Selfhelp Community Services Honors Jackson Heights Residents Age 90 And Older During 90th Anniversary Party

JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY (June 17, 2026) – Selfhelp Community Services continued its yearlong celebration of its 90th anniversary by honoring more than 50 members of its Northridge/Southridge/Brulene Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program in Jackson Heights who are age 90 and older.

The event brought together NORC members, families, community leaders, and elected officials for an afternoon of recognition, storytelling, music, and fellowship. The celebration highlighted the lives, accomplishments, and wisdom of older adults whose experiences and contributions have helped shape New York City across generations.

“As Selfhelp marks 90 years of service, it is especially meaningful to celebrate individuals whose lives span nearly all of those nine decades,” said Katie Foley, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement at Selfhelp Community Services. “Their resilience, experiences, and contributions remind us why supporting older adults as they age with dignity and independence remains at the heart of our mission.”

As part of the celebration, Selfhelp unveiled a commemorative booklet featuring personal stories, reflections, and life lessons from NORC members. The publication captures memories of pivotal historical moments, family traditions, immigration journeys, careers, and community involvement.

State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas joined the event and presented citations recognizing NORC members for their contributions to the Jackson Heights community. She also visited several homebound seniors to ensure they were included in the recognition.

"It is a profound honor to celebrate our neighbors whose lives, wisdom, and resilience have shaped Jackson Heights and our city for generations. These remarkable seniors have built families, strengthened communities, overcome challenges, and contributed so much to the vibrant neighborhoods we call home. As we recognize the accomplishments of SelfHelp’s members, we also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every older adult can age with dignity, remain connected to their community, and receive the respect and support they deserve. I am proud to celebrate these extraordinary individuals and grateful for the joy and wisdom they continue to share with us all," said Assembly Member González-Rojas.

Attendees enjoyed a special luncheon and live entertainment, including a performance by Gamelan Yowana Sari, the Balinese art ensemble in residence at Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music.

The event is one of several taking place throughout the year to commemorate Selfhelp’s 90th anniversary. Founded in 1936 to assist refugees fleeing Nazi persecution, Selfhelp has grown into one of New York’s leading nonprofit organizations, serving older adults, Holocaust survivors, and other vulnerable New Yorkers through affordable housing, home care, and community-based services.

Today, Selfhelp serves 25,000 individuals annually, helping older adults maintain their independence and remain connected to their communities.