When community organizations join forces, the results can often help them expand services and improve their business. In an effort to merge and support each other’s mission within the Canarsie community, Sunrise Adult Day Health Care Center hosted the 69th Precinct Clergy Council on Friday, October 11th for a special breakfast and a potential opportunity to connect spiritual resources.

President of the Clergy Council Rev. Cecil Moonsam and his board members were treated to a delicious bagel spread and coffee as Sunrise Program Director Josephine Tramontana revealed all of the amenities available at the facility, located at 9517 Avenue J.

“This is a place where those who require specialized medical attention and rehabilitation can come for the day and have a fun social atmosphere, enjoy a delicious meal – go on some fun trips – and go home at the end of the day,” said Tramontana, who established the Sunrise program 23 years ago.

Rev. Moonsam, who initiated the collaboration, proposed that the Clergy Council form a partnership with the center, offering prayer services to their registrants as well as the staff and nurses at the facilities when their day kicks off.

While Tramontana noted that a few local houses of worship currently make weekly visits to Sunrise for prayer sessions, Rev. Moonsam said the Clergy Council is comprised of non-sectarian members who may be able to provide a diverse range of spiritual needs and support.

Since the meeting was twofold, Tramontana and Outreach Coordinator Guerdie Casseus connected with the clergy board to spread the word about the amazing things taking place at their center.

“We want to keep families connected in the community and keep Canarsie families here so they don’t have to travel for quality care,” she said. “When I began this program decades ago, it catered to the Russian community. Now, we cater to all different populations and demographics. More daycare centers are becoming ‘person-centered’ and based on their individual needs instead of their cultural affiliation, so we want to take care of everyone as a whole and not just from the religious or spiritual standpoint.”

Following the breakfast, a grand tour of the Sunrise facilities, which operate under the auspices of Four Seasons Adult Day Health Care, was provided – including the center’s spacious outdoor facilities, their physical fitness suite and a few dining rooms where registrants enjoy lunch and entertainment. Many clergy members were impressed at the size of the center and the various amenities that were available to those visiting for the day.

Both the Clergy Council and Sunrise staff expressed excitement at the prospects of partnering and look forward to coordinating events, prayer sessions and connecting their respective communities to vital resources.

To find out more about the programs at Sunrise, call 718-688-8705.