Culture and Connection: CenterLight Healthcare PACE Celebrates Two Years of Its South Asian Cultural Center
Jamaica, Queens — January 28, 2026 — CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly(PACE) celebrated the second anniversary of its South Asian Cultural Center in Jamaica, Queens. Participants, community leaders, and staff gathered to honor the center’s growth and the significance of this Alternative Care Setting (ACS).
The event began with remarks from Chief Operations Officer Patricia Connelly and Director of Therapeutic Recreation Kathleen Keegan, who reflected on the center’s progress since its opening. They noted the center’s growth from serving four participants weekly to now supporting 45. Since the center’s opening, participants have enjoyed a welcoming space for prayer, meditation, food from their culture, and more than 100 monthly programs, including yoga, crafts, and celebrations such as Holi, Diwali, and Eid, all of which support their holistic well-being.
“Here we are two years later, you come together as a community to socialize and engage with each other, to participate in the activities we have here, and this is so important for your physical and mental health. So, we are proud that CenterLight can bring this South Asian Cultural Center to you all,” said Patricia Connelly.
Rev. Carlene O. Thorbs, Chairperson of Queens Community Board 12, attended both the grand opening and the anniversary celebration, witnessing the center's growth over its two-year span. Community Coordinator Anikie Singh was also present, and both were impressed by the participant engagement and the atmosphere at the site.
A group of participants took part in the celebration with a special choreographed dance that they performed for those who were in attendance. This was their gift to the center that has brought them so much joy.
“My life has totally changed since I joined here. Before, I stayed home, that's it, and I was always sad and watching TV. So my daughter, she brings me here, and I chose one day, but after one month, my mind is changed and I took two days,” says CenterLight PACE participant Nasreen Janjua who also attends the CenterLight Flushing PACE site for medical services, exercise and therapy.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE remains committed to enriching the lives of older adults through culturally sensitive care, high quality medical services and social supports, community engagement, and ongoing vibrant celebrations.
*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.
