RAICES 46th Anniversary Gala Program

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the RAICES Board of Directors and Staff, it’s our pleasure to welcome you to RAICES’ 46th Anniversary Gala!

Thank you for joining us tonight. We gather to commemorate 46 years of service to Brooklyn and Queens’ aging community. Because of you, RAICES continues to provide culturally relevant programs and services that assist older adults in living independent, socially engaged, and healthy lives.

In 1978, Homero Rosado and a group of retired individuals founded RAICES. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council - RAICES embodies the founders’ spirit and vision through advocacy, education, and program services that serve the needs of our older adults.

RAICES is proud to serve over 3,500 older adults annually across our five centers in Brooklyn and four in Queens. Our members receive vital nutritious meals, case assistance, and behavioral health support. All of you who have joined us tonight are helping advocate for and change the lives of the older adults we serve.

Tonight, we proudly recognize our Homero Rosado Leadership Award honorees–three notable organizations and individuals whose experiences and accomplishments deserve recognition. These changemakers are dedicated to impacting and shaping the lives of older adults.

BloomAgainBklyn is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness in vulnerable people through relationship building and conversations. Diane De Ferrari is an individual and healthcare advocate committed to our communities’ health and well-being. New York Road Runners is an organization that celebrates the physical, emotional, and social benefits for older individuals through their Strider’s Program. All of them share RAICES’ goal of meeting the needs of our aging population, and collectively, we are reaching that goal.

We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported us over the years, including our sponsors and those who have contributed to tonight’s gala. We are thankful for our founders, board, management, and staff, who have significantly contributed to the lives of our older adults, their families, and the community.

Thank you again for standing with us on behalf of the members we serve.

Cheers!

DAMARIS E. SANTIAGO Board Chair

LISETTE SOSA-DICKSON, LCSW Executive Director

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EVENING PROGRAM

COCKTAIL RECEPTION

GREETINGS

Damaris E. Santiago Board Chair

Evening Host

INVOCATION

Alexandra Rodriguez-Canizare Program Director

WELCOME

Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW Executive Director

VIDEO PRESENTATION

46 Years of Making an Impact

HOMERO ROSADO LEADERSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION

HONOREES

BloomAgainBklyn

Presenters: Meris Peña – Program Director & Sheila Johnson – Program Coordinator

Diane De Ferrari

Presenters: Jenni Leon – Program Director & Ariadna Muñoz-Santos – Program Coordinator

New York Road Runners

Presenters: Blanca Morocho-Ramirez – Program Director & LaDanza Worthey – Program Coordinator

CLOSING REMARKS

Damaris E. Santiago

DINNER & DANCING

Music by Jimmy Goods

HOMERO ROSADO LEADERSHIP AWARD

Homero Rosado (1913-1992) the founder and first President of the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES. His legacy and spirit lives on in the organization which he fashioned and inspired for 14 years. Mr. Rosado migrated to New York City from Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1932. He served in the U.S. military during World War II and received the Bronze Star for Valor. Homero led many organizations and was involved in numerous activities on behalf of his community. Homero and his compañera of over 50 years, Doña Juanita Rosado, were leading activists on issues related to social justice and empowerment for the Puerto Rican and Latino community. They were prominently mentioned in the Memoirs of Bernardo Vega, a book which chronicles the early activism of Puerto Ricans in the United States. The Spanish Speaking Elderly CouncilRAICES was honored to have this legacy continued by having Doña Juanita Rosado serve as a board member until her death in 1998. The Homero Rosado Leadership Award is dedicated to his memory as a means to recognize individuals who exemplify the commitment and dedication, which Homero Rosado brought to public service.

HONOREES

BloomAgainBklyn

Community Partner

D iane De

Ferrari

Associate Director of Community Outreach VNS Health

N ew York Road Runners Community Partner

Juanita Arocho Papers. Homero Rosado and Juanita Arocho: JuAr_0005. Center for Puerto Rican Studies Library & Archives, Hunter College, CUNY. Web. 14 Apr 2024.

