Michelle LaVignera, Director of Social Services, Catholic Charities of Staten Island

Christine and Victoria have led various Theater and Music Programs in our West Brighton Senior Center. The programs have been of the most popular and well received “arts and culture” programs that we have provided to our seniors. This is due to the quality of service, care for the seniors and dedication to the program that Christine and Victoria have demonstrated. They have built beautiful, lasting relationships with our seniors within and outside the center. The structure of their programs require the seniors to open up about their lives and sometimes reveal aspects that are difficult and painful to discuss. This is because the scripts are developed with and by the seniors based on their own life experiences. This would not be possible unless Christine and Victoria build genuine trust with the seniors which they have done year after year. They spend time getting to know each and every personality, everyone’s strengths and they respect the vast diversity of life experience among the group. Christine and Victoria are each reliable, dedicated and have excellent work ethics. The final scripts and eventual productions have always been of high quality and thoroughly enjoyed. The productions were initially meant to be performed in our senior center alone, but they were so well received that they were performed at centers throughout Staten Island. I believe that Christine and Victoria are talented individuals who have a gift for working with people, particularly vulnerable populations like senior citizens. I would highly recommend them in all aspects.