Category: Participant Stories

Meet CenterLight PACE Participant Evelyn Baez

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Meet CenterLight PACE participant Evelyn Baez, who enrolled in our program in 2022. Evelyn describes PACE as a place where she can maintain her independence, participate in activities she loves, and be part of a supportive community.

In her own words, “I've made a lot of friends. We try to look out for each other. It's like if I'm home, but home away from home!” – Evelyn Baez

View Evelyn's full testimonial below:

H3329 NoPOInfo_EvelynTestimonial
Updated March 23, 2026

Finding Community and Purpose: Muhammad’s Journey at CenterLight PACE

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Meet CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participant Muhammad Falzur Rahman, who has been enrolled in the program since 2024.

His inspiring journey from leading prayers as an Imam to finding a supportive community in our South Asian Cultural Alternative Care Site (ACS) in Jamaica is a testament to how CenterLight PACE helps participants continue doing what they love as they age. In the following interview, you'll discover how his experience at CenterLight PACE has transformed his daily life and helped promote his independence.

Interviewer: Please tell us a little bit about your background.

Participant: I used to lead prayers. I served as an Imam in at least three mosques. Whenever I went to my village, I led the prayers there. And here in the city, I did it regularly.

Interviewer: How was life for you when you were no longer able to lead services in your mosque?

Participant: After that, I served as a second Imam here. Initially, I started as a second Imam here. After a year, I went back home and stayed there for four months. Because of that long absence, I lost my position as they had to hire someone else.

My mental state was very bad at that time. I was surrounded by people I knew, and everyone respected me there Subhanallah, Subhanallah [Glory be to Allah]. Leaving behind that respect and everyone's love made my heart feel heavy.

Now, I am leading the prayers here at CenterLight.

Interviewer: How did coming to Jamaica ACS change your daily life?

Participant: We do exercises here. [Therapeutic Recreation Specialist] Belinda leads our exercise sessions, and she conducts very nice exercises, I enjoy them a lot. The environment, the behavior of people, and everyone's love have truly impressed me. That's why I like it here at CenterLight PACE.

Interviewer: How do you feel after spending the whole day here and then going home?

Participant: It's normal to feel a little upset, but somehow, life goes on. I carry the memories of this place with me and remember the love from everyone, that's what stays in my heart.

Interviewer: Can you describe the moment you realized you could begin leading services again at CenterLight Jamaica ACS and how did that feel?

Participant: When I started leading prayers here, everyone accepted me and liked me. At first, I suggested that someone else take the responsibility, but no one wanted to. Everyone kept requesting me to lead the prayers. That means they accepted me. I didn't step forward on my own at first. Even the head of CenterLight PACE always supported me and encouraged me to lead the prayers here.

Interviewer: And how has being part of the Jamaica ACS supported your independence, well-being and sense of progress? 

Participant: From time to time, when I sit idle for a while, I read from the Qur'an and Hadith. People listen to me, and I enjoy talking with them. I really like coming to CenterLight PACE.

Interviewer: Is there anything you would like to share with others who may be considering joining a program like the ACS?

Of course, I would. CenterLight provides many facilities. There's good food, opportunities to interact and bond with others honestly and respectfully, a chance to pray, and essentially, everything one needs is available at CenterLight PACE.

Interviewer: Suppose you go home and have relatives or friends, would you recommend that they join ACS here in Jamaica?

Yes, I always mention it at the mosque where I pray, I always talk about Center. People often ask me where I go and what I do there. I tell them that as soon as we arrive, breakfast is arranged, and they pick us up and drop us back by car. They serve breakfast, tea, and coffee very nicely, whatever someone prefers, it's provided. They also organize exercise sessions and serve juice. Everything is taken care of.  After that, they arrange proper meals for us. They serve delicious Bengali food, along with vegetables, lentils - everything is well organized for us. That's why it feels very good in the heart, and we feel happy and satisfied. Because of this, I tell people that if they are interested, they can come with me and see it themselves. I even tell my friends and relatives. Insha'Allah, there are proper ablution facilities here, separate wudu areas, and prayer rooms. There are also bathrooms and everything else is fully complete. That's why we love CenterLight PACE. Before coming here, I didn't know that CenterLight PACE provided such excellent arrangements, supported by the government. But after arriving here, I saw that everything is very well organized. Insha'Allah, that's why I like it so much.

