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New York City Council
Committee on Aging
Mar 10, 2025
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 49 min
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Summary
A hearing on the Department for the Aging (DFTA)'s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026.
Discussions focused on the proposed $124 million budget cut, its potential impact on services for older adults, and the need for increased funding to meet growing demands.
Key issues included funding for older adult centers, home-delivered meals, case management, transportation services, and capital improvements for aging facilities.
Concerns were raised about potential center closures, reduced services, and the need to prioritize aging services given demographic trends.
Features testimony from the Department for the Aging (DFTA) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Crystal Hudson's opening remarks on NYC Department for the Aging's preliminary budget
Council Member Crystal Hudson, chair of the committee on aging, delivers opening remarks for the hearing on the NYC Department for the Aging's fiscal 2026 preliminary budget. She highlights concerns …
0:00:35
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4 min
Introduction and overview of DFTA's preliminary budget for FY2026
Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez introduces herself and provides an overview of the Department for the Aging's (DFTA) preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026. She emphasizes the department's priorities of eliminating ageism, …
0:06:37
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49 sec
Budget allocations for key DFTA programs and services
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez details the budget allocations for DFTA's key programs and services for fiscal year 2026. These allocations demonstrate the department's commitment to supporting various aspects of older adult care …
0:07:27
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117 sec
Financial challenges and efforts to prioritize older adult services
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez addresses the financial challenges faced by DFTA and the efforts made to prioritize older adult services despite these difficulties. She emphasizes the department's commitment to maintaining core aging …
0:09:24
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87 sec
BOOM Conference and DFTA's national leadership in aging issues
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez highlights DFTA's role in leading national conversations on aging, particularly through the BOOM conference and participation in national workgroups. These initiatives position New York City as a leader …
0:10:52
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66 sec
Cabinet for Older New Yorkers and anti-ageism education initiatives
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discusses the codification of the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers into the city charter and the expansion of anti-ageism education programs. These initiatives demonstrate DFTA's commitment to addressing …
0:11:59
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85 sec
Service Needs Assessment survey results and insights
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez details the Service Needs Assessment survey conducted by DFTA, which provided valuable insights into the current needs of older residents in New York City. The survey covered various …
0:13:24
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86 sec
Major events and community engagement activities in 2024
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez highlights several successful events hosted by DFTA in 2024, demonstrating the department's commitment to community engagement and promoting active, healthy aging among older New Yorkers. - International Groove: …
0:14:52
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131 sec
DFTA's 50th anniversary celebration and key priorities
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez announces DFTA's upcoming 50th anniversary celebration and outlines the department's key priorities for the future. This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and focus on …
0:17:03
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48 sec
Home delivered meals program details and statistics
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides a detailed overview of DFTA's home delivered meals program, highlighting its importance in addressing food insecurity and social isolation among older New Yorkers. The program has seen …
0:17:51
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153 sec
Transportation program overview and funding
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez outlines DFTA's transportation program, which addresses the mobility needs of older New Yorkers who have difficulty using public transportation or require accessible vehicles. The program has undergone recent …
0:20:25
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81 sec
Home care, caregiving services, and community care initiatives
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez discusses DFTA's home care and caregiving services, emphasizing their role in supporting community care and allowing older New Yorkers to age in place. She also addresses broader community …
0:21:48
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5 min
Council member inquires about DFTA's significant budget decrease
Council Member Hudson questions Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez about the $124.5 million decrease in DFTA's fiscal 2026 budget compared to fiscal 2025. The decrease is largely due to expired federal COVID-19 funding …
0:28:04
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49 sec
Commissioner assures commitment to maintain current service levels
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez assures Council Member Hudson that there is a commitment from OMB to maintain current service levels despite the budget cut. The council member seeks clarification and expresses some …
0:28:54
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133 sec
Council member questions budget alignment with growing older adult population
Council Member Hudson presents statistics on the growing older adult population in New York City and questions whether DFTA's budget aligns with the increasing demand for services. The council member …
