By Donna Ruhanen, Marketing Chair, Board of Directors, The Community Fund of Bronxville Eastchester Tuckahoe, Inc.

Jun. 28, 2017:  Gilda Press, director of Eastchester Senior Programs & Services, was named recipient of The Community Fund Award at its annual meeting on May 30, 2017, at the Bronxville Field Club. The award was given in recognition of her sixteen years of dedicated service to the residents of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe.

In presenting the award to Ms. Press, Melinda Burge, executive director of The Community Fund, noted, "Created in 2015, The Community Fund Award is to be given for excellence in the execution of a member agency's mission. The person or agency receiving the award should be dedicated, exhibit operational astuteness, be flexible to changing circumstances, and make a significant contribution to the agency and community--Gilda exemplifies all of these qualities."

During Ms. Press's sixteen-year tenure as director of Eastchester Senior Programs & Services, she managed the day-to-day operations of a broad range of programs and services, including case management, home care, transportation, housekeeping, meal deliveries, the "Sundays at Concordia" lunch and entertainment program, and the "Shopping Chores & More" program, all geared to meet the needs of older adults and enhance their quality of life. In addition, she oversaw the Senior Centers at Lake Isle and Garth Road and spearheaded the weekly socialization and activities group at the Jackson Avenue senior housing building in Eastchester, now in its eleventh year.

Ms. Press also has counseled countless older adults and family members in the nuances of Medicare, benefits assessment, and health insurance and has worked closely with The Community Fund, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs & Services, Gramatan Village, and the Senior Citizens Council.

As a licensed mental health counselor, Ms. Press will retire on June 1 after having enjoyed a 30-year career in the human services field and serving as director of Eastchester Senior Programs & Services since 2001.  

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Press expressed to the audience, "I am deeply honored to receive this award--particularly at this moment in my life when I am about to retire." Press went on to say, "Knowing that I have made life a little more pleasant, or a little more manageable, is its own reward. I share that reward with all of you. I hope you all know that through your commitment, hard work, and support, you too are making a difference for seniors every day. I'm on the front line, but I could not do the work I do and provide many of the unique and specialized services without The Community Fund right behind me."

Established in 1976 under the Older Americans Act, Eastchester Senior Programs & Services has been a member agency of The Community Fund since 1981. Its objective is to provide a continuum of care for the older citizens in the Town of Eastchester, including the villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe. Through the services offered and programs provided, older adults are assisted in a manner that helps them to remain living independently while avoiding the isolation that can accompany limited physical mobility. 

Pictured here:  Neal Denning, president of The Community Fund 2016-2017, and Gilda Press.

Photo courtesy Melinda Burge, Executive Director, The Community Fund