On Friday, August 28th, Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Liz Krueger, and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright visited Carter Burden Network's Bill Dionne Luncheon Club & Older Adult Program on the Upper East Side.
Executive Director Joy Salvador welcomed the group on behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, and, as she put it, "most importantly, the older adults we are privileged to serve." In her remarks, Salvador framed the visit as a chance to see, up close, what investment in older adults actually looks like day to day. "The Luncheon Club is much more than a place to enjoy a nutritious meal," she said. "It is a place where friendships are formed, loneliness is reduced, health and wellness are supported, and people find purpose, connection, and community."
Salvador also spoke to the partnerships that make that work possible. Carter Burden Network's mission, helping every older New Yorker age with health, dignity, independence, and purpose, depends, she noted, on "the partnership between government, philanthropy, our dedicated staff, and the remarkable older adults who make this community so vibrant." Thanking the Governor, Senator, and Assembly Member for their leadership, she added: "We appreciate your support of Carter Burden Network and the thousands of older New Yorkers who rely on organizations like ours."
Following the welcome, the officials spent time at the tables, talking with members over lunch and hearing directly about the role the Luncheon Club plays in their day-to-day lives — from a hot meal and companionship to case assistance and benefits counseling. Senator Krueger and Assembly Member Seawright, both longtime representatives of the East Side of Manhattan, have a history of engaging with Carter Burden Network on issues affecting older adults; Governor Hochul's visit brought a statewide voice into that same conversation.
For members who rely on the Luncheon Club not just for a meal but for connection and community, the chance to speak directly with their elected officials was a meaningful one. We're grateful to Governor Hochul, Senator Krueger, and Assembly Member Seawright for taking the time to visit, listen, and share a meal with our community.