0:31:09
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49 sec
Commissioner outlines DFTA's approach to service planning and cohort-based needs
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains DFTA's approach to monitoring services, fiscal stewardship, and planning for the needs of different age cohorts within the older adult population. She emphasizes the importance of re-envisioning …
0:32:00
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84 sec
Council member seeks specifics on budget decisions and communication with OMB
Council Member Hudson asks for specifics about budgetary decisions based on metrics and inquires about DFTA's communication with OMB regarding increased demand for programs and services. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides brief …
0:33:26
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66 sec
Transportation program for seniors' medical appointments
Council Member Schulman inquires about a program that helped seniors get to their doctor appointments. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez explains that DFTA funds transportation programs in each borough for group transportation, including …
0:34:33
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78 sec
Expansion of transportation services considering congestion pricing
Council Member Schulman inquires about plans to expand transportation services for seniors, particularly in light of congestion pricing. She expresses concern about seniors from other boroughs accessing Manhattan for medical …
0:35:51
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34 sec
DFTA's relationships with healthcare providers
Council Member Schulman inquires about DFTA's relationships with healthcare providers, particularly NYC Health + Hospitals. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez describes close collaborations with both H+H and the Department of Health and Mental …
0:36:26
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96 sec
Public health awareness and vaccine education for seniors
Council Member Schulman discusses the importance of public health awareness and vaccine education for seniors, referencing a recent hearing on public health emergency preparations. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez confirms ongoing collaboration with …
0:38:02
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48 sec
MTA fare reduction program for express buses
Council Member Schulman raises concerns about the MTA's fare reduction program, particularly the lack of reduced fares for express buses which many seniors in her district use for medical appointments. …
0:38:50
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81 sec
Proposed budget reduction and its impact on DFTA services
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the proposed $100 million reduction in the New York City Agent budget and its potential impact on older adult centers and services. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez responds …
0:40:56
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73 sec
Data used to justify budget cuts for DFTA
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions the data used by the administration to justify the budget cuts, especially given the growing older adult population in New York City. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez defers to …
0:42:12
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26 sec
Impact of budget cuts on Council Member Brooks-Powers' district
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the projected impact of budget cuts on her district, which has a significant number of older adults and several active senior centers. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez states …
0:42:39
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83 sec
Steps to ensure service accessibility in underserved communities
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about specific steps the Department for the Aging is taking to ensure services remain accessible in historically underserved communities like Southeast Queens. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez responds with …
0:44:05
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73 sec
Increase in OAC attendance and congregate meals
Council Member Crystal Hudson brings up the increase in OAC attendance and congregate meals in the first four months of fiscal year 2025. She seeks clarification on how this increase …
0:45:19
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137 sec
Discussion on the Silver Star program for retired city employees
Council Member Mealy inquires about the Silver Star program, which allows retired city employees to earn up to $35,000 annually without impacting their pension. The discussion focuses on the program's …
0:47:50
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133 sec
NORC programs budget and staffing concerns
Councilmember Mealy inquires about the budget for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) and potential program closures. The discussion then shifts to staffing retention issues, particularly for nurses in NORCs. - …
0:50:03
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108 sec
Senior center activities and DFTA monitoring processes
Councilmember Mealy raises concerns about the activities and monitoring of senior centers. The discussion covers hiring criteria, exercise programs, and DFTA's oversight of these centers. - Councilmember Mealy expresses concern …
0:51:53
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178 sec
DFTA's marketing budget and outreach efforts
Councilmember Mealy inquires about DFTA's marketing budget and efforts to promote their programs. The discussion reveals some confusion about the existence and extent of DFTA's marketing budget. - Councilmember Mealy …
0:54:51
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96 sec
Council member questions OMB's commitment to restore DFTA funding
Council Member Linda Lee expresses concern about the potential budget cuts to DFTA and questions whether OMB is committed to restoring funding. She highlights the challenges faced by service providers …
0:56:37
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145 sec
Discussion on home-delivered meals funding and seven-day service
Council Member Lee inquires about the increased reimbursement rate for home-delivered meals and the status of seven-day meal service. Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez provides updates on the current situation and funding structure. …
