News from New York State Office for the Aging

For more information contact: Reza Mizbani, 518-474-7181

Governor Paterson Proclaims May as Senior Citizens Month:

Office for the Aging Director Michael Burgess Unveils New York @ Home Initiative

ALBANY, NY (05/06/2008; 1300)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today proclaimed May as Senior Citizens Month. Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging, presided over Senior Citizen Day activities with hundreds of volunteers and professionals in the field of aging. The theme for this year’s event, NewYork@Home - Helping Family, Friends, and Neighbors Remain in Their Homes and Communities recognizes the volunteers throughout the state who work with county offices for aging to promote aging in place.

“The NewYork@Home initiative will help to ensure that older New Yorkers have a life of self-sufficiency, independence and involvement in their communities,” said Governor Paterson. “This month and throughout the year we must recognize and encourage older New Yorkers who work tirelessly to build stronger communities, from which New Yorkers of all generations derive immeasurable benefits. They are an example to us all.”

Each year, the New York State Office for the Aging coordinates an event to honor and recognize the significant efforts made by older residents from across the state to improve the lives of others living in their communities. Director Burgess opened the event to the public last year for the first time in over a decade and again this year, participants came from all parts of the State to join the celebration.

This year, Director Burgess unveiled New York @ Home, a program that is designed to assist persons to continue living independently as they age at home by enhancing the coordination of efforts to provide home and community-based services, housing, and transportation for older New Yorkers.

“As we continue to work towards bringing together the range of programs and services that comprise New York@ Home, individuals will find it easier to remain in their communities, with family, friends and loved ones,” Director Burgess said.

The recently enacted state budget included a number of programs that support the NewYork@Home initiative.

• New funding of almost $4million for nutrition programs such as home-delivered meals will support aging in place will complement cost of living improvements for workers in home and nutrition based services.
• A new community empowerment initiative will allow the Office for Aging to demonstrate replicable supports for persons wishing to remain in their own homes with programs that recruit and train volunteers to help neighbors remain in the community.
• Additional supports for family caregivers will be available with a new enriched social adult day program, additional funding for respite care and new resource centers.
• Transportation will be addressed through an increased funding stream for county offices for the aging that are facing increased operating costs and a demonstration program for on-demand transit.
• Housing efforts will be enhanced through an investment of $200 million in affordable housing production and preservation efforts and funding for the Division of Housing and Community Renewal programs, Access to Home and HOPE/RESTORE, providing construction to promote accessibility and emergency maintenance.

At Senior Citizens Day on May 5th former United States Senator Harris Wofford, a national leader of the movement to keep older persons civically engaged, delivered the keynote address that exhorted older New Yorkers to engage in activities designed to help them remain as active and healthy contributing members of their communities.

“It has been a pleasure working with a public servant like Michael Burgess under the leadership of my friend Governor David Paterson, said Senator Wofford. “I applaud the recognition of the invaluable contributions older New Yorkers make in their communities and across this state. Each step we take to widen opportunities for older Americans to stay engaged in work and volunteering is incredibly important to our families, our neighborhoods and our economy.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the Assembly Aging Committee presented a proclamation honoring the Legislature’s State Senior Citizen of the Year, Eartha Washington of Queens. Senator Martin Golden, Chair of the Senate Aging Committee presented a proclamation honoring the Legislature’s Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen, Stella Bailey, of Fort Montgomery, Orange County. Earlier in the day, Director Burgess personally met with awardees from counties throughout the state who travelled to Albany to be part of the festivities. Each was recognized for efforts to make New York State communities desirable places to age in place. The honorees have been chosen through a local process initiated by their home county’s office for the aging. (See attached for a listing of the honorees.)

Director Burgess presented Mrs. Ava Dorfman with the Director’s first annual Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplifying dedication during her lifetime to community service in a manner that makes them a model for others. Mrs. Dorfman started a senior center in Rome NY (Oneida County) 50 years ago, in response to her promise to God that if she survived the Holocaust she would dedicate herself to service to others.

For information about New York @ Home and other NYSOFA programs and services, contact the NYS Office for the Aging. A statewide senior citizens help line is also available to all those seeking information on these and other aging programs. The toll free help line number is 1-800-342-9871.

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