|
 GRANDPARENT
FAMILY APARTMENTS opened
in 2005. This was the first project of its
kind in New York State and the first in the
US built from the ground up specifically for
grandparents raising grandchildren. The building
was designed to meet the unique needs of intergenerational
families, incorporating the special features
of elderly housing along with a state of the
art resource center and children’s recreational
area.
LOCATION:
951 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459
Though
the district is reported to be one of the poorest
in the US, the vicinity has the feel of a neighborhood
on the rebound. There is excellent access to transportation,
nearby schools, and numerous medical and religious
institutions that help to provide a supportive
infrastructure essential to a family neighborhood.
HISTORY:
With almost fifty years of experience delivering
services to the elderly throughout New York City, Presbyterian
Senior Services began its first support group
for grandparents raising grandchildren in
1995 at the Davidson Senior Center in the Bronx.
Early on, PSS recognized a growing need in the
community for this unique population. Each year
the program expanded as services such as respite
care, summer day camp and educational workshops
were added. With a vacant lot adjacent to the Davidson
Senior Center, PSS saw an opportunity to develop
a unique supportive residence specifically for
this type of family. In 2001, PSS approached the West
Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing
(WSFSSH), a nonprofit pioneer in the field
of supportive housing, to help develop the residence.
In 2005, the PSS/WSF Grandparent Family Apartments
opened.
The
six-story residence houses fifty two- and three-bedroom
apartments. Common space includes a lobby, two
community rooms, a library, a resource center,
and several rooms for after school activities and
services. There are also offices for social service
staff. All apartments are equipped with emergency
bell/buzzer systems in the bathrooms and master
bedrooms as well as an intercom system. The project
complies with all ADA regulations and was designed
to incorporate energy efficiency equipment. Attractive
gardens and open space in the rear of the building
appeal to both the youth and older adults. The
building is adjacent to the Davidson Senior House,
a NYCHA building, and the PSS Davidson Senior Center.
The close proximity of the two buildings enables
the two sets of seniors to avail themselves of
services in both locations.
The
PSS/WSF Grand Parent Family Apartments project
has received enthusiastic support both locally
and nationally for its response to the highly recognized
need for housing and services for this special
population.
PSS/WSF
Grandparent Family Apartments
718-620-1262
For more information or to make a
donation, please contact
Rimas
J. Jasin, Executive Director
Presbyterian
Senior Services
2095 Broadway,
Suite 409
New York,
NY 10023
rjasin@pssusa.org (212)
874-6633 ext. 23
 Presbyterian
Senior Services - 2095 Broadway, Suite 409, - New
York, NY 10023
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