Homecrest, Long Island
The Brooklyn Public Library has a branch in Homecrest located at Coney Island Avenue. The library services four local schools and several daycare centers and nursery schools. Many of the library's programs are equipped toward the neighborhood's youngsters. Homecrest is a family-oriented neighborhood. While the younger men and women are out at work, their parents look after the grandchildren. Many of the senior citizens have strived to work hard especially in restaurants and garment factories of Chinatown so that they will able to help their children go to school, get good jobs and to stand their own feet. The successful children share the comforts together with their aging parents who are now finally reaping the rewards of their hard work and sacrifice. Living with and caring for aging parents is the cultural norm in China, and that way of thinking has not changed for the newer immigrants. It is a tribute to the American way of life that individual freedom is so liberally celebrated. Homecrest has also a large population of immigrants from Italy, Russia, India, and Mexico. The neighborhood has opened another center nearby where more than 600 people have signed up. They are part of the flourishing Chinese community in Homecrest that is large and important enough to merit attention from City Hall. Activities at the Homecrest center are the same as what goes on in senior centers everywhere. Most of it is ballroom dancing classes and Fourth of July barbecues. The Homecrest Community Services, Inc. (HCS) is a community-based and a non-profit organization which organized by local residents and community leaders. They offer services and needs including educational, recreational, nutritional and other social services consistent with the special language, cultural, and immigrant needs. The Homecrest Presbyterian Churchis also a center for a lot of community activities. The basement serves as the Homecrest Community Services Senior Center. At the Senior Center most of the elders are Chinese, and their numbers are still growing over the years. |