H3329 NoPOInfo MdRahmanTestimonial
Last Updated February 12, 2026

This interview was translated by a certified translation agency.

How CenterLight PACE Supported Diosmary’s Family Through Palliative Care

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Diosmary cared for her aging parents, who were both participants of CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Her mother passed away in 2014, and her father passed away in October 2025. Before her father's passing, he enrolled in the Palliative Care program due to illness. Diosmary shared how the CenterLight PACE Palliative Care team's support helped her navigate the challenges of caring for her father.

CenterLight fue una mano perfecta. Estos centros son muy importantes para poder cuidar tus familias.

Translation:

"CenterLight was a perfect hand. These centers are very important for taking care of your families."

Palliative Care, and the medical specialty of Palliative Care Medicine, provides relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for the participant and their family.

Diosmary's father enrolled in Palliative Care in 2024. She expressed that a significant aspect of her experience was the reassurance of not being alone.

Me ayudaron emocionalmente, me ayudaron con equipos y me ayudaron con todo lo que necesitaba en la casa. Se comunicaban con los médicos que yo no podía hacerlo fácil.

Translation:

"They helped me emotionally, they helped me with equipment, and they helped me with everything I needed at home. They communicated with the doctors, which I couldn't easily do."

The Palliative Care team consists of doctors, nurses, and social workers who work together to provide an extra layer of support. She highlighted Nicole Pena, the social worker on the Palliative Care Team, who was her primary contact.

Nicole, yo siempre le llamaba. Siempre que yo le llamaba, me respondía y me ayudaba.

Translation:

"I always called Nicole. Whenever I called her, she answered and helped me."

Diosmary emphasized the importance of easy communication with the care team, noting that it was essential to her experience. She also highlighted Weiyi Pan, a Palliative Care nurse,

and the support she gave. The discussions regarding her father's concerns and treatment options allowed Diosmary to feel more involved and informed throughout the caregiving process.

Cuando necesitaba la enfermera, ella hacía lo que fuera para llegar a mi casa. Hablar conmigo y a explicarme. Y me lo hizo bien… Me enseñó bien cómo usar los medicamentos, cómo usar el oxígeno, cómo usar todo eso. Pero no fue fácil.

Translation:

"When I needed the nurse, she would do anything to come to my house. Talk to me and explain things. And she did a good job … She taught me how to use the medications, how to use the oxygen, how to use all of that. But it wasn't easy."

This compassionate care not only supported her father's needs but also comforted Diosmary as she navigated her own emotions and responsibilities.

Primero, gracias a Dios; después, gracias a todas las ayudas que he podido tener.

Translation:

"First, thanks to God, then thanks to all the help I have received."

Diosmary's experience is a powerful testament to the benefits of Palliative Care. It reinforces the importance of ensuring that families receive compassionate support as they care for their loved ones during serious illnesses. If you or someone you know may benefit from Palliative Care, please speak to your primary care physician, nurse, or social worker. If you have questions, please call us at 1-833-CL-CARES (TTY 711), 8 AM-8 PM, Monday-Friday.

H3329 NoPOInfo PalliativeCaregiverTestimonial
Last Updated January 6, 2025

CenterLight is what I call “home away from home”

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CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participant Alice has been enrolled since 2010. In her own words: "When I came here, I couldn't even walk much or do much of anything. But...being with the staff at CenterLight, meeting the other people, it gave me courage to do things." 

View Alice's full testimonial below:

H3329 NoPOInfo AliceTestimonial
Last Updated December 26, 2025

Meet CenterLight PACE Participant Angel Rincon

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Meet CenterLight PACE participant Angel Rincon, who enrolled in our program on July 1, 2022. For the past three years, Angel has been attending the Flushing Day Health Center, where he has rediscovered joy and purpose in life through CenterLight PACE.

