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NANAY: Bringing Joy to our Elders MIAMI, FL, May 4 (BPNews) -- Pete, a career professional who worked with a large Philippine government ministry, liked his job very much, climbing up the ranks to be a very influential official. What differentiates Pete from others who worked the same long hours is his dedication to his children. He never missed bringing and picking them up from their schools. So close was he to his children that when wife Candida was at work, Pete fed them and helped with their school work. When his kids were grown and sowed their oats, perhaps Petes joyous moments were playing for hours with his grandchildren during their visits. The routine ends when the kids get tired and make lambing to Lolo Pete for ice cream and cookies. Then its time to go home. Pete and Candida would be left by themselves once more. Life had been kind, as the optimistic Pete would tell friends. Until that one day when he retired from his job. As a retiree, Pete tried to keep himself busy. He once told a friend, how busy can a 68 year old retiree be? Id like to work, but who wants to employ a person my age? Besides my children have their own families now, when they get a break from work they will bring my grandchildren. With nothing to do, its still alright because I can rest. Its been several years now since Pete found his final resting place. I wished I couldve spent more time with my dad, one of his sons would later say. Petes story happens everywhere everyday. In Florida, recognizing the plight of the elderly, Dr. Jocelyn Joy Bruce took it upon herself to make a difference. In 1985, Dr. Bruce organized a social group called NANAY, the National Allegiance to the Needs in the Aging Years, to cater to the social and other needs of the elderly. As the only Filipino community organization of its kind, it became popular and would later grow to assist the Asian community as well. Last January 7, 2000, NANAY celebrated the grand opening of its first NANAY Asian Pacific American Community Center located at 659 NE 125th Street in North Miami. The elderly who have been to NANAY center really liked the place. They are lonely at home and the center is a place where they can meet, learn, be busy, and have fun. In the past, many of our forgotten elders longed for love, companionship, and recognition. They had been lonely and afraid of what their future would be - in a society where the younger generation appeared too busy to stop and care, said Dr. Bruce. Now, NANAY is here, she adds. Dr. Bruces persistence and hard work in getting state and federal funding made this project happen.
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