HONOREE BloomAgainBklyn

BloomAgainBklyn is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing social isolation and loneliness among vulnerable populations by creating connections and community through repurposed flowers. Founder Caroline Anderson’s vision is that flowers can be a powerful vehicle to foster and facilitate dialogue and interaction among generations – young, old, and in-between – and to forge meaningful bonds while building community and giving back to those at risk.

Since 2014, BloomAgain has brought the healing power of upcycled flowers to over 120,000 New Yorkers diverting more than 1.8 million flowers from the solid waste stream in partnership with 80 community and corporate organizations. BloomAgain’s network of more than 2,500 volunteers includes individuals and corporate volunteers, school-age children, community, social service organizations, and most importantly, the recipients who receive the flowers. Its volunteers upcycle unsold and once-used flowers for nursing home residents, homebound older adults, trauma and homelessness survivors, families in shelters, new immigrants, at-risk children, and food pantry recipients. BloomAgain offers weekly upcycling programs, floral wellness workshops, corporate social responsibility flower workshops, Agents of Change education programs, and wedding and event flower breakdown programs.

BloomAgain has been a valued partner with RAICES since 2018. Together, we have hosted numerous floral wellness workshops and provided hundreds of RAICES members with the joy of upcycled arrangements. BloomAgainBklyn is honored to be part of RAICES’ 46th Anniversary Gala.

HONOREE DIANE DE FERRARI

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH VNS HEALTH

Diane De Ferrari, is a distinguished healthcare advocate renowned for her exceptional insight into opportunities and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the community. Diane’s journey in the healthcare domain is adorned with notable achievements, including her knack for creatively addressing complex challenges, assembling and steering high-performance teams, and forging lasting connections with community stakeholders across New York City.

Serving as the Associate Director of Community Outreach at VNS Health, Diane has not merely occupied her role; she has transformed it, setting new benchmarks by leading the development of programs that greatly enhance community engagement, particularly among the elderly.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diane recognized the critical need to prevent isolation among seniors. To address this, she created a virtual space that enabled them to stay socially connected. This innovative effort helped maintain vital interactions, ensuring older adults remained engaged and supported throughout the challenging period.

From managing community outreach to shaping marketing strategies, Diane has left her mark of excellence. Her work is a testament to her belief in the power of healthcare to transform communities and her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of the people she serves.

As we celebrate her recognition at the RAICES gala, we not only honor her professional achievements but also her deep-seated passion for service that resonates with every life she touches. Diane is not just an executive; she is a visionary leader transforming the landscape of community healthcare with empathy, innovation, and relentless drive.

HONOREE NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS

For more than six decades, New York Road Runners (NYRR) has exemplified the spirit of endurance, transforming from a humble local running club into a global beacon of community running. Our mission is to help and inspire people through running. At NYRR, we work hard daily to fulfill that goal through races, community runs, walks, training, virtual products, and other programming. Our free youth and older adult programs serve people of all ages across the five boroughs of NYC and nationally. Since 1970, NYRR’s premier event has been the TCS New York City Marathon, welcoming over 51,000+ finishers in 2023.

Driven by the collective efforts of our members, supporters, participants, and partners, NYRR is committed to leaving an indelible mark on the world. With each stride, we endeavor to make a profound impact across communities, youth programs, charitable initiatives, and the lives of individual runners.

Our commitment extends beyond races and marathons. Through initiatives like our Striders program, we’ve created inclusive spaces where over 400 participants, particularly older adults, find solace, fitness, and camaraderie in a safe space. Striders’ sessions are hosted at sites such as older adult centers and community centers across the five boroughs. By blending structured fitness regimes with the joy of walking, we not only enhance physical wellness but also foster enduring connections within local neighborhoods.

As we gratefully accept recognition from RAICES, we reaffirm our dedication to serving and inspiring, enriching lives one step at a time. NYRR’s partnership with RAICES underscores our belief that every person, regardless of age or background, deserves the opportunity to thrive through the transformative power of physical wellness.

