BedfordParkMultiService Centerfor SeniorCitizensInc

The Sister Annunciata Bethell Neighborhood Senior Center, sponsored by the Bedford Park MultiServiceCenter for Senior Citizens, Inc. continues to be a vital sourceof quality care for over 40 years to more than 250 Senior Citizens in the Bronx. The Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center currently serves more than 60 seniorcitizens daily and 15% are over the age of 90, including a Centenarian. Many of those we serve face a variety of challenges such as food insecurity, elder abuse,poverty, behavioral health concerns and chronic health conditions. We know that many of the strongest predictors of health and wellbeingfall outside of thehealthcare setting, therefore the support services we provide are more vital now than ever before.Throughout the year, our Agency provided more than 15,500Congregate Lunches, Weekend & Emergency Meals as well as Educational & Recreational Activities, Transportation, Counseling & Crisis Intervention, Crime VictimsAssistance & Prevention Counseling, Information & Referral Services and assistance with Entitlements & Benefits. In 1997 a fire destroyed the original Senior Centerand in 2002 we renamed our new Center the Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center, a state of the art building which has afforded us the opportunity to introduceadditional programs such as Technology, Nutrition Education Workshops, Health Promotion Activities, including daily physical exercises such as Yoga, TaiChi,Aerobics, Walking Group, Balance & Strengthening Exercises and mind stimulating activities. Our Arts & Culture activities have also enhanced and stimulated the livesof our Seniors. Participants in our theatre group and arts & crafts classes are identifying a multitude of talent and creativity being shared with their family andcommunities.Our organization provides a variety of Health & Wellness programs and encourages our seniors to follow a healthier lifestyle. We serve heart healthymeals, offer Nutrition Education lectures and focus on Health Promotion & Prevention workshops which are provided through community partnerships. CommunityHealthcare professionals educate Staff and Seniors on Healthy Eating, Diet & Exercise, Diabetes, Hypertension and Heart Disease. Registered Nurses provideMedication Management, Health Assessments and a Hypertension Clinic on a weekly basis. In addition, Mental Health services provide training and technicalassistance to our Staff as well as to provide direct counseling and referral services for our program participants. We know that preventing disease before it starts iscritical to helping people live longer, healthier lives and it is through these partnerships that we strive to enrich, support and serve our Community. The SisterAnnunciata Bethell Senior Center has embraced and nurtured those who seek our care for more than 40 years. Our present and future endeavors encompasses thevision and mission of our founder, the late Sr. Annunciata Bethell, OSU, which is to provide A Home Away From Home, a place to gather with friends to share a mealand serve as a sanctuary from isolation. Then when frailty sets in we are there to provide all the necessary support for the next difficult stage of life.