In the last month, the members of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens’ Pete McGuinness Older Adult Center have been having lots of summer fun together and the center has been hosting many wonderful events for the older adults in their community.
As every year, the Independence Day celebration at Pete McGuinness Older Adult Center brought together over 100 older adults. The event was not only a festive gathering but also an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of independence—both as a national holiday and as a personal goal for older adults. The meeting was organized in collaboration with St. Nicks Alliance, and its main theme was the importance of independence for older adults in society.
Participants discussed what independence means in everyday life—from the ability to make one’s own decisions to access to essential resources such as affordable housing. Older adults need support to live independently and with dignity. Events like this highlight the importance of building a support system that promotes active living, self-sufficiency, and social inclusion for older adults.
The cake and special treats were prepared by student Olivia Kumor as part of the “Building Bridges Through Ages” program, which has been active at Pete McGuinness Older Adult Center since 2018.
For the first time, the beautifully renovated Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Pete McGuinness Older Adult Center hosted a special Midsummer Night celebration for older adults. The event brought together cherished traditions from Poland—bonfires, flower wreaths, dances, and music—offering a heartfelt connection to many of the members’ cultural roots.
Special guests from the NYPD Crime Prevention Unit (precinct 94) attended and highlighted the importance of community safety and engagement. The event served as a wonderful occasion to mark the passing of the summer with neighbors and friends coming together.
With over 600 members, mostly of Polish descent, the center serves as a vibrant, multicultural hub offering diverse activities and support to adults 60 and older in Greenpoint for over 50 years.
A recent information session was held with representatives from the Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) and a presentation on Medicare, hosted by the DFTA at the Pete McGuinness Older Adult Center, was a valuable opportunity to deepen our members’ understanding of the Medicare system and its related programs.
HIICAP is a free counseling and information program offered by the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA). Its goal is to help older adults and individuals with disabilities understand their health insurance options, including: Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage, Medigap (supplemental plans), Part D (prescription drug coverage), Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy), Medicare Savings Programs, and EPIC – New York State’s prescription assistance program.
HIICAP counselors provide one-on-one guidance, assist with selecting the most appropriate plan, and support individuals in applying for financial assistance. All services are free, impartial, and confidential.
Events like the one at Pete McGuinness OAC are extremely valuable, as they offer direct access to experts and help clarify complex health insurance topics. It’s also a great opportunity for participants to ask questions and receive guidance tailored to their personal needs.
