I’m Gabby, a Marketing and Communications intern at the 14 Street Y through PENCIL, a nonprofit that connects New York City students with professional opportunities. I’ve been learning firsthand about all of the programs that the 14th Street Y offers to the community, and I was really impressed by the scope of programs created for people at every age and stage of their lives!
One program that really caught my eye was the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living, free for New Yorkers 60 and older. Read on to see what I’ve learned about the dynamic and comprehensive services available to older adults.
What is the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living?
The Sirovich Center for Balanced Living is part of the Educational Alliance network of community centers across the East Village and Lower East Side, and is the second-oldest center of its kind in New York City.
The William I. Sirovich Memorial Association was founded in April 1947 by the Sirovich family “to provide a center for the older person where [they] can find companionship, and an opportunity for continuing [their] life-long interests and for developing new ones.”
Since its conception more than 75 years ago, the Sirovich Center has implemented various arts, education, nutrition/meal, health, and social services programming with the aim of furthering Dr. Sirovich’s mission to improve the lives of older adults living and working in New York City.
Today, membership provides unlimited access to programs and resources and is FREE for those aged 60 and older. The center offers nutritious meals five days a week along with a wide variety of classes and activities that engage both the mind and body.
Staff assist members with monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and provide one-on-one social services. Sirovich Center believes all older New Yorkers deserve to age with dignity and remain connected to a vibrant community of their peers.
How Do I Become a Member?
If you’re a New Yorker aged 60 or older, you can become a member of the Sirovich Center for FREE! Older adults can visit the Sirovich Center at 331 East 12th Street to register in person, or submit an online registration form.
Members of the Sirovich Center have full access to enriching programs both in-person and online.
Activities, Classes, and Benefits
Sirovich Center makes aging in New York City easier—and fun!
“Some people say that connections are almost as important as food and water for survival. I agree,” said Suzie Engle, a proud Sirovich Center member for the past decade. Suzie takes advantage of the drama, vocal, and smart phone/tablet classes offered on-site. “Keeping us going vocally and dramatically pre-and-post-pandemic has been vital for creating and maintaining connections.”
For a full list of weekly in-person and online classes, please visit the Sirovich page of our website.
Activities and Classes at the Sirovich Center Include:
- Dance classes
- Ceramics program
- Drama and theater groups
- Music and vocal ensembles
- Painting Open Studio
- Creative Writing
- Knitting
- Personalized wellness plans
- Fitness classes
- Weight management support
- Healthy eating workshops
- Stress and relaxation programs
- Life transition workshops
- Assistance with social services, entitlements, and counseling
Staying Connected
Any questions, comments, or concerns? We are always here to help! For inquiries, call 646-395-4310, or e-mail sirovich@14streety.org. We hope to see you soon at Sirovich!
Gabriela Centeno is a marketing and communications intern at the 14Y. Through the help of Pencil and the Ladders 4 Leaders Program, Gabriela was matched with the 14Y and spent a portion of summer 2022 gaining valuable experience about marketing, blogging, and social media. Gabriela is a junior at Brooklyn College, studying Television/Radio/Emerging Media, and Business Administration.