Queens, NY April 1, 2025 – CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) hosted a multicultural celebration of Eid Al-Fitr and Holi at their South Asian Cultural Center in Jamaica. The event reflected the spirit of unity and culture that CenterLight PACE is known for. Eid Al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Holi, the festival of colors celebrating the arrival of spring, were both honored through a series of activities.
PACE participants enjoyed traditional food, lively music and a performance by international dancer Zaman. Highlights included a henna station and the Holi tradition of gulal, the throwing of colored powders.
CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center caters to the unique social and cultural needs of South Asian seniors. During the month of Ramadan, CenterLight ensured that participants observing the fast had access to take-home meals to break their fast at sunset. One participant shared his appreciation through a translator, “I am so grateful to CenterLight for making the proper arrangements so that we can fast during Ramadan. Now we get to celebrate together,” said Md. Khorshed Alam, a participant since December 2023 who attends the center often.
“Events like this highlight the cultures within our CenterLight PACE community,” said CenterLight CEO and President Tara Buonocore-Rut. “By celebrating both Eid al Fitr and Holi, we honor these transitions and create a space where all our participants can connect, share stories and experience the joy that comes from these special occasions.”
This celebration showcases the commitment CenterLight Healthcare PACE has towards fostering an environment of cultural inclusivity and respect at their South Asian Cultural Center.
February 7, 2025 – This Lunar New Year, our sites across NYC & Westchester were filled with joy as participants dressed in red to welcome the Year of the Snake with festive music, cultural performances, and plenty of smiles! The highlight? A special visit from the Red Lion, bringing good luck and excitement to all.
This celebration not only honored a rich culture but fostered a sense of belonging, especially with our participants who celebrate this tradition. Many participants invited friends and family as special guests, expanding the celebration further. Together, they enjoyed the delicious food, traditional Chinese music, performances, and everyone’s favorite, the red dragon!
This event reminded everyone of the importance of coming together and celebrating each other’s cultures and traditions. We look forward to creating more events like these that bring our participants together.
We wish everyone a year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity!
Bronx, NY – November 28, 2024 – CenterLight Healthcare PACE recently launched this year’s farmer’s market events, which marked the beginning of a series of holiday-focused events designed to bring fresh and healthy food to its PACE participants.
CenterLight’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps participants to continue living safely at home and in their communities, while receiving comprehensive care. The Thanksgiving farmer’s markets are for participants who want to enjoy the holiday at home with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally sourced goods. The market is sponsored by the Friends of CenterLight Foundation and offers participants a day to shop at no charge.
For participants who may not have family to share the holiday with or preferred not to cook at home, CenterLight’s Wallerstein PACE Center in the Bronx hosted a traditional Thanksgiving lunch, serving 30 individuals from a number of CenterLight’s PACE sites across New York.
Participants enjoyed filling their bags with fresh fruits and vegetables.Participants also had fun with arts and crafts. Participants had the chance to "shop" at CenterLight PACE's Farmers Market.President and CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut and family attended the Thanksgiving event to spend time with participants and help serve lunch.Some of CenterLight's staff brought along their family members to the event. Here, Ed, husband of Senior Pharmacy Director Shu Jing, joins in on arts and crafts.Brian Sidiski, Vice President of Care Delivery Operations, had fun spending time with participants on Thanksgiving Day.
“We are incredibly grateful to be able to create meaningful experiences for our PACE participants, especially during the holidays,” said CenterLight President and CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut, who was among the CenterLight PACE team members who volunteered their time on Thanksgiving Day to help serve and spend time with participants. “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for. It is a pleasure to spend this day with our CenterLight team to make sure our participants have a wonderful holiday.”
The Thanksgiving event at the Wallerstein PACE Center is an annual highlight for participants, where they enjoy a festive meal, mingle with their friends, and participate in holiday craft activities. The CenterLight leadership team volunteers their time to serve the meals, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
About CenterLight Healthcare: CenterLight Healthcare PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves adults 55+ throughout New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Western Suffolk Counties. Designed for those with Medicare and/or Medicaid, the program empowers older adults to continue to live independently at home and in their communities. CenterLight’s PACE program is one of the largest nonprofit PACE programs in the country and operates 11 PACE centers and one Alternative Care Setting (ACS) where participants can receive on-site socialization, social and personal care services, therapeutic recreation, meals, and transportation. Our PACE centers also offer medical services, rehabilitation, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to thousands of New Yorkers by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, recreational therapists, and other professionals who work together to provide care as unique as the diverse participants enrolled in the plan. Learn more at www.CenterLightHealthcare.org.
White Plains, NY – September 27, 2024 – Family, friends and CenterLight Healthcare PACE staff came together to celebrate the 72nd wedding anniversary of PACE participants Raphael (99) and Lorenza (96) Altamirano.
The Altamiranos’ anniversary was celebrated with traditional Latin music, delicious food, cake, and desserts. The Day Health Center at our Westchester PACE site was beautifully adorned with flowers and decorations, including centerpieces and party favors made by their fellow participants, to honor this amazing milestone.
Raphael and Lorenza’s love story began in Machala, Ecuador in 1951 at a dance. It was love at first sight! “I felt I was going to die, if I didn’t unite with you,” said Raphael during the celebration. A year later on September 15, 1952, the couple said, “I do.” Their journey includes venturing to America with their seven children in 1977. Decades later, the couple are still dedicated to each other and to their family.
Today, the couple attends the CenterLight Westchester PACE site twice a week and everyone gets to witness their love for each other. “We can see how he takes care of her and how she worries for him. They are very united,” said friend and fellow participant Bella. “I’m just so happy and proud to celebrate their love. We always say in the Day Health Center we’re a family,” said Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Arianna Corretjer.
The Altamiranos expressed gratitude for everyone present. “My parents were very emotional, and I was even more so because to pay this tribute to my parents is priceless,” said Letty, the couple’s daughter.
Celebrating milestones like these serve as a reminder that CenterLight Healthcare PACE truly does become our participants’ home away from home.
About CenterLight Healthcare: CenterLight Healthcare PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves adults 55+ throughout New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Western Suffolk Counties. Designed for those with Medicare and/or Medicaid, the program empowers older adults to continue to live independently at home and in their communities. CenterLight’s PACE program is one of the largest nonprofit PACE programs in the country and operates 11 PACE centers and one Alternative Care Setting (ACS) where participants can receive on-site socialization, social and personal care services, therapeutic recreation, meals, and transportation. Our PACE centers also offer medical services, rehabilitation, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to thousands of New Yorkers by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, recreational therapists, and other professionals who work together to provide care as unique as the diverse participants enrolled in the plan. Learn more at www.CenterLightHealthcare.org.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival at various PACE sites, including Grand Street, Stillwell, Flushing, and Westchester. Also known as the Moon Festival, this vibrant event is one of the largest in Chinese culture. Everyone indulged in mooncakes and enjoyed cultural performances.
Flushing, NY – August 15, 2024 – CenterLight Healthcare celebrated National Liberation Day of Korea at our Flushing Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Center. Participants enjoyed traditional music, entertainment, and cuisine. Below are some photos from this special event.
Brooklyn, NY – August 1, 2024 – CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) celebrated a Caribbean Carnival at their Bushwick PACE Center for the soft opening of the site. The event was filled with colorful feathers, embellished masks and headpieces, music, food, dance, and community spirit.
CenterLight PACE participants started their day crafting their own traditional headpieces with beads and feathers before being moved to their feet with the rhythm of the drum and a traditional Samba dancer.
Over fifty community members, providers, and staff joined in the festivities, including NYC Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, who, along with her staff, took the opportunity to learn more about PACE.
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony where CenterLight PACE President and Chief Executive Officer Tara Buonocore-Rut expressed her enthusiasm and goals for CenterLight. “PACE is a model of care that everyone should have access to. We are on that journey to expand access to PACE and make sure that people have access to social activities and all their healthcare needs all under one roof.”Echoing this sentiment, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse added, “We need this kind of model in New York City… We cannot forget those that invested their time and paved the way for us.”
Virgilio Nieves, a Bushwick resident and CenterLight Participant, is excited to be able to enjoy the PACE services close to home at the Bushwick PACE Center. Mr. Nieves lost his vision and upon joining CenterLight seven years ago he says, “They became my eyes. They made my life easy.” Participants like Mr. Nieves reaffirm the importance of supporting programs like PACE.