“When I found CenterLight, it changed my life so much.” – Angel Rincon

H3329 NoPOInfo_AngelTestimonial
Updated November 17, 2025

Celebrating Culture and Connection: Ayesha’s Journey at CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center

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For Ayesha Siddiqua, a PACE participant who attends the CenterLight South Asian Cultural Center, every visit feels like coming home. Since enrolling in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in early 2023, she has found not just care and support, but a community that honors the traditions closest to her heart. Through CenterLight, Ayesha has discovered that cultural celebration can be a powerful bridge — connecting her past in Bangladesh to her present life in New York.

As a proud Bengali participant, Ayesha shared the holidays that hold deep significance in her life: Victory Day, National Day, Bangladesh Day, Mourning Day, and Pohela Boishakh — the Bengali New Year. Victory Day, celebrated on December 16, marks Bangladesh’s independence after the 1971 Liberation War. At the CenterLight South Asian Cultural Center, participants honor this day by dressing in cultural attire and sharing stories about Bangladesh’s history and resilience. National Day on March 26 commemorates the country’s declaration of independence. Ayesha enjoys the festive gathering, where the national anthem is sung and participants come together to celebrate their heritage.

Participants at CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center bring the space to life with their vibrant voices, whether they’re singing, storytelling or speaking into the microphone. On Bangladesh Day, this lively, communal energy fills the room as stories, songs, and laughter are shared. The spirit of celebration extends beyond the participants: Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and staff join in by dressing in traditional saris, creating a shared experience that honors both heritage and community.

Mourning Day, observed on August 15, is a day of reflection to honor the assassination of Bangladesh’s founding leader. On this day, Ayesha and fellow participants wear black as a tribute to their homeland and history. In contrast, Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, brings joy and renewal. Traditionally marked with music, dance, and colorful clothing, it is a time to celebrate life’s new beginnings. At CenterLight, Ayesha and her friends enjoy vibrant artwork and activities that capture the energy and spirit of this holiday.

Ayesha reflects on how meaningful these celebrations have been at CenterLight: “In this country, we are not living with our own country’s people, but when I come to CenterLight I feel like I’m with my own country’s people. When we celebrate, I do not feel alone. I feel like everything is here. I am proud of CenterLight; they give me everything for my own enjoyment.”

Through these cultural celebrations, the Therapeutic Recreation Team at CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center helps participants like Ayesha feel connected to their roots while creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and community. Each holiday is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a way for participants to honor their heritage, share their stories, and experience joy together.

About CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center

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 (ACS), like the South Asian Cultural Center in Jamaica, Queens, 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.

H3329 BlogAyesha_noPOInfo
Updated 10292025

Meet CenterLight PACE participant Pablo Soriano | How CenterLight Helps Pablo Keep His Baseball Spirit Alive

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Once in love with baseball, always in love with baseball! According to his daughter, Nurys Wright, her father, CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participant Pablo Soriano, fell in love with the sport at the age of five, which is the typical starting age in the Dominican Republic. On the field, he is known as “El Zurdo,” Spanish for “left-handed.” There was no doubt he stood out in the field when he was able to pitch an 88-mph ball. In the Dominican Republic, it is known as “tirando piedras” or “throwing stones” in English, which means he threw the ball with force. This impressive skill enabled him to go through many games without allowing a single run to score against him.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Pablo traveled to Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela, and other South American countries for baseball. His daughter recalls how her father had the incredible opportunity to meet and play alongside the legendary Roberto Clemente. In fact, he even stayed at Clemente’s house in Puerto Rico. Nurys shares that Clemente recognized Pablo’s talent and was in the process of recommending him for the big leagues before his passing. Pablo continued to play in local teams in the Dominican Republic during the 1980s.

Pablo immigrated to New York City in 1991. He joined an all-timers league in his fifties, continuing to play until he retired in 2005. As a proud father of five, including four daughters and one son, he enjoys sharing his love for baseball with his family. Nurys mentions that he never misses a game, whether it is the Yankees or the Mets. Watching baseball is his favorite pastime. Pablo says with pride, “¡Yo soy pelotero!”  when he gets to tell his story, Spanish for “I’m a baseball player!”

