COMMUNITY NEWS

Crisis Center, town are hosting senior workshops

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Older adults’ “golden years” might not always be so golden. To help local residents overcome the challenges of aging, the Long Island Crisis Center and Hempstead Town will host a series of workshops called “Putting Together the Pieces for a Happy Life.”

The L.I. Crisis Center, at 2740 Martin Ave. in Bellmore, is Nassau County’s only 24-hour/seven-day-a-week intervention and referral center. According to representatives of the organization and town, the workshops will focus on issues that seniors face, which are often related to isolation, medical problems, and/or losing a spouse or loved one.

“National suicide rates for the 65-plus population have historically always been the highest among all age groups,” said LICC Executive Director Linda Leonard. “I am encouraged that we can make a positive impact locally by getting direct access to this vulnerable population through the town’s partnership with us.”


Leonard added that she was pleased that town officials were taking a lead in bringing crisis intervention and suicide prevention to the community’s older adults by hosting the programs at town senior centers and working with her organization on the project.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray noted, “Golden-aged residents can benefit greatly from knowing the warning signs of depression and how they can get assistance in their times of need.”

During the 30-minute workshops, Crisis Center presenters will discuss the myriad challenges that seniors face, how they can recognize when they need help and how to obtain the help they need. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The first workshop was held on May 13 at the Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center. The schedule for the remaining sessions is:

  • Wednesday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m.: Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Ave., Oceanside
  • Thursday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m.: Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square
  • Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m.: Levittown Senior Center, 555 N. Newbridge Road, Levittown
  • Wednesday, May 27, noon: Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore
  • Tuesday, June 2, at 11 a.m.: Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream