EVENING PROGRAM
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
GREETINGS
Damaris E. Santiago
Board Chair
Evening Host
INVOCATION
Maria’Alejandra Rodriguez-Marrero
RAICES Times Older Adult Center – Caseworker
WELCOME
Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW
Executive Director
PARTICIPANT PERFORMANCE
Astoria Older Adult Center
HOMERO ROSADO LEADERSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION
HONOREES
Dewonnie Frederick
Presenters: LaDanza Worthey – Program Director & Wayne Harris – Participant
Marta Lopez
Presenters: Alexandra Rodriguez–Canizare – Program Director & Frances Angel – Participant
Maimonides Health
Presenters: Blanca Morocho-Ramirez – Program Director & Juana Narvaes – 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
Dewonnie Frederick Director of Community Affairs
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Marta Lopez Certified Health Coach
Maimonides Health 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 MARTA LOPEZ
CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
Marta Lopez is a Certified Health Coach and loving mother of three. She decided to become a health coach to fulfill her passion of working with children and adults to improve their health and the health of our communities. Martha received her training at Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York.
She is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, obtained Continuing Education Units from Purchase College, State University of New York, is a certified Zumba, Latin rhythms, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Total Body Condition and more by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and also certified Home Health Aide at Partners in Care. Martha leads workshops on nutrition and offers individual and group health, nutrition coaching and fitness classes to children and adults.
CONGRATULATORY LETTER
Dear Friends,
May 15 , 2025 th
Felicidades! Today, we proudly celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council - RAICES!
Since its founding in 1978, RAICES has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and service uplifting our elders with dignity, care, and unwavering dedication. Through every challenge and every triumph, RAICES has remained grounded in its mission: to honor, support, and uplift our elderly community
Today, RAICES operates nine senior centers including Farragut, Brooklyn and Long Islang City, Queens in my district RAICES continues to build intergenerational bonds that transcend time with love, respect, and commitment. From holding classes on the art of storytelling, or providing resources for advocacy and independence, these efforts are building more than just programs, they are building community, family, and legacy I am inspired daily by the type of care and services that have profoundly enriched the lives of our elders
I congratulate Spanish Speaking Elderly Council for forty-seven years of invaluable service I commend Lisette Sosa-Dickson, Executive Director, her Board of Directors and volunteers for their tireless efforts, leadership and public service. I also want to congratulate the honorees Dewonnie Fredrick, Marta Lopez and Maimonides Medical Center for your outstanding community work As you mark this milestone, may we recommit ourselves to the vision that RAICES was founded upon for all New Yorkers In Washington, I remain committed to protecting core services for our most vulnerable citiz ens as exemplif ied by your organization.
I wish RAICES many more years of continued success! Saludos!
Sincerely,
Nydia M. Velázquez Member of Congress
CONGRATULATORY LETTER
Dear RAICES,
It is with great pride and admiration that I extend my warmest congratulations to RAICES on the momentous occasion of your 47th Anniversary Gala.
RAICES’ story is rooted in compassion, community, and commitment. Established in 1978 by retired older adults who recognized the urgent need for tailored services in Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods, RAICES has since evolved into a beacon of hope for New York City’s Latino, African-American, and low-income aging population.
For decades, RAICES has been a steadfast source of empowerment and resilience for immigrant communities across New York. RAICES unwavering commitment to advocacy and culturally responsive community support has created a lasting legacy—one that continues to uplift countless lives.
This celebration is not only a testament to the incredible work RAICES has done, but also a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when compassion meets action. The ability to evolve and meet the changing needs of the communities is truly inspiring. This milestone is richly deserved, and I am confident that RAICES’ next chapter will be even more impactful.
Congratulations to the board, staff, volunteers, and supporters whose dedication has brought RAICES to this landmark moment. May this gala be filled with joy, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose as you continue your transformative mission.
With admiration and best wishes for continued success,
Sincerely,
Francisco P Moya NYC Council, District 21
CONGRATULATORY LETTER
April 17, 2025
Dear Friends,
It is with great pride and admiration that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to RAICES on forty-seven years of dedicated service to our community
As your District Attorney, I’ve had the privilege of visiting the RAICES Older Adults Center at 460 Atlantic Avenue and witnessing firsthand the warmth, dignity, and respect that defines the space. The Center is not only a hub of connection and culture for older adults, but also a lifeline—offering health services, social programs, and educational workshops that empower our elders to live full, independent lives.
