Senior Services
PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIORS
Quest Lifelong Learning program – Quest is a vibrant educational and social environment serving nearly 200 retired and semi-retired men and women at the CCNY-CWE campus in the Cunard Building located in the historic Bowling Green and Financial District in lower Manhattan. For more information please visit the Quest Website at http://www.questlifelong.org, call 212-925-6625 ext. 229, or email questlifelonginfo@gmail.com.
My Turn: Tuition-free college program for New York residents, 60 years or older, to attend regular college, keep learning, update skills or start a new career. College credits available in a wide variety of courses including art, literature, health, business and more. Over 400 courses are available, along with campus activities including a library, gym, pool, tennis courts and a private beach.. The program also includes lectures, discussion groups, trips and community events. Enjoy the beautiful Kingsborough Community College campus while you learn! For more information or to request an application, call 718-368-5079 or visit the My Turn website at www.kbcc.cuny.edu/myturn
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at the Community Service Society of New York – The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Community Service Society of New York matches the skills and interests of adults aged 55+ with NYC youth impacted by juvenile justice interactions or parental incarceration, mentoring them in skills to overcome challenges and to build on their strengths. RSVP Mentors will serve as part of a community of older citizens that ‘has their back’ and assists youth as they navigate within ever shrinking resources in New York City. The RSVP staff provides you the training, placement and support at a number of nonprofit, community based partner organizations for youth. Be a Mentor with the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program! For more information attend the RSVP Mentor Orientation on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 10 AM- 12:30 PM at 633 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017. Confirm your seat and be added to the building security listing by contacting Karen Brown at kbrown@cssny.org or 212-614-5557.
Parks Department Senior Games – Register by March 31st for the NYC Parks Senior Games! NYC Parks invites adults ages 50 and older to compete in various events ranging in skill level. Spots will fill quickly! Register now at: nyc.gov/parks/senior-games. An NYC Parks recreation center membership is required. For more information, please call (718) 965-8939 or click here to see the flyer. Registration is open through Sunday, March 31, 2019.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – The New York State Department of Health’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers free, nutritious foods to seniors aged 60 years of age and older. In 2013, the number of people participating in CSFP was approximately 34,000 monthly. Additionally, in 2013 over 20,000 senior families enrolled in CSFP received benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. CSFP is available in New York City and Long Island only. The program’s goal is to ensure that participants receive adequate nutritious foods. To see if you qualify or to apply for services, please visit Brooklyn’s Enrollment Center at Kings County Hospital Center, 840 Alabama Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207 or call (718) 498-9208. Click here to visit the program website for additional information.
CON-EDISON SENIOR PROGRAMS: Con-Edison offers a number of services for customers age 62 and over. Programs include the Quarterly Billing Plan. If your Con Edison bills are less than $420 a year, you can arrange to receive bills once every three months rather than once a month. You will only receive bills in March, June, September, and December. Another Con-Edison Senior program is the CONCERN Program. As a CONCERN customer, any questions you may have will be answered by a specially trained representative who can tell you about government aid programs, provide safety tips, and explain ways to save money on your energy bill. CONCERN customers receive Con Edison’s popular newsletter, SPOTLIGHT, free of charge. Enrollment in the CONCERN Program is free and confidential. Just call 1-800-872-8846 or visit the Con-Edison website for more information.
LiveOn New York: At LiveOn NY, we believe that all people have a future. Our work is centered on making sure that New York is a great place to age. We do this through targeted advocacy, data-driven policy, direct assistance & innovative programs. As a membership organization, we represent 100 agencies from small, single-site centers to large multi-service organizations. Through our work and membership, we represent the 3.2 million older New Yorkers and their caregivers. For more information, please call 212-398-6565 or visit the LiveOn office at 49 West 45th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Easter Seals Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) – Easter Seals SCSEP is a program that provides job training and employment opportunities for senior citizens. This program has opened the door to a group of potential employees who have all the talent, commitment and drive to help your business thrive. We work with employers ranging from Profit, Non Profit, State, City and Government organizations to provide services ranging from Employment, training and internships. Click Here to see SCSEP program flyer. For more information, contact Ron Rodgers, Job Placement & Retention Manager, at rrodgers@eastersealsny.org or call the program at 718-368-5079. Visit the Easter Seals NY SCSEP website at www.eastersealsny.org.
