Hundreds Attend Town's Independence Resource Fair

The Town’s Department of Services for the Aging recently hosted hundreds of local seniors at Project Independence’s Community Resource Fair on July 19 at the Great Neck Senior Center.

Project Independence is North Hempstead’s innovative ‘aging in place’ initiative.  Its mission is to allow seniors to stay in their homes longer by connecting them with various community resources. The resource fair linked seniors with those resources directly by providing them with information from local government officials, medical care providers, physical therapists, veterans services, senior real estate specialists, and various other community organizations and businesses.

While seniors enjoyed a light lunch, North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and other various government officials addressed the crowd.  

“Project Independence is all about answering the question of ‘how do we get North Hempstead seniors what they really need?” said Kaiman, who spearheaded the creation of the Project Independence program back in 2006. “By calling our 311 Call Center, a knowledgeable Project Independence representative will connect you with any service you need.”

More than 76,000 service requests have been created through the Town’s 311 Call Center since the inception of Project Independence in 2006, according to a press release from the Town.

Other government officials on hand included Nassau Legislator Judi Bosworth, Town Councilwomen Anna Kaplan and Lee Seeman, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross and County Legislator Wayne Wink.

Phoebe Lazarus of Great Neck, the former President of the Great Neck Senior Center said, “I think this fair is fabulous and wonderful. It really means a lot to the seniors that are here.”

Connie Maller of Great Neck said she can especially appreciate the benefits of the fair, “My mother was disabled at the age of 59 and programs like this did not exist at that time.  We are very fortunate to have this type of assistance at our fingertips today.”