LITTLE HANDS, BIG IMPACT:

EARTH MONTH BLOOMS AT PS 160Q

In celebration of Earth Month, the incredible K–5 students in our afterschool program at PS 160Q—many of whom reside in local shelters—participated in a meaningful “purposeful planting” initiative. This hands-on project was designed to strengthen community bonds and respond to the urgent issue of local food insecurity, offering a powerful and empowering experience for all involved.

With support from dedicated QCH staff and enthusiastic parents, the students took the lead in designing and building birdhouses, preparing soil, planting seeds, and potting plants. Their creativity and teamwork brought the garden to life, turning it into a space of shared learning, collaboration, and discovery.

The result? Soon-to-be-harvested strawberries, mint, peppers, tomatoes, and berries—fresh, nutritious produce that will be distributed to families in nearby shelters.

Generous donations from parents helped supply materials and made this green initiative possible. It’s truly inspiring to see our students connect with the earth while directly contributing to the well-being of their community.

CONNECTING MINDS, CREATING ART

On April 18, our Social Adult Day Services program hosted a heartwarming intergenerational event aimed at bridging generational gaps and reducing social isolation. Ten high school students from the youth-led Generational Empowerment Movement (GEM) joined participants for a creative tote bag decorating session.

Paired one-on-one, GEM students offered both artistic support and heartfelt conversation. Participants, some typically hesitant to engage socially, opened up with enthusiasm—sharing stories, laughter, and building genuine connections.

The activity was a clear success. Participants expressed how much they enjoyed the interaction, while GEM students left inspired and eager to return. The event not only sparked joy but also deepened understanding across generations and raised awareness of dementia in a thoughtful, engaging way.

A HUB OF COMMUNITY AND GIVING

In April, we proudly launched our NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) program’s Flea Market—a collaborative effort with our Forest Hills Older Adult Center, where dedicated members are volunteering their time to help run the market.

Held just outside the Center, the market features a wide selection of donated items from our NORC members, including clothing, jewelry, books, accessories, and home decor. For many, donating and volunteering has been an empowering way to give back and stay connected.

More than a place to find great deals, the flea market is quickly becoming a vibrant community hub. Neighbors stop by to browse, chat, and strengthen their ties with one another.

As visitors explore, they also learn about NORC services—housing assistance, onsite nursing, housekeeping, social programming, and free medical transportation. Many are inspired to support the program through their purchases, knowing they’re contributing to a cause that directly benefits older adults in their neighborhood.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR:

KURT SONNENFELD

QCH opened its doors in 1975, and this year we are excited to celebrate 50 years of impact and community building across the borough! Join us as we go "50 for 50," honoring people – past and current – who embody the QCH spirit. In this special edition of Meet Your Neighbor, meet Kurt Sonnenfeld, founding QCH Board Member.

“When people are sharing lunch together at a senior center, or waiting together to pick up their kids from an after school program, they begin to understand that we all have the same needs and hopes.” — Kurt Sonnenfeld

Kurt Sonnenfeld (1925-2017) was not only one of QCH’s founding board members — he was a fierce and compassionate advocate for justice, inclusion, and community.

A refugee from Nazi-era Austria, Kurt brought a deep understanding of the dangers of division and the power of community. In the early 1970s, when a low-income housing development was proposed in his neighborhood of Forest Hills, the community erupted in heated opposition. But Kurt stood on the side of progress. He organized counter-demonstrations, spoke publicly in favor of the project, and worked to change the narrative of Forest Hills as a place of intolerance.

Kurt welcomed the new neighbors with warmth and stood with them, sometimes literally — like when he shielded residents from garbage-throwing protesters. He knew that real inclusion took more than words. It took showing up.

As a professional social worker, Kurt understood the transformative power of community spaces. He championed the inclusion of a community center within the new housing development and worked with other neighbors to lay the foundation for what would become Forest Hills Community House (now QCH). He also advocated that the organization be founded as a settlement house, recognizing the strength of that model's comprehensive services and community-focused, strength-based perspective.

Kurt served on our board for almost 35 years, guiding our growth from a neighborhood center to a borough-wide organization. His unwavering commitment to inclusion reminds us that building community requires both vision and persistence—qualities that continue to inspire our work today.

Queens Community House provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.