RAICES 47th Anniversary Gala Program

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Dear Friends, Welcome to our 47th Anniversary Gala!

We are delighted to have you with us tonight as we celebrate 47 years of dedicated service to the aging communities of Brooklyn and Queens.

Founded in 1978 by Homero Rosado and a group of retired community members, the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council – RAICES was built on a vision of advocacy, education, and service. That vision continues to guide our work today.

RAICES has always recognized the importance of culture, language, and understanding in meeting the needs of older adults. Over the past four and a half decades, we’ve grown to operate five centers in Brooklyn and four in Queens, serving more than 3,000 older adults each year.

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our centers provide a welcoming and vibrant environment for learning, social engagement, and vital services like behavioral health support, health and wellness activities, and case assistance, ensuring our older adults enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Tonight, we honor our supporters, sponsors, former Executive Directors Edwin Mendez-Santiago and Jose Ortiz Ortiz, and the dedicated RAICES team and board for their impactful contributions and leadership. We’re also proud to recognize our Homero Rosado Leadership Award honorees for their exceptional service to our community: •

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Dewonnie Frederick, Director of Community Affairs at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), for her commitment to fostering meaningful cultural and community connections that enrich the lives of older adults across Brooklyn.

Marta Lopez, Certified Health Coach, for her unwavering dedication to promoting wellness, healthy living, and empowerment among older adults through personalized support and education.

Maimonides Health, for its continued leadership in community engagement and its efforts to improve access to healthcare, resources, and support for our aging population in Brooklyn.

With deep appreciation and joy, we thank you for joining us in this special celebration.

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

Cheers to 47 years—and the future ahead!

DAMARIS E. SANTIAGO Board Chair

LISETTE SOSA-DICKSON, LCSW Executive Director 3

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E V E N IN G P R O G R A M 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

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HOMERO ROSADO LEADERSHIP AWARD 6

Homero Rosado (1913-1992) was 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 Juanita Arocho Papers. Homero Rosado and U.S. military during World Juanita Arocho: JuAr_0005. Center for Puerto Rican Studies Library & Archives, Hunter College, War II and received the Bronze CUNY. Web. 14 Apr 2024.

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

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HONOREE

DEWONNIE FREDERICK DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC (BAM)

Dewonnie Frederick serves as Director of Community Affairs at BAM, where she has built a remarkable career spanning more than four decades. She began her journey at BAM as an usher and went on to hold roles in Ticket Services and Marketing before joining the Community Engagement team 15 years ago.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, and a lifelong New Yorker, Frederick holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Prior to joining BAM, she worked as a paraprofessional educator, supporting students from preschool through age 21.

In her current role, Frederick dedicates much of her time to the development, implementation, and management of BAM’s Senior Programs. Committed to lifelong learning and meaningful arts engagement for older adults, she curates a diverse array of offerings, including Senior Cinema—free monthly film screenings accompanied by lively discussions—as well as live music performances, book clubs, literary readings, and hands-on visual arts workshops. Through these programs, Frederick fosters community connection, creativity, and cultural enrichment for BAM’s growing senior audience.

She also developed and launched the Ticket Access Program (TAP), a free ticket initiative that expands access to the arts by partnering with community organizations—enabling thousands of individuals to experience BAM performances at no cost.

Frederick curates and produces the DanceAfrica Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace that supports both emerging and established entrepreneurs from across the African diaspora. Featuring vendors of clothing, housewares, crafts, and cuisine, the Bazaar activates the streets surrounding BAM each year as part of the DanceAfrica Festival.

Additionally, she helps lead several of BAM’s signature community engagement events, including the Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and BAMboo!, the organization’s beloved family-friendly Halloween celebration.

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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.

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HONOREE

MAIMONIDES HEALTH Maimonides Health is Brooklyn’s largest healthcare system, serving over 320,000 patients each year through the system’s three hospitals, 800+ physicians, and more than 80 community-based practices and outpatient centers. The system is anchored by Maimonides Medical Center, one of the nation’s largest independent teaching hospitals and home to centers of excellence in numerous specialties; Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital (formerly New York Community Hospital), a 130-bed adult medical-surgical hospital; and Maimonides Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn’s only children’s hospital, and only pediatric trauma center.

Maimonides’ clinical programs rank among the best in the country for patient outcomes, including its Heart and Vascular Institute, Neurosciences Institute, Bone and Joint Center, and Cancer Center.

