NEW YORK — Eddie Serrano is a regular at the Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center in Yorkville. So were his parents and grandmother. He is looking forward to meeting up with old friends again there in person.

"I can't wait because it's a great support, it helps out a lot for the seniors in more ways than a lot of people know," said Serrano, who also once worked at the center.

The Isaacs Center is a not for profit community-based organization located in Yorkville between the Issacs Houses and Holmes Towers City Housing Authority Developments.

Staff is beginning the process of opening its doors to provide a wide array of services. President and Executive Director Gregory Morris said the return of services indoors will be phased in slowly and strategically.

"We are going to be very smart about how it is we reopen our doors, and that our programming may look different, it may take time," said Morris, who added that they don't want to do is take any steps back, especially considering the people they serve were among the hardest hit by the pandemic.

So for now, the popular lunches at Issacs will be “grab and go” outside.

Morris says more activities will be available in their outside courtyard space as they phase in indoor services and activities, but he stressed that the Isaacs Center, which serves 6,000 folks annually, never really closed.

Services were offered virtually and meal deliveries tripled throughout the pandemic.

Regulars like East Harlem Resident Maria Morales say she looks forward to being at the center to see friends and stay active.

"Honestly I have to thank god for this center because this is a great center we can socialize, meet new people," said Morales.