You are reading

New Yorkers march to combat elder abuse at NYC Department for the Aging’s awareness event in Sunnyside

Photo courtesy of NYC Department for the Aging

June 11, 2024 By Czarinna Andres

Over 200 New Yorkers gathered in Sunnyside to support older adults and advocate for an end to elder abuse as part of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) event on Monday, June 10.

Organized by the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) in partnership with Sunnyside Community Services (SCS), the day’s activities began with a community march down Queens Boulevard to raise awareness about the significant issue of elder abuse and express solidarity with its survivors.

SCS team members march down Queens Blvd. (Photo courtesy of NYC DFTA)

Participants march down Queens Blvd. (Photo courtesy of NYC DFTA)

The march was followed by a support and resource fair at SCS, located at 43-31 39th St., providing crucial information and resources to help prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly.

Assemblymember Ron Kim, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, was one of the speakers, alongside New York City’s Commissioner on Aging, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging, Cordell Cleare.

(Left to right) New York City’s Commissioner on Aging Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, AM Ron Kim, and Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging Cordell Cleare (Photo courtesy of NYC DFTA)

“Elder crime can mean many different things: emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse to name a few. But the most common crimes perpetrated against older adults is rampant fraud and financial exploitation,” Kim stated during his speech. “We’re constantly working to raise awareness, collaborate with law enforcement and educate our communities on protecting their loved ones from predatory schemes.”

Attendees gathered at the 40th St. station along Queens Blvd. (Photo courtesy of NYC DFTA)

“Today’s event demonstrated the power of our community to provide critical support for survivors and raise awareness to prevent further abuse of older adults,” said Cortés-Vázquez. “The coalition of survivors, advocates, community leaders and supporters shined a light on elder abuse, offering victims critical resources to rebuild their lives.”

(Photo courtesy of NYC DFTA)

Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of Sunnyside Community Services, emphasized the importance of community awareness and education. “We’re proud to partner with NYC Aging in supporting those who have experienced elder fraud. Today’s event, and others like it, play a vital role in educating the public about elder abuse and providing them with the necessary tools and information to combat it,” Zangwill remarked.

The event is part of a series of NYC Aging-sponsored activities aimed at raising awareness about elder abuse. These include lighting up City Hall and other municipal buildings in purple on June 15, the official World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

One Comment

Click for Comments 
SunnysidePostSucks

they all marched about a block before getting out of breath and having to sit. then they walked one block back to the senior center for a nap.

2
3
Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Queens Together launches ‘Unofficial US Open Dining Guide’ encouraging fans to sample restaurants along the 7 line

Aug. 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The US Open returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this Sunday, with more than 1 million attendees anticipated to take mass transit to the iconic annual tennis event. With hundreds of thousands of fans set to take the 7 out to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, there is a world of delicious local eateries lying beneath the elevated train tracks should any fan wish to stop en-route to the US Open.

Can Queens’ food scene thrive with both trucks and restaurants?

Aug. 19, 2025 By Jessica Militello

In Jackson Heights at 4 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon, Roosevelt Avenue is buzzing with energy as commuters file in and out of subway cars and onto the street and cars and trucks grapple to get down the busy road. The street is filled with rows of shops and restaurants, along with food carts, street vendors and food trucks along the avenue. The almost-but-not-quite the weekend lag leaves hungry commuters faced with another choice to make throughout their day and the array of food truck options in busy areas like Jackson Heights offers customers convenience and delicious food without breaking the bank, two features that can feel vital, particularly with rising costs of living and pressure from inflation.