This centuries-old sport plays such an integral part in Pablo’s life, and he can still find joy in it. Thanks to our Therapeutic Recreation team here at CenterLight Healthcare PACE, they understand the importance of individual interests among our participants and work to create meaningful experiences for participants like him.  They were able to organize a trip to see a live Mets Game against the Padres at Citi Field. During the game, Pablo sat with his friends, wearing the biggest smile on his face. “Nosotros somos par de fanáticos,” Pablo called out, which translates to “We are a couple of fans.” They cheered on the Mets as they hit multiple home runs! The game ended in a win for the Mets. Pablo left Citi Field feeling grateful and happy to have attended.  His daughter, Nurys Wright, expressed her gratitude to CenterLight PACE for providing her dad with this experience. She says, “I was happy for him. He kept telling me about it every single day since the trip was announced by CenterLight staff, he was so excited. When he came home, he shared with me what happened in every inning.” Pablo Soriano has been a CenterLight PACE participant since 2024. Through these activities, the Therapeutic Recreation Team not only nurtures Pablo’s passion for baseball but also enhances his overall well-being and quality of life.

H3329 BlogPablo_noPOInfo
Updated 09292025

Meet CenterLight PACE participant Lillian Ramos

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CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participant Lillian Ramos has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 17 years. In this video, she shares her experiences and highlights what she loves most about the CenterLight PACE program.

Lillian has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 17 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

Approved video: H3329_CL LillianTestimonial Approved 08192025

Meet CenterLight PACE participant Betty Murray

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CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participant Betty Murray has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 15 years. In this video, she shares how it's like having a team on her side and speaks about her favorite activity at the CenterLight PACE Center.

Betty has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 15 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

Approved video: H3329_CL BettyMurrayTestimonial Approved 07102025

Happiness is Contagious

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CenterLight PACE participant Feroz enrolled in 2023. In this video, he shares that he waits the whole week to come to CenterLight's South Asian Cultural Alternative Care Setting.

Feroz enrolled at CenterLight Healthcare PACE in 2023 and is a participant at the time of posting.

Approved video: H3329 CL_FerozAhmedTestimonial Approved 05272025

Ana Rosa: You feel like you’re a queen

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Ana Rosa enrolled at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in 2012 after she was discharged from rehabilitation. View the video below to hear her experience at CenterLight PACE in her own words.

Ana Rosa enrolled at CenterLight Healthcare PACE in 2012 and is a participant at the time of posting.

Approved video: H3329 AnaRosaGarciaTestimonial Approved 05272025

In Her Own Words: Lillian’s Art Journey

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I was born in the vibrant heart of Puerto Rico and moved to the Bronx in the 1950's. My artistic journey began at a senior center, where I first picked up a brush and let my imagination run wild across the canvas.

I was drawn to calm landscapes, the delicate beauty of flowers, and the endless wonder of nature. There's something magical about bringing a quiet forest or a blooming garden to life with just paint and heart.

Everything changed when I joined CenterLight. Under the guidance of Michelle, our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, I began to grow as an artist.

When we're in the art room, we laugh, we listen to music, and help each other. They make you feel at home. Without CenterLight, I'd just be sitting at home watching TV by myself.

CenterLight PACE participant Lillian speaking at the recent "Art Around the World" Exhibit.

Art has become more than a hobby — it's a journey, a joy, and a window into how I see the world. I'm just getting started, but I'm excited to keep learning and finding beauty in every brushstroke.

Lillian is a current* CenterLight PACE participant and has been enrolled since 2007.

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*Last Updated May 12, 2025

Photo credit: Edgar Ruiz, Latin Lenz Entertainment

Virgilio’s Story: Everyone treats me like family

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Virgilio has been a participant at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for 8 years. Virgilio says that since he's been at CenterLight PACE, everyone treats him like he belongs, like a family member. In his own words:

As a blind person, I depend on the voices. And when they talk to me,
and they laugh with me, that's what makes me want to come here.

I’ve met some of the most wonderful and exciting people
and I probably never would have met them if I hadn’t become a member of CenterLight. 

Virgilio, CenterLight PACE Participant

Virgilio has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 8 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

Excerpts from approved video: H3329 VirgilioNievesTestimonial Approved 03272025

Sheila’s Story: CenterLight Saved My Life

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Sheila’s journey with CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) began when she was out for a walk with her sister and niece near the Wallerstein PACE Center in the Bronx. As she passed by, she saw the staff outside preparing for a fashion show. The staff warmly welcomed Sheila, who said she wanted to watch, and she was so impressed with the PACE program that she immediately enrolled.

