We enrich lives and strengthen communities through services and engagement for individuals of all ages, beginning with those most in need.
NEWS AND VIEWS
Fall/Winter 2024
Sunnyside Community Services has been serving communities since 1974
New Affordable Housing for Seniors
Cities and towns across the United States are experiencing a housing crisis, making it di cult for individuals and families to secure a ordable housing.
We are excited to announce a new initiative aimed at addressing this issue in our own community: an a ordable housing development for older adults in Queens.
e new building, named the David & Dina Otterman House, will be located on 45th Street in Sunnyside, Queens, a few blocks from our site on 39th Street. e lot was generously donated by Harry Otterman of Norcor Management Corp.
“As a longtime businessman in Western Queens, I could not think of a better way to help the community than to house senior citizens in need,” said Mr. Otterman.
Preliminary architectural renderings by Purpose by Design Architects, PLLC, envision a nine-story apartment building with approx-
imately 61 units: 40 studio apartments, 20 one-bedroom apartments, and a two-bedroom unit designated for the superintendent. Additional features aim to create a community-centric environment with a spacious lobby, community room, laundry room, a rear yard, exercise room, roof terraces with outdoor seating, and a solar array on the main roof.
“I am very excited to be part of the team working to bring this project to reality,” said Lisa Deller, President of the Board of Directors for Sunnyside Community Services (SCS). “ e David & Dina Otterman House will be a beautiful addition to the neighborhood, providing a wonderful location for older adults to enjoy their golden years.”
David & Dina Otterman House
9 61 apartments oors
7,000 square-foot community facility
Conceptual rendering of David & Dina Otterman House Courtesy of Purpose by Design Architects, PLLC
Letter From Our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
We have had an amazing anniversary year. Members of our older adult center joined in the festivities with a lively party with dancing, cake, and a heartfelt toast (as seen in the photo on page 1). Additionally, over 100 guests joined us at our 50th Anniversary Celebration, where we raised $125,000 to support SCS programs. We are grateful to everyone who helped us commemorate this milestone in our history.
As we look toward 2025, I hope you will continue to stand with us in our mission to strengthen our communities and support those in need.
ank you for being part of our story, and I wish you a joyful holiday season!
Sincerely, Judy Zangwill
ESOL Program Back on Course
You may recall that last summer we had to temporarily suspend our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program due to changes in City funding. Fortunately, in September, the City Council reinstated funding for the current scal year (through June 2025). Council Member Julie Won and her team were invaluable allies in this ght and we’re grateful for their support.
Intergenerational Programming
intergenerational activities, including cra workshops, eld trips to cultural attractions, and visits by cosmetology students.
Above: Students in our ESOL program hold certi cates of achievement a er a semester of hard work. More than 400 students each year improve their English skills in our ESOL classes.
Above: Mike Otterman, Judy Zangwill, and Harry Otterman, at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.
Above: City Council Member Julie Won at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.
Above: Judy Zangwill, Board President Lisa Deller, Senator Michael Gianaris, and Director of SCS’ Older Adult Center Kerly Serrano at a 50th anniversary party at the Center for Active Older Adults. Photo by Cormac Nataro/O ce of Senator Michael Gianaris.
Halloween Spirit
From pre-K to older adults, everyone at SCS got into the Halloween spirit by dressing in costumes and enjoying the Halloween festivities.
older adults participated in intergenerational activities.
Above: Young walkers and runners dressed in Halloween attire for the Sunnyside Post Mile race.
Le : Students from P.S. 199Q and P.S. 150Q show their support for Lights On A erschool, a nationwide event celebrating a er-school programs.
Backpack Giveaway
Assembly Member Jessica GonzálezRojas organized a backpack giveaway at our Woodside Houses Cornerstone Community Center for the start of the school year. e event ensures that local students begin the school year prepared with essential supplies, setting them up for academic success.
Elder Justice
Approximately 1 in 10 older adults experience elder abuse. e Elder Justice program at SCS supports older adults over 60 years of age who are experiencing emotional or physical abuse, neglect, nancial exploitation, or other circumstances that limit their independence. To learn more, email us at elderjustice@scsny.org or call us at 718-392-0836.
young people participated in intergenerational activities.
43-31 39th Street
Sunnyside, New York 11104
Board of Directors
Lisa Deller, President
Steve Leamer, Vice President
Javier Divorato, Treasurer
Nikita Airen, Secretary
Hector Baez
Ronald F. Cavalier
Joseph Conley
Leslie Heredia
Amit Kalra
Roy Kleinert
Ronak Lathia
Gerald Lederman
David Levin
Dina Marenstein
Sharmeela Mediratta
Leo Mensah
Ned Steele
Executive Director
Judy Zangwill
Give a Gift of Hope
Your gi this holiday season will help support individuals and families with life-changing initiatives such as immigration legal assistance, elder abuse prevention, caregiver support, home health aide training, a er-school programs, activities for older adults, and more.
To donate, visit us online at www.scsny.org/donate, call 929-335-7849, or mail a check to:
Sunnyside Community Services
Attn: Development Department 43-31 39th Street
Sunnyside, NY 11104
Contact Info
PHONE: 718-784-6173
TDD/TTY: 800-662-1220
FAX: 718-784-7266
EMAIL: info@scsny.org
WEBSITE: www.scsny.org
Social Media
Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) is a community-based nonpro t centered on the belief that every person deserves meaningful support to achieve their aspirations — especially struggling families and individuals of all ages. SCS serves a diverse community of over 16,000 people of all ethnicities and income levels throughout Queens.