Albert Einstein Healthcare Network and its partners in The Strategic Alliance for the Elderly (SAFE) received a grant award of $20,000 from The United Way in support of The West Oak Lane NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) Initiative.  Under the direction of Christopher Minnick, Administrator, Cancer Center and Geriatric Services, the West Oak Lane NORC Initiative is a free, community-based, social service program that helps older adults (60+) and those who care for them more readily access beneficial programs and services. 

This program aims to provide information, referral, and follow-up to ensure appropriate linkage to services.  The NORC’s ultimate goal is to facilitate client linkage to existing community programs and to develop and implement new programs to address unmet needs.  Providing health and social services to assist the elderly not only offers them the support they need to maintain their independence in their own homes, but it may also forestall early or unnecessary institutionalization in an acute or long-term facility.