Queens Community House
The Neighborhood Intergenerational Chore and Errand (NICE) Program at Queens Community House (QCH) provides shopping, laundry and errand services for frail and homebound senior citizens in the areas of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, and Corona. Additionally, this program provides services for senior citizens through partnering facilities such as senior centers and nursing homes. NICE addresses the needs of senior citizen community members while also supporting the need among community youth for productive and enriching after school opportunities for positive engagement and skill building that will advance career exploration and work readiness.
The communities targeted by the NICE Program are heavily populated by low-income, immigrant families representing diverse backgrounds. Youth employment in these neighborhoods is low and while most include resources for older adults, this is the only program that addresses both seniors’ needs for daily living assistance and fosters community connection along with the development of young adults.
Results
94% of homebound senior participants have remained in their homes through the assistance provided by the program. Additionally, every youth participant graduates or gets promoted to the next grade in school the following year. An additional 79% of youth participants also demonstrate improvement in personal development indicators such as communication.