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 a few facilitators who give one hour courses one day a week, 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, acting, art, bridge and other topics; outings to museums and special events; a weekly free bus to the 132nd St. Fairway; and free flu shots in the fall. In 2015 we initiated our popular "Lincoln Towers University" series of continuing education short courses.

In our first five years we received seed money from the United Jewish Appeal. Our current $95,000 budget is funded chiefly by Lincoln Towers residents and building boards, largely in an annual fund drive. We intermittently receive annual 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 five-member Board of Directors headed by our president Rochelle Shereff, 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



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