2008 Woodie Awards
St. John's Alum heads a program that reaches out to the vulnerable
Diana Castaldini, Features Editor
Issue date: 3/5/08Section: Features
Currently in its third year of operation, The Northeast Queens Friendly Visiting Program now serves over 1,000 homebound senior citizens in a variety of communities such as Flushing, Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, and other neighborhoods. Chris Schneider, the program manager and St. John's graduate of the class of 1968, single-handedly coordinates its every aspect, from posting fliers in high schools and across campuses to stir up interest in the program, to dealing directly with its participants.
"I've always felt that the most vulnerable people in society are senior citizens," said Schneider. "I've always had a fondness for these individuals who are often overlooked, and this program truly impacts their lives".
Created in 2005 to assist and support the elderly residents of Northeast Queens, the program's mission is achieved through the contribution of volunteers, from all age groups, who offer the most valuable gift they can possibly give-their time. The volunteers travel to the seniors' homes and lend a helping hand in completing tasks that may be difficult for them to carry out on their own, such as grocery shopping, light chores, or transportation to and from church and other destinations. Also, the volunteers may provide something as simple as friendly conversation, which may be the only dialogue these seniors engage in all week.
"Sometimes a knock on the door is all that's needed to boost their spirits," said Schneider. "Most of them have lost their spouse, have children that live out-of-state and they get very lonely. Chatting makes their entire day…or week for that matter".
The Northeast Queens Friendly Visiting Program is sponsored by Builders for the Family and Youth, an extension of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, and funded by City Meals-on-Wheels. The Visiting Program's headquarters is located at St. Kevin's Church, where Schneider works alongside the eleven case managers of Meals-on Wheels, all of which have about 90 clients. Most seniors who receive these meals also participate in the Visiting Program, therefore establishing a ready-made foundation of clientele already requiring assistance.
"I've always felt that the most vulnerable people in society are senior citizens," said Schneider. "I've always had a fondness for these individuals who are often overlooked, and this program truly impacts their lives".
Created in 2005 to assist and support the elderly residents of Northeast Queens, the program's mission is achieved through the contribution of volunteers, from all age groups, who offer the most valuable gift they can possibly give-their time. The volunteers travel to the seniors' homes and lend a helping hand in completing tasks that may be difficult for them to carry out on their own, such as grocery shopping, light chores, or transportation to and from church and other destinations. Also, the volunteers may provide something as simple as friendly conversation, which may be the only dialogue these seniors engage in all week.
"Sometimes a knock on the door is all that's needed to boost their spirits," said Schneider. "Most of them have lost their spouse, have children that live out-of-state and they get very lonely. Chatting makes their entire day…or week for that matter".
The Northeast Queens Friendly Visiting Program is sponsored by Builders for the Family and Youth, an extension of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, and funded by City Meals-on-Wheels. The Visiting Program's headquarters is located at St. Kevin's Church, where Schneider works alongside the eleven case managers of Meals-on Wheels, all of which have about 90 clients. Most seniors who receive these meals also participate in the Visiting Program, therefore establishing a ready-made foundation of clientele already requiring assistance.
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