Congresswoman Grace Meng joined nine senior citizens on a bus ride to the local supermarket using the East West Connection Transportation program provided by HANAC, Inc. Photos: HANAC Inc.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, representing New York’s 6th District, participated in a local bus ride on August 8, accompanying nine seniors on their way to the local supermarket. The bus program, “East West Connection,” was offered by HANAC, Inc., a local nonprofit that provides affordable housing and other services to the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
“I was happy to be part of the East West Connection and see firsthand how the program works and benefits our local seniors,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It is critically important to ensure that seniors can travel to care for their needs, and I thank HANAC for providing this valuable transportation service to our district.”
Since 1984, HANAC has provided transportation services that enable seniors to live, travel, and run their daily errands independently. The program has expanded over the years and now includes nine minibuses with six scheduled routes, providing over 38,000 one-way trips annually. The program serves over 1,100 registered clients in seven community districts in Queens County.
“Whether it’s a doctor’s visit or shopping for basic daily needs, the ability to move freely around the district is a small luxury that many seniors lose due to age,” says Andrea Jerves, Program and Development Manager at HANAC. “This program helps them regain that freedom.”