0:59:01
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112 sec
Transportation RFP and funding for Older Adult Centers
Council Member Lee discusses the new transportation RFP and its implications for Older Adult Centers (OACs). She expresses concern about the adequacy of the funding and inquires about how it …
1:00:56
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58 sec
Funding for nurses in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
Council Member Lee raises the issue of funding for nurses in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), which has been provided by the City Council since 2019. She suggests that this …
1:01:59
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47 sec
Discussion on DFTA's capital plan and budget for older adult center renovations
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about DFTA's capital plan for FY2025-2029, focusing on the $19 million allocated for older adult center renovations. DFTA officials provide details on the number of …
1:02:49
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173 sec
DFTA's headquarters relocation and strategies for capital funding
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about DFTA's headquarters relocation project and strategies for increasing capital funding. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez discusses the agency's approach to capital improvements and funding challenges. - …
1:05:42
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3 min
OAC contract extensions, future RFPs, and service planning considerations
Council Member Crystal Hudson questions DFTA officials about the extension of OAC contracts, plans for future RFPs, and the impact of funding on service delivery. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez provides insights …
1:09:40
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7 min
Council Member Mealy inquires about RFP process for senior centers
Council Member Darlene Mealy questions Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez about the process for opening new senior centers and getting existing centers funded through DFTA's budget. The discussion focuses on the upcoming …
1:17:27
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159 sec
Discussion on proposed budget cuts to NYC Aging
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the impact of proposed budget cuts on NYC Aging's services, particularly older adult centers. The discussion focuses on: - A proposed $124 million cut …
1:20:07
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90 sec
New needs requests for case management and home care
Council Member Hudson inquires about NYC Aging's new needs requests for case management and home care. Key points include: - NYC Aging submitted a package of unmet needs to OMB, …
1:21:37
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103 sec
Food reimbursement rates and funding for meal programs
Council Member Hudson discusses food reimbursement rates and funding for meal programs with NYC Aging officials. Key points include: - The council previously called for increasing home-delivered meal reimbursement rates …
1:23:22
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5 min
Federal funding sources and potential impacts of funding cuts
Council Member Hudson inquires about NYC Aging's federal funding sources and preparedness for potential funding cuts. Key points include: - Federal funds make up 18% of NYC Aging's budget in …
1:29:13
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5 min
Capital requests and repair needs for older adult centers
Council Member Hudson discusses capital requests and repair needs for older adult centers with NYC Aging officials. Key points include: - NYC Aging received 18 capital requests in both FY2024 …
1:34:50
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4 min
BOOM conference funding and costs
Council Member Hudson inquires about the funding and costs associated with NYC Aging's BOOM conference. Key points include: - The preliminary plan includes an additional $41,830 in city funding for …
1:39:10
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130 sec
Key lessons and takeaways from the BOOM conference
Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez shares key lessons and takeaways from NYC Aging's BOOM conference. Main points include: - The importance of exposing the network to new thought leaders and exchanging ideas about …
1:41:20
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169 sec
Discussion on federal funding sources for DFTA programs
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about federal funding sources for DFTA programs, particularly the New York Connects and foster grandparent programs. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez and CFO Jose Mercado provide details …
1:44:15
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3 min
Examination of DFTA staffing levels and vacancies
Council Member Crystal Hudson questions DFTA about current staffing levels, vacancies, and efforts to fill open positions. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez discusses the agency's staffing situation and ongoing conversations with the …
1:48:08
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3 min
Analysis of case management services and caseloads
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about recent changes in case management services, including a decrease in clients served but an increase in case management hours. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains the …
1:51:40
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4 min
Discussion on congregate meals at older adult centers
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the increase in congregate meals served at older adult centers and the costs associated with different types of meals. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez and CFO …
1:56:06
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4 min
Budget allocation and reallocation strategies for older adult centers
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about DFTA's process for reallocating resources across its provider network, particularly for older adult centers. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains the agency's new approach to budget …
2:00:51
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117 sec
Projections and planning for future demand of aging services
