About PSSS
Penn South, officially Mutual Redevelopment Houses, is located in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. It is the first Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) in the United States. Penn South Social Services (PSSS) was founded in 1986 to meet the increasing health and social needs of its expanding older adult cooperators.
To help older adults live independently in their homes, PSSS created the Penn South Program for Seniors (PSPS) which developed comprehensive on-site social and health services that were previously unavailable in housing cooperatives. To add to the quality of life of older adults, PSPS also offers activities such as exercise, movies, seminars and music.
In keeping with our mission statement PSSS is dedicated to enhancing the lives of all Penn South residents as well as the surrounding community. Programs and classes for cooperators and neighbors of all ages are now available (see partial list below).
Penn South Social Services (PSSS) provides activities for seniors on weekdays through the Penn South Program for Seniors (PSPS), and for cooperators of all ages weeknights and weekends.
Among our offerings are:
PSPS 60 +
– Club Connect for Early Dementia
– Advanced Fitness
– Indoor Gardening
– Blood Pressure Monitoring
– Swedish Massage
– Improv Classes
– Entitlement Benefits Counseling
– Parkinson’s Support Group
– Talking Pictures
All Ages
– Covid Vaccine and Booster Clinics
– Theater Tickets for Families
– Social Justice Film Series
– Penn South Archive Project
– PS-HOPS Discount Buying Club
– Chelsea CSA
– Chess Club
– Music Club
– Guitar Lessons
There is something for everyone.
We always welcome suggestions for new programs.
Check out the Penn South Social Services (PSSS) programs below:
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Penn South Program for Seniors (PSPS):
Provides case management, case assistance, healthcare assistance and management, health promotion, comprehensive group programs, and ancillary services to nearly 1,200 seniors and their families annually.
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Programs for All:
Developed for the entire Penn South community regardless of age. Programs for All offers music performances, writing and exercise classes, movies and readings, and community events to bring residents together for recreation and personal development.
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Penn South Home Organized Personal Services (PS-HOPS):
For a minimal fee, residents can join this buying club to access discount prices for eyeglasses, hearing aids, home health services, legal assistance, and more.
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Penn South Archive Project (PSAP):
The Penn South Archive Project aims to preserve the personal histories of the Penn South Co-op since its opening in 1962 through an extensive archive.
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Chelsea CSA:
Chelsea CSA is a Community Supported Agriculture organization that provides weekly deliveries of fresh organic produce (and more) from a nearby farm to families that become members.
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Feist Family Theater Program:
Are you a Penn South parent with children ages ten to seventeen living with you at Penn South? If so, you are eligible for free theater tickets through the Feist Family Theater Program.
PSSS receives support from many sources.
Penn South Cooperators and other individuals respond generously to our regular appeals for contributions.
We receive major support from:
NYC Aging / New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA)
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)
Mutual Redevelopment Houses (Penn South Co-op)
A number of foundations and City Officials have funded specific programs.
UJA Federation of New York
21st ILGWU Century Heritage Fund
Erik Bottcher (Council Member 3rd District, Manhattan)
Gerald and Daphna Cramer Foundation
Westside Community Fund (WSCF)
Lily Auchincloss Foundation (LAF)
To learn more about NORCs, visit The Future of the NORC-Supportive Service Program by Fredda Vladeck and Anita Altman, and The New York NORC-Supportive Service Program by Anita Altman.
Help strengthen our community!
Make a contribution.
Penn South Social Services (PSSS) is an independent organization and is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Mutual Redevelopment Houses, Inc. (also known as Penn South), or any of its affiliates. The names Mutual Redevelopment Houses, Inc. and Penn South, as well as related names, marks, emblems, and images are the property of their respective owners. PSSS operates as a separate entity and is solely responsible for its programs, services, and operations.