Senior Savvy: Miguel Sanchez

“They’re the best!”

That’s what Miguel Sanchez, 82, a resident of the Vladeck Houses, says about the staff and services at Henry Street’s Senior Services Division.

Miguel, who has lived on the Lower East Side for 40 years, has been coming to Henry Street for longer than he can remember. For Miguel, a veteran of World War II whose children now live out of state, Henry Street is a place characterized by warm, friendly and welcoming people who are always happy to lend a helping hand.

Henry Street’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) helps Miguel and other neighborhood seniors access the services they need so that they can continue to live in their own homes, while staying happy, healthy and safe. Miguel, who suffers from asthma, sees the NORC’s visiting nurse regularly for health screenings, as well as blood pressure checkups and other preventive services. His case manager has helped him to secure entitlements, like health insurance, so that he can get the medical care he needs. And the NORC’s social worker is always available if he wants to stop by for a talk. “The employees are all good to me,” he says.

“For our seniors, coming to Henry Street isn’t just about getting help with problems,” says Janet Fischer, Chief Administrator of Senior Services. “We seek to empower seniors and to minimize isolation through group activities, field trips and other chances for socialization.” In addition to Henry Street’s NORC (which was the first NORC in New York City public housing), Henry Street operates the Good Companions Senior Center which offers educational and recreational activities to everyone over age 60.

“I have fun there,” Miguel says of Good Companions. “I have lots of friends!” Henry Street has also inspired Miguel to give back. He often appears at government hearings and events to advocate for the importance of services for seniors. After all, he knows well how wonderful it is to have so much support and caring just around the corner!