BCA’s 8th Avenue Senior Center celebrates 32nd anniversary
The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association (BCA) recently marked the 32nd anniversary of its 8th Avenue Senior Center with a “Banquet of Longevity” held at New Phoenix Seafood Restaurant on 65th Street and 9th Avenue. Hundreds of senior members, community leaders, and elected officials attended.
In addition to celebrating more than three decades of accomplishments, the association emphasized the importance of providing senior services locally, thanked members and volunteers for their support, and pledged to continue expanding programs to meet the needs of older adults across different neighborhoods.
Three decades of community roots
According to BCA President Paul Mak, the organization was founded in 1988 and, with support from volunteers and community members, opened its first senior center on 8th Avenue in Sunset Park in 1993. Over the past 30 years, BCA has continued to grow, establishing additional centers on 6th Avenue, Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, 20th Avenue in Bensonhurst, and in Dyker Heights, serving a growing number of seniors.
Today, BCA provides services to more than 600 older adults each day across its centers, offering them spaces to socialize and connect. Activities include group meals, help with benefits and aid applications, English and computer classes, arts and crafts, fitness sessions, and free health screenings. Each center features a variety of programs that encourage seniors to stay active, meet others, and enrich their community life.
Arts and recreation as core services
Ms. Lin, who has worked with BCA for 15 years, said cultural and recreational activities are especially important for today’s seniors. Many come to play cards, do group exercises, read newspapers, or attend health workshops with friends. “We also help them learn more about American culture and things that are important for living here,” she said. She noted that many seniors became more isolated after the COVID-19 pandemic, having grown used to staying home during lockdown. “Now we’re encouraging them to come out again and reconnect with people, which really benefits their physical and mental health.”
She added that many seniors also volunteer at the centers, helping decorate and prepare for events. “They see us as family — as part of their own.”
Enjoying their golden years
At 102, Mr. Ng is the oldest participant across all centers and one of BCA’s founding members. He recalled, “Back then there really wasn’t any funding. We only had a few volunteers, and the center started with just two tables before growing into what it is today.” Though now limited in mobility and hearing, he still visits regularly: “Whenever I have time, I go for tea. I see Mr. Mak at least once a week.”
Ninety-five-year-old Ms. Lin Zhendi loves the center’s singing classes, rediscovering a passion she never had the chance to pursue when she was young. She first learned about the center when someone invited her while she was exercising in the park. After losing her husband in their 70s, she found comfort in chatting with friends there. “I’ve been going for decades and made so many friends,” she said with a laugh. “Once, my daughter was walking with me down the street, and we kept running into people I knew. She said, ‘Mom, everyone knows you!’”
“One senior told me he started coming to BCA activities when he first arrived in the U.S. in 1988, and now his children and grandchildren also benefit from our programs,” said Mak. “As Brooklyn’s Chinese community continues to grow, we hope to open another senior center in the future to serve the needs of older adults in different areas.”