ABOUT MAIMONIDES CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Maimonides Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in Brooklyn, caring for children 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our staff is comprised of an outstanding team of board-certified pediatric physicians, surgeons, nurses, and nurse practitioners who dedicate their lives to the health and well-being of children. Our team of board-certified pediatric specialists collaborate with the team to ensure each child receives the expertise and best care possible in an environment created and designed for their comfort.

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C O N G R AT U L AT O R Y L E T T E R CONGRESSWOMAN

NEW YORK’S 7TH DISTRICT

May 15th, 2025 Dear Friends, 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 citizens as exemplified by your organization.

I wish RAICES many more years of continued success! Saludos!

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez Member of Congress

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C O N G R AT U L AT O R Y L E T T E R

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

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C O N G R AT U L AT O R Y L E T T E R

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

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C O N G R AT U L AT O R Y L E T T E R

May 15, 2025 Dear RAICES community, Congratulations on 47 years of outstanding service to older adults in our community!

RAICES’ dedication to supporting older adults—through direct services, culturally competent assistance, and tireless advocacy—is invaluable in ensuring that some of our most vulnerable Brooklynites receive the care, respect, and resources they deserve. Their strength and advocacy has made a tremendous impact in meeting the needs of low-income, predominantly African-American, and Latino communities across Brooklyn.

I am proud to represent Council District 33 and lucky to have the presence of RAICES Senior Centers in our district offering critical programs, community enrichment, and wonderful social and emotional support for our older adults.

I am grateful for RAICES' efforts in supporting vulnerable Brooklynites and look forward to their continued contributions in the years ahead!

Sincerely,

Lincoln Restler New York City Council Member

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M IL GR ACIA S T O A LL OF T HE

SUPPORT E RS & DONORS PREMIER SPONSOR

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A+E GLOBAL MEDIA

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BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

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VISIONS

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GRIOT CIRCLE

UNITED WAY OF NYC

D&G BUSINESS CENTER

PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE

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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 RAICES BOARD OF DIRECTORS Damaris E. Santiago

Annie McQueen

Chairperson

Member

Ed Salas

Yolanda Diaz

Treasurer

Member

Rose W. Gaynus

Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW

Secretary

Executive Director

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PR OGRA M S A N D SE R V I C E S CASE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

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

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

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

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 16

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WE CONGR ATUL ATE

Dewonnie Frederick A CHERISHED MEMBER OF OUR BAM FAMILY FOR MORE THAN 40 YE ARS — FOR HER TIRELES S C OMMITMENT TO CRE ATING A MORE JUST, INCLUSIVE, AND CARE-FILLED WORLD. DE WONNIE, YOU INSPIRE US E VERY DAY.

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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.

New York City

VISIONS congratulates Brooklyn Advisory Board Member, Yvonne Cotto and RAICES for 47 years of service.

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OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE STAFF WHO ENABLES RAICES TO MEET ITS MISSION AND VISION DAILY: Lisette Sosa-Dickson, LCSW Executive Director

Ariadna Muñoz-Santos Program Director

Yvonne Cotto Associate Director

LaDanza Worthey Program Coordinator

Raquel Ortiz-Terron, LCSW Clinical Director

Katy Brito

Bertha Orellana

Elvia Campos-Martinez

Iris Peña

Delmis Carrasco-Cruz

Adrian Peña Santana

Alexandra Rodriguez-Canizare Program Director

Priscilla Ceruti

Jeannette Perez

Michael Cholewinski

Martha Rodriguez

Sheila Johnson Program Coordinator

Mildred Cruz

Carmen Rojas

Rosa Dominguez

Jose Rosales

Milagros Esquerdo

Elizabeth Santana

Fernanda Flores-Gomora

Delores Stokes

Ferdinanth Freire-Escobar

Sonia Vanegas-Vanegas

Mariana Buoninconti Program Director

Meris Peña Program Director Ariadna Quiñones Program Coordinator Esdras Ramirez Program Coordinator Blanca Morocho-Ramirez Program Director

John Martinez Miriam Martinez Randy Nuñez-Mata

Jose F. Jimenez Mildred Luna-Martinez Maria Marrero

THANK YOU FOR SHARING IN OUR 47TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Reginald Thomas – Graphic Designer info@rfdesignstudio.com

Jimmy Goods – Musical Entertainment bookjimmygoods@gmail.com

Chef’s Orchid – Caterer

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

Chef Bobby Stone

bobbystone@chefsorchid.net Alex Guerrero – Photographer alxxgmedia@gmail.com

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Vanessa Lake – Bartender yourbartendervanessa@gmail.com

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S CAN TO DONATE

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