and grateful for the Grace of Project Hospitality.
Over 20,000 pounds of fresh produce was distributed Friday at our Community Center, as part of a weekly initiative sponsored by Food Bank NYC that will go through June 17.
Some of the hands handing out these fruits and vegetables belonged to longtime, devoted volunteers: Residents of Bayley Seton who are living under the care of Richmond Center for Rehabilitation and Specialty.
For each of these men and women, life changed in an instant — an auto accident, a tick bite then undiagnosed Lyme disease…and other tragedies that happened in a flash.
But as residents of a program that provides intensive rehabilitation to individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), they are regaining their memories, their mobility, and their zest to remake their place in the world.
Volunteering twice weekly at Project Hospitality has been part of that journey.
“It is helping them transition back into the community,” said Christine Aponte, who works in recreation at the Center and three years ago started bringing volunteers to Project Hospitality – a decision inspired in part by her experience more than 30 years ago of herself receiving emergency food from us.
Twice a week, Christine and a few of the 72 residents of the TBI program work in our food pantry and soup kitchen.
“It is really rewarding,” said Natasha McElroy, 35, who arrived at Bayley Seton in October after being hit by a truck and is working toward returning home to her 9-year-old. “Helping other people brings me joy.”
As Binny Thomas, 32, handed out cabbage to thankful seniors, families and others who came for the nutritious food, he also mused on the value of Project Hospitality and the value of volunteering.
“I love to help people out,” said Binny, who developed TBI after suffering for months from undiagnosed Lyme Disease. “This is helping me get my footing back.” 
Smiling, Bobby Martinez agreed. A resident of the program since 2003, who is on the cusp of moving into supportive housing, he said, “I am doing something for the community. I like it.”
For 32 years, Project Hospitality has been ingrained in the Staten Island community, uplifting our neighbors in need, and partnering with other institutions and agencies who also tend to the most vulnerable among us. Sometimes the way we help is by giving people the opportunity to help others.
“I am thankful, Gracias a Dios, for this food,” said a senior citizen, lifting red and green bell peppers and placing them gently in her overflowing cart. She was one of hundreds of Staten Islanders who came between 9 and 11 a.m. to receive the produce.“I am here for my friend, and for me. We need this fresh food for our health.”
We thank Food Bank NYC for blessing us with food. We thank Richmond Center for Rehabilitation and Specialty and all our volunteers for lending their precious time to Project Hospitality, so we can better serve our community.