Employment Services for Seniors – If you’re over the age of 55 and meet income eligibility requirements (low to moderate income), you can access training and job placement assistance while you earn a wage through the federal government’s Senior Community Services Employment Program (Title V). You can access DFTA’s employment services directly by calling 311 and asking for the Department for the Aging’s Senior Employment Services or by visiting this website. You can also visit Senior Employment Services at 2 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
Financial Security Support for Seniors: Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) can help seniors protect your assets and manage your finances – for free! NHS offers fixed income financial counseling, mortgage refinancing support, HUD-certified Reverse Mortgage Counseling, loan modification assistance, insurance policy assistance and comparison shopping support. If you need to repair or renovate your home, our Construction Services staff will help you get a fair quote and make sure the job is done right. NHS also offers free classes educating seniors about identity theft, predatory loans, and loan modification scams. For more information, visit NHS at 2806 Church Avenue, Brooklyn 11226 or call 718-469-4679. Visit the senior services website at http://www.nhsnyc.org/en/programs-and-services/financial-security-for-seniors
FREE AIR-CONDITIONERS FOR SENIORS & LOW-INCOME NY RESIDENTS (HEAP PROGRAM): Free Air-Conditioners are available for individuals who meet specific qualifications. To find out if you qualify for the HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) Cooling Assistance Program, New York City residents should contact (929) 221-5862 or the Human Resources Administration (HRA) HEAP Hotline, 1-800-692-0557, or the HRA Infoline, 1-718-557-1399. New York City residents age 60 or older who received a HEAP grant last year will automatically be contacted by the HRA again this year. If you are age 60 or older and did not receive a HEAP grant last year, call 1-800-692-0557 to obtain an application, or apply through the New York City Department for the Aging by calling 311. Homebound clients are asked to call (212) 331 3150. The program operates May 1- August 29 or until funds are no longer available. Visit the website for more information about the HEAP program.
Heights & Hills: One of the largest providers of supportive services for community-dwelling older adults in Brooklyn and their families; providing compassionate and professionally delivered services that address older adults’ physical and emotional challenges. Help build supports to allow elders to age on their terms, independently and with dignity. Heights and Hills is dedicated to making Brooklyn a more livable community for people of all ages.
Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs: What You Need to Know
Do you need to remodel your home to make it more accessible? Are you wondering where to start? Click here to view a helpful guide which offers helpful information including funding resources, legal provisions, planning & product tips and more.
Institute for Senior Action (IFSA) – 10-week- leadership and advocacy course that is designed to enhance and revitalize the skills of seasoned advocates as well as introduce adults 55+ to the world of advocacy. Classes are led by a diverse and knowledgeable group of guest instructors that hold professions in political offices, community organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, CLICK HERE to view flyer or visit the IFSA website by CLICKING HERE.
JASA Offers College Courses for Seniors – Are you over 55 and want to keep learning? Sign up for Sundays at JASA’s Fall Semester! College-level courses in laughter yoga, crossword construction, genealogy, bridge, documentary films, creative writing, and more! Courses are held at John Jay College, North Hall, 445 West 59th Street, NYC. For more information, contact JASA at 212-273-5272 or help@jasa.org.
Kinship Institute – The Kinship Care Program is designed to respond to the needs of grandparents and other relatives who are primary caregivers of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews when parents are unable to care for them. The Kinship Care Program provides emotional support, case management, advocacy, and legal services for relative caregivers. Services include weekly support group, individual counseling, referral, information, and assistance with financial, medical and educational entitlements and benefits and legal liaison. Caregivers of any age are eligible to participate in the Kinship Care Program and there are no fees or insurance payments required. The Kinship Care Program is located at 2020 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn and can be reached at (718) 676-4251.
NYC Parks Department Senior Programs – NYC Parks offers a variety of programs for older adults to keep active, healthy, social and engaged in their community. From sports to nature walks, from dancing under the stars to laps in the pool, older adults can continue to lead physically active lives through sports, fitness, and outdoor adventure. NYC Parks offers older adults the most affordable and extensive network of recreation facilities throughout the city. A senior membership is $25 a year for anyone age 62 and older and allows access to all 33 of our recreation centers across the city. Our centers have extensive programs for seniors, including fitness rooms, indoor pools, computer resource centers, indoor tracks, basketball courts, game rooms, and a variety of fitness classes. CLICK HERE to see a list of all currently operating programs.
