North Hempstead, NY –The Town of North Hempstead’s innovative senior initiative, Project Independence (PI), reached a milestone this week as the 10,000th new member signed on to take advantage of the program’s comprehensive array of social services. Project Independence is one of the few programs of its kind in the entire nation, offering members social and recreational programs, community education, volunteer services and transportation for shopping and medical appointments.

“What a great achievement to think that 10,000 North Hempstead seniors have been able to able benefit from the wonderful programs offered by Project Independence,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “This aging-in-place initiative has given thousands of seniors a sense of well-being, made them more confident and allowed them to remain in their own homes.”

Loretta Ammann of Carle Place is the lucky 10,000th member and received a personal visit from Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Viviana Russell to celebrate the landmark.

“North Hempstead is a senior-friendly community,” said Councilwoman Russell, who represents the Carle Place community. “Project Independence, one of our most beneficial programs for our seniors, is like a neighbor you can depend on for a ride to the doctor or to go food shopping.”

Supervisor Bosworth and Councilwoman Russell visited Loretta’s home, bringing balloons, and a gift basket full of goodies and gift cards from several local businesses, including a $50 gift card for Hispano Taxi Express. Joining the Supervisor on the Welcome Wagon was Kimberly Corcoran-Galante, the Commissioner of the Department of Services for the Aging, under which PI operates.

“This is a great milestone for the Project Independence program,” said Commissioner Corcoran-Galante. “It’s a very satisfying feeling to know that we are like an extended family for many of these seniors, keeping them connected and providing services to make their lives a little easier.”

Created in 2009 as an aging-in-place program for the Town’s nearly 60,000 residents over 60, PI has assisted aging residents in remaining in their own homes and familiar surroundings. Since then it has answered a total of 127,525 service requests and taken 76,039 requests for rides to food shopping and medical trips.

In 2009 the Town of North Hempstead was named one of the top 25 healthiest places to retire in the Nation by Money Magazine and earlier this year became the first Town in Nassau County to receive the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Communities designation, given by AARP, which declares the Town an age-friendly place to live. AARP confers this designation on municipalities having progressive and forward-thinking public policies that serve older populations and that are friendly to all ages.

To view an upcoming television program about the Project Independence 10,000th member, tune in to North Hempstead TV, Channel 18 or 63 on Cablevision or Channel 46 on Verizon, or log on to www.mynhtv.com or www.youtube.com/townofnorthhempstead. The program will be available for viewing by June 29.