Operating throughout the Lower East Side, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, Grand Street Settlement is an organization serving over 19,000 New Yorkers citywide through essential early childhood, youth, and older adult programs. Through these services, individuals are connected to a network of community partners and resources improving their overall health and well-being.
One of these programs is Grand Street’s Baruch Elder Services Team (BEST) Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), which supports older adults, ages 70 to 95, who are aging in place while maintaining their independence. With an average participant age of 78, the program helps residents remain connected, healthy, and independent in their community. Approximately 55% of those served identify as Asian, 39% as Hispanic, and 6% as another race or ethnicity, emphasizing the critical role of culturally and linguistically tailored services.
In collaboration with the American Heart Association, Grand Street Settlement is expanding access to self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) tools, with on-site self-measured blood pressure monitoring stations and educational resources in languages relevant to the individuals they serve. To help ensure that residents receive appropriate follow-up care, the program has also established a clear clinical referral pathway, connecting individuals with elevated blood pressure readings to healthcare providers for ongoing support and management.
In addition to blood pressure management, the organization is also working with the Association to expand access to fresh, healthy foods that reflect the cultural preferences of the community. Harmoniously, they are engaging the community in culturally inclusive nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that empower older adults to make informed food choices and adopt heart-healthy diets.
A visit to BEST NORC offers a clear picture of this work in action. Upon our team’s arrival, the American Heart Association’s newest High Blood Pressure Guidelines, predominantly displayed alongside the organization’s upcoming events and most relevant information. Trained staff are readily available to monitor the SMBP station, while down another hallway, staff are leading an aerobics class for residents. Close by, the food pantry space is being spruced up and organized, creating an efficient and dignified space for New Yorkers to access the foods and resources they need every week.
BEST NORC operates a weekly pantry and is working with the Heart Association to maximize impact, improving their site to significantly increase capacity for storing, distributing, and serving culturally relevant, nutrient-rich foods. Through a new commercial refrigerator and improved shelving system, these upgrades will help ensure that more individuals have consistent access to healthy food options. Additionally, Grand Street Settlement has adopted Healthy Pantry Guidelines, helping ensure that the foods distributed through its pantry support heart health and overall well-being.
In addition, Grand Street Settlement has implemented SMBP stations at BEST NORC, and two additional locations. Through the generous support of Brian Kingston and family, Grand Street Settlement has achieved CPR certification, adopted a CPR training policy, and implemented a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). These expansions are strengthening BEST NORC’s capacity to serve more than 600 older adults, laying the foundation for growth to more than 1,000 participants as outreach expands. We are incredibly grateful for our continued collaboration with Grand Street Settlement and look forward to continuing to meet New Yorkers where they are.