In recognition of the organization’s 90th anniversary, Selfhelp Community Services and local leaders and community members celebrated 90 seniors turning 90 years old in 2026.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Selfhelp Community Services held an event honoring 90 older adults turning 90 years of age in 2026 on Monday, April 27, at the Benjamin Rosenthal–Prince Street Older Adult Center, located at 45-25 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing.
Known as the “90@90” birthday celebration, the event brought together those born in 1936, as well as community leaders, staff and supporters. In addition to marking the organization’s 90 years of service, this event also recognized a remarkable generation of individuals. The resilience, life stories and contributions of the honorees were recognized.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The 90@90 celebration featured remarks from community leaders, a musical performance and a festive birthday celebration, with cake, presents and a group sing-along of “Happy Birthday.”
A Selfhelp Community Services client made this work of art to show appreciation to the organization. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The first baby to be born in Brooklyn in 1936 was among those on hand. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Multilingual elements were also featured at the celebration, reflecting the diverse communities across New York City that Selfhelp Community Services serves.
“For 90 years, Selfhelp has been rooted in the idea that every person deserves to age with dignity, independence and a strong sense of community,” Selfhelp Community Services CEO Stuart Kaplan said. “Today’s celebration wasn’t just about marking a milestone but also the stories of the people who define our community and inspire the future we are building together.”
Kaplan addresses attendees of the celebration. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Special guests at the celebration included Council Members Sandra Ung and Susan Zhuang and New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde. They recognized the honorees, the long-standing impact of Selfhelp Community Services and the partners from across New York City.
(Left to right) Selfhelp Community Services CEO Stuart Kaplan, New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde and Council Member Sandra Ung. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
“The belief that every person deserves to age with respect and independence isn’t just an idea for so many in Flushing, it is a reality,” New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung said. “We are fortunate to have a partner like Selfhelp, which doesn’t just provide services, but builds real communities. Despite this incredible milestone and 90 years of proven success, I know that Selfhelp will continue to innovate and push forward new ideas, setting the standard for compassionate care for our older adults.”
Council Member Sandra Ung speaks at the celebration. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
“Congratulations to Selfhelp Community Services on this incredible milestone,” Zhuang said. “The ‘90@90’ celebration not only honors a generation of inspiring individuals, but also reflects the organization’s deep commitment to building a stronger, more caring community for all.”
Council Member Susan Zhuang speaks at the 90@90 birthday celebration. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
90@90 is part of a broader yearlong celebration of Selfhelp Community Services’ 90th anniversary, helping to commemorate the organization’s legacy of innovation in aging services and a continued commitment to serving over 25,000 people a year through housing, home care and community-based programs.
Ung presented Kaplan with a Proclamation from the New York City Council honoring the 90th anniversary of Selfhelp Community Services. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud