By Andrew Coen
Officials from the childcare center, at 112 Wahl Ave., which has been in operation for 66 years, plan to use the grant money to renovate the not-for-profit corporation's outdoor play area. Mary's Manor, an affordable senior residential rental complex, at 160 Doughty Blvd., which is run by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, will earmark the approved money to convert the facility's fourth floor into affordable enriched housing units.
The planned new outdoor play area was a chief goal of the childcare center's executive director, Paula Robinson, when she arrived about a year ago. She replaced Bernice Levin, who retired after 30 years at the center. "We're looking forward to a new playground that's appropriate for the children who attend here," said Robinson, who added that the improved outdoor play area will be safe for children as young as 18 months old. "I can't wait until the shovel hits the ground."
The center's current play area is not in good condition and huge puddles accumulate in it when it rains, according to Robinson.
Robinson said that Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Jim Darcy (R-Valley Stream) are scheduled to present the grant money to the center in a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 30, after press time.
The renovation of the fourth floor of Mary's Manor will create 28 units of enriched housing for seniors who require additional care, according to officials from Catholic Charities, who established the 150-unit affordable senior apartment complex in 1984. Mary's Manor has an on-site social services coordinator available for residents who are eligible but, historically, the facility has been exclusively for seniors who can live independently, according to Catholic Charities officials.
"[Catholic] Charities and the seniors we serve are very grateful for the partnership with the Town of Hempstead," said Laura A. Cassell, chief executive officer for Catholic Charities. "Together with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the New York State Department of Social Services, the funding provided by the town is critical and the local support it signifies is essential to the success of ventures like Mary's Manor."
Cassell said that the new floor of enriched housing units planned for Mary's Manor is an important first step toward dealing with the growing needs of seniors on Long Island, and more will be needed as the baby-boomer population ages. "We thank the Town of Hempstead and all of our partners for working with us to take this step," said Cassell. "The developments at Mary's Manor are an example of the best that government and non-profits can accomplish through partnership."
Since Catholic Charities' Housing Department was established 23 years ago, more than 1,200 units of affordable housing have been developed and maintained on Long Island, officials said.
Comments about this story? Acoen@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