The Caribbean Carnival was more than a celebration of music, dance, and entertainment. Events like this foster social interaction and camaraderie among participants and serve as a reminder of the community spirit and the essential services that CenterLight Healthcare provides.
About CenterLight Healthcare: CenterLight Healthcare PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves adults 55+ throughout New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Western Suffolk Counties. Designed for those with Medicare and/or Medicaid, the program empowers older adults to continue to live independently at home and in their communities. CenterLight’s PACE program is one of the largest nonprofit PACE programs in the country and operates 11 PACE centers and one Alternative Care Setting (ACS) where participants can receive on-site socialization, social and personal care services, therapeutic recreation, meals, and transportation. Our PACE centers also offer medical services, rehabilitation, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to thousands of New Yorkers by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, recreational therapists, and other professionals who work together to provide care as unique as the diverse participants enrolled in the plan. Learn more at www.CenterLightHealthcare.org.
White Plains, NY – July 26, 2024 – CenterLight Healthcare PACE proudly welcomed Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to its Westchester PACE Center for their highly-anticipated annual carnival. The event, a staple of summer fun for participants from multiple PACE centers, offered a fun day filled with joy, games and community spirit.
On a bright and sunny July day, the Westchester PACE center property was transformed into a carnival complete with games, music and more! Participants enjoyed a ring toss, fish pong, face painting and a petting zoo featuring an alpaca and a pony! One of the biggest highlights was the dunk tank, where CenterLight PACE staff took turns in the splash zone.
Senator Stewart-Cousins joined the celebration to meet with participants and took the opportunity to observe the impact of the PACE program. Her visit included a tour of the center and the newly launched Mobile PACE Unit, alongside CenterLight President and CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut.
In a gesture of appreciation, CenterLight participants Sheila Davis and Maria Villarubbia presented Senator Stewart-Cousins with an award recognizing her support and commitment to legislative issues related to health and aging. Senator Stewart-Cousins expressed her gratitude, stating “I’m very aware of the types of hurdles that seniors have in terms of accessing care. So, I am happy to know that CenterLight is offering a comprehensive way that we can address the needs of seniors while keeping them in their home.”
It’s always a pleasure to host elected officials at our PACE centers and we are thrilled to have Senator Stewart-Cousins with us at this special event that our participants always look forward to,” said Tara Buonocore-Rut. “She is a remarkable woman who has contributed to her fullest and continues to do so. Her presence reaffirms the importance of supporting programs like PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).”
The annual carnival is more than a celebration of games and entertainment. Events like this foster social interaction and camaraderie among participants. The day served as a reminder of the community spirit that CenterLight Healthcare strives to nurture throughout the year.
About CenterLight Healthcare: CenterLight Healthcare PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves adults 55+ throughout New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Western Suffolk Counties. Designed for those with Medicare and/or Medicaid, the program empowers older adults to continue to live independently at home and in their communities. CenterLight’s PACE program is one of the largest nonprofit PACE programs in the country and operates 11 PACE centers and one Alternative Care Setting (ACS) where participants can receive on-site socialization, social and personal care services, therapeutic recreation, meals, and transportation. Our PACE centers also offer medical services, rehabilitation, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to thousands of New Yorkers by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, recreational therapists, and other professionals who work together to provide care as unique as the diverse participants enrolled in the plan. Learn more at www.CenterLightHealthcare.org.
Flushing, NY – June 13, 2024 – CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Flushing participants enjoyed perfect weather, fresh air, and beautiful scenery during their visit to the Queens Botanical Garden. Tours like this are part of CenterLight PACE's Therapeutic Recreation program, along with more than 100 activities and events at each site per month.
Westchester, NY – June 8, 2024 – CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants are natural artists! The Therapeutic Recreation Department holds art classes to help participants express themselves creatively. Here are some photos from this week's art event.
Westchester, NY – March 15, 2024 – Pup-Pup-Hooray! Our CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants were excited to meet Brody, a certified pet therapy dog. This type of interaction has been shown to improve physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. It's clear that our participants enjoyed the special visit!
New Alternative Care Setting to provide more than 100 programs and activities per month designed especially for CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants within the South Asian community
Jamaica, Queens - December 13, 2023 – CenterLight Healthcare PACE announced the grand opening of its new South Asian Cultural Alternative Care Setting (ACS)* in Jamaica, Queens during an open-house event held on December 12. Attendees heard welcome remarks from CenterLight Healthcare PACE President/CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut and VP & Chief Strategy Officer Shaun Ruskin; toured the new facility; took part in cultural activities like dance; and dined on traditional South Asian menu offerings.
