South Bronx Seniors Speak Out Against Cuts to Senior Services

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Across the city older residents are speaking out against the cuts to senior services as proposed by Mayor Bloomberg. Seniors, advocates, and elected leaders came together at PSS Davidson Center in the Bronx to speak out against the cuts and call on every City Council Member to vote NO on a budget that has cuts to senior services.    

The almost $40 million dollar cut would decimate programs and leave service providers scrambling for financial resources.  Some programs such as case management would lose $6.6 million dollars, a 30 percent cut, and elder abuse programs would be finished losing all of its funding, $800,000. Senior center budgets would be chopped by a whopping $20 million dollars.    

Rimas J. Jasin, Executive Director of Presbyterian Senior Services stated; “senior centers are a vital part of the overall continuum of care for our city’s elderly.  Without senior centers, many elderly will lose their ability to remain healthy and independent.  Many will be forced to live in isolation and despair.”

The Bronx speak out was organized by Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS), Presbyterian Senior Services, Council Member Arroyo, and older residents of the South Bronx.  

Bobbie Sackman, CSCS, Director of Public Policy stated; “the City Council has always been a staunch supporter of senior services. As the city budget process negotiations continues we need them to once again keep in mind older New Yorkers, the role they play in the community, and the contributions they continue to make in this great city.  We ask that every Council Member vote NO on any budget that has cuts to senior services.”

The Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) promotes the quality of life, independent living, productivity, and dignity of mature older adults principally in New York City.  CSCS champions elder rights. For more information visit the CSCS web site at cscs-ny.org.

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The Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) promotes the quality of life, independent living, productivity, and dignity of mature older adults principally in New York City. CSCS champions elder rights. visit the CSCS web site at cscs-ny.org.