Photo: Special Thanks to New York Road Runners

CONGRATULATORY LETTER

N NYDIA M. VELÁQUEZ

7TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK

April 24, 2024

Dear Lisette, Guests, and Honorees,

I am delighted to extend personal greetings to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council RAICES, this year’s honorees, and guests on this special occasion of its 46th Year Anniversary.

This celebration marks a milestone achievement and is a testament to public service, dedication, and commitment It showcases RAICES resilience and the determination of its leadership, staff, and volunteers for nearly half a century.

RAICES is an invaluable community institution and pillar of support for our most vulnerable, our seniors. Its holistic approach to human services is its cornerstone. It embodies the values of compassion, respect, and dedication. I have witnessed first-hand during my visits over the years the tireless efforts of the leadership and staff to maintain a sanctuary where our seniors can attain services, thrive, and are honored, valued, and cherished.

In celebration of RAICES and the legacy it has built over the past forty-six years, let us reaffirm our social contract to our seniors who have contributed to society in numerous ways throughout their lives. That’s why in Washington, I remain committed to using my voice and my vote to protect fundamental programs and services like RAICES.

Thank you and I wish RAICES many more years of continued success!

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez Member of Congress

CONGRATULATORY LETTER

Dear Friends,

May 15, 2024

Please accept my warmest greetings upon the occasion of The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council (RAICES) 46th Anniversary Gala. I am delighted to have this opportunity to acknowledge RAICES for their outstanding work and recognize your dedicated board for their exemplary leadership. My sincerest congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees.

I commend the dedication of RAICES and their ongoing mission of providing community engagement, social services, health awareness programs and senior citizen advocacy. Your efforts to preserve and strengthen the quality of life for senior citizens through comprehensive programs including nutritious meals and a shared community space has richly added to the vitality of our society.

As the Representative of the 8th Congressional District, I want to thank you for your unwavering service and dedication. Best wishes for a memorable celebration.

Sincerely,

HAKEEM JEFFRIES Member of Congress

CONGRATULATORY LETTER

April 30, 2024

Dear Friends,

Growing up in the Southside of Williamsburg, I learned at an early age how important it is for underserved populations to obtain the resources that they need to thrive. That is why I am honored to congratulate the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES for their 46th anniversary gala. Brooklyn’s older adults deserve to age with dignity, and RAICES helps make that ideal a reality by responding to the unmet needs of older adults in our Latino, African American, and low-income communities through advocacy and the direct provision of targeted services.

RAICES’ achievements speak for themselves. Throughout the year, RAICES has provided over 107,000 meals and served over 3,250 people across all sites. In Brooklyn, RAICES operates five direct service sites and a geriatric behavioral health clinic, the first in the borough. At a time when underserved communities are especially vulnerable to displacement, RAICES’ application of innovative and creative strategies to keep culturally and linguistically competent services in the community is what Brooklyn needs now more than ever.

On behalf of the greatest borough in New York City, I wish you continued success in 2024. Congratulations to the RAICES staff and board on your 46th anniversary gala and your continued service to Brooklyn

Sincerely,

Antonio Reynoso Brooklyn Borough President

Brooklyn Borough President

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council - RAICES on 46 remarkable years of service to the aging community and to the 2024 Homero Rosado Leadership Award Honorees:

BloomAgainBklyn

Diane De Ferrari

New York Road Runners

R A I C E S B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Damaris E. Santiago

Chairperson

Ed Salas

Treasurer

Rose W. Gaynus

Secretary

Annie McQueen

Member

Yolanda Diaz

Member

Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW

Executive Director

MIL GRACIAS TO ALL OF THE

SUPPORTERS & DONORS S

PREMIER SPONSOR

FRIEND SPONSORS

SUPPORTER SPONSORS

ACCENT CARE

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

DONORS

D&G BUSINESS CENTER

FUTURE CARE HEALTH SERVICES

NY STATEWIDE SENIOR ACTION COUNCIL

RIDGEWOOD BANK

VISITING NURSE SERVICES

OUR LOCATIONS

CASE-ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

RAICES Access Program

Yvonne Cotto, Associate Director 460 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718)643-0232 ycotto@raices.us

