At 77 years old, Peter Gallinari has found more than just meals and activities at Encore Community Services — he’s found a family. Part of the Catholic Charities federation of agencies, Encore is a senior citizen center in the heart of New York City dedicated to nourishing the body and spirit of older adults.

Peter’s journey to Encore is as vibrant as his personality. After serving New York City for 20 years in the sanitation department, Peter chased a dream that many only imagine — he became an actor. He’s proud to say he appeared in more than 35 films, including a cameo in Men in Black as the tow truck driver. But when film roles became fewer with age, Peter knew he needed a place to keep his mind and heart active — and Encore welcomed him with open arms.

For more than 12 years, Peter has been a fixture at Encore’s busy senior center. “I mainly come for the camaraderie and all the clubs we have,” Peter says. Here, older New Yorkers like Peter enjoy daily congregate lunches, lively bingo days, a writing group that’s published four books, art classes, dance, singing, and even fun crafts like making glass magnets for their refrigerators.

And then there’s the food — hearty, nourishing meals prepared with love in Encore’s very own commissary kitchen. Peter never misses Vegetarian Day, when the center serves warm veggie chili and beans — his personal favorite. “The food is great. Every day is something different. Some of the other guys love the chicken, the beef, the meatballs — I love the veggie day the most,” he says with a grin.

Encore’s care goes far beyond its walls. Its home-delivered meals program prepares and delivers thousands of meals each week to older adults who can’t make it to the center, ensuring that no one goes hungry or feels forgotten.

For Peter, Encore is proof that a simple meal shared with friends can nourish the soul as much as the body. “Thank you, Encore. And thank you, Catholic Charities, for everything,” he says. “You’ve really made everybody’s life here much better and much happier.”

Peter’s story is just one example of how Catholic Charities of New York lifts up our neighbors in every stage of life. Through Encore and our network of dedicated agencies, we remain committed to building a more caring, compassionate New York — where everyone has a place at the table and no one is left behind.

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