Robert Smith

Robert Smith, 76, says his history with Greenwich House goes “a long way back, and a long way forward.” Robert worked as a custodian at Greenwich House for 40 years, maintaining the different buildings that make up Greenwich House and helping get the facilities set up for each day’s events. During the course of his workday, Robert regularly interacted with the different generations that make up the Greenwich House community, helping older adults who had difficulty walking and helping new parents move their strollers.

“Now I’m getting the same thing they were getting,” says Robert, referring to the helping hand others at Greenwich House are willing to lend him these days when he comes to our Older Adult Centers as a retiree. When at Greenwich House today, he instinctively tidies up odds and ends, straightening out chairs and tables as best as he can. Robert receives assistance navigating Medicare, insurance and other financial matters from Greenwich House staff. “I’m grateful, because I had no idea I’d ever be back here getting the help that I need.” Robert, who retired in 2017, is honored with a plaque in the lobby of 27 Barrow Street for his lifetime of service. In his words, “I’m part of Greenwich House, no matter what.”