The Deborah III

Deborah is Bronx-born and raised, and has been part of the Co-op City community for the last 48 years. She started her career selling stamps in the post office and moved up to balancing accounts and bookkeeping. She really enjoyed her work.

Retirement gave Deborah a chance to pursue her hobbies – traveling around the world to Dubai, Israel, and Greece, as well as to Broadway theaters in Manhattan. Always on the go, she wakes early every morning for a two-hour walk around the neighborhood. But she wanted to do more to give back to her community. After being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Deborah started taking health workshops with JASA. She learned to monitor her blood pressure, lost weight, and decreased her risk for diabetes.

“JASA empowered me to help others. It’s been very beneficial for my own health as well.”

Deborah has now completed certification that qualifies her to act as a JASA Community Health Navigator and provide peer support to others to help them manage chronic diseases. She volunteers at local JASA senior centers doing blood pressure screenings. And now with her training, she will be going from taking the workshops to teaching the workshops.

This necklace is handmade with love and care by JASA seniors. Treat yourself today and support older New Yorkers!