Listen here to learn about the NYCEAC’s programs, some of its successes and challenges, and examples of how the NYCEAC fosters powerful partnerships.

1. Elder Justice Visual Podcast Series Featured Guest
Professionals Discussing Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
Featured Podcast:
The NYC Elder Abuse Center:
The Power of Partnerships
Cara Kenien, LMSW, MPA
Social Media Manager,
NYC Elder Abuse Center (NYCEAC)
Risa Breckman, LCSW
Deputy Director, NYC Elder
interviews Abuse Center; Director,
Social Work Programs and
Assistant Professor;
Division of Geriatrics and
Risa Breckman, LCSW, Gerontology, Weill Cornell
Medical College
Deputy Director, NYCEAC
“NYCEAC is
about her experience building partnerships while creating improving the way
professionals,
and implementing the work of the NYC Elder Abuse Center. organizations and
systems respond to
elder abuse victims.”
- Risa Breckman

2. What is the NYC Elder Abuse Center?
 A concept more than a place.
 A highly collaborative initiative of almost 30 NYC based
government & nonprofit organizations & practitioners that came
together to help make practitioners, organizations and systems
more responsive to the needs of victims of elder abuse.

3. Creating Change
Using a Collaborative Model
 Two stone cutters were asked what they were doing.
The first said, “I’m cutting this stone into blocks.” The
second replied, “I’m on a team that’s building a
cathedral.”

4. NYC Elder Abuse Center ’s Core Programs
Core programs include:
- Multidisciplinary teams in Brooklyn and Manhattan with
technical assistance to nascent teams in other locations
- Educational programs
- In the community, at conferences – taught by
multidisciplinary faculty
- A bi-monthly eNewsletter and other web-based
educational opportunities
- Strategic networking with key decision-makers to provide
education about elder abuse and neglect.

5. Powerful Partnerships Defined
Partnerships: a relationship between two or more people
wanting to create something together.
NYCEAC partners with the individuals and
organizations comprising the Steering Committee
and multidisciplinary teams.
Above: Some members of Brooklyn MDT Effective communication is a must because partnerships
Below: Some members of EACCRT like all relationships - are vulnerable to misunderstandings
NYCEAC leadership:
- Holds regular meetings with Steering Committee members
- Meets with members to understand their perspectives
- Mobilizes subcommittees
- Develops core values
- Provides clarity regarding the purpose of the partnerships
- Facilitates effective action, which provides the power in
partnerships

6. NYC Elder Abuse Center: Successes
1. Effective partnerships:
- We are now talking about an elder justice movement, not just an elder abuse field.
2. Funding has been obtained:
- Over 20 government and nonprofit organizations provide $500,000+ in in-kind
contributions
- Specific funding was obtained to start NYCEAC and hire a Multidisciplinary Team
Coordinator.
3. Two multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) were developed
- Over 75 cases discussed
- Over 200 case consultations provided
4. 2012 evaluation of Brooklyn MDT reports on the success of this program.
“The NYC Elder Abuse Center is moving full steam ahead!”

7. NYC Elder Abuse Center: Challenges
Sustainability Working in partnerships
- There is scant government funding is time intensive
for elder justice programs at the city,
state and federal levels. - B u t d e ve l o p i n g s t r o n g r e l a t i o n s h i p s
t h r o u g h g o o d c o m m u ni c at i on i s
wo r t h t h e t i m e b e c a u s e i t
- NYCEAC relies on the generous
strengthens the partnerships.
support from private philanthropists
and foundations focused on elder
abuse, of which there are few.

8. Each year in NYC, over 100,000
community residing older adults
are victimized.
Only 1 in 24 receive help.
Be part of the solution.
Together we can prevent abuse .
For further information, visit our website at
www.nyceac.com

9. Thank you to the following foundations for generously
supporting the NYC Elder Abuse Center:
- The Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation
- FJC, A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds
- Bernard F. & Alva B. Gimbel Foundation
- Jarvie Commonweal Service
- The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation
- The Laura B. Vogler Foundation

10. Thank you to our Steering Committee Members:
- Alzheimer’s Association NYC Chapter – Matt Khudish
- Bronx County District Attorney’s Office – Ellen Kolodney
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity - Jean Callahan
- The Carter Burden Center for the Aging – Ken Onaitis
- The Council for Senior Centers and Services – Bobbie Sackman
- CONNECT – Sally MacNichol
- Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service - Pat Brownell
- Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of NY - Kim Williams
- The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at
Riverdale, Intervention and Research in Elder Abuse - Joy Solomon
- Heights and Hills - Judy Willig
- The Indochina Sino-American Community Center - Peter Cheng
- JASA - Robin Roberts (NYCEAC staff) and Donna Dougherty
- Kings County District Attorney’s Office - Arlene Markarian and Peg Horan
- Neighborhood SHOPP - Evelyn Laureano
- New York County District Attorney’s Office - Liz Loewy
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital - Ron Adelman and Ronnie LoFaso
- NYC Department for the Aging - Aurora Salamone
- NYC Housing Authority - Modestine Rogers
- NYC Human Resources Administration Adult Protective Services - Lin Saberski
- New York Legal Assistance Group - Randal Jeffrey
- Queens County District Attorney’s Office – Marjorie Fisher
- UJA-Federation of New York – Anita Altman
- United Federation of Teachers - Sasha Greene
- The Valdimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation – Diana Buckhantz
- Weill Cornell Medical College’s Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology - Risa Breckman and Mark Lachs
(NYCEAC staff to the Steering Committee)