
Commitment to Quality Services
Integrity
Person-Focused
Inclusivity
SPOP will be recognized as a provider of choice in New York City by developing the organizational capacity to remain financially sustainable, support growth in quality services and geographic scope, and contribute to greater recognition of the critical issues affecting the mental health needs of older adults.
SPOP was one of the first agencies in the U.S. dedicated to meeting the comprehensive mental health needs of older adults living in the community. Launched in 1972 as part of Selfhelp Community Services and originally known as New York Service Program for Older People, the agency was developed by a consortium of health care and social service providers that recognized the need for mental health services among the older population of Manhattan’s West Side. In 1979 SPOP was incorporated as an independent agency, supported by the New York City Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Alcoholism Services (now the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). In 2006 the agency’s name was changed to Service Program for Older People.
Over the course of nearly five decades SPOP has expanded to include a wide range of mental health and support services, delivered at our office, in the home, and at 18 satellite clinic locations throughout Manhattan and in Downtown Brooklyn. Today SPOP is the only organization in New York City that is entirely and exclusively dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of older adults.
Funding for SPOP is provided by city and state agencies; Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance reimbursements; client fees; and contributions and grants from foundations, corporations, individuals and government entities.