The new Alternative Care Setting (ACS), located at 97-35 Allendale St., is designed to meet the social and cultural needs of South Asian seniors in the community who participate with CenterLight Healthcare PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serving adults 55+.
“We saw a distinct need to offer culturally sensitive services to the South Asian population and the opening of the new South Asian Cultural Center will offer our CenterLight PACE participants an opportunity to share in activities, meals and just be together and socialize,” said Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and CEO of CenterLight Healthcare PACE. “The addition of this Alternative Care Setting (ACS) will help us achieve our goal to improve the overall health and well-being of our participants who continue to live independently at home and in their communities.”
The facility will provide more than 100 programs and activities per month, including cultural celebrations such as Holi, Diwali, and Eid. Participants will have access to dedicated prayer, meditation, and Wudu rooms, as well as daily menu offerings featuring traditional South Asian food. Daily activities will include yoga, meditation, canvas painting, cooking classes, jewelry making, crafts, herbal teatime, sewing, crocheting, and English as a second language classes.
“Physicians usually talk about medications, doctor visits and tests but social interaction is so important for overall health and well-being. Our senior participants need a sense of purpose and a sense of being. And that’s what our centers are all about,” said CenterLight Healthcare PACE Chief Medical Officer Ziad Farah, MD. “This Alternative Care Setting caters to the diverse needs of the South Asian community.”
The new CenterLight Healthcare PACE South Asian Cultural Center will initially be open from 8am to 5pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a Monday through Friday schedule offering in the future.
About CenterLight Healthcare PACE
CenterLight Healthcare PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves adults 55+ throughout New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Western Suffolk Counties. Designed for those with Medicare and/or Medicaid, the program empowers older adults to continue to live independently at home and in their communities. CenterLight’s PACE program is the largest nonprofit PACE in the country and operates 11 PACE centers and one Alternative Care Setting where participants can receive medical and personal care, rehabilitation, social interaction, meals, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, transportation and recreational activities. Providing culturally sensitive care to thousands of New Yorkers daily, the staff speaks over 25 languages and dialects. CenterLight’s dedicated interdisciplinary team (IDT) includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, recreational therapists, and other professionals who work together to provide care as unique as the diverse participants enrolled in the plan. Learn more at www.centerlighthealthcare.org.
*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 PACE 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.
Westchester, NY – August 21, 2023 – CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) held a special Senior Prom at its Westchester Center. Participants showed off their style and donned their prom attire. They even voted for a Prom King and Queen! Below are photos from this fun event.
Flushing, NY – May 15, 2023 – Juana & Santiago have been CenterLight PACE participants since 2011. At 82 and 102 years old respectively, they showed us all how they are seriously Keeping up with the PACE of Aging at yesterday's hopping 65th Wedding Anniversary at our Flushing (DHC) Day Health Center!
The couple have been CenterLight PACE Participants for almost 13 years. They got married in the Dominican Republic in 1952. After having 7 children, they immigrated to Queens in 1996. They now have 24 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Many family members joined their CenterLight family at our DHC for wedding games, traditional Dominican food and cake, live entertainment, and tons of dancing!
Juana and Santiago have made many friends at the DHC in their decade+ here. Juana lost her eyesight when she was 45, yet still learned to crochet at the DHC and has been creating hats, scarfs, and bags ever since. A woman of strong faith, Juana says that learning to crochet was a great blessing to her - she finds it’s therapeutic and relaxing.
CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Martha has developed a close relationship with them over the years and tells us that Juana is “very social, always happy, has a great sense of humor, and is a great dancer.” Likewise, she says that Santiago is also very social and is “always in good spirits, making friends” and loves music, dancing and playing dominoes.
In addition to many of CenterLight staff, President & CEO Tara Buonocore-Rut, and Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Shaun Ruskin, stopped by to offer their congratulations and take part in the merriment. Some press even came out to cover the Urena's story - one that is truly inspiring & beautiful!
Several local press outlets came to cover this incredible story! Check out the stories by clicking on the links below.
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.
