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Neighborhood Senior Centers (NSC) of the Fort Greene Council, Inc. 

13 neighborhood senior centers make up this diverse collection of centers within the Fort Greene Council's umbrella. Each center more unique than the next, they celebrate their individual flair for artistic and cultural traditions. While each center is special, they all share a warm, friendly and homey atmosphere. Many members, ages 60 and above, boast that they come each day and stay till closing. These are places where they meet friends old and new. 

 

Being based in central Brooklyn, the Fort Greene Council Inc.'s Neighborhood Senior Centers take cultural diversity to new heights. The Council serves the largest African American and Caribbean population of seniors in New York, possibly in the United States. Fort Greene Hazel Brooks Neighborhood Senior Center andChristopher Blenman Neighborhood Senior Center have welcomed a growth in their Mandarin communities, and Blenman offers classes in Mandarin Language. 

Albany NSC

More than 105 seniors visit Albany Neighborhood Senior Center each day and 85% of them stay for over 6 hours, truly making it their second home. The center had an overall enrollment increase of 40% in the past 3 years alone. What really makes Albany Neighborhood SeniorCenter unique is that the seniors can mix and mingle with youth at monthly dances and in Inter-generational Discussions. 

Christopher Blenman NSC

Christopher Blenman Neighborhood Senior Center is abundant with culture and activity at all times. With nearly 1450 members, it is a true powerhouse! Over the years, the center has received many proclamations from elected officials, including the Brooklyn Borough President. With a gospel choir, art classes, creative writing, a book club, and much more, you will never be bored.

Grace Agard NSC

The Grace Agard Harewood Neighborhood Senior Center, named in memory of the Fort Greene Council’s long time Executive Director, is the heart and soul of the council’s abundant senior centers. The core seniors are very dedicated and they keep coming back because of the companionship they experience here. Many of the men at the center are very talented musicians, writers, dancers, and drummers who entertain the community on a regular basis, and there is a dedicated DJ for dancing. There is also a Wii game station that has shown to be very helpful for seniors in terms of using new technology for exercise. 

Grant Square NSC

The members of the Fort Greene Grant Square Neighborhood Senior Center are so loyal to their festive center that many travel far and wide to get there each day. FGC acquired this center a little more than 10 years ago, and more than 75 members visit each day, an increase of over 50% from 2006. Grant Square is popular because they know how to throw a great party and theatrical skits. 

Hazel Brooks NSC

For nearly 50 years, the Fort Greene Hazel Brooks Center has been an uplifting and energetic place for seniors to visit in the Flatbush and Midwood communities. Nearly 150 members attend daily, with up to 70 members coming in just for the exercise program! Additional activities include a medical awareness program with Downstate Nursing Program, where seniors discuss questions to bring to their doctors, and other issues. The Senior Stroll group has been awarded every year for their successful steps around New York City.​

Maria Lawton NSC

The Maria Lawton Neighborhood Senior Center just celebrated its 57th Anniversary as "The Oldest Senior Center in Brooklyn". The first African American senior center, it opened as the Stuyvesant Center for Older People. The center was the vision of Maria Coles Perkins Lawton, a leading politician and educator. With a large and growing membership, the center continues to thrive and provide senior citizens with a wide range of social services, nutritious meals, and recreational activities.

Hugh Gilroy NSC

In 1991, the Hugh Ed Gilroy Neighborhood Senior Center came under the sponsorship of the Fort Greene Senior Citizens Council, Inc. Gilroy's mission is to promote enrichment, empowerment and enlightenment to our senior community through programs, which build spirit, inspire and encourage growth through learning, laughter and love. In its commitment to serving the elderly in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, the center offers many activities and programs to its members.

Remsen NSC

The Fort Greene Remsen Neighborhood Senior Center opened in July of 2007 and has enrolled over 1000 seniors in less than two years. Largely populated with Caribbean Americans, Remsen also has a large Indian, Asian and Caucasian community. Two of the greatest aspects of Fort Greene Remsen are the friendly atmosphere and commitment to fitness. An hour before doors open at 9am, the seniors are at the door ready to work out! Exercise plays a very important role in their lives and the seniors look forward to it every day when they come in. Remsen hires outstanding, certified instructors in Aerobics, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, and Afro Caribbean Dance. They are the best in the business! 

Stuyvesant Heights NSC

Located in Bedford Stuyvesant, this center is growing and thriving with dedicated staff and upbeat seniors. It provides a family-like atmosphere that draws a crowd far and wide. Stuyvesant Heights adapted the for-profit business model of customer service that keeps the needs of the people as their focal point.  The “Big Apple Strollers” Walking Club is very popular among the seniors, in addition to dancing and computer classes. 

Teresa Moore NSC

Teresa Moore is in the midst of a loving & caring environment that provides enjoyment for their seniors through a variety of activities and entertainment. This inspires and encourages growth within our seniors through love and laughter. Programs and activities include Computer classes, Line Dancing, Bowling, Arts and Crafts, Crocheting, Drama Class, Choir, and  other activities to keep seniors moving and energized.

Willoughby NSC

Located in the historic Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, Willoughby Neighborhood Senior Center is an oasis where seasoned adults can meet, talk, make new friends, and exchange ideas.“The warm, welcoming environment of the members made my search for a center after my retirement easy,” says Pat Grant, one of the participants. Nowhere is this friendly atmosphere more apparent than at the many celebrations, including Kwanzaa, Christmas, birthday parties, and the Black, White & Silver Ball. 

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