Guided by our core values of compassion, trust, and innovation, we are exploring how AI can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and free up time for what matters most, building meaningful, one-on-one relationships with our clients.

Our approach to AI is rooted in our commitment to person-centered care. From generating content and summarizing complex information to creating templates for new projects, AI has proven to be a valuable tool for increasing productivity. However, we know that technology is only as effective as the people who use it. That’s why every AI-generated output is critically reviewed by our diverse and experienced staff to ensure accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with Selfhelp’s mission.

We also prioritize privacy and security in all our AI initiatives. By adhering to strict HIPAA compliance standards and implementing safeguards, we protect the personal information of those we serve. At the same time, we remain mindful of the need to balance efficiency with opportunities for skills development, ensuring that early-career professionals continue to gain valuable experience in the field.

As we explore new applications for AI, such as note-taking software and scheduling tools, we remain focused on our ultimate goal: using technology to enhance, not replace, the human connection at the heart of our work. By thinking big about AI, we’re not just adopting new tools; we’re shaping a future where innovation and empathy go hand in hand.

Read our white paper

Every person’s life story matters, and at Selfhelp, we make sure it’s at the heart of the care we provide. Our Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care approach is designed to meet emotional, mental, and physical needs while honoring the impact of past experiences. By building trust and showing respect, we create a space where individuals can heal, feel valued, and age with dignity.

Research shows that up to 90% of aging adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. As people age, these past traumas can resurface, bringing new challenges such as the re-emergence of repressed memories, heightened emotional stress, and increased vulnerability.

Building on our decades-long legacy of providing Person-Centered Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care to Holocaust survivors, we’ve developed a compassionate approach that places each individual’s story at the heart of their care. We believe that every person deserves support that not only addresses their physical needs but also honors their emotional and cultural experiences. This means tailoring care to respect their personal histories, traditions, and values, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Our diverse and multilingual staff play a critical role in this mission. Representing the communities we serve, they bring cultural competence and empathy to every interaction, creating an environment of trust and understanding. Whether it’s through personalized care plans, culturally sensitive support, or simply taking the time to listen, we ensure that every individual feels respected and empowered.

Listen to our podcast to hear Selfhelp voices talk about how they care for one person at a time. Behind the Scenes: Selfhelp Voices – YouTube

We’re not just responding to today’s challenges, we’re shaping the future of aging. Through our research and white papers, we’re exploring new ideas, sharing best practices, and influencing policies that make a real difference. With decades of expertise and a forward-thinking mindset, we’re creating a world where aging is met with dignity, independence, and opportunity.

With 90 years of experience, we’ve become a trusted voice in aging services, sharing our expertise through groundbreaking research, white papers, and toolkits. Our studies explore critical topics like the impact of social determinants of health, the effectiveness of our innovative SHASAM model, and strategies for integrating formerly homeless individuals into affordable housing.

Our research doesn’t just inform, it drives action. By collaborating with policymakers, community leaders, and other organizations, we’re influencing policies and practices that create meaningful change. For example, our Healthy Housing study demonstrated how SHASAM reduces hospitalizations and healthcare costs, proving the value of integrating health and social services into housing.

Through our thought leadership, we’re shaping a future where aging is met with dignity, independence, and opportunity. Every insight, innovation, and shared best practice brings us closer to a world where older adults can age with dignity.

Research – Selfhelp

Caring for the whole person is at the core of what we do. Our Population Health team takes a personalized approach to health and wellness, looking beyond medical needs to address social, emotional, and environmental factors. By combining data-driven insights with compassionate care, we’re helping individuals live healthier, more independent lives.

We are redefining what it means to care for the whole person. Our Population Health team takes a proactive, personalized approach to health and wellness, addressing not just medical needs but also the social, emotional, and environmental factors that impact well-being. By focusing on the full spectrum of an individual’s needs, we empower them to live healthier, more independent lives.

A key part of our holistic approach is our collaboration with Social Care Networks, which allows us to connect individuals to vital community resources and services. Whether it’s assisting with Medicaid applications, providing referrals to community-based organizations (CBOs) across New York City, or supporting access to food, housing, and mental health support, our team works tirelessly to remove barriers and create pathways to better health and stability.

We understand that holistic care isn’t just about meeting immediate needs, it’s about creating a foundation for long-term well-being, dignity, and vitality.

We think big by transforming the way communities address homelessness. For nearly a decade, we’ve committed 30% of the units in each of our new buildings to individuals transitioning from shelters. But we know that providing a roof over someone’s head is just the beginning. Our approach is about restoring dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Through our evidence-based Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model (SHASAM), we offer tailored case management, health services, and educational programs to help formerly unhoused residents integrate smoothly into their new homes and communities. This support empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, age with dignity, and embrace a future filled with hope and security.

Our commitment doesn’t stop at our own properties. We actively share our expertise to inspire broader change, publishing toolkits with practical strategies for integrating shelter residents into affordable housing. By partnering with other organizations, we extend our reach, providing onsite social services in additional buildings to ensure that formerly homeless residents receive the care and support they need to thrive.

We’re proving that thinking big and acting with empathy can revolutionize how we address homelessness, one person at a time.