Project ORE

Free Programs & Resources For Older Adults

Educational Alliance’s Sirovich Center for Project ORE provides a unique, tight-knit community for New York City’s older adults who are in need of a greater level of support.

Using Jewish values to guide our approach, Project ORE provides daily hot kosher lunch to older adults who meet some combination of experiencing social isolation, having mental illness, being homeless or formerly homeless, low-income, Jewish, or otherwise at risk. Based on the mezzanine floor of the Sirovich Community Center at 331 E. 12th St., 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, mental health issues, educational trips, and health and wellness. 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.


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. For over six years, 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 2024 PROGRAM CALENDAR PROJECT ORE 2024 MEAL CALENDAR

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. For over six years, 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.

Professional development opportunities taking place at Project ORE will be posted here as they are scheduled. If you are located in New York City and are interested in bringing a Project ORE staff person to train your team or if you are interested in hosting a webinar for your staff, please contact Sujenie Badia-Espinal, LCSW, Director of Project ORE, at sbadiaespinal@edalliance.org.

Upcoming Trainings

Project ORE periodically offers trainings that are open for registration to the general public. There are no trainings scheduled at this time, but please check this page for updates.

Former Participants Include:
  • American Society on Aging
  • Community Forum hosted by Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright
  • Gouverneur Hospital
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Henry Street Settlement
  • JASA
  • Lower East Side Interagency Council
  • Manhattan Plaza
  • New York City Mayor’s Office on Animal Welfare
  • NORC Directors
  • Right At Home Senior Care
  • Self-Help Community Services

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.

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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! 

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