Greenwich House Music School (GHMS) teaches students the beauty and transformative power of music, art, dance and theater. GHMS is committed to ensuring high-quality, affordable arts education is accessible to New Yorkers of all ages.
Sisters Asha, Nikita, and Naya Melvani have taken piano lessons at GHMS for 14 years, thanks in part to the Lois Blitzer Bernstein Scholarship to support their studies. All three sisters are passionate about music and love practicing with their teacher, Michiyo Morikawa. Each year, GHMS provides $50,000 in scholarships for students based on need and merit, as well as for public school outreach programs.
“Greenwich House Music School teachers are amazing and kind,” shares Asha. “The recitals and events put on by the school are joyful and really give students time to shine.”
In addition to educating its students, GHMS serves the community through concerts, educational workshops, a residency program for up-and-coming musicians, and affordable rehearsal and performance space for local artists.
Since it was founded more than 30 years ago, Barrow Street Nursery School has helped thousands of families nurture their children’s passion for life-long learning, creating global citizens who appreciate the arts, and care for the community and environment.
During the pandemic, BSNS created a seamless balance between parents who wanted in-person learning and for those who felt safer with remote learning. Today, a dedicated team of 23 full-time teachers and 5 specialist teachers uses a progressive approach centered on collaboratively designed learning experiences to educate 200 students per year.
Betsy and Nick Pepe have been part of the BSNS family since 2016 when their older son enrolled as a student. He graduated two years ago and now their younger son is a student there.
“Barrow Street Nursery School is what turned the West Village from the place that we lived, into the place we call home. The community of teachers, administrators, and other parents has helped shape our family, and has taught our kids to be curious, caring and kind.”
Since the 1970’s when we launched one of the city’s first methadone treatment programs, Greenwich House has continued being an innovator in mental health as well as programs for adults in recovery. As demand for these services skyrocketed since 2020, we provided a record number of hours of counseling and supportive services.
Greenwich House is known for its expertise in trauma-informed care for children, families, and adults. The organization also champions a unique model in its recovery programs:
- a client-centered approach which meets people where they are in their recovery;
- valuing the role harm reduction plays in outcomes; and
- providing a safe place without the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorder.
Our experienced and dedicated staff is the reason we are able to provide such effective and personalized care.
“I have been in recovery for two years. I share a bond with clients and relate to challenges they face as they make this journey. I know that I make a difference every day. I am honored to do such meaningful work.”
—Brittany, Certified Peer Recovery Advocate
Even during times of crisis, Greenwich House never wavers from its commitment to uplift artists. Art is an invaluable tool for community, connection, and self-expression, which is why supporting up-and-coming artists has been part of Greenwich House’s DNA since its founding days.
Greenwich House Pottery (GHP) was founded in 1909 to teach immigrants marketable skills—and is now a cherished ceramic arts center that offers classes, artist residencies, and gallery exhibitions. GHP’s Fellowship and Residency Program is representative of Greenwich House’s dedication to investing in artists. It fosters artist development by providing them with time, space, and materials to hone their craft.
Kelly Chang was just one of our five inspiring GHP Residents in 2021. Kelly is an art director, animator, and designer who is developing his art practice in clay. He employs innovative techniques in 3D printing in plastic, 3D scanning, photography and computer simulation to create his incredible slipcast ceramic sculptures.
“People come to GHP from all walks of life to develop their ceramics craft—this is their oasis,” says Kelly. “As a resident, it has been such a blessing to learn from this community and to be part of this beloved institution.”
The Youth Community Center (YCC) at Greenwich House offers families a trusted place to send their children to learn and grow, make friends, and build up their self-esteem, after school or during both summer and holiday camps.
YCC has something for every child: from podcasting to basketball, from cooking to robotics, from theater to cartooning. YCC gives children a chance to be who they are and try out a variety of different activities, learning about themselves in the process.
“What is truly extraordinary about Greenwich House are the teachers. Each one is so creative, engaging and caring. They really know how to encourage and bring out the best in each child. The combination of great, caring instructors coupled with original programming is what makes Greenwich House a true gem in our neighborhood and beyond.”—Jolene Travis, mother of 7-year-old Gideon Travis (pictured here) who has been going to Greenwich House since kindergarten
For decades, Greenwich House has given older adults meals, many health and fitness classes, the chance to make strong friendships, expand their knowledge, find care and express themselves through the arts.
As the needs of older adults evolve, so too have our offerings which, in partnership with the City of New York, will now be expanding to five sites across our community. Each location will now also have a different focus, including art, fitness, case assistance, employment and other core services reflecting the diversity of needs and wants of today’s older adults.
Manhattanites Desi and Hector Rodriguez are regulars around the Network, sharing meals and stories with friends as well as making and displaying their art.
“It’s important to feel useful while aging, to feel purpose. For us it was the arts scene; it gave us a place to connect with others around art. The Village is a quirky place and the Greenwich House seniors reflect that! Community is so important, especially given the pandemic and Greenwich House has been the perfect venue.”
Thank you for your support.
Special Thanks to our Friends and Close Partners
New York City Council Council Member Corey Johnson*
New York City Council Council Member Margaret Chin*
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer*
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman
New York State Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick
*Left Office in December 31, 2021. We thank these elected officials for their service and support.
Government Funders
New York City Department for the Aging
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
New York City Dept. of Youth & Community Development
New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature
New York State Office of Children And Family Services
| Operating Revenue and Support | |||
| Contributions and special events | $ | 3,212,951 | |
| Government grants | $ | 5,347,061 | |
| Tuition and fees | $ | 6,187,731 | |
| Medicaid and other insurance | $ | 6,484,057 | |
| Rental income | $ | 115,578 | |
| Investment returns | $ | 1,424 | |
| Other income | $ | 206,151 | |
| Total Revenue | $ | 21,555,553 | |
| Expenses | |||
| Program services | $ | 16,694,023 | |
| Management and administrative | $ | 4,042,017 | |
| Fundraising | $ | 745,571 | |
| Total Expenses | $ | 21,481,611 | |
| Assets | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,226,854 | |
| Investments | $ | 3,304,454 | |
| Accounts receivable | $ | 5,041,520 | |
| Contributions receivable | $ | 1,523,383 | |
| Prepaid expenses | $ | 283,449 | |
| Property and equipment, net | $ | 2,889,873 | |
| Total Assets | $ | 18,567,753 | |
| Liabilites | |||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 1,152,539 | |
| Accrued salaries and related liabilities |
$ | 388,022 | |
| Deferred tuition | $ | 3,257,216 | |
| Line of credit | $ | 750,050 | |
| Loan Payable | $ | 2,189,317 | |
| Total Liabilities | $ | 8,237,144 | |
| Net Assets | |||
| Unrestricted assets | $ | 5,235,320 | |
| Temporarily restricted assets | $ | 3,384,028 | |
| Permanently restricted assets | $ | 1,711,261 | |
| Total Net Assets | $ | 10,330,609 | |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $ | 18,567,735 |
Since Greenwich House was founded in 1902, we have followed a very simple vision and philosophy – identify what the community needs, take thoughtful risks, pilot new models and approaches, and respond with effective solutions.
Staying nimble and thinking outside the box are things we’ve done time and time again. This philosophy and responsiveness will continue to drive Greenwich House for decades to come.
In Fall 2022, as we we look to celebrate our 120th year milestone, we invite our neighbors and friends, students and members, supporters and partners – across the city – to join in on this shared celebration.
Greenwich House is ready for our next 120 years!