On December 5, the JCC hosted Senior Law Day, an event designed to answer legal questions that many seniors will face. The information session covered a wide range of topics, including planning for future medical expenses, estate planning, tenant and landlord rights, elder abuse, and helping family members in crisis.

Mary, an attendee, reports being impressed by the presenters’ knowledge, “Over the years, I have attended quite a few programs on Staten Island promoting senior topics ranging from law to healthcare to housing. The depth and breadth of knowledge shared by the presenters yesterday was extraordinary. The speakers were thoughtful, inclusive, and helpful in their remarks.”

We are grateful to the New York State Office of Court Administration for organizing Senior Law Day and to all those who sponsored the event: The State of New York Unified Court System, the Community Agency for Senior Citizens, the NYC Department of Social Services, the NYC Department of Aging, Catholic Charities of Staten Island, the Richmond County Bar Association, the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association and the Staten Island Trial Lawyers Association.

On Tuesday, November 19th, the JCC of Staten Island announced that it will operate the island’s first ever NORC—Naturally Occurring Retirement Community—in Stapleton. Stapleton was designated as a NORC based on the large population of seniors who live in the area.

This NORC has been named GO KOSSAH, which stands for Keeping Our Seniors Safe and Healthy—a priority for us here at the J! The social services offered in this community, such as health assessments and transportation to medical appointments, will help seniors live safely and independently in their homes. This newest endeavor will support the JCC’s other initiatives to enhance the well-being of our seniors.           
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This project, announced today in a press conference at the Carter Center in Stapleton, was made possible through funding from the Department for the Aging (DFTA), allocated by Councilwoman Debi Rose. The JCC is proud to play a continuing role in serving Staten Islanders at all stages of life.