As Sheila shares in the video testimonial, CenterLight truly “saved her life.” It gave her a reason to leave the house and quickly became a source of both physical and mental activity. In her own words: 

I love CenterLight. I really do. CenterLight saved my life, I was at home, gaining, gaining and gaining weight, doing nothing. Then, CenterLight gave me my painting, which I love. It makes me feel good. Everything is right here. You don’t have to go to a clinic, you come right here, and you see your doctor, your nurse, your physical therapist; everything is here. You get your nails done, you get your hair done and everything. It’s nice, really nice. I love the whole staff. They’re like my daughters and sons, I love them. As soon as I come inside the door, I know I’m about to be with people who care for me and about me, and I enjoy myself. So come on down and enjoy yourself at CenterLight.

At CenterLight PACE, Sheila discovered a deep love for painting, and she also thrives on the social connections she’s made with her peers, considering them part of her extended family. These relationships, along her activities, have truly been a lifeline. Sheila joined her painting group years ago and her love for her art has never wavered. In fact, one of Sheila’s paintings was chosen for a special calendar project and she won an award for it. Sheila still fondly recalls the experience and speaks about it proudly.

Sheila has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 11 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

H3329 SheilaBlog2024 Approved 01232025
Last Updated December 27, 2024

Stillwell Choir: It’s all about the music!

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CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is home to many talented participants, and the choir at our Stillwell location in Brooklyn is no exception. The Stillwell Choir began as a musical ensemble featuring instruments like the accordion, banjo and erhu, a two-stringed Chinese instrument that is played with a bow. Accompanied by CenterLight PACE's Therapeutic Recreation Specialist on piano, participants regularly come together to perform a diverse range of music, including traditional Chinese folk songs, opera, and Russian tunes. This vibrant mix of cultures is a testament to the unity fostered at CenterLight.

The CenterLight Stillwell Choir is always eager to explore new music and welcomes new performers to join their ranks. Tanglai Kwai Ping, who chose to attend the Stillwell PACE site to be part of the choir, learned Chinese opera decades ago in Hong Kong. At CenterLight PACE, she continues to enjoy singing while also expanding her social circle within the choir.

Albert Laiquong began playing the banjo at the age of 12, learning from his brother. It was not until he joined the CenterLight PACE Stillwell center that he had the opportunity to perform alongside other musicians.

Loh Sui Zhu, who has always loved music and enjoyed singing at home, discovered her passion for Chinese opera at CenterLight PACE. She also honed her accordion skills, which she first picked up from her daughter.

Siu Shui Tong found her voice after joining Stillwell, where she cherishes the socialization and camaraderie she shares with the group.  

The CenterLight Stillwell Choir is a true source of pride for both its participants and the staff at the Stillwell PACE Center, and an example of participants pursuing and enjoying their passions. The choir recently showcased their talent at a multi-location holiday event and eagerly anticipate more opportunities to perform in the future.

H3329 StillwellChoir Approved 02202025
Updated January 6, 2025

Yeping’s Story: Life is truly good here.

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Yeping enrolled at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly's (PACE) Flushing Center in 2013. 

When asked what she loves about CenterLight PACE, Yeping points to the many activities provided at the PACE Center, and to the staff members who treat her and her peers like family. She also shares that since joining the program, she has learned English through one of the classes led by CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jin Hwa.

CenterLight is like a big family. Everyone is very happy, it is really like that. Life is truly good here.

Watch the video below to hear from Yeping in her own words:

Yeping has been a CenterLight PACE participant since 2013 and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

H3329 YepingBlog2024 Approved 01022025
Last Updated January 2, 2025

In Her Own Words: E’lyse’s CenterLight Caregiver Success Story

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When CenterLight Healthcare PACE Allerton participant Betty Murray joined CenterLight PACE in 2010, she struggled with chronic pain, as well as the realization that she needed long-term healthcare. Here, Betty's daughter E'lyse describes the impact that CenterLight Healthcare PACE has had on her mom's life—as well as her own.

