By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) announced the successful acquisition of a $550,000 grant aimed at critical upgrades for its 164th Street Adult Center. This funding, facilitated by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic through the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), is set to enhance the facility’s infrastructure significantly.
The improvements will include the installation of a new environmentally compliant roof, replacement of ten outdated rooftop air conditioning units, and extensive waterproofing and brickwork restoration. Additionally, the fire alarm system will be modernized to meet current safety standards, ensuring a safer environment for those who rely on the Adult Center.
The extensive renovation work, completed in late August, addressed key structural issues and modernized the facility to meet safety and environmental standards.
Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) has secured a $550,000 grant for critical upgrades to its 164th Street Adult Center, facilitated by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.
Founded in 1950, QCP has evolved to support over 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the help of over 400 dedicated staff members, the organization aims to empower individuals to maximize their skills and improve their quality of life.
To celebrate this milestone, QCP hosted a Building Restoration and Rededication Ceremony on October 9 at the Adult Center. Rozic was joined by Assemblyman Sam Berger and Councilman James F. Gennaro.
“We are so very excited to have Assemblywoman Nily Rozic with us here today to thank her in the most special way for helping QCP to upgrade and improve our building,” Wendy Phaff-Gennaro, Director of Developmental said. “And if you’re curious, photos are up here of the before and after, which are pretty astounding. And you can see on the bottom, this is where all the current work was done. It doesn’t look like a lot, but it was a lot to get it done and to do it so we’re really, really grateful for help on this.”
At the ceremony, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic expressed her excitement about the recent developments at the adult center, thanking her colleagues. She reflected on her first meeting with QCP clients, which inspired her commitment to advocating for the community.
“A lot of times in every budget cycle, it seems this community gets left behind,” Rozic said. “And so, in a small way, today, we’re marking not just an actual investment in the brick and mortar of this building, but the actual foundation of an organization like QCP. And I’m so proud to be able to do that.”
The funding will support significant improvements, including a new roof, updated air conditioning units, and a modernized fire alarm system, enhancing safety and infrastructure.
Rozic emphasized the importance of the $550,000 investment, not just for the building’s structure but for the foundation of QCP as an organization. She recounted a visit to the center where she identified crucial needs and rallied support from the Queens delegation in the State Assembly. Rozic concluded by reaffirming her dedication to the community and presented a ceremonial check to mark the occasion.
“I knew what my mission is. I need a list,” Rozic said. “Get me a list, and we, as a Queens delegation in the State Assembly will figure out the rest of it. And we did that, and I’m so excited. And two years later, we get to stand here and celebrate all of that, and of course, a huge state investment of $550,000.”
At the ceremony, Assemblyman Sam Berger expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to support Queens Centers for Progress, highlighting that one of his first meetings after being elected was with the organization. He described witnessing the “wonderful and important work” being done at QCP as one of the most heartwarming experiences he’s had. Berger thanked Assemblywoman Rozic for her efforts and acknowledged the collaborative work between their offices to secure additional funding for the building.
“I’m so grateful to be able to be a small way, a part of this field, to help fight for the needs of this building and the good work that’s being done,” Berger said. “Thank you so much, Assemblywoman Rozic for your work.”
Celebrating this milestone, QCP held a rededication ceremony on October 9, attended by key local officials and community members.
At the ceremony, Terri Ross, Executive Director of Queens Centers for Progress, expressed deep gratitude to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for her unwavering support of the community. She highlighted the challenges the organization faces in securing funding and maintaining their building, which was constructed in 1974 and is showing signs of deterioration.
“To get the help from our fellow assembly people and legislators, it means so much to us to have you and our legislators by our side,” Ross said. “It really does. We could not do this without you. And to the individuals who are here today, to the board who is here today, to the maintenance guys who put this building together with scotch tape, I can’t thank you all enough for keeping us so together.”
Ross shared a personal anecdote about the building’s condition, noting that it had significant leaks affecting its structure. She emphasized the importance of legislative support in addressing these issues and thanked everyone involved, from the board members to maintenance staff, for their dedication. Ross also acknowledged the efforts of Wendy and her team in organizing the event and mentioned the artwork created by QCP participants, which has a special place in Rozic’s office.
Council Member Jim Gennaro praised the collaborative efforts of state officials in securing funding for Queens Centers for Progress. He acknowledged the challenges faced at the city level regarding non-city capital projects but expressed his gratitude for the support from Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Assemblyman Sam Berger. Gennaro emphasized the love and dedication that bind the QCP community together, describing it as inspiring. He concluded by commending his colleagues in the state assembly for their hard work in Albany, highlighting the complexities of passing legislation compared to city council processes.
“When one sees the love that holds this institution together and how it spreads through the individuals and their families, and how QCP makes lives whole and strong and meaningful is really one of the most inspiring things,” Gennaro said.
