Selfhelp's Legacy of Compassionate Innovation Impact

In 2026, Selfhelp proudly celebrates 90 years of service, compassion, and innovation – empowering people to age with dignity and independence. Our anniversary theme, Think Big, honors this legacy and our relentless drive to innovate, adapt, and stay true to the mission and values that define us.

Rooted in the trust of Holocaust survivors and inspired by the impact we create every day, we’re commemorating our past, uplifting the present, and Thinking Big about what’s possible in the years ahead.

As We Celebrate Selfhelp’s 90th Anniversary…

Happy 90th Anniversary, Selfhelp!

We are reminded that our work reaches diverse communities.

Our strength lies in the diversity of the people we serve. In this special video, clients, staff members, and community members share warm anniversary wishes in their native languages—including English, Ukrainian, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Cantonese, Tagalog, Korean, Japanese, and Mandarin.

From heartfelt messages to traditional performances, this video highlights the culture that makes the Selfhelp family so special.

Thank you to all our clients, staff, and community partners for bringing life, unity, and shared joy to our mission every day.

Selfhelp at 90

We reflect on an extraordinary legacy built on compassion, independence, and dignity.

This video takes us back to November 10, 1936, when a group of German immigrants—including theologian Paul Tillich—gathered in a Manhattan living room to create a lifeline for refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Over nine decades, that sacred pledge expanded to serve older New Yorkers from all backgrounds, receiving support along the way from iconic figures like Albert Einstein and Muhammad Ali.

Today, Selfhelp operates 19 affordable housing residences, senior centers, NORCs, and specialized community programs for over 25,000 individuals each year—while remaining the largest provider of comprehensive services to Holocaust survivors in North America.

Thank you to our clients, families, staff, and community partners who make this vital work possible every day. Here’s to 90 years of impact and an even brighter future ahead！

90@90 Birthday Party 🎂

It’s important to recognize the incredible Government partners who make this work possible.

In addition to Council Member Sandra Ung’s support, we’re deeply grateful for the continued support of our local representatives across the City and Long Island. Today we were joined by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga, Councilmember Sandra Ung and Councilmember Susan Zhuang and representatives from NYC Department for the Aging and the offices of Assemblymember Nily Rozic and Congresswoman Grace Meng.

From cherished memories to shared stories, we celebrated 90 years of life alongside 90 years of Selfhelp. Thank you to our clients, families, staff, and community partners for making this moment so memorable!

Aging with Dignity Starts Here

With offices across New York City and Long Island, there’s always a Selfhelp social worker within reach.

Click Play Button on the map below or click here to read and hear stories from the Selfhelp community.

Our History

Selfhelp Five Older Adult Centers

Selfhelp Older Adult Centers

5 Videos
Introduction
Introduction

Welcome to Austin Street Older Adult Center, part of Selfhelp Community Services! 🌟 Located in Forest Hills, our center is a warm and welcoming space dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults in the community.

We offer a variety of programs and services to promote health, independence, and social connection. From nutritious kosher/Glatt meals served daily to engaging activities like arts and crafts, exercise classes, cultural programs, and lifelong learning workshops, there’s something for everyone. We also provide essential support services, including case assistance, benefits counseling, and wellness programs, ensuring that every member feels supported and valued.

We’re all about creating a safe, vibrant, and inclusive environment where older adults can learn, grow, and connect. Join us and be part of our thriving community!

  • Program Director: Barrington McFarlane
  • Address: 106-06 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY 11375
  • Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Austin Street Older Adult Center is supported by NYS Office for the Aging, NYC Aging, NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., NYS Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, NYC Councilmember Lynn Schulman, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Our 90-year legacy caring for Holocaust survivors fuels how we serve every community today, with deep respect, cultural understanding, and enduring compassion. Today, that legacy lives on through home health care, affordable housing, older adult centers, etc., that bring people together—both in person and virtually.

As we celebrate the 90th anniversary, we honor the generations of New Yorkers who have shaped and been supported by this vibrant community through a newly published book: The Last Surviving Relative, telling our story. 

Celebrate our 90th anniversary together.

90 Years of Thinking Big

Guided by our core values of compassion, trust, and innovation, we are exploring how AI can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and free up time for what matters most, building meaningful, one-on-one relationships with our clients.

Our approach to AI is rooted in our commitment to person-centered care. From generating content and summarizing complex information to creating templates for new projects, AI has proven to be a valuable tool for increasing productivity. However, we know that technology is only as effective as the people who use it. That’s why every AI-generated output is critically reviewed by our diverse and experienced staff to ensure accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with Selfhelp’s mission.

We also prioritize privacy and security in all our AI initiatives. By adhering to strict HIPAA compliance standards and implementing safeguards, we protect the personal information of those we serve. At the same time, we remain mindful of the need to balance efficiency with opportunities for skills development, ensuring that early-career professionals continue to gain valuable experience in the field.

As we explore new applications for AI, such as note-taking software and scheduling tools, we remain focused on our ultimate goal: using technology to enhance, not replace, the human connection at the heart of our work. By thinking big about AI, we’re not just adopting new tools; we’re shaping a future where innovation and empathy go hand in hand.

Read our white paper

We know that the future of compassionate care starts with the next generation of social work leaders. That’s why our Social Work and Scholarship Program is all about giving aspiring professionals the tools they need to succeed: hands-on experience, mentorship, and financial support.

This program is an investment in the future of social work itself. By fostering innovation, encouraging fresh ideas, and nurturing a deep sense of empathy, we’re shaping a new wave of leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Learn more about our Internship and Scholarship Program.