As a caregiver, I realized that I needed to be a little bit more proactive with my mom’s care. My mom is a very active young woman who is a leader in the community. She’s very artistic, very involved with her children, and very involved with any type of project that she’s working on. She has a very youthful mindset. But when I saw the fact that she was impacted with sciatica and that there was going to be a change in her lifestyle, I started thinking, wow—there’s a shift that’s happening. My initial response was: How am I going to do this? I started paying attention to the fact that life is happening. My mom is actually going through a little bit of a transition.
When she was in a nursing home, and going through some challenges, we were advised about CenterLight Healthcare PACE. I watched the way they embraced us, when we connected with them. We were introduced to a team of aides and great doctors and assistants and love and social workers. And these are people that came to the home and that gave me a level of comfort.

That told me I’m not alone. It’s just a warm, warm environment—they embraced my mom with all these different cultural arts, because she’s an artist. That just put a smile on my face, watching her take her art to another level. Those are the things that keep her going, keep her inspired, keep her happy. That makes me happy. To watch her at this stage of her life, to be continuously growing, is important to me. It’s amazing.

Learn more about CenterLight PACE’s benefits for caregivers on our caregiver page.

Reconfirmed accuracy with E'lyse and obtained permission to republish, October 8, 2024. Updated information: date when Betty was enrolled at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329_2019_BLOGElyse Approved 03122019
Last updated October 8, 2024

Like a Light in a Dark Tunnel

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When participant Pamella Rose first heard about CenterLight Healthcare PACE, her health was not in the best place, and she was looking for a way to get assistance while remaining as independent as possible. She says that joining CenterLight PACE brought back light into her life in what seemed like such a dark time. In her own words:

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is like a second home to us. When you think back on your sickness that you go through, it is like you are in a dark tunnel. Being at CenterLight, it opened that light.

Pamella Rose loves the different activities at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE Day Health Center (DHC). She said that the activities keep her active, motivated, and help her forget about her pain. Pamella Rose's favorite activity, of course, is BINGO (she said this laughing because her daughters call her The Bingo Queen). 

I feel so proud to be a part of the PACE Participant Council where our voices are heard by the managers. To me they really care about what is on our minds and hearts. I also love the cooking programs, gardening, arts and crafts, and the painting group.

According to Pamella, making friends is a wonderful part of participating in the DHC. They truly have become family to one another. Sometimes it is like they are sisters and brothers. They play dominos together, teach each other crochet stiches, and just talk. Pamella recalls being so into her word search book one day that it was like she could not hear anyone around her, she just had to find the next word. Her friend at the center was trying to get her attention all morning, but she was in her own little world. Her friend tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Finally your nose is out of that book!” She said she thought she was sitting here all alone. She apologized to her friend, and they just laughed about it.

I am so glad to know that I have CenterLight Healthcare PACE that I can come to in the mornings, and I am so thankful to be at this place. It is a blessed place. I was not looking for something like this at my age. God is good to me by doing these things. Sometimes you get your blessing, and it comes to you so suddenly and unexpectedly because of the good things that you do to other people. I appreciate being here and I would encourage other people out there to join CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Pamella Rose has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 8 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

H3329 PamellaBlog2024 Approved 10292024
Last Updated September 27, 2024

Feeling Great at 97

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Participant Irma Hoyos first heard about CenterLight Healthcare PACE and joining the Westchester PACE Center in 2014. Irma says she had always been a social person, but as she got older, she found staying at home more often. Looking for socialization, Irma joined CenterLight Healthcare PACE and was greeted by staff and fellow participants with open arms. She states that everyone made her feel welcomed. In Irma’s own words:

"I love so many things about coming to the CenterLight PACE Center. I love spending time with my friends that I have made here. I am 97 years old, and I am like the big sister and grandma to so many people at the center. I look forward to when I come on Fridays because I laugh, socialize, and do so many exciting and interesting activities. I love coloring, painting, dancing, and making crafts. My favorite part of being at the center is that Arianna, a therapeutic recreation specialist at the center, makes me laugh. She teaches me how to do many creative crafts and gets me to participate in so many different adapted sports."

CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Arianna Corretjer also loves having Irma at the DHC. She says, "Irma may be 97 years old, but she has the most youthful, energetic and loving spirit that many of her peers gravitate to. We love having her smiling face and positive attitude at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE center in Westchester.”

In addition to the DHC activities, Irma also enjoys physical and occupational therapy and receive all the services she needs to remain living in the community. 

“We are very happy and welcome at CenterLight because they help us a lot. We are here doing exercise to strengthen our body and our bones. It is a very beautiful place where us old folks relax and enjoy our time. We really enjoy ourselves more than anything doing exercises because it helps us at our age.”

According to Irma, every day is a new adventure at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE Center and an opportunity to make new friends. “I forget that I am 97 years old, I forget that I have pain and feel lonely at home. I truly feel happy and alive when I am at the CenterLight Healthcare PACE center.”

Irma has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 10 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.

H3329 IrmaBlog2024 Approved 09172024
Last Updated August 1, 2024

Painting with Passion

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Shelly Colley, director of the Friends of CenterLight Foundation, sat down with Bronx CenterLight PACE Center participant Nancy Rivera for an interview. They discussed Nancy’s passion for painting and how she has had to adapt this passion to accommodate her near blindness caused by a myopic stigma, coupled with Glaucoma.  

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Shelly: Ms. Rivera, is it okay if I call you Nancy? I am so happy to meet with you today. When I saw your paintings, I told the CenterLight PACE recreation staff that I just had to meet the artist!

Nancy: Oh yes, it is fine if you call me Nancy. My mother named me after Frank Sinatra’s daughter Nancy because she felt it is a strong American name.

Shelly: I am really admiring your paintings. The brilliant colors of yellow, red, and green daisies pop out from the canvas like real flowers. The hues of smaller blue and pink flowers interwoven together seem so life-like to me. When did you start painting and what piqued your interest to paint?

Nancy: I started when I was a little girl. I couldn’t wait for the Sunday Daily News to arrive so I could color in the “color by number” picture that came with it. We spent a lot of family time in our home, so my brother and I had many creative outlets.  My biological father was also a professional artist, and I think my brother and I inherited his talent.

In the 1970’s, I graduated from the High School of Music & Arts, which is now known as the La Guardia High School of Music, Arts & Performing Arts. And yes, this is the school on which the movie Fame was based. The four years I spent at this school helped me to home in my artistic skills and fed my love for painting. I continued painting for the rest of my adult life. As a mom raising my son and daughter, I always had art supplies available at home for them. My son is an engineer and designer, and my daughter has always loved arts and crafts.

Shelly: I understand you are legally blind and have been dealing with vision loss for many years. Could you explain what it is like painting with impaired vision?  Also, what inspires you to create these beautiful paintings?

Nancy: The way that I see, well, I try to describe this to people -- it is as if I am looking through one-piece of Cheerio cereal, and the center hole is where I see into. What inspires me is nature in all its glory. It can be any type of natural setting too. From landscapes to flowers in a market, to walking outside to seeing photographs. My friends travel the world and I ask them to send me photos from wherever they are. Then I pull the photos up on my iPad and enlarge them. From there, I can see the most brilliant landscapes.

Shelly: Just one last question: how long have you been attending CenterLight PACE at the Wallerstein center in the Bronx?

Nancy: I have been coming to CenterLight PACE for the last 5 years. I love the painting classes that our Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialist Michelle Van Etten runs. The room that we paint in has very good light, which is so important for me. I have some wonderful friends here who also paint. We all find it so relaxing and soothing. 

About This Article

This blog post is part of CenterLight PACE’s series highlighting our participants’ stories.

Nancy Rivera has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 5 years.

Shelly Colley is the Director of the Friends of CenterLight Foundation.

"When Nancy saw the article, she got emotional as we spoke about how much this interview meant to her and how it made her feel. She thanked me for providing her with this opportunity and connecting her with Shelly. Each encounter I have with Nancy brings a whole new dimension and meaning to me for the work that I do, not only with Nancy, but with all of the participants in my painting group. They are my MUSE and continue to excite me to wake up and go to work each day. Thank you for helping me spotlight Nancy, and incredible woman and artist. My heart is full."
Michelle Van Etten, CenterLight PACE TR Specialist

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Last updated March 9, 2023

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.

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