BY LIZ GOFF
The theft of 33 custom-made windows from the Queens construction site
of the nation’s first shelter for abused seniors has set into motion a delay that has
canceled hopes to see the site helping seniors by this May.
The theft of over 33 custom
windows has been a major setback
to the opening of the country’s first
shelter for abused seniors.
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
|
Walk the Walk Executive Director
Father Coleman Costello told the Tribune said that the sponsors of Mary’s
House shelter stopped planning their May 2001 opening this week and may have to postpone
putting on staff at least 17 around-the-clock shelter employees – all of which
"jeopardizes the timely opening of programs" designed to provide support and
safety for those in need.
The windows, with an estimated value of
$25,000, were stolen from the renovation site on Thursday night, Feb. 23, "underneath
the noses of paid security guards," Costello said.
"Don’t ask me how," he
added. "It happened during the snowstorm. The windows were apparently taken from the
building through a hole in the wall – where a window was to be installed."
Costello said the windows were designed for
the specific needs of a shelter, with safety of the residents in mind.
"On behalf of all of
the good people who
have helped me in this
effort to build this shelter
as well as all of the seniors
who are living in abusive
conditions, I plead with those
responsible for this theft to
return our windows."
— Father Coleman Costello,
executive director,
Walk the Walk. |
The theft has set the project back by
about $6,000, Costello said, which is the cost of labor for carpenters who had to close
the "holes" so construction could continue inside the building.
Coleman has issued the following statement
in hopes of reaching out to those who took the windows from the building:
"I would like to issue an appeal to
the individual or individuals who stole 33 windows which were about to be installed in
Mary’s House . . .These windows were made to meet the special needs of this shelter
and would be of no practical use to the individuals who stole them.
"The loss of these windows not only
imposes a financial hardship on the shelter but also will delay the opening of this much
needed facility by at least three months. Walk the Walk is a non-profit charitable
organization created seven years ago by me and other New Yorkers to address the growing
elder abuse problem. Walk the Walk provides our area’s abused elderly with temporary
shelter as well as cutting edge services including legal services to enable them to escape
abusive conditions . . . Construction of the shelter started approximately one year ago.
New York State provided funds to build the shelter and local unions have donated their
services to assist the charity in meeting the shelter’s construction budget. On
behalf of all of the good people who have helped me in this effort to build this shelter
as well as all of the seniors who are living in abusive conditions, I plead with those
responsible for this theft to return our windows."
Borough President Claire Shulman, a proud
supporter of Mary’s House, said, "We’re horrified someone would do this.
Father Costello is someone trying to help those in need, it’s upsetting someone would
cause pain and hardship to an organization trying to do some good and help those in need.
It’s simply an outrage." Shulman told the Tribune that she was going to
see what Borough Hall could do to move forward the replacement of the stolen windows and
get the project on track.
Costello will be heading to a conference in
New Orleans later in the week, sponsored by the American Society of the Aging, where he
planned to bring the good news that the Queens shelter would open in May.
"Instead, I will bring this
disappointing news," he said. "That our plans are delayed and we do not have a
new date for the opening."
Queens detectives combed through the
shelter on Thursday night, seeking evidence that will lead them to the thieves, police
officials said. Crime scene detectives recovered "some information" that is
being investigated in a joint probe by the NYPD and detectives at the Queens District
Attorney’s Squad.
Costello said the windows are being
recorded according to specification, but contractors were not given a final delivery date
for replacement windows by the manufacturer. The windows were insured by the contractor as
part of the construction, Costello said.
Tribune calls to the security
company hired to protect the site, Protection Plus, were not returned.
At the request of Walk The Walk, the exact Queens location
of the shelter has been witheld from this story.
Not Just Talking The Talk
By TAMARA HARTMAN
Sylvia Berthena White will turn 87 this month and it was just about two
or three years ago – she’s not good with dates – when her love for her
sister left her trapped in her own home with a young man and his girlfriend who abused her
financially and emotionally.
Then they took her to court to get possession of her house.
"I was dedicated to my sister and she was dedicated [to her
grandson]. I had a weakness in me," and when her sister was gone and his parents were
gone, she let her sister’s grandson live on in the house. But "he wouldn’t
pay rent and he would harass me and take my money and tore the place up and reported
me."
Now, White says that she has found peace and so has he, thanks to Walk
the Walk. "They changed my life. He has come back to visit me and he thanked me [for
helping him get help]." It all began when she called Father Coleman Costello, said
she had a court date and said she was desperate and she didn’t know where to find
help.
Walk the Walk is made up of several programs working to offer
assistance to seniors in need as well as counseling for caregivers. The Elder Domestic
Violence Shelter scheduled to open this year called Mary’s House will only be the
latest branch of the network and be a 20-bed emergency shelter.
But there is also the Elder Law Institute which provides free legal
assistance, court information and aid in finding a pro-bono attorney.
The Crime Victim Assistance component funded by the state Crime Victims
Board that offers referrals for victims.
The Steps program (Services To Empower and Protect Seniors) addresses
every aspect of the life of the senior, including assistance to their family.
And the Alpha Omega Outpatient Clinic provides screening and counseling
for older adults with an emphasis on clients 55 and up. According to police statistics,
150,000 seniors were arrested by New York State Police in 2000 for driving under the
influence or driving while intoxicated. NYPD officials told the Tribune that 40
percent of those arrested for "DUI and DWI" offenses are 50-years-old and older.
But whatever the painful force in a senior’s life, Sylvia explains
that even though she is active in her church and the neighborhood, she just didn’t
know where else to turn. "[Seniors] need it greatly," she said of Walk the Walk,
"especially those who don’t keep busy, whose families have their own families.
These elderly need someone . . . I pray for [Walk the Walk] every night."
Police officials told the Tribune, "It’s a real
problem. The type of programs that will be available through the St. Mary’s Shelter
are no longer an option – they’re a necessity."
Walk the Walk is in constant need of new volunteers and is always open
to assist seniors, even if they wish to remain anonymous. For referrals or assistance call
433-0800.
— Liz Goff contributed to this article