Reduced-Fare Metrocard Services – Seniors (65+) and transit riders with qualifying disabilities can apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard by mail or in person. To find out how, Click This Link. You can view & download MTA reduced-fare applications by clicking on of the following links: Application for Senior Citizen or for People with Disabilities.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): The Community Service Center’s (CSS) RSVP program hosts more than 4,000 skilled volunteers 55+ at hundreds of nonprofit agencies throughout New York City. RSVP provides life-changing opportunities for volunteers ages 55 +, along with meeting the needs of our communities by mobilizing thousands of hours of volunteer service.
SCRIE & DRIE Resources for NYC Residents – The NYC Rent Freeze Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities (also known as SCRIE and DRIE) is a great way to help constituents stay in their homes and keep their rent low. For more information, read the Department of Finance’s NYC Rent Freeze Report (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/scrie/scrie_drie_report.pdf.) or visit the Rent Freeze website (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/rentfreeze/index.page,) filled with useful information and tools to assist residents who may be eligible. You can also contact SCRIE or DRIE directly at the following link. Contact SCRIE at this link – https://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/about/contact-by-email/contact-scrie.page. Contact DRIE at this link – https://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/about/contact-by-email/contact-drie.page.
SCRIE Clinics – Are you 62 or older & a renter with a yearly household income of $50,000 or less. You may be able to freeze your rent with SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) program. Call the Legal Aid Society at 888-663-6880 on Tues, Wed or Thurs from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM to schedule an appointment during one of the upcoming clinics. Click Here to see program flyer.
Senior Services from CCBQ (Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens): CCBQ offers many services for adults aged 60 and older including case assistance, information and referral, home-delivered meals for the homebound, transportation, supportive and entitlement counseling, caregiver support groups, advocacy and congregate meals at senior centers. CCBQ also offers friendly visiting hours to frail seniors in partnership with other community-based organizations. To find out more, contact CCBQ at 718-722-6001 or visit their website at www.ccbq.org.
SENIORS: STAY SAFE WITH THE FDNY! Firefighters will visit your home to review the condition of your current smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and will install 10-year combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if you’re a senior, a person with disabilities, or have a hearing problem and live in one of the areas listed below. To schedule, please call (718) 281-3872 or email Smoke.coalarms@fdny.nyc.gov.
The NY Benefits Center is a free resource partnering with the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to help older New York City residents apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / food stamps). Call the NY Benefits Center if you are a New York City resident, 60 or older, with a household income of less than $32,000 per year and you are not already receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps) to help you pay for your groceries. Call to speak to a friendly & caring expert who can help you apply for SNAP benefits with one easy phone call. This service is free. Call Toll-Free (800) 829-7005, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
Tutoring Jobs for Seniors – CAMBA, in conjunction with Andries Hudde Middle School, the NYC Department of Education, TASC, and Harvard Ed Lab is launching an exciting new initiative called MS ExTRA! One of our MS ExTRA partner agencies, ReServe, is looking for literacy tutors of all ages who have a bachelor’s degree, a passion for reading, a heart for young people, and a willingness to work five days per week (15 hours total per week) for the 2013-2014 school year. Given ReServe’s organizational mission to match senior professionals age 55+ with nonprofits, they are looking first at tutoring candidates who are 55 and older. Tutors may email tutoring@reserveinc.org or call John Pham at 212-727-4254 for more information and to register to attend a ReServe/MS ExTRA information session.
SENIOR CENTERS (In & Around CD14)
Brookdale Senior Center
817 Avenue H, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Hours: Monday -Thursday @ 8:00-4:00, Friday @ 8:30-1:00
Services: Case Assistance, Cong. Weekends, Congregate Lunch, Education/Recreation, Home Delivered Meals, Nutrition Education
Phone: (718) 434-8670
Dorchester Senior Center
1419 Dorchester Road, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Hours: Monday-Friday @ 8:00-4:00
Services: Case Assistance, Congregate Lunch Education/Recreation Health Promotion Nutrition Education
Phone: (718) 941-6700
Ft. Greene Hazel Brooks Senior Center
961 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Hours: Monday -Friday @ 8:00-4:00
Services: Congregate Breakfasts, Congregate Lunch, Education/Recreation, Nutrition Education
Phone: (347) 435-3287
Fax: (347) 435-3288
Homecrest Community Services
1413 Avenue T, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Hours: 8:30AM to 3:30PM, Monday to Friday
Phone: (718) 376-4036
Email: info@homecrest.org
Marien Heim Senior Center
870 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Hours: Tuesday @ 10:00-4:00, Thursday @ 10:00-4:00
Services: Congregate Lunch, Education/Recreation, Nutrition Education
Phone: (718) 258-5522
Senior Citizen’s League of Flatbush Senior Center
550 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Hours: Monday-Friday @ 8:30-4:00
Services: Case Assistance, Cong. Weekends, Congregate Lunch, Education/Recreation, Meal Preparation, Nutrition Education, Home Delivered Meals
Phone: (718) 438-7771
Senior League of Flatbush (Midwood Senior League Satellite)
1625 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Hours: Monday @ 8:30-3:30, Wenesday @ 8:30-3:30, Thursday @ 8:30-3:30
Services: Congregate Lunch, Education/Recreation, Nutriton Education
Phone: (718) 253-0508
Young Israel of Midwood Senior Center
1694 Ocean Avene, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Hours: Monday-Thursday @ 8:30-4:30, Friday @ 8:30-1:30
Services: Case Assistance, Cong. Weekends, Congregate Lunch, Education/Recreation, Health Promotion, Nutrition Education, Meal Assessment
Phone: (718) 253-7800
SENIOR HEALTH INFORMATION
Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Centers: New York State has nine centers that provide services for Alzheimer’s patients and their families including disease identification, care planning and counseling. A listing of these centers is available by Clicking Here or you can contact the Bureau of Chronic Disease Services, New York State Department of Health, ESP, Corning Tower, Albany, NY 12237-0678
EPIC : 1-800-332-3742 or health.ny.gov
EPIC is a New York State cost-sharing program that helps eligible seniors pay for their prescription drugs. To be eligible, you must be over 65 years old with an income of under $35,000 if single or under $50,000 if married. Seniors who receive full Medicaid benefits are not eligible for EPIC benefits.
Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP): EISEP provides funding for in-home case management, non-institutional respite and other services for seniors who need long term care but are not eligible for Medicaid. More information can be found by visiting www.health.ny.gov and clicking on the Medicaid link.
Health Care Proxy: If you fill out a “Health Care Proxy” form, you empower someone else to make your medical treatment choices for you if you are no longer able to. Health Care Proxy forms along with many other legal and medical forms about this law are available at www.health.ny.gov/forms
Hospice Care: Hospices provide care for the terminally ill at home. Hospices may provide doctors, nurses, and home health aides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hospices also offer counselors, bereavement support and other mental health care. Visit www.hpcanys.org for more information.
Long Term Care Insurance: New York State program that offers assistance to pay for nursing home or home health care costs. For more inforamtion, contact the New York State Partnership for Long Term Care at 888-697-7582. You can also visit the NYS Department of Financial Services at www.dfs.ny.gov or call 800-342-3736.
Long Term Home Health Care programs: Also called “Nursing Homes without Walls,” this program is an alternative for patients who medically qualify for nursing home care but prefer to remain at home. For more information about this program, contact the New York City Health Department at (718) 643-4133 (located 295 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn) or visit the HRA website by clicking here.
Medicaid Information from New York State: The New York State Web site has information on how to apply for and fees related to Medicaid, as well as details and statistics on the program.
Medicaid Information from The Beehive: The Beehive is a non-profit organization that provides answers to many Medicaid-related questions.
Medicaid: 260 11th Avenue, New York, NY (212) 695-0541
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for senior citizens and others with income and resources below a certain level. Some seniors are eligible to receive both Medicare and Medicaid. Visit the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.ny.gov for more information.
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227 / TTY-TTD 1877-486-2048)
Government provided healthcare for senior citizens over the age of 65.
Medigap: 1-800-701-0501, 9 AM-3PM Monday-Thursday only.
Medigap is supplemental insurance that may help fill in “gaps” in Medicare coverage.
Visit the State Office for Aging for more information at www.aging.ny.gov
New York State Office of Aging: Visit this website to find out about the many programs available in Brooklyn and the State for senior citizens including health care, lifestyle programs, community resources and more.
Nutrition Program for the Elderly (NPE): New York State Office for the Aging offers this program to provide hot, balanced meals served at community gathering locations. Meals can also be delivered to the person’s residence. Anyone over the age of 60 years old, along with their spouses and disabled dependents are eligible to take part in the program.
NYC Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program: The NYC Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program (NYCMCCAP) provides a knowledgeable resource about health care questions – whether related to HMOs, Medicare, or Medicaid – in a variety of languages.
Social Security Office: 800-772-1213.
195 Montague Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn
Contact the Social Security office three months before your 65th birthday to find out about Medicare eligibility and to ensure that your protection begins at age 65.