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about DFTA's methods for projecting future demand for aging services and how they use population data to inform decisions. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains the agency's …
2:02:49
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86 sec
Funding allocation for home-delivered meals and older adult center programs
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the allocation of $11.1 million added to the FY2025 budget for home-delivered meals and older adult center programs. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains the use …
2:04:16
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62 sec
State budget impacts on DFTA and funding distribution
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about potential impacts of the proposed state fiscal year 2026 executive budget on DFTA. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez discusses the state's budget allocation and DFTA's advocacy …
2:05:23
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77 sec
Analysis of wait lists for home care and case management services
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the wait lists for home care and case management services, as reported in the NYC aging term and condition report. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains …
2:06:40
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142 sec
Data reporting challenges and implementation of new data management system
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about missing data in the term and condition report and the timeline for addressing these issues. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez and CFO Jose Mercado explain the …
2:09:02
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3 min
Testimony by Helen Chen, Director of Brooklyn Older Adult Center at Chinese American Planning Council (CPC)
Helen Chen, representing the Chinese American Planning Council (CPC), testified about the growing Asian American senior population in New York and their unique challenges. She shared a success story of …
2:14:42
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157 sec
Testimony by Anita Kwok, Policy Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses, on DFTA's Preliminary Budget
Anita Kwok, representing United Neighborhood Houses, addresses the NYC Department for the Aging's preliminary budget, highlighting concerns about significant funding cuts and their potential impact on older adult services. She …
2:17:24
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173 sec
Testimony by Kevin Kiprovski, Director of Public Policy at LiveOn NY, on DFTA's Preliminary Budget
Kevin Kiprovski, representing LiveOn NY, testified on the critical need for increased funding in aging services, highlighting concerns about potential budget cuts and their impact on older adult centers and …
2:20:22
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3 min
Testimony by Brian Ellicott-Cook, Director of Government Relations at SAGE
Brian Ellicott-Cook, representing SAGE, addresses the New York City Committee on Aging regarding the proposed budget cuts to older adult services. He emphasizes the critical need for funding to support …
2:23:43
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3 min
Testimony by Justine Tetteh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Justine Tetteh, representing Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, expresses concern about the impact of budget cuts on older adult services in New York City. She emphasizes the growing needs of the …
2:26:55
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156 sec
Testimony by Barbara Baer, Director of Home Sharing Program at New York Foundation for Senior Citizens
Barbara Baer, Director of the Home Sharing Program at New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, testified about the program's impact and funding needs. She highlighted the success of their home …
2:29:37
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3 min
Testimony by Kimberly George, President and CEO of Project Guardianship, on Guardianship Services and Funding
Kimberly George, President and CEO of Project Guardianship, testified about the critical need for increased investment in nonprofit guardianship services in New York City. She highlighted the organization's work serving …
2:34:08
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126 sec
Testimony by Penelope Hernandez, Program Director of Wellness Together at University Settlement
Penelope Hernandez, Program Director at Wellness Together University Settlement, testified about the need to stop the proposed $100 million cut to older adult services and requested additional funding for case …
2:36:18
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179 sec
Testimony by Jenny Dembrow, Executive Director of The Lower Eastside Girls Club
Jenny Dembrow, Executive Director of The Lower Eastside Girls Club, testified about their Center for Well-being and Happiness (CWBH) and its impact on older adults in the community. She highlighted …
2:39:30
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3 min
Testimony by Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP NY, on DFTA Budget Cuts
Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP NY, expresses deep concern about the mayor's budget cuts to older adult services, emphasizing the dire consequences for the aging population in New York …
2:42:37
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3 min
Testimony by Jeanette Estima, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Citymeals on Wheels
Jeanette Estima from Citymeals on Wheels testified about the critical need for expanded food assistance programs for homebound older New Yorkers. She highlighted the success of their emergency meals program …
2:45:48
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159 sec
Council member asks about federal funding for organizations
Council Member Crystal Hudson asks the panel about the amount or percentage of federal funding their organizations receive. Representatives from various organizations respond, providing information about their funding sources and …
2:48:27
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134 sec
Testimony by Catherine Thurston, Chief Executive Officer of Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
Catherine Thurston, CEO of Service Program for Older People (SPOP), testified about the importance of mental health services for older adults in New York City. She emphasized SPOP's role in …
