19 work.
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At Selfhelp, we’re hopeful that vaccinations will reduce the spread of COVID-19. We’ve advocated on behalf of our clients, supporting them in planning and scheduling for their vaccines.
In February 2021, we were proud to partner with the Charles B Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC). With CBWCHC, we opened a vaccination site from our Benjamin Rosenthal Senior Center in Flushing, Queens.Â
For more information on the vaccine, visit COVID-19 – NYC Health.
Our staff is working in a hybrid model, some from home and others in the office. Selfhelp instituted regular anti-bacterial deep cleanings at all Selfhelp offices to accommodate staff members who continued to work in person. Our offices are encouraging social distancing, masking when in crowded areas, sanitizer stations, temperature checks, and increased cleanings to ensure staff safety. Visitors are welcome on a limited basis.
Our senior centers and NORCs are open and offering a variety of in-person and virtual programs for all their members. To keep our clients connected, we’ve increased virtual communications, reaching out to our clients via phone and video chat in addition to offering in-person meetings. Multiple Selfhelp programs have been hosting virtual events for our clients through our Virtual Senior Center. Masking is required in inside and in-person programs. Selfhelp can provide hand sanitizer and masks for staff and clients who need them.
We’re closely monitoring communications from the appropriate city, state and federal government and health agencies so that we may respond appropriately to all new developments on COVID-19.
In mid-March 2020, before Governor Cuomo’s orders, and practically overnight, our workforce went remote. But the work didn’t stop. Among a few highlights:
Though always true, it became more evident during the crisis that our staff are key to our organization. We made decisions with staff safety and well-being at the core. As we lost members of the Selfhelp community, our light got a little bit dimmer, but we grew stronger in our resolve.
We also drew inspiration from our clients, especially the Holocaust survivors we serve. Those clients had lived through the worst. Their perspective, humor, and grit gave the rest of us motivation to get through the year’s most challenging days. We helped them tell their stories through videos and media opportunities. One of our aides was named as NY1’s New Yorker of the Week.
Despite obstacles presented by the pandemic, construction began on Bergen Place, an affordable senior residence designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind in Freeport, Long Island. We also began construction on a new building in Wyandanch, LI, which will provide an additional 94 units of affordable housing.
Amid the pandemic, we undertook a significant upgrade of our Virtual Senior Center (VSC). The VSC is a virtual community that offers safe, live, and interactive classes and continues to be a lifeline for seniors during COVID-19.
Starting in summer 2020, more employees safely returned to the office on modified schedules. We installed plexiglass partitions between our staff cubicles to ensure staff safety, instituted mask requirements, enforced social distancing, installed directional signs, added hand sanitizer stations, and regularly cleaned office spaces. We did all of this with guidance from experts in the field to ensure we had the best minds working to keep our staff safe.
Our COVID story continues to unfold in front of us, but as always, we will get through it together.
COVID-19 has presented huge challenges for all of us. But, for elderly Holocaust survivors and homebound seniors, the needs continue to grow, as they cope with social isolation, food insecurity, loss of friends and loved ones, confusion, and fear.
We’re deeply grateful to the members of our community who’ve stepped forward during this time of crisis. There’s still time to help. Support Selfhelp today by visiting Ways to Give.
Please visit local and national sources for additional information on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines:from:
Selfhelp’s Austin Street Older Adult Center is a vibrant community that offers older adults socialization, nutritious meals, health and wellness activities, as well as educational classes. Located in the Forest Hills Jewish Center, the senior center has offered a wide variety of life-enhancing programs for over 11 years. Classes are offered in person and virtually. The social worker is available to assist with entitlements and benefits, community referrals, and more. The Older Adult Centers offers social and health classes online to reduce the extreme social isolation felt by many Older Adults during the pandemic. Catered lunches are Kosher and all are welcome to join!
Program Director: Barrington McFarlane
Austin Street Senior Center
106-06 Queens Boulevard
Forest Hills, NY 11375
MONDAY – FRIDAY: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
SATURDAY – SUNDAY: Closed
Director: Barrington McFarlane
Phone: 718-520-8197
English