We believe aging adults deserve to thrive in the places they call home. That’s why our Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model (SHASAM) is at the heart of our approach, offering a comprehensive set of health and social services directly within affordable housing residences. This innovative model, developed by Selfhelp while housing Holocaust survivors in our affordable housing, is designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults at every stage of the aging process, providing support when and where it’s needed most.

The model includes culturally competent social workers in each building, assistance with benefits and entitlements, health and wellness programming, physical activity, and social events (both in-person and virtual). Our onsite social workers in affordable housing address key social determinants of health: economic stability, community connection, access to food, and a safe physical environment. Residents also have access to innovative aging services technology, such as our Virtual Senior Center, which helps reduce social isolation and fosters community engagement.

The impact of SHASAM is clear. A three-year peer-reviewed published evaluation revealed that SHASAM residents experience 68% lower odds of hospitalization, 53% lower odds of emergency room visits, and significant Medicaid savings of $3,937 per resident. For those with chronic diseases, the benefits are even more pronounced, with hospitalization costs cut in half compared to non-SHASAM residents.

Today, SHASAM supports over 2,000 New Yorkers across 19 affordable housing buildings owned and operated by Selfhelp, as well as additional residences developed in partnership with other organizations. By integrating health, wellness, and social services into housing, SHASAM empowers older adults to live independently, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and embrace fulfilling lives with dignity and security.

Every person’s life story matters, and at Selfhelp, we make sure it’s at the heart of the care we provide. Our Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care approach is designed to meet emotional, mental, and physical needs while honoring the impact of past experiences. By building trust and showing respect, we create a space where individuals can heal, feel valued, and age with dignity.

Research shows that up to 90% of aging adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. As people age, these past traumas can resurface, bringing new challenges such as the re-emergence of repressed memories, heightened emotional stress, and increased vulnerability.

Building on our decades-long legacy of providing Person-Centered Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care to Holocaust survivors, we’ve developed a compassionate approach that places each individual’s story at the heart of their care. We believe that every person deserves support that not only addresses their physical needs but also honors their emotional and cultural experiences. This means tailoring care to respect their personal histories, traditions, and values, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Our diverse and multilingual staff play a critical role in this mission. Representing the communities we serve, they bring cultural competence and empathy to every interaction, creating an environment of trust and understanding. Whether it’s through personalized care plans, culturally sensitive support, or simply taking the time to listen, we ensure that every individual feels respected and empowered.

Listen to our podcast to hear Selfhelp voices talk about how they care for one person at a time. Behind the Scenes: Selfhelp Voices – YouTube

We’re not just responding to today’s challenges, we’re shaping the future of aging. Through our research and white papers, we’re exploring new ideas, sharing best practices, and influencing policies that make a real difference. With decades of expertise and a forward-thinking mindset, we’re creating a world where aging is met with dignity, independence, and opportunity.

With 90 years of experience, we’ve become a trusted voice in aging services, sharing our expertise through groundbreaking research, white papers, and toolkits. Our studies explore critical topics like the impact of social determinants of health, the effectiveness of our innovative SHASAM model, and strategies for integrating formerly homeless individuals into affordable housing.

Our research doesn’t just inform, it drives action. By collaborating with policymakers, community leaders, and other organizations, we’re influencing policies and practices that create meaningful change. For example, our Healthy Housing study demonstrated how SHASAM reduces hospitalizations and healthcare costs, proving the value of integrating health and social services into housing.

Through our thought leadership, we’re shaping a future where aging is met with dignity, independence, and opportunity. Every insight, innovation, and shared best practice brings us closer to a world where older adults can age with dignity.

Research – Selfhelp

Caring for the whole person is at the core of what we do. Our Population Health team takes a personalized approach to health and wellness, looking beyond medical needs to address social, emotional, and environmental factors. By combining data-driven insights with compassionate care, we’re helping individuals live healthier, more independent lives.

We are redefining what it means to care for the whole person. Our Population Health team takes a proactive, personalized approach to health and wellness, addressing not just medical needs but also the social, emotional, and environmental factors that impact well-being. By focusing on the full spectrum of an individual’s needs, we empower them to live healthier, more independent lives.

A key part of our holistic approach is our collaboration with Social Care Networks, which allows us to connect individuals to vital community resources and services. Whether it’s assisting with Medicaid applications, providing referrals to community-based organizations (CBOs) across New York City, or supporting access to food, housing, and mental health support, our team works tirelessly to remove barriers and create pathways to better health and stability.

We understand that holistic care isn’t just about meeting immediate needs, it’s about creating a foundation for long-term well-being, dignity, and vitality.

We think big by transforming the way communities address homelessness. For nearly a decade, we’ve committed 30% of the units in each of our new buildings to individuals transitioning from shelters. But we know that providing a roof over someone’s head is just the beginning. Our approach is about restoring dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Through our evidence-based Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model (SHASAM), we offer tailored case management, health services, and educational programs to help formerly unhoused residents integrate smoothly into their new homes and communities. This support empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, age with dignity, and embrace a future filled with hope and security.

Our commitment doesn’t stop at our own properties. We actively share our expertise to inspire broader change, publishing toolkits with practical strategies for integrating shelter residents into affordable housing. By partnering with other organizations, we extend our reach, providing onsite social services in additional buildings to ensure that formerly homeless residents receive the care and support they need to thrive.

We’re proving that thinking big and acting with empathy can revolutionize how we address homelessness, one person at a time.

Our 90th Anniversary Toolkit

90th Logo in blueDownload
90th Logo in whiteDownload
All about our Community-Based ProgramsDownload
All about our Home Care Community OutreachDownload
All about NY ConnectsDownload
All about Safety NetDownload
All About Specialized Services for Holocaust SurvivorsDownload
Map of Selfhelp locations 2025Download