Hundreds of local seniors came out to Project Independence’s Community Resource Fair on July 19.
The fair linked seniors to community resources by providing them with information from local government officials, medical care providers, physical therapists, veterans services, senior real estate specialists, and various other organizations and businesses.
Project Independence is the Town of North Hempstead’s “aging in place” initiative. Its mission is to allow seniors to stay in their homes longer by connecting them with various community resources.
While seniors enjoyed a light lunch at the Great Neck Senior Center, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and other government officials addressed the crowd.
“Project Independence is all about answering the question of ‘how do we get North Hempstead seniors what they really need? Kaiman said. “By calling our 311 Call Center, a knowledgeable Project Independence representative will connect you with any service you need.”
Over 76,000 service requests have been created through the Town’s 311 call center since the inception of Project Independence in 2006.
“This is such an important program that we have created here in the Town of North Hempstead, and these events are an important part of the growth of the program,” Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth said. “Today’s fair is particularly significant because it provides a one-stop shop for residents to speak to dozens of exhibitors who provide services that are so essential to the well-being of seniors in our community.”
Other government officials on hand included town councilwomen Anna Kaplan and Lee Seeman, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, town Clerk Leslie Gross, and Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink.
“I think this fair is fabulous and wonderful. It really means a lot to the seniors that are here,” said Phoebe Lazarus of Great Neck, who was recently president of the Great Neck Senior Center.
“My mother was disabled at the age of 59 and programs like this did not exist at that time. We are very fortunate to have this type of assistance at our fingertips today,” added Connie Maller of Great Neck.
