Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
Catherine Thurston has a diverse work experience in the field of social work and elder care. Catherine started their career as a Case Manager at Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers, Inc. in 1988 and worked there until 1996. From 1996 to 1997, they worked as a Medical Social Worker at Maimonides Medical Center. In 1997, they briefly served as a Social Work Coordinator at Jacquelyn Hernandez Adult Day Health Center before joining Cobble Hill Health Center as the Director of Alzheimer's Programs and Assistant Director of Social Work. Catherine stayed at Cobble Hill Health Center until 2004. Catherine then joined Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders- SAGE in 2005 as the Chief Services Officer, a position they held for over a decade until 2016. Currently, they work as the Chief Program Officer at Service Program for Older People (SPOP).
Catherine Thurston completed their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Hunter College School of Social Work from 1993 to 1996. No additional information is available regarding their field of study or any certifications they may have obtained.
Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
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The mission of Service Program for Older People (SPOP) is to enhance the quality of life of older adults and to foster their independent living through the delivery of comprehensive mental health and supportive services, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1972, SPOP was one of the first agencies in the U.S. to focus on meeting the mental health needs of older adults living in the community. It has evolved from a neighborhood-based agency serving primarily Holocaust survivors to a borough-wide resource that works in partnership with hospitals, medical providers, and social service agencies. SPOP currently serves 1,000 adults annually; the majority of clients are low-income and 70% are over age 70. The centerpiece of SPOP is its geriatric mental health clinic, which provides over 10,000 professional visits annually. Other programs include: Specialized substance abuse counseling Integration of physical and behavioral health care Personalized Recovery Oriented Services for adults with serious and persistent mental illness Free bereavement support Outreach through designated senior centers and other programs Training and Education