Category: Participant Stories

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When he reflects on his life, one word keeps coming up: community. 

U.S. Army veteran Steven Colon, who served from 1974 to 1976 in Kansas City, has found a new community at CenterLight PACE, where he feels a sense of belonging. 

He enrolled in CenterLight PACE in 2021 after searching for healthcare plans, and the thing that stood out to him most was CenterLight's community focus. 

"I was looking for the right plan, and it had community. So that's what I liked about CenterLight…It has me connecting with people that are like me — retired or disabled," said Colon. 

At CenterLight PACE, he can participate in activities at the Day Health Center, or attend trips to the movies or cultural shows like Shen Yun.  Whether the adventure is an outing, a game of bingo, or simply seeing familiar faces, Steven says the program gives him something to look forward to. 

"It gives me something to do...instead of me always focusing on going to the doctor all the time. There's more to life than going to the doctor!" 

Beyond social activities, Steven expresses gratitude towards CenterLight's care team for helping him improve his quality of life. From physical and occupational therapy to home care services and medical support, he appreciates having everything coordinated in one place. 

"It's great. Instead of going to different places all the time. It’s like a whole bunch of arms in one. It’s very helpful," said Colon. 

He also speaks warmly about the staff members who have made an impact on his life. He says,  

"They treat us like family. They're very caring and loving. Oh my God, that’s what I love about it. They're very concerned about our welfare." 

For Steven, one of the greatest gifts CenterLight PACE has provided is the reassurance that he is never facing life's challenges alone. He says,  

"It feels good that you're not alone. You're not the only one going through your health issues. Your life issues. You don't feel like you're handling this by yourself." 

That sense of belonging reminds him of another important chapter of his life: serving in the U.S. Army. 

"I learned discipline in the military," Steven says. "how to carry myself as a man… and it helped me through life." 

The lessons he learned while serving allowed him to return to his community and continue working until he was no longer able to after suffering a spinal injury.  

As people across the nation celebrate Independence Day, Steven hopes they will also remember the sacrifices made by those who have served. He believes veterans of every background deserve recognition, especially the many people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have proudly served our country throughout history. He says,  

"Puerto Ricans played a very important part in the military... Thank God for the military soldiers, those that fought for our country. We have to keep them in [our] memory." 

Steven can connect his military experience and what his life looks like today because they both offer him the same value he has always cherished, which is community. 

When he reflects on both important parts of his life, he says, 

 "When I was in the military, we were very close, the soldiers were very close. That's what I liked about being in the military…the community. And that's what I like about CenterLight." 

Here at CenterLight PACE, we proudly recognize veterans like Steven who remind us of their service to our country and how important it is to create spaces for older adults, especially veterans, where they can feel that sense of belonging and community. We are committed to honoring their service by helping older adults remain independent in their own homes and communities while receiving the support, connection and care they deserve.

Steven has been enrolled since 2021 and is a CenterLight PACE participant at the time of posting.

NoPOInfo_Steven_Colon_Testimonial
Updated July 2, 2026

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For CenterLight PACE participant Bella Acurio, learning is about staying connected, discovering new experiences and finding joy in each day.

After becoming a widow three years ago, she found support and companionship through CenterLight's activities, outings and welcoming community. Whether visiting local attractions, enjoying live entertainment, or simply sharing a conversation, each experience brings new memories and meaningful connections.

"I call it the little school," she says.

View Bella's full testimonial below:

Bella has been a CenterLight participant since 2015 and is enrolled at the time of posting.

NoPOInfo_Bella_Acurio_Testimonial
Updated June 25, 2026

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Sister Mary Anna Euring, O.P., an artist and mind-body-spirit specialist, says CenterLight PACE has helped her continue living with purpose, creativity and independence at 86 years young. A PACE participant since 2018, she continues to share beauty, inspiration and joy through her artwork.

In her own words, “I'm very fond of CenterLight and the staff here. They're caring. They're loving. And they answer and take care of my needs. Everybody is treated with such dignity and respect.” – Sister Mary Anna Euring, O.P.

View Sister Mary Anna's full testimonial below:

Sister Mary Anna has been a CenterLight participant since 2018 and is enrolled at the time of posting.

NoPOInfo_Sister MaryAnnaTestimonial
Updated April 21, 2026

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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:

Evelyn has been a CenterLight participant since 2022 and is enrolled at the time of posting.

NoPOInfo_EvelynTestimonial
Updated March 23, 2026

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Angel has been a CenterLight participant since 2022 and is enrolled at the time of posting.

NoPOInfo_AngelTestimonial
Updated November 17, 2025

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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.

Ayesha has been a CenterLight participant since 2023 and is enrolled at the time of posting.

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Updated 10292025

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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.

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Pablo has been a CenterLight participant since 2023 and is enrolled at the time of posting.

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Updated 09292025