The Archdiocese of New York offers several community and social services through agencies such as ArchCare and Catholic Charities, and at the parish level, many local churches house groups with programs that supplement the archdiocesan efforts.

One of those is the STAR Older Adults Center at St. Elizabeth Church in Washington Heights, on Wadsworth Avenue. The center serves adults 60 and over. 

In East Harlem, the Barrio Angels ministry at St. Edward the Martyr Church on East 109th Street provides services for immigrants. 

STAR Older Adults Center 

“We’re here to provide recreational activities for our seniors; it’s very important. It keeps them independent, active, and they socialize with other older adults here,” Stephany Cruz, program coordinator at the STAR Older Adults Center, told The Good Newsroom. 

“We provide them with physical activity to keep them active. We also provide them with casework assistance to keep their benefits. If they have an issue with a landlord, we also assist them with that, and if they need letter translation.” 

Cruz said the center rents space from the church, and its patrons include St. Elizabeth parishioners. The church often informs older parishioners about the center’s services. 

Serving Washington Heights since 1970 

Since 1970, the STAR Older Adults Center, formerly the STAR Senior Center, has provided supportive services to older adults in Washington Heights at 650 W. 187th St. between Broadway and Wadsworth Avenue. STAR stands for Seniors Together for Action and Recreation. 

Organizers noted that the mission of Washington Heights Community Services Inc., which oversees the center, “is to promote successful aging and meet the needs of the well and frail elderly with concrete services.” Many members form lasting bonds while sharing nutritious meals, taking English classes, having their blood pressure checked, going on shopping trips, or traveling to City Hall to advocate for legislation to benefit older adults. 

The STAR Older Adults Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with congregate lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Activities include ESL grammar and conversation, karaoke, Latin dances, table games, Matter of Balance fall prevention, educational and recreational activities, and Zumba workouts. More information is available at starseniorcenter.org. 

Barrio Angels ministry 

The stated mission of the Barrio Angels ministry is to provide a safe space and network of resources and support to immigrants, regardless of status or ability to pay. The drop-in center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Church of St. Edward the Martyr, 14 E. 109th St. 

“We offer a drop-in center for basic social services for immigrants, staffed by Spanish-speaking professionals and established community organizers, including an immigration attorney, a licensed social worker, a licensed occupational therapist, and others. In addition to Spanish, we have developed the capacity to translate French, Pulaar (Fulani), Wolof, and Arabic,” the parish website says. 

Organizers said pro bono legal services are available on site to assist people with immigration, asylum, and refugee needs. Free, drop-in English lessons are provided from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. In addition, the ministry provides referrals to a variety of local social service organizations. More information is available here.