About SPOP: Mission & history

SPOP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of older adults and to foster their independent living through the delivery of comprehensive mental health and supportive services, advocacy and education.

We envision a world that values older adults and ensures age-affirming behavioral healthcare for all.

Our strategic growth areas are Advocacy, Social Healthcare, Education, and Capacity Building.

Our core values are:

• integrity, dignity, and respect;
• highest-quality person-focused mental health treatment; and
• diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

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SPOP was one of the first agencies in the U.S. dedicated to meeting the behavioral and 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 behavioral health services among the older population of Manhattan’s West Side.  In 1979 SPOP became an independent agency supported by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and 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 behavioral health and support services, delivered at our offices, via telehealth, and at satellite clinic locations throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and Downtown Brooklyn. SPOP remains the only organization in New York City that is entirely and exclusively dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of older adults.

SPOP receives support from New York State; New York City; Medicaid, Medicare and insurance reimbursements; client fees; and contributions and grants from foundations, corporations, individuals and government entities.