LICENSED OUTPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC:

Raices Casa BienEstar

Raquel Ortiz-Terron, LCSW, Clinical Director 460 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718)222-1518 rortiz@raices.us

OLDER ADULT CENTERS:

Astoria Social Club

Esdras Ramirez, Program Coordinator 4-05 Astoria Blvd. Astoria, NY 11102 646-828-4767 eramirez@raices.us

Raíces Astoria Older Adult Center

Jenni Leon, Program Director 21-21 30th Drive Long Island City, NY 11102 (718)726-9642 jleon@raices.us

Bland Social Club

Ariadna Muñoz-Santos, Program Coordinator 40-15 College Point Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354 (917)933-8884 amunoz@raices.us

Raíces Corona Older Adult Center

Alexandra Rodriguez-Canizare, Program Director 107-24 Corona Avenue Corona, NY 11368 (718)458-7259 rodrigueza@raices.us

Farragut Older Adult Center

Sheila Johnson, Program Coordinator 228 York Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718)624-0771 sjohnson@raices.us

Raíces Gowanus Older Adult Center

LaDanza Worthey, Program Coordinator

Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 420 Baltic Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718)797-2472 lworthey@raices.us

Red Hook Older Adult Center

Maria Sanchez, Program Director 120 West 9th Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718)269-0519 msanchez@raices.us

Raíces Times Plaza Older Adult Center

Meris Peña, Program Director 460 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 694-0895 mpena@raices.us

Wyckoff Gardens Older Adult Center

Blanca Morocho-Ramirez, Program Director 280 Wyckoff Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 237-1802 bramirez@raices.us

Love LOCAL BANKING

Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW Executive Director

Yvonne Cotto Associate Director

Raquel Ortiz-Terron, LCSW Clinical Director

Alexandra Rodriguez-Canizare Program Director

Sheila Johnson Program Coordinator

Jenni Leon Program Director

Meris Peña Program Director

Esdras Ramirez Program Coordinator

Blanca Morocho-Ramirez Program Director

Maria Sanchez Program Director

Ariadna Muñoz-Santos Program Coordinator

LaDanza Worthey Program Coordinator

Trushar Shah Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Marthe Abraham Psychiatrist

Dr. Jean Bien-Aime Psychiatrist

Nancy Arzuaga-Garcia

Mariana Buoninconti

Elvia Campos-Martinez

Delmis Carrasco-Cruz

Michael Cholewinski

Mildred Cruz

Rosa Dominguez

Milagros Esquerdo

Fernanda Flores-Gomora

Reginald Thomas – Graphic Designer info@rfdesignstudio.com

501 Union – Venue

Andrea Clinton, Sr. Event Sales Manager Andrea@gowanushospitality.com

Chef’s Orchid – Caterer

Chef Bobby Stone bobbystone@chefsorchid.net

Kendall Glaspie – Photographer kendallglaspie@iterlux.io

Jose F. Jimenez

Maria Marrero

John Martinez

Mirian Muy

Randy Nuñez-Mata

Bertha Orellana

Iris Peña

Adrian Peña Santana

Jeannette Perez

Martha Rodriguez

Rafael Rodriguez-Corona

Carmen Rojas

Elizabeth Santana

Daquan Seawright

Delores Stokes

Jessica Wellington De Leon

Jeremy Trott – Videographer jeremy.s.trott@gmail.com

Jimmy Goods – Musical Entertainment bookjimmygoods@gmail.com

Essence Lee – Creator of Step & Repeat Banner team@kingdomadminllc.com

Brendan Rosen – Video Presentation clopictures@brendanrosen.com

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