CPC Open Door Senior Center Celebrates 50 Years of Service in Chinatown
On September 9th, Chinese American Planning Council (CPC)'s Open Door Senior Center in Chinatown celebrated their 50th anniversary with community members, city officials, board members, and staff. The celebration featured a traditional Chinese lion dance performance and a singing and dancing show performed by older adults from the center.
The event was attended by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, NYC Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, NYS Senator Brian Kavanagh, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Council Member Gale Brewer, and Congressional candidate Dan Goldman.
CPC founder Virginia Kee, CPC President & CEO Wayne Ho, and CPC Associate Executive Director and Open Door Senior Center Director Po-Ling Ng welcomed guests and delivered remarks about the center's long history and significance in the community, as well as thanking community members for their unwavering support.
"Open Door Senior Center is CPC's oldest and longest-running senior center which provides one-of-a-kind educational, recreational, and cultural activities to older adults in order to promote active and healthy lifestyles and help them thrive emotionally, mentally and physically," said Wayne Ho, CPC President & CEO. "Today's celebration is a monumental occasion and a testament to our longstanding commitment to providing high-quality services to older adults."
Founded in 1972, CPC's Open Door Senior Center is housed in a historic, landmarked building in Chinatown and serves over 600 members aged 60 and over on a daily basis.
"Our door will always be open to all older adults who wish to join our programs," said Po-Ling Ng, CPC Associate Executive Director and Open Door Senior Center Director.
The center offers vital programming for older adults, including social assistance, nutritional meals, education, and recreation in a safe and inviting environment. For example, the case management service provides one-on-one assistance in benefits and entitlements, translation services, and social support for community members and their families. The center also serves as a Meals on Wheels provider, preparing and delivering meals to hundreds of homebound older adults seven days a week.
