The Clara II

Clara met the man who would become her husband when she was 13 years old and living in Spanish Harlem. He was her best friend’s next door neighbor. Now they’ve been married for 40 years. She says her secret to a long, happy marriage is patience, humor and communication. Once their kids came along, Clara retired from her job as a law secretary to take care of their growing family.

 In 2012, Clara and her husband were living in Staten Island when their rental house was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. They went into the shelter system, where Clara’s husband caught an infection that placed him in the hospital for more than a month. With reduced finances and no home of their own, Clara and her husband moved from shelter to shelter for 11 years. She says it was a “nightmare.”

Clara connected with JASA and soon she and her husband moved into a safe, affordable apartment of their own. JASA staff helped Clara and her husband furnish their apartment - making sure they had a real mattress to sleep on instead of the blow-up bed they were using and many other useful household items. JASA staff continues to check in on them regularly making sure all of their needs are met. Clara says the staff made her feel welcome, comfortable, and safe.

JASA owns, manages, and operates 11 affordable housing buildings. JASA is an industry leader in providing safe, affordable, and accessible apartments for more than 2,400 older adults and disabled individuals. All buildings include on-site social services and activities, with staff fluent in a variety of languages. JASA’s properties are enhanced by planned capital improvements and green energy initiatives.

These earrings are handmade with love and care by JASA seniors. Treat yourself today and support older New Yorkers!