HICA's goal is to educate the elderly, service providers and elected officials regarding the needs, issues and concerns of older adults; to advocate on their behalf; and to empower seniors to effect change in their lives by providing a forum where members and the general public can meet, discuss and exchange ideas. HICA's main service is to provide advocacy through daily and weekly contacts. HICA's office serves seniors' individual problems.

Since its inception in 1950, the Council has been instrumental in fostering legislation and appropriations for entitlements and benefits in such areas as Health Insurance, Income, Food Stamps, Housing and Transportation among others. Most importantly, the Council has made available to older persons and to its members an impressive network of coordinated and planned programs and services consistent over a long period of time. Each of us, therefore, must support the fight in any way we can. This committee looks to addressing the needs and interests of seniors and strive our efforts in achieving tangible goals that will benefit our senior community.

Today, there are close to 50 millions people aged 60 and older living in the United States. For many, these so called’ Golden Years’ are filled with pain, loneliness, and fear instead of the respect and caring they had expected from family, friends, and their community. Years are being added to their lives-not life to their years.

The East Harlem Interagency Council for Older Adults, is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring dignity and quality to the lives of the more than 26,000 older persons in East Harlem. The Council is supported in part by the New York City Department for the Aging and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office. However, it also relies on a membership drawn from every strata of community as well as affiliates from the public sector.

As members of the Council, local businesses, health care institutions, social services organizations and community groups play an important role in improving the lives of East Harlem older persons.

Concerned individuals, including active, older persons themselves are also a vital part of the community. Executive officers of the Council, and all volunteers, are respected experts in such areas as social services, geriatric health care, housing, project organizations, funds management, and information gathering.

These capabilities, combined have made the Council a principal source of the East Harlem’s program planning and development, funds allocation, public advocacy, and information regarding older persons.

Officers

Carlos Juan Lopez, Chairperson
Alma Collazo, LMSW, Co- Chairperson
Betsy Tuft, Treasurer
Pearl Johnson, Assistant Treasurer
Roberta Robledo, Honorary Chair