FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2026

Contact: Renee C. Cunningham, MSS Executive Director, Center in the Park cell 215-806-3320 rcunningham@centerinthepark.org

Center in the Park Expands Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Across Philadelphia, PA

Center in the Park (CIP), a nonprofit senior community center in Northwest Philadelphia, is proud to announce that its service area for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has expanded to cover all zip codes citywide. CIP administers the federally mandated program through a contract with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Center in the Park has provided Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services in Northwest and Northeast Philadelphia for more than 12 years. With this expansion, the organization now ensures comprehensive advocacy and support for residents of nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care, assisted living communities, and adult daily living centers throughout the entire city.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights, dignity, and quality of life of individuals living in long-term care settings. Ombudsmen work to:

• Investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents,
• Protect residents’ rights,
• Provide education about long-term care regulations,
• Support residents and families in navigating concerns about care, safety, and quality of life,
• Promote systemic improvements in long-term care services.

Ombudsman services are confidential and provided at no cost to residents and their families.

“This expansion allows Center in the Park to strengthen protections for older adults across Philadelphia,” said Reneé Cunningham, CIP’s Executive Director. “We are committed to ensuring that every long-term care resident in our city has access to independent advocacy and a trusted resource when concerns arise.”

Center in the Park is also actively recruiting volunteer Ombudsmen to serve residents throughout Philadelphia. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support. The organization is particularly seeking bilingual/bicultural volunteers to help meet the needs of Philadelphia’s diverse communities.

Individuals with questions about Ombudsman Services or those interested in volunteering can contact Center in the Park at 215-844-1829 or info@centerinthepark.org.

Located in Germantown, Center in the Park is a nationally recognized senior community center, housing counseling agency, and neighborhood energy center serving Philadelphians through advocacy, social services, education, and enrichment programs. For more information, visit www.centerinthepark.org.