Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Senator Leroy Comrie, Councilwoman Linda Lee and Assemblymember Edward Braunstein Announce $1 Million for SNAP Senior Center Renovations

QUEENS- On Monday, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D- 11th District), along with Senator Leroy Comrie, Councilwoman Linda Lee and Assemblymember Edward Braunstein, announced the allocation of $1 million in capital funding to help the SNAP senior center renovate their new facility, a part of the Bellerose Jewish Center in Glen Oaks, which was purchased a number of years ago. SNAP, a social service agency, has provided both direct services as well as access to community resources for older adults in Queens since 1999.

The capital funding, secured by Senator Stavisky, as well as past allocations from Senator Comrie and then Congressman Tom Suozzi, will help SNAP’s financial goal and will help complete the new kitchen, cafeteria and office spaces. This will allow SNAP to expand its in-person and virtual services to the community’s aging population.

“SNAP has been an invaluable asset for older adults throughout Queens for more than four decades,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Their programs, services and community resources allow men and women to age gracefully by remaining healthy, engaged and active members of their communities. The organization has faced significant challenges and financial setbacks while trying to leave the Creedmoor campus and upgrade to their new facility and I am proud to help by providing this funding. I want to thank my colleagues for their support and SNAP President Paola Miceli and her staff for their impactful work.”

Senator Leroy Comrie said: "I am proud to have joined my colleague, Senator Toby Stavisky in providing capital improvement funding for SNAP senior center's renovations. SNAP senior center's work to steadily provide services as well as raise the level of connection and engagement among our older adults remains a vital asset to all generations in our Queens community. While the challenges that SNAP faces are many, my colleague and I excitedly await what this new chapter has in store for the center and will continue to work with them." 

Assemblymember Edward Braunstein said: “SNAP Senior Center plays an essential role in improving the lives of Eastern Queens’ older adults, who currently access a robust menu of direct services, resources, classes and more at the Queens Village site. I’m proud to support SNAP’s campaign to move into a new, state-of-the-art location that will meet their needs and allow them to support and serve local seniors for many years to come. I thank Senator Stavisky for leading the campaign to allocate New York State funding that will get SNAP one more big step closer to opening up its new center.”

Councilwoman Linda Lee said: “For years, Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP) has provided interactive programs and resources dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-being of residents all across Eastern and Southeast Queens. If New York is to become a city that allows its residents to age with dignity, we must continue to uplift the organizations who have committed to executing this work on the ground. As a social worker, I know how important it is to have access to supportive social services, so I am proud to join Senator Toby Ann Stavisky in announcing this $1 million investment to provide our older adults with a newly renovated facility. Thank you to Senator Stavisky, President & CEO Paola Miceli, and the entire team at SNAP for your leadership in supporting this initiative and for your work to benefit our communities.”

Paola Miceli, CEO / President, Services Now for Adult Persons, Inc. (SNAP) said: “On Behalf of SNAP’s Older Adult Clients and staff, I want to thank State Senator Toby Stavisky for the award of this very generous grant.  This allocation of $1M will provide SNAP with the ability to move forward on the needed renovations on the building that will become SNAP’s new, permanent home.  It is imperative that we move the SNAP of Eastern Queens Older Adult Center off the Creedmoor Campus and into a State-of-the-Art facility that will provide a safe, welcoming and enriched environment for all Older Adults in the Community.”

Corey B. Bearak, Esq., Chair, SNAP’s Board of Directors said: “Senator Toby Stavisky really delivered for the seniors of Eastern Queens and their families. This substantial state grant secured by Senator Stavisky, will help fund SNAP to complete sufficient renovations of its new building to enable SNAP to shift most of its Older Adult Center programs there from Creedmoor.  On behalf of the SNAP Board and my civic and community board 13 colleagues who support this important initiative, I extend a special thank you to State Senator Toby Stavisky.”

####