Selfreliance Association provides support services to NYC community (09/09/01)

Selfreliance Association provides support services to NYC community

by Irene Repczuk-D'Alessio

NEW YORK - For the last 50 years, the Selfreliance Association of American Ukrainians (New York Branch) has been serving the Ukrainian community in New York City, providing supportive services for newly arrived immigrants, sponsoring the Ukrainian school, and helping Ukrainians overseas.

The Selfreliance Association, located at 98 Second Ave., in Manhattan, is a well-known presence to the Ukrainian community attracting people of all ages who come to the center seeking information and advice on all matters. Everyone is welcome to seek help - no one is turned away. Responding to the growing and changing needs of the older population of the community the Selfreliance Association has intensified its focus on assisting senior citizens.

Oksana Lopatynsky, the full-time case manager who works tirelessly and with great dedication, is always ready to assist in resolving any type of problem. The center serves as a life-line for the older residents of the community. Whether the problem concerns housing, landlord-tenant issues, Medicare, Social Security, Food Stamps, home care, resolving medical bills, or translating letters, they feel secure in the knowledge that help is available.

Program Director Irena D'Alessio provides social service consultation and serves as liaison with government agencies, hospitals and nursing homes.

More importantly, the Selfreliance Association has embraced the older residents of the community by providing recreational services, events, and exercise classes on a weekly basis. On Thursdays, the center is a hub of activity for about 40 seniors who gather for an afternoon of games, entertainment, cultural events and educational seminars. These activities are very beneficial as they provide an outlet for socializing with peers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, members are given opportunities to participate in bus outings, theater parties, picnics and museum trips. In May 40 members enjoyed a trip to the New York Botanical Garden and in July 42 members spent a relaxing day on the beautiful grounds of St. Josaphat's Monastery in Glen Cove, Long Island.

Thanks to the funding provided by New York City Council Member (District 2, Manhattan) Margarita Lopez, Selfreliance has been able to sponsor such outings and expand services to the older population. Councilwoman Lopez has provided funding through the council's discretionary funds since 1998.

The funds are administered through the New York City Department for the Aging. Although the program has served over 1,000 people in the last year, there are many elderly in the community who are either in nursing homes, hospitals or are homebound, who are very lonely and require a great deal of social service support. It is the program's goal to provide outreach services to this population.

The Selfreliance Association is seeking volunteers who can devote two or three hours a week to make telephone calls to homebound persons or to make visits to hospitals or nursing homes. No experience is necessary and training will be provided by Selfreliance staff members. Anyone interested in helping his or her community may contact Mrs. Lopatynsky or Mrs. D'Alessio at (212) 777-1336.

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