2:53:00
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158 sec
Testimony by Ines De la Nuez, Director of Older Adult Center and Community Services at Grand Street Settlement
Ines De la Nuez from Grand Street Settlement testifies about the importance of their older adult services and the potential impact of budget cuts on these programs. She urges the …
2:55:51
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3 min
Testimony by Elizabeth Bird, Director of Public Policy at Educational Alliance
Elizabeth Bird, representing Educational Alliance, testifies about concerns for older adult programs in New York City amid budget cuts. She focuses on the need for increased funding for meal services …
2:59:20
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162 sec
Testimony by Xiomara Maldonado, Senior Director of Older Adult Programs at Manny Cantor Center, Educational Alliance
Xiomara Maldonado passionately appeals to the city to reverse proposed budget cuts and increase investment in older adult services. She emphasizes the critical importance of these programs for the well-being …
3:02:06
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3 min
Council member shares personal connection to aging issues
Council Member Crystal Hudson expresses empathy and shares her personal connection to aging issues, mentioning her experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease. She acknowledges the emotional aspect of …
3:05:45
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20 sec
Council member emphasizes importance of early advocacy for older adults
Council Member Crystal Hudson stresses the critical need for younger individuals to advocate for older adults, emphasizing that it's too late to start advocacy once one becomes an older adult …
3:06:06
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61 sec
Testimony by Mohammad Razvi, Executive Director and Founder of Council of Peoples Organization (COPO)
Mohammad Razvi, representing the Council of Peoples Organization (COPO), testifies about the importance of DFTA funding for their Halal Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program. He emphasizes the growing …
3:07:08
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153 sec
Testimony by Susannah Ham, Member of Homecrest Senior Center
Susannah Ham, a retired employee of the Controller Office of New York, shares her positive experiences at Homecrest Senior Center and emphasizes the importance of keeping senior centers open. She …
3:09:47
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3 min
Testimony by Kai Fai Lo, Representative from Homecrest Community Services
Kai Fai Lo, a retired USPS worker and member of Homecrest Community Services, testifies about the importance of the senior center in his life and urges the city council to …
3:13:02
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125 sec
Testimony by Cynthia Maurer, Executive Director of Visiting Neighbors
Cynthia Maurer, Executive Director of Visiting Neighbors, testifies about the importance of their organization in supporting seniors who wish to remain independent and at home. She emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of …
3:15:12
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4 min
Testimony by Atrice Wildman, Social Caseworker at Encore Community Services
Atrice Wildman, a social caseworker at Encore Community Services, testifies about the urgent need for increased funding to support New York City's older adults. She highlights the challenges in providing …
3:19:35
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3 min
Testimony by Kay Banton, Older New Yorker from the Lower East Side
Kay Banton, an older New Yorker from the Lower East Side, testifies about the importance of older adult services and the potential impact of proposed budget cuts. She emphasizes the …
3:23:51
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66 sec
Testimony by Peter Kempner, Legal Director of Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
Peter Kempner, Legal Director of Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS), testified about the organization's Senior Law Project, which provides free legal services to low-income New Yorkers aged 60 and above. …
3:25:01
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173 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson provides testimony on various topics related to senior services and delivery workers in New York City. He advocates for supporting legislation to protect delivery workers, proposes using …
3:27:56
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3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown
Sharon Brown testifies on various issues affecting seniors, including housing, financial support, and food security. She emphasizes the need for independent living options, increased funding, and programs to support older …
3:31:02
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3 min
Testimony by Kavita Shah, Program and Budget Director of India Home
Kavita Shah, Program and Budget Director at India Home, testified about the challenges faced by their organization in serving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean seniors. She highlighted the importance of older …
3:36:15
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3 min
Testimony by Michael Singh, Program Manager of Peter J. DellaMonica Older Adult Center at Catholic Charities
Michael Singh, representing Catholic Charities, testified about the devastating impact of proposed budget cuts on older adult services in New York City. He emphasized the growing older adult population and …
3:39:55
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3 min
Testimony by Navi Bains, Associate Director of Advocacy and Policy at Asian American Federation
Navi Bains from the Asian American Federation testified on the FY26 budget, highlighting the challenges faced by New York's Asian community, particularly older adults. She emphasized the need for increased …
3:43:21
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129 sec
Testimony by Tanya Krupat, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Osborne Association
Tanya Krupat from the Osborne Association testified about the importance of addressing the needs of older incarcerated individuals and those returning to communities in New York City. She emphasized the …
3:45:47
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136 sec