CenterLight Healthcare PACE Shines a Light on Culture and Community at Diwali Celebration at its South Asian Cultural Center
Queens, NY — October 22, 2025 — CenterLight Healthcare PACE celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with an inclusive and joyful event at its South Asian Cultural Center in Queens. The day began with a group exercise session, designed to energize and connect participants, followed by an afternoon of vibrant cultural celebration, reflection, and community.
The event welcomed participants, families, and staff of all backgrounds, creating a space for shared celebration and cultural engagement. From traditional music and dance performances to festive decorations, storytelling, and a specially prepared meal, the Diwali celebration was a true expression of the center’s light — rooted in the cultural diversity of our community and strengthened by the care and support provided by CenterLight.
Ayesha Siddiqua, a CenterLight PACE participant for two years, shared her excitement about events like this. In addition to the medical care and physical therapy she receives at the PACE Center, Ayesha looks forward to attending the alternative care setting* in Jamaica three times a week, especially for special days like the Diwali celebration. She said, “We are very happy to be celebrating Diwali today. It’s CenterLight — but actually, it should be called CenterLife. Here, you’ll find people who don’t traditionally celebrate Diwali because it’s not part of their culture — but at CenterLight, they make it possible for everyone to celebrate together and share. Whether it’s through movement, food, or simply talking about Diwali, CenterLight believes in one family.”
“When we started this center, we had the belief that if we created a place where people felt welcome — where their culture was celebrated and honored — they would thrive.” said President and CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut. “It has been a privilege to share in our participants’ rich cultural traditions. While CenterLight provides the care they need, our participants enrich our lives by allowing us to join in these joyful celebrations of light and community.”
The South Asian Center, known for its culturally focused programming, encourages participants to celebrate and share their traditions while embracing the diversity of the wider CenterLight community. Events like this exemplify CenterLight’s belief in the power of community, culture, and inclusive care. From a morning of movement to an afternoon of celebration, the Diwali event reflected the organization’s ongoing commitment to honoring its participants’ traditions and bringing people together.
*About Alternative Care Settings
PACE Centers provide primary care, including physician and nursing services; social services; restorative therapies, including physical therapy and occupational therapy; personal care and supportive services; nutritional services; nutritional counseling; recreational therapy and meals. CenterLight also has Alternative Care Settings, which are an option for participants who prefer a smaller, more intimate setting to receive on-site socialization, social services, personal care services, therapeutic recreation and meals. Other center-based services, such as primary care physician services, nursing and rehabilitation are offered at our PACE Centers.
