Recreation, Services, and Fun at Seaview Senior Housing

“Since its opening in April, the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island’s Social Service Office at Seaview Senior Housing has been providing residents with more than just much-needed social services—there are also activities and opportunities for socialization,” said Polina Medovoy, Program Coordinator for the JCC.

The office is operated out of the Seaview Senior Housing complex and serves the residents who live there. An on-site coordinator provides comprehensive screenings to residents to determine eligibility for benefits, including Medicare/Medicaid enrollment, tax exemption benefits, HRA services, advocacy, and mental health and medical referrals. She also coordinates shopping trips twice a week for residents and plans other relevant programming that improves daily life for residents.

“It’s a great place to live,” said John, a resident of the complex. “I’m really happy that I can get access to so many things right in the building.”

Other activities that have taken place since the complex opened are a theatrical performance, a “Welcome Summer” party, bingo, and tai chi. Some other educational presentations included topics such as scam prevention, identity theft, tobacco education, and Medicare enrollment. These events were presented in partnership with Illuminart Productions, Fidelis, Senior Services of North America, Vita Care Pharmacy, Tobacco Free Staten Island, and the NYS Division of Consumer Protection.

Another resident, Mary, noted, “I like going to these free events, and I get to meet my neighbors. We’re becoming a really nice community.”

The complex has 160 apartments exclusively for low-income seniors, as well as indoor common spaces, ample parking, and outdoor amenities. Residents were selected to live in the complex through the City’s senior housing lottery process.

“With the senior population booming on Staten Island, we understand the importance of expanding our senior services programming to fit the ever-changing needs of seniors in our community,” said David Sorkin, CEO of the JCC of Staten Island. “Seaview Senior Housing is a wonderful example of a special partnership that helps meet a need, which was inspired by the Borough President’s vision of a vibrant community for seniors. It is fantastic to see so many seniors thriving in this environment. As projects like this grow, we look forward to continuing to serve even more seniors on Staten Island.”
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For more information on the JCC’s senior services, visit sijcc.org or call Amelia Winter at 718.475.5238.