New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. meets with students involved in the I Love Our Youth Inc. program at PS 118 in Jamaica, Queens, on April 4, 2005. Pictured with Comptroller Thompson is program Executive Director Hosea Givan. Photo Credit: Marla Martizer

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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today visited several programs focused on youth and seniors in Southeast Queens.

“I am here to listen and to find out how my office can assist you,” Thompson said in addressing about three dozen community leaders at York College.

Thompson toured three program sites: Theodora G. Jackson Adult Center, Roy Wilkins Family Center and I Love Our Youth Inc. Center located at Public School 118. He capped off his tour with a luncheon at York College, where he hosted an interactive discussion with various non-profit organizations and services providers, community boards, local businesses, and residents.

The Theodora G. Jackson Adult Center is one of five senior centers sponsored by Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults (JSPOA). Theodora Jackson Center employs members of the local community who work together to provide services and developmental skills to older adults. The Center serves more than 200 seniors daily. Programs include meals, trips, senior walks, and educational workshops.

The Roy Wilkins Family Center provides more than 30 activities to meet the needs of youth, individuals, families, seniors, and grassroots organizations. Examples of the activities they provide are sports recreation programs, summer day camp, and family counseling services. The South Queens Park Association (SQPA) is the parent organization of the Roy Wilkins Family Center and is a 28-year old non-profit human services organization serving approximately 300,000 people who live in South Jamaica and the surrounding community. SQPA operates out of the 54-acre Roy Wilkins Park.

I Love Our Youth Inc. was created to uplift young people, provide good role models, promote positive and challenging youth activities, and provide a mechanism for strengthening communities through volunteerism. Their message is one of building character and responsibility in youth and parents alike, through love and the spirit of mutual support.

Please contact Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597 or mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov for photographs.

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