Project ORE
Free Programs & Resources For Older Adults
Project ORE, a program at the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living, provides a unique, tight-knit community for New York City’s older adults who are in need of a greater level of support.
Guided by Jewish values, Project ORE is a community comprised of older adults who are seeking connection and support. This program offers eligible community members a daily hot kosher meal, comprehensive social services, and psychosocial programming in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Our members’ personal stories often include mental health distress and trauma, housing insecurity, and other systemic obstacles. Based on the mezzanine floor of the Sirovich Community Center at 331 East 12th Street, Project ORE provides familial community and social services for those who may not have other supports in their lives.
Project ORE offers classes in art, poetry, and health and wellness as well as educational trips. We provide a Jewish experience through a weekly Oneg Shabbat, Hebrew classes, Torah study, and celebration of Jewish holidays. Licensed social workers are available to help with housing referrals, assistance with entitlements and benefits, referrals for psychiatric counseling, medical treatment, and crisis intervention for emergency situations.
In addition to on-site services, Project ORE social workers and interns provide home-based support for older adults in the East Village and Lower East Side. In particular, Project ORE specializes in providing clinical support for older adults with hoarding disorder. Using a sensitive and clinically-informed approach, our social workers and social work interns engage with clients to address potentially dangerous conditions in the home while exploring underlying causes for hoarding behavior.
Project ORE Social Work Training
Since its founding in 1987, Project ORE has brought a compassionate, innovative community approach to marginalized older people in New York City. Project ORE has led the city in clinical treatment of hoarding disorder. Using this expertise, Project ORE staff are committed to contributing to the increase in service capacity for those struggling with hoarding issues in New York City.
Project ORE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0204). Project ORE’s social workers provide professional development opportunities related to geriatric mental health, including specialized trainings on hoarding disorder, group work for hoarding disorder, and motivational interviewing.
We offer training for professionals and the public. If you are interested in a training or webinar, please contact Sujenie Badia-Espinal, LCSW, Director of Project ORE, at sbadiaespinal@edalliance.org
Sirovich Center for Balanced Living
Sirovich Center makes aging in New York City easier—and fun!
Learn more about our programs, which are free for anyone age 60+, and how you can join our vibrant downtown community—because you belong here. Learn More
Programming Schedule
Check out the full calendar of reoccurring events and classes at Sirovich Center for Balanced Living.
All classes are accessible, free, and led by professional instructors and teaching artists. Each class offers a great opportunity to learn new skills or revisit old pastimes as well as engage with your community. See Schedule
14Y Senior Membership
Health + Fitness for Older Adults
As a member of the 14Y, you get access to a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual programs, including access to our fitness center, heated indoor pool, a wide range of group fitness classes, discounts on arts and culture programs, and so much. more! Learn More