BY:Art Campomanes Staff Writer for World Liberty TV
Queens Centers for Progress was founded in 1950 as United Cerebral Palsy of Queens, by a group of parents who needed services for their children with cerebral palsy. The not-for-profit organization’s first services were delivered from the basement of a wood-frame house in Queens, now affectionately referred to as the “haunted house.” At the time, it was run in consultation with local hospitals.
Officers of QPC with Honoree
Construction began on our first fully dedicated building, at 82-25 164th Street, in 1958. Initially, UCP of Queens offered therapy and educational programs for children with cerebral palsy. As the children grew, we began offering vocational services, including facility-based training workshops.
The children’s program grew in size, and as the children themselves became older, they needed services designed for adults. The building at 82-25 164th Street was doubled in size in 1966 to accommodate the beginning of vocational services.
Dr.Abbey with Lisa Mateo & Brian Rooney
In the early 1970s, in response to the de-institutionalization movement that allowed many people who had been living in developmental centers to move into the community, agencies like UCP of Queens, founded to serve individuals with a specific disability, expanded their services.
Dr.Abbey with Dimitrios Kaloidis owner of Terrace on the Park
QCP’s Natalie Katz Rogers Training and Treatment Center, at 81-15 164th St., was built in 1974, and reflected a great increase in the number of adults needing vocational, and life-skills training services. In the 1980s, as the people we served aged, we added services for seniors, emphasizing community-based recreation and health education for people of retirement age with developmental disabilities. Our program for seniors is now known as the “Community Connections Center.”
Dr.Abbey with the singing Policeman Daniel Rodriguez
QCP began providing residential services in 1979 with the opening of the Robert T. Groh Residence in Jamaica Estates. That house in now home to eight seniors.
In 1989 QCP opened the Daniel Wieder Campus, named after the agency’s Executive Director from 1960 to 1987. On that site we have a Day Habilitation Program for 150 people and five 10 bed Intermediate Care Facilities for adults with significant disabling conditions.
The agency has opened three Individual Residential Alternative houses in neighborhoods throughout Queens, and additional residential expansion is planned.
Dr.Abbey with Peter Meyer NYC Mkt President for TD Bank & Denise Arbesu of Citibank
In 2001, we changed our name to Queens Centers for Progress, to reflect the wide variety of developmental disabilities served by our programs. QCP now has a staff of more than 600 and an annual budget of over $35 million; funded through federal, state, and local government sources, contract services and private contributions.
Hundreds of people in attendance
The Following people were honored and participated at Evening of Fine Food 2017 at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Queens New York: Brian Rooney Regional Vice President Mutual of America, Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Brooklyn. Chef & Host of Breaking Bread With Special Guest Lisa Mateo, Reporter Pix-11 News Host of Celebrity Taste Makers. The Following Queens’ top Restaurants participated: Anthony’s Restaurant, Austin Steak & Ale House, AVLI- The Little Greek Tavern, Bourbon Street, Buddy’s Kosher Delicatessen, Caribbean Food Delights, Celebrity Taste Makers, Donovan’s of Bayside, Elements at LaGuardia Plaza Hotel, Fairway, Gastroteca Astoria, Giardinetto Ristorante, Hilton Hotel- JFK, Kaieteur Restaurant, Lareira Restaurant, Linda DeSabato/ Vallo Transportation. Liola- Ristorante Italiano, London Lennie’s, Luigi’s Restaurant & Bar,Marbella Restaurant, Maria’s Mediterranean Seafood & Grill, MAX Bratwurst und Bier, Napoli Restaurant,Nikko Hibachi, Papazzio Restaurant & Bar, Sheraton LaGuardia Hotel,Tavern 18, VIA VAI and Vivaldi Ristorante.
Following Wine, Spirits and Beverages participated: 6100 Vodka, Brooklyn Brewery, David’s Tea , The Wine Room of Forest Hills and Nektar Liqueur.
TD Bank Sponsors of QPC
Desserts and Sweets were provided by the following: Art O Polis Bakery, Mahalo New York Bakery, MRS Baking Distribution Company, NIKA – The Spontaneous Chef, Schmidt’s Candy and Shake Shack- Queens Center.
It was a great event for a great cause , we at World Liberty TV, made our 8th annual appearance , see more QPC related articles in World Liberty TV Click here.
