Care with Purpose: The Mission Behind CenterLight PACE
As President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CenterLight Health System, I am reminded every day that our work reaches far beyond healthcare. While CenterLight operates the largest single-state Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in the nation, our purpose remains deeply personal: to serve older adults, support families, uplift underserved communities, and honor the trust placed in us during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
Our mission is to provide individualized care that enriches the lives of our participants and helps them remain safely in their own homes and communities. This purpose guides us as we strive to provide the services they need, when they need them, with compassion and a deep sense of responsibility.
At CenterLight PACE, high-quality care begins with getting to know each participant and placing them at the center of every care decision. We take time to understand their health needs, personal goals, culture, and preferences because care should never be one-size-fits-all. Our approach centers on seeing the whole person, honoring their choices, and helping them live life on their own terms.
There is something deeply meaningful about helping older adults remain where they feel most at ease: at home, surrounded by the people, memories, and routines that feel familiar and bring them comfort. Home is often where identity, community, and a sense of self live. Our role at CenterLight PACE is to help protect that connection while addressing the medical, emotional, social, and practical realities of daily life.
One way this work comes to life is through the team that surrounds each participant. Doctors, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, recreation specialists, dietitians, social workers, and other dedicated professionals work together to understand each person’s needs, respect their voice, and respond with coordinated, thoughtful support. Many older adults manage more than one challenge at a time, and no one should have to face those challenges alone. This approach can bring better outcomes for participants and peace of mind for their loved ones.
Our values — caring, integrity, diversity, creativity, approachability, accountability, and availability — shape how we listen, build relationships, and provide needed services to those who turn to us for their care. In a city as diverse as New York, that means being culturally sensitive, welcoming, and respectful of each participant’s background, preferences, traditions, and beliefs. Walk into one of our PACE centers and this becomes instantly evident: in the family atmosphere, joyful events and cultural celebrations, amazing displays of rediscovered talents and newfound passions, and in the priceless smiles of our participants.
Every participant reminds us why our work matters so deeply. As I look to the future, I believe the true measure or our organization is found not only in the services we provide, but in how we help people age in place and the sense of belonging we create for the individuals we serve.
About the Author
This blog post is written by Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and Chief Executive Officer at CenterLight Health System.
In her own words:
"My passion for leading healthcare organizations to provide high quality services to those who need them springs from my personal experience with eldercare. I believe in providing care that you’d want your own loved ones to receive. To be able to do this, it is imperative to see things from the perspective of compassion, caring, and kindness. With more than two decades of leadership experience in this industry, I truly believe that PACE is one of the nation’s best-kept health care secrets."
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Updated June 25, 2026