NEW YORK, NY — Today, LiveOn NY joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson to host a “Bronx Advocacy Day” press conference and rally calling for urgent investments for older adults. With the recent plan to defund and dissolve the Administration for Community Living the Presidential administration has put senior centers, Meals on Wheels, and other pivotal programs on the chopping block. At the advocacy day, dozens of local stakeholders, from community groups to service centers, the event was a resounding success, amplifying the call of The Age Strong NYC campaign urging Mayor Adams to invest $2.3 billion in nutrition, housing, and community services to support older New Yorkers.
The Age Strong NYC Campaign, led by LiveOn NY, includes 60+ community and advocacy organizations and comes on the heels of NYCAging facing a $102 million dollar budget cut and the City's failures to meet the needs of its aging population. These failures have catastrophic consequences for the 1 in 5 people in New York who are over the age of 65 and their families.
Organizations in attendance included SAGE, RSS, PSS, Neighborhood SHOPP, NY Connects Manhattan, The Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale, Riverdale YM & YWHA, MMCC, JASA, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, James Monroe OAS, CenterLight Healthcare, and WSFSSH.
“I want my parents, my grandparents, my children, my friends, and for you all, everyone who lives in the Bronx, in New York State, to live their best selves as they age. We all deserve that,” said Allison Nickerson, executive director of LiveOn, “And I want to say a few things about the current environment we are in. What is happening 5 hours south of us is not America — people deserve not to drive five hours to the Social Security office, people deserve not to stand in line for hours. We have been paying into these systems, and we need access to Social Security. This is not a political issue, this is a human issue.”
“It is an honor to stand with our community today at LiveOn NY’s Third Annual Bronx Aging Advocacy Day at Borough Hall—a powerful reminder that our older adults are the heart of our communities. They deserve nothing less than our full commitment, respect, and support,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “Here in The Bronx, we understand that aging is not a crisis—it’s a journey of wisdom, strength, and legacy. But we also recognize the challenges our seniors face, from affordable housing to healthcare access. That’s why I am calling for increased investment in senior services in the City budget, and why I’m proud to have funded LiveOn NY as they continue their critical advocacy and support work. Together, we will continue to fight for a Bronx where aging is embraced, supported, and celebrated.”
“All of us, we worked hard in this city for many years. I worked for forty years in education in the South Bronx, and now we need people to help us. We are political, we are intelligent, we volunteer, and we vote,” said Robert Ackerson, with RSS and Riverdale Y. “And let me tell you, we are one million voters in this city, and we vote in big numbers.”
“These services are vital, and keep our elders stably housed in their community,” said Eustacia Smith from WSFSSH. “We know that without these supports, our folks too often lose access to services and benefits, and can too easily lose access to food, housing, and can easily be displaced. We know the services we provide are essential, and we cannot let this funding be eroded.”
“I’m speaking out here today against the devastating budget cuts that not only threaten the lives of seniors in our communities, but seniors across this city,” said Eldra Drew of NSHOPP. “ We have long benefitted from the opportunities that senior programming offers, it’s here where we have been introduced to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and have learned life skills. These activities are not just ways to pass the time, but it helps us keep our mind sharp, stay engaged, and stay independent. (...) The impact is profound. As our community grows, we need more funding, recognition, and support from the city.”
“Our mission at RAIN is to always provide, since the day we have been established. We want to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers, and meet the needs of people of all ages. A senior center is your home away from home,” said Sophia Reid, director of RAIN. We need to fund older adult centers to provide these services. Like our other speakers have reminded us, older adults are the largest population of voters in this city — we need you to stand up for the constituents who voted for you.”