By Amanda Moses
Former Spring Creek Senior Partners (SCSP) Executive Director, Barbara Chocky passed away on October 12th from leukemia.
Chocky dedicated her life working in public service, spearheading SCSP’s efforts in providing community seniors with support services, health referrals and cultural activities. Chocky stepped down from her position as Executive Director of SCSP in 2013, after 14 years of service.
Chocky and the SCSP staff provided programs, activities and workshops for seniors that encouraged participation and independence. She believed that SCSP’s popular International Food Festival, regular health seminars and screenings, informational workshops and weekly group activities such as dancercise, empower seniors. Chocky once stated that their involvement demonstrates self-reliance, “It’s an amazing sight when a senior realizes that she or he does not have to be dependent on others.”
Chocky dedicated her life’s work to help the disenfranchised. Her list of involvements includes fighting for tenants’ rights and advocating for equal access to health care benefits – to name just a couple of the issues she has championed.
Up until her passing she served on Community Board 8, (which covers Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side neighborhoods in Manhattan), helping the homeless as a member of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter.
After her retirement at SCSP, she served as a community volunteer and helped previous City Council member Gale Brewer campaign for her current position as Manhattan Borough President.
Chock was 81 years old when she passed away.
Photo by Amanda Moses
