The New York NORC-Supportive Service Program

Over the past two decades, UJA-Federation of New York has played an instrumental role in promulgating the concept of NORCs (naturally occurring retirement communities) as an excellent locale for the organization and delivery of supportive service programs that help individuals remain in their own homes as they grow older and frailer. It has shaped public policy, spearheading the successful effort to secure government funding, and is currently working with aging policy experts to formulate a federal NORC-SSP Program. This article provides an important case study in how an effective, long-term investment of financial and professional philanthropic resources in developing innovative approaches to service delivery can inform and transform public policy.