On December 9th, more than 50 tenants of Cabrini Apartments gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of this 72-unit affordable-living senior housing property located in New York City. Several Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, members of the Board of Directors and Administration joined the tenants and staff for a lively program in the building’s community room.
Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini Eldercare, welcomed the attendees with a moving prayer. She asked for God’s blessing for all of the tenants and for each of the individuals who took part in turning the vision of developing an affordable senior housing building in the elite Gramercy Park section of Manhattan into a reality. Phillip Deans, Director of Housing, introduced three tenants, each of whom spoke about how grateful they are to Cabrini for making a profound difference in their lives by providing them with such beautiful and safe living quarters.
Barbara Janwich was the first tenant to speak: “I want to say how grateful I am to be here. Before the establishment of this building, I had been applying for affordable housing for over five years but most of them were high rents and beyond my means. Then I heard about the opening of Cabrini Apartments and I said a little prayer to Mother Cabrini to help me. When I learned that I was chosen for one of the apartments I was overjoyed. Through the grace of God and Mother Cabrini, I got an apartment, #7H, which I refer to as 7th Heaven. All my furniture was in storage at the time and I lost it due to non-payment. The day I moved into Cabrini Apartments, I had no belongings, just the clothes on my back. Michael, the Superintendent, took me to the apartment and opened the door and I was overjoyed to see that it was completely furnished! I started to cry and had to turn away from Michael. The Administration of Cabrini had learned of my circumstances and completely furnished it and decorated it for me. I am forever grateful.”
The formal program concluded with Ms. Krasnausky awarding 10-year service pins to Philip Deans and Michael Andrews, Superintendent of Cabrini Apartments. She applauded their dedication and availability to the needs of the tenants and recognized the excellent job they have done to maintain the facility over the past decade.
A buzz of excitement filled the room in many different languages as the multi-cultural community of residents shared in lively conversations over a festive meal and the music of a strolling violinist. Gratitude filled the air and this beautiful celebration was fitting to mark the 10-year milestone of a development that has made and continues to make a difference in the lives of many elders in need.