Senior Services is an essential part of the mission of Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) to ensure all of Central Harlem’s residents, young and old alike, have the support to engage in positive life outcomes
in a community that supports them.

ADC’s commitment to protect the well-being of seniors has strong roots in the Abyssinian Baptist Church (ABC), which has a strong history of support and inclusion for its constituents.

In the late 1920s, when the economic and social conditions changed for the worse in Harlem, ABC was at the forefront of social reform for its constituents and bought a building at 732 St. Nicholas Ave and operated it as a Home for the Aged for 17 senior residents for 12 years. These were the early roots of ADC’s support for seniors today, roots that go back 100 years. In 1989, ABC established ADC as a comprehensive community-based organization to rebuild Harlem ‘block by block’, and one of ADC’s first charges was to build Abyssinian Towers, a low-income 100-unit affordable housing project for seniors.

Abby Towers was constructed at 131st Street and Lenox Avenue, under the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 202 program that expands the supply of affordable housing with supports for the elderly and those with disabilities.

In 2009 ADC conducted the AdvantAge Community Survey of adults 60+ in Central Harlem, which found that the majority of seniors want to age in place as long as possible. Two years later ADC spearheaded the Harlem Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, which serves as a one-stop delivery and referral system of coordinated care for five years, to help seniors remain at home and feel part of community life.

Today Abby Towers provides a safe haven for vulnerable seniors, the only one in a rapidly changing Central Harlem community where seniors can age with dignity in the familiar comfort of their home. The building is part of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 202 program that expands the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly.

Abyssinian Towers is an essential part of ADC’s mission to improve the quality of life for all of Harlem’s residents. ADC provides services that help senior residents age with dignity in the familiar comfort of their own home. Residents access a web of support that helps them live independent lives, maintain social connections with family and friends, and engage with the community.

Whatever your need is, our Service Coordinators are here to listen and help! Senior Services provides comprehensive support to seniors that enhance their quality of life, promote healthy aging, and help them age in place in the comfort of their home.

SERVICES
Senior Services offers a wide range of support services, activities, presentations, and games and entertainment.
Case management. We meet individually with residents to assess health and social needs stipulated by the Health Care Provider and Social Services, including:

Develop a care plan

Work with residents to resolve problems

Provide useful information

Collaborate with residents and their health care provider to ensure all medical needs are met

Encourage families to contribute so everyone can be satisfied their loved ones get the support they need

Recertification/Entitlement assistance

Fitness/Aerobics exercises

Health & Wellness activities

Social/Cultural/Recreational activities

Educational workshops and presentations