FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2012
MEDIA CONTACTS: Collin Nash & Sid Nathan | (516) 869-7794
Project Independence Officially Opens its Doors to the Westbury-Carle Place Community, the Sixth in a Planned Network of Eight Locations
North Hempstead, NY– North Hempstead’s groundbreaking “aging in place” initiative officially began serving residents of the Westbury/Carle Place area recently when Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilwoman Viviana Russell joined with scores of supporters to celebrate the grand opening of the sixth Project Independence location in the town.
More than 200 people, including health care and senior care providers and community members, attended the October 19 open house at the new location, the recently-opened Yes We Can Community Center at 141 Garden Street.
“The opening of this office is a milestone in a number of ways,” Supervisor Kaiman said, noting that as the sixth of eight planned locations, the program took another step closer to accomplishing the goal a Town-wide network of Project Independence locations. “We are proud to have come this far in the pursuit of our commitment to help our senior residents stay in their own homes and communities as long as they wish as well as navigate the vast labyrinth of services out there.”
With North Hempstead’s—and indeed the nation’s—senior population growing exponentially, Supervisor Kaiman developed Project Independence three years ago to help support and empower seniors by providing an array of services through partnerships with government, service providers, businesses and the local community.
Supervisor Kaiman took the concept, which was originally established in urban areas and is known as a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) and suburbanized it.
By simply dialing 311—another urban concept Supervisor Kaiman pioneered in the suburbs–a resident can connect with a Project Independence staffer, who will help them find answers to a particular question, track down information or tap into valuable services such as health screenings, immunizations and information about managing medications.
Project Independence also offers caregiver support, social and recreational activities, support groups for those coping with illness, depression or loss, as well as volunteer opportunities.
“CNN Money Magazine designated Project Independence one of the best places to live in the country because of our programs like Project Independence,” said Councilwoman Viviana Russell. I am honored to be able to offer this innovative program to our seniors, the people who helped pave the way to this wonderful quality of life we all enjoy.”
Each of the Project Independence locations is overseen by an advisory board which tailors programs specific to the needs of each community.
David and Joan Linden of East Williston sit on the committee of the Roslyn-East Williston Project Independence, one of the six satellite offices throughout the town, including Great Neck, Port Washington/Manorhaven, New Hyde Park and Mineola.
Calling the program, “fabulous,” Joan Linden said it has “fulfilled the needs” of hundreds of seniors in her area, including hers. “We were concerned about whether or not we would be able to remain in our own home but thanks to Project Independence, that’s no longer an issue for us.”
Please call 311 for more information.
Supervisor Jon Kaiman launched Project Independence Westbury-Carle Place at the North Hempstead Yes We Can Community Center.