137th Street Center Dedication

(New York, NY) -On Friday, September 20, 2002, at 10:30 a.m., United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) will dedicate its new 137th Street Center in the Bronx. The center, located at 408 E. 137th Street in the Southeast Bronx, is home to a new Day Program for Adults and Health Care Center for individuals of all ages. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr. will be present to offer the support of the community and to present a proclamation in honor of the occasion. Also attending will be State Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, City Councilman Jose Serrano, and Robert Swinton, Deputy Director of Facility Planning at the New York City Housing Authority. Following the dedication, there will also be an Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Adult Day Program, for adults 21 years of age or older, will focus on skills development, increase self-sufficiency, volunteer opportunities, health and fitness, and community integration for its participants. Similar to other UCP/NYC day programs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, this facility hosts an award-winning Sloan Health & Fitness Center-a state-of-the-art fitness facility where people with disabilities have access to a variety of high-quality exercise equipment that is specially designed to meet their needs.

As part of their community involvement efforts, program participants will provide office support to local community centers as well as assist at soup kitchens, volunteer at libraries and hospitals, and explore museums, zoos and the botanical gardens. Cybill Wilson, who transferred to this program from one in Manhattan, notes, "Coming here I got to meet new people, which was really exciting. I love to get out and see new faces and go to fun places. I am so happy to be coming here everyday."

"In the future," says Maggie Maldonado, Program Director, "we will promote the unique potentials and interests of our program participants through a variety of community activities, volunteerism, and vocational work."

The Health Care Center features state-of-the art medical and dental equipment for superior patient care. Large examination rooms with accessible examination chairs are a key component of the clinic and provide more comfort to the patients. Some of the services currently available include: nurse case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, psychology and behavioral management, adaptive equipment assessment and repair of items, including wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.

Beginning shortly will be primary and pediatric medical services, dental and audiology services, and orthopedic services. Kathy Kelly, Director of Clinical Services for UCP/NYC, notes," In addition to offering services to program participants, the Health Care Center hopes to become a provider of specialized medical care to the entire local community."

For more information on UCP/NYC's 137th Street Center or to inquire about services, contact Maggie Maldonado, Program Director, at (718) 993-3458.

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