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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sandra Martinez, Executive Director of Regional Aid for Interim Needs Inc. (RAIN) on Funding for Older Adult Centers
5:26:53
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4 min
Sandra Martinez, representing RAIN, appeals for increased funding for older adult centers in New York City. She emphasizes the critical role these centers play in reducing isolation, promoting health, and enabling older adults to remain active and engaged members of their communities.
- RAIN operates 13+ older adult centers, described as "lifelines" and "home away from home" for many seniors.
- The centers provide cognitive stimulation, creativity, and empowerment, challenging stereotypes of passive spaces.
- Martinez argues that without sustained funding, the health and well-being of older adults will decline, impacting the city's healthcare system and financial stability.
Sandra Martinez
5:26:53
Good afternoon, team members of this committee on finance hearing.
5:26:57
We are honored to be here today representing our president and CEO, doctor Anderson Torres, of Regional Aid for Interim Needs Inc, also known as RAIN, an organization that has proudly served the older community along with those in home care since 1964.
5:27:15
It is our privilege to continue this essential work.
5:27:18
Our dedicated staff reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we are humbled to carry forward the legacy of our late founder Beatrice Castiglia Cattullo, if affectionately remembered as Bee.
5:27:30
Our 13 plus older adult centers are more than facilities, they are lifelines.
5:27:36
Many of our members describe them as their home away from home, where they find friendship, connection, and purpose.
5:27:43
In these centers, older adults reduce feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety by engaging in meaningful activities and building supportive social networks.
5:27:54
We live in a society that too often overlooks the needs of older adults.
5:27:58
Today, we appeal to you to stand with us in promoting equity and age inclusivity and fund our older adult centers.
5:28:07
We need a city that works for all ages, integrating care in a way that honors every stage of life.
5:28:14
You may ask, what does that look like?
5:28:17
We answer, it looks like a model that engages, invites, and empowers older adults.
5:28:22
A model that bridges generations and amplifies the message that seasoned New Yorkers are vital contributors to our communities.
5:28:29
Our older adult centers are not passive spaces.
5:28:32
They're interactive hubs of cognitive stimulation, creativity, and empowerment.
5:28:38
They also provide spaces where the risk factors are assessed on a regular basis.
5:28:44
Through diverse programming, we challenge the mind, encourage lifelong learning, and promote mental agility.
5:28:51
We're a community of collected voices who live experiences that enable us to mentor others and thrive through inclusion.
5:28:59
Our thoughts matter.
5:29:00
Our contributions matters.
5:29:02
It's in times of need, you will find many of all of our older adults continuing to serve as pillars of their families and communities.
5:29:11
It is essential that we are seen, heard, and considered in policy decision decisions.
5:29:19
We want the champions in our professional networks who have already advocated for programs that support our work.
5:29:26
But today, we ask you to reflect.
5:29:29
What is essential for an older adult to truly thrive in New York City?
5:29:33
Who is the older adult we serve?
5:29:36
At RAINN, we create spaces that honor the individual's story and listen to their needs.
5:29:40
Without these centers, the health and well-being of older adults will decline and that will ultimately impact the city's health care and financial stability.
5:29:50
Socialization is not a luxury.
5:29:52
It is a critical component of health.
5:29:54
Without it, the city will risk rising levels of illness, hospitalization, and costs.
5:30:01
Every day, our centers teach older adults the importance of staying active, eating well, and nurturing mind, body, and spirit.
5:30:10
Today we ask you what would you want for your own parent or grandparent or yourselves at this stage in life.
5:30:18
We are grateful to those who continue to advocate for policies that will support funding of older adult programs and uplift those who have paved the way for all of us.
5:30:28
And finally, we must challenge outdated stereotypes of older adult centers as places where people simply sit all day.
5:30:35
The older adults we serve are engaged, active citizens.
5:30:38
They vote, advocate, embrace technology, improve their health, and contribute meaningfully to society.
5:30:47
They want to thrive, but they can only do so if we continue to invest in an integrated community model or of care that promotes both cognitive and physical well-being.
5:30:58
That's why you support and more importantly your funding is critical now more than ever.
5:31:04
Without sustained and increased funding for older adult centers, we risk unraveling the very safety net that keeps thousands of older New Yorkers healthy, engaged, and independent.
5:31:15
The same ones you have funded in the past.
5:31:18
We urge you to champion this cause to secure the funding resources that will allow us to continue this vital work and to ensure that older adults in our city are not left behind.
5:31:28
Your investment today is an investment in the health, dignity, and future of New York City.
5:31:34
Thank you.