The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES ("RAICES") is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in New York State, and first developed as a volunteer advocacy senior citizen council in 1978 by retired Hispanic senior citizens who saw the need for an organization which would provide services, educate and organize the Latino, minority and low income aged. One of the Council's major accomplishments was the development in 1985 of RAICES (Roots), a model program on how to reach and serve Hispanic older adults. Through RAÍCES, the Council has been able to disseminate information on successful practices and techniques for serving the isolated, hard to reach, inner city, and impoverished elderly. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES developed an "ethnic ramp" concept towards improving access to services. In this model, culturally sensitive and bilingual services are used as tools to improve access and increase utilization of services, benefits and entitlements for the aged. The Council has also organized educational and cultural activities. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES' expertise in outreach services, information dissemination, cross-cultural training and services to Hispanic and other low-income communities is widely acknowledged with in the aging network. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES experienced many achievements and milestones. The corporation sponsors six Congregate Senior Centers, a Social Adult Day Services Program, Support Groups for Grandparents, numerous Access and Entitlement programs, English as a Second Language Courses, Healthy & Secure Computer Training classes, Recreation and Educational activities, Cultural celebrations, Case Management, Transportation and a Licensed Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES is proud of both our achievements in programming and services delivery, as well as, our administrative capacity and internal controls. Over 90% of total revenues received are dedicated to direct programming cost. The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES has continued to develop and provide services to underserved communities throughout Brooklyn and Queens. RAICES provides assistance to over 12,000 (unduplicated) individuals on an annual basis. This is possible through the efforts and hard work of a supportive dedicated staff.
