FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
GODDARD RIVERSIDE SENIOR CELEBRATES 100th BIRTHDAY
Cassie Francis shares a century of memories with friends
and family
On April 26, 2007, at Goddard Riverside Community
Center’s Phelps House on New York City’s
Upper West Side, Cassie Francis blew out the candles
on her 100th birthday cake. Arriving at the birthday
bash with one of her beloved nieces, Cassie was delighted
by the signs, balloons, presents and flowers displayed
in her honor. She also enjoyed her “Happy Birthday”
song and wishes by her many friends and neighbors
at Phelps House, Goddard Riverside’s supportive
housing facility for older adults.
With speeches and gifts, guests honored Cassie’s
rich and interesting life from her early childhood
on the island of Jamaica where she grew up with her
two sisters and three brothers to her exciting move
to New York in 1945. A professional seamstress, Cassie
recalled her career in designer fashion through the
years, first on Long Island and then in Brooklyn.
Attendees also raised their glasses in honor of the
love and support she gives to everyone around her,
especially her nieces Grace, Sonia and Cecile and
her nephew, Bunny Francis. Stephan Russo, Goddard
Riverside Community Center’s Executive Director,
expressed the staff’s joy in this milestone
event, Cassie’s century.
Goddard Riverside opened Phelps House in 1983. The
facility provides 168 units of affordable housing
for older adults and people with mobility impairments.
Originally designed as an independent living residence
with one- and two-bedroom apartments, it now offers
a range of supportive services for its long-time tenants
who have aged into their 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Goddard Riverside Community Center provides services
to 16,000 people annually from Manhattan’s Upper
West Side and Harlem communities. The agency enriches
community life with recreational, cultural and arts
activities. Twenty-two programs at 16 sites reach
out to children and youth, homeless people and older
adults.
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