Rochester, NY – Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55) and Assemblywoman Sarah Clark (AD-136) hosted a press conference earlier today to announce $150,000 in state grants for Lifespan and the Lily Cafe. Senator Samra Brouk secured $75,000 to support Lifespan’s SCAMS prevention program and $25,000 for care coordination and health care navigation for low-income older adults with medically complex needs. Assemblywoman Sarah Clark’s $50,000 grant will support nutritious food at the Lily Cafe at the Maplewood Family YMCA and provide educational programming for seniors.

As the population of older adults in New York increases, elder abuse is becoming more frequent and nuanced with scammers targeting vulnerable residents’ savings. This funding will help the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in the Rochester area, in their mission to prevent older adults from becoming victims of scams and elder abuse. Older adults also need support for health care coordination, and support from this funding will help reduce hospital stays, enhance health outcomes, and improve quality of life for older adults.

The Lily Cafe is a community hub located at the Maplewood Family YMCA, where seniors gather daily for nutritious meals, social engagement, and educational programming. The cafe offers low-cost lunches, wellness programs, and opportunities for older adults to connect with peers, reducing isolation and promoting healthy aging. By providing a consistent space for fellowship, recreation, and support, the Lily Cafe strengthens community bonds and enhances overall well-being for Rochester’s senior population.

Data from the Federal Trade Commission reveals there has been a four-fold increase in reports of impersonation scammers stealing tens and even hundreds of thousands from older adults since 2020, and adults over 60 reported losing $445 million to scammers impersonating trusted government agencies and businesses in 2024.

Older adults also have increased health care needs, but face barriers to getting care – causing a delay in care, which can worsen health problems. Additionally, the lapse in ACA tax credits potentially causing increases in Marketplace Premiums only amplifies the challenges to the access to and cost of care that older adults will face.

Senator Samra Brouk (SD-55) said, “For too long, our older adults have been manipulated by scammers and losing their hard-earned savings. New York State’s older population is also growing, which means the demand to meet complex, unmet needs will increase. To improve quality of life for older residents, I fought to secure $100,000 in funding to support Lifespan’s SCAMS prevention program and for navigating health care coordination to aid low-income, medically complex older adults. I am proud to partner with my colleague Assemblywoman Sarah Clark to empower our older neighbors through Lifespan and help them live safely, independently, and with dignity.”

Assemblywoman Sarah Clark (AD- 136) said, “With over 25% of our Monroe County residents over the age of 60, it is critical that we continue to support the resources that empower our older New Yorkers. This grant, which will provide funding for meals and education at the Lily Cafe, will ensure that a crucial community gathering place has the resources to continue serving our amazing older New Yorkers. As the challenges ahead of us put more financial pressure to meet basic needs, providing a safe space for our Maplewood residents helps ensure we can connect and fill the gaps. Thank you Senator Brouk for being a steadfast partner in the Senate and thank you to Lifespan for your tireless work for our seniors and community as a whole.”