The Actors Fund just opened a new center in midtown Manhattan for entertainment and performing arts professionals aged 65 and older.
The Waldman Living Room is more than 1,200 square feet of community space for social activities and ongoing workshops, on-site social services, Wi-Fi, computer access and an outdoor roof deck for community gardening.
It is designed to help combat what the Fund calls “social isolation and to provide services that will foster stability and resiliency, allowing entertainers to maintain independent living as they age.”
Housed in The Actors Fund’s Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence on West 57th Street, The Waldman Living Room will centralize The Actors Fund’s senior volunteer and activities programming.
The new center was inspired by and created in honor and memory of former Fund trustee Honey Waldman and her sister, Gladys Brownstein Waldman.
It was made possible through the support of The Waldman Foundation, creating what the Fund called “a reflection of Ms. Waldman’s vision for enhancing the lives of older adults.”
The Waldman Living Room offers a space and services for a rapidly expanding senior citizen community, providing what the Fund calls “a suite of social activities and volunteer opportunities, as well as free groups and workshops that address the practical concerns of aging in New York City.”
“Honey loved our arts and entertainment community,” said Joe Benincasa, President and CEO of The Actors Fund. “Thanks to her legacy, we’re giving back much-needed support to these aging artists who gave their lives to enriching New York City’s world-class cultural vibrancy.”
The Actors Fund has developed programming at The Waldman Living Room, such as regular movie screenings, writers groups, art therapy, theater and cultural outings, and holiday celebrations.
The space also will present the monthly workshop “Living Your Best Life After 60,” designed to help older adults learn more about services that can benefit them as they age.
The room is located on the fourth floor of The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence, an affordable housing facility that provides supportive housing to low-income groups including seniors, working professionals, and people living with HIV/AIDS,
To learn more about The Actors Fund’s programs for seniors in the performing arts and entertainment, visit www.actorsfund.org/SeniorCare.