What began in 1978 as a grassroots initiative by retired community members has grown into a network of nine vibrant Older Adult Centers serving thousands of older adults across Brooklyn and Queens. At its core, RAICES has remained true to its mission: to support our city’s Latino, African-American, and low-income aging population with compassion, community, and commitment.
On behalf of my office, thank you for all you do. I offer my deepest support for this year ’s Gala and continued gratitude for RAICES’s legacy of care.
Warm regards,
Eric Gonzalez District Attorney
SUPPORTERS & DONORS
PREMIER SPONSOR
FRIEND SPONSORS
SUPPORTER SPONSORS
DONORS
A+E GLOBAL MEDIA
BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC
CARDONA TAX AND BUSINESS
D&G BUSINESS CENTER
G & G DUCT CLEANING
GNET CONSTRUCTION
GRIOT CIRCLE
PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE
SALCARE VISIONS
UNITED WAY OF NYC
CONGRATULATIONS
to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council - RAICES on 47 remarkable years of service to the aging community and to the 2025 Homero Rosado Leadership Award Honorees:
Dewonnie Frederick
Marta Lopez
Maimonides Health
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
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
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
Mariana Buoninconti, Program Director 21-21 30th Drive Long Island City, NY 11102 (718) 726-9642 mbuoninconti@raices.us
Bland Social Club
Ariadna Quiñones, Program Coordinator 40-15 College Point Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354 (917) 933-8884 aquinones@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 420 Baltic Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 797-2472 lworthey@raices.us
Red Hook Older Adult Center
Ariadna Muñoz-Santos, Program Director 120 West 9th Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718) 269-0519 amunoz@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
WE CONGRATULATE
Dewonnie Frederick
A CHERISHED MEMBER OF OUR BAM FAMILY FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS—FOR HER TIRELESS COMMITMENT TO CREATING A MORE JUST, INCLUSIVE, AND CARE-FILLED WORLD.
DEWONNIE, YOU INSPIRE US EVERY DAY.
UNITED WAY OF NEW YORK CITY
congratulates RAICES on 47 years of empowering Spanish-speaking older adults through advocacy and care.
We honor the legacy of Homero Rosado and celebrate your continued commitment to dignity, independence, and community.
VISIONS congratulates Brooklyn Advisory Board Member, Yvonne Cotto and RAICES for 47 years of service.
New York City
Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW Executive Director
Yvonne Cotto Associate Director
Raquel Ortiz-Terron, LCSW Clinical Director
Mariana Buoninconti Program Director
Alexandra Rodriguez-Canizare Program Director
Sheila Johnson Program Coordinator
Meris Peña Program Director
Ariadna Quiñones Program Coordinator
Esdras Ramirez Program Coordinator
Blanca Morocho-Ramirez Program Director
Ariadna Muñoz-Santos Program Director
LaDanza Worthey Program Coordinator
Katy Brito
Elvia Campos-Martinez
Delmis Carrasco-Cruz
Priscilla Ceruti
Michael Cholewinski
Mildred Cruz
Rosa Dominguez
Milagros Esquerdo
Fernanda Flores-Gomora
Ferdinanth Freire-Escobar
Jose F. Jimenez
Mildred Luna-Martinez
Maria Marrero
Reginald Thomas – Graphic Designer info@rfdesignstudio.com
Chef’s Orchid – Caterer
Chef Bobby Stone bobbystone@chefsorchid.net
Alex Guerrero – Photographer alxxgmedia@gmail.com
John Martinez
Miriam Martinez
Randy Nuñez-Mata
Bertha Orellana
Iris Peña
Adrian Peña Santana
Jeannette Perez
Martha Rodriguez
Carmen Rojas
Jose Rosales
Elizabeth Santana
Delores Stokes
Sonia Vanegas-Vanegas
Jimmy Goods – Musical Entertainment bookjimmygoods@gmail.com
Essence Lee – Creator of Step & Repeat Banner team@kingdomadminllc.com
Vanessa Lake – Bartender yourbartendervanessa@gmail.com
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