On Thursday May 21st, The Queens Community House’s Pomonok Center received a much-deserved facelift from more than 125 employees from ARAMARK, a global provider of professional services.   Volunteers dedicated their time, energy and talents to enhancing the indoor and outdoor facilities at the Queens Community House Pomonok Center (67-09 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing).

“ARAMARK Building Community aligns our philanthropy and volunteer activities with what we do as a company every day,” said Ira Cohn, president of ARAMARK Business and Industry, and local ARAMARK Building Community executive sponsor. “The Queens Community House does great work, tirelessly helping those less fortunate. We’re thrilled to support their important efforts through refurbishment projects such as this, and by helping to prepare and connect individuals to jobs, teach families how to live a healthier lifestyle, and provide for basic needs through food, toy and clothing drives throughout the year.”

The volunteers created a new library for the center and stocked it with children’s books which were donated by ARAMARK employees.  They also landscaped outdoor garden areas, brightened up walls by painting murals on them and added playground games to the backyard.

State Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn and State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, who represent the district where Pomonok is located, thanked the volunteers and spoke on behalf of Queens Community House's contributions to the community.

The Pomonok Center, located within the New York City Housing Authority-owned Pomonok Houses, provides free and low-cost services to both residents of the low-income development and any other interested community members. The Center provides a variety of programs and services focused on youth development, housing, community leadership, adult education and senior services.

City Year New York, a group dedicated to engaging youth in full-time community service and ARAMARK’s volunteerism partner, worked side-by-side with ARAMARK employees on the enhancement projects taking place that day.

“With New York City facing dire budgetary issues, the timing of this project could not have been better,” said Irma Rodriquez, executive director of the Queens Community House.

“The Pomonok Center is a very institutional-looking building and much of our programming is underground. Unfortunately, there simply is no surplus money to revive it, so the enhancements and beautification efforts by ARAMARK volunteers meet an important need, which has created a more cheerful and inviting environment.”