Employed at
the Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) Vocational Program
for many years, Jesse Wasserman, 55, resolved about eight
years ago that he wanted the opportunity to interact more
with people and to help others. Mr. Wasserman
developed his own weekly schedule, and now avidly
volunteers in his community through the QCP Day
habilitation Program.Born in the Bronx and raised in
Queens Village, Mr. Wasserman was diagnosed with cerebral
palsy and mild mental retardation. Mr. Wasserman
worked for a number of years with his father in a metal
stamp business, and after his father's retirement, began
attending QCP.
A very social person, he currently resides in the
ANIBIC Briarwood apartments and remains active in the
senior community through the QCP GOALS Program. In
addition to bowling, Mr. Wasserman especially likes to
perform on stage and acts as the Master of Ceremonies for
many of the QCP day program productions. He derives
great enjoyment from visiting family members and attending
family functions. Mr. Wasserman has been a faithful
volunteer at the Theodore Jackson Senior Center in
Jamaica, Queens, for eight years. At the Center he
distributes lunch trays, beverages and desserts every
Wednesday. An enthusiastic and friendly worker, the
members thoroughly enjoy his company. When asked why
he volunteers, he states, "It makes me feel good inside
when I help other people."
QCP is honored to have Gerard Thomas win this
prestigious award in 2003 and Hank Mamlok in 2002. They
are both Day Services participants at QCP.
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