Project Open is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in July, 1990 as an outreach program
for the many senior citizens living in the eight buildings of Lincoln Towers. It is registered with the New
York City Department of Social Services and supported by donations from individuals and grants from
social welfare agencies. Our social workers each year respond to about 2,000 telephone calls and open
many new cases. A number of frail elderly residents are able to continue independent living at Lincoln
Towers because of the support provided by Project Open. Except for our paid social workers and accompanying
person, all work is performed by about 50 volunteers.
In addition to counseling, Project Open offers assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, SCRIE (the New York City
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program) and meals on wheels; and provides a varied program of
recreation, education and assistance including classes and groups for exercise, games, art, and other
other topics; outings to museums and special events; and our popular "Lincoln Towers University" series
of short courses and lectures.
In our first five years we received seed money from the United Jewish Appeal. Our current $100,000
budget is funded chiefly by Lincoln Towers residents and building boards, largely in an annual fund drive.
We intermittently receive grants from New York City and New York State departments for the aging and
bequests from supporters (please remember us in your will). On our 20th anniversary in 2010 and our 25th
anniversary in 2015, we were generously supported by local retailers. We are grateful for the continuing
support of many Lincoln Towers residents.
Project Open is managed by a Board of Directors headed by our president Peter Beitchman, assisted
by an Advisory Committee with one or more representatives from each of the eight buildings. To contact the
Board, leave a message on Project Open's telephone, (212) 721-8708, or send email to Project Open's email address
help@projectopenlincolntowers.org
