Goddard Riverside Community Center and Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center Embark on Strategic Alliance to Build for the Future

Goddard Riverside Community Center and the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center are thrilled to announce a strategic alliance —a partnership that will expand the capacity to provide services to more than 1,000 members of the greater Lincoln Center neighborhood.

The alliance combines the institutional strength of Goddard Riverside Community Center, one of New York City’s leading human service organizations, with the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center’s robust programming and deep roots in the neighborhood.

“Both organizations recognize the challenges of operating in today’s environment,” said Goddard Riverside Executive Director Stephan Russo. “This strategic alliance will ensure that the families who are served so well by LSNC will continue to be served far into the future.”

The Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center will retain its name as well as its current slate of services. Every effort will be made to transition seamlessly with the staff and programs already in place.

The center works with some 1,000 clients, mostly from the Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition complex. As the average income level in the Lincoln Square area has skyrocketed in recent years, these residents have become increasingly cut off from affordable food and services. The Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center plays a vital role in helping them thrive.

Lincoln Square’s incoming Executive Director, Susan Matloff-Nieves, LMSW, brings more than 30 years of leadership to the role.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Lincoln Square community with the outstanding support of Goddard Riverside Community Center,” said Matloff-Nieves. “I look forward to building on existing strong programs to create dynamic new initiatives that will support the aspirations and goals of neighborhood residents.”

Key financial support for the alliance came from the New York Merger, Acquisition and Collaboration Fund. “It took real commitment by both organizations to make this happen,” said the Fund’s John MacIntosh. “But it was worth it as the alliance should allow for greater services in the community going forward.”

Sabin Danziger, Chairman of the Board of Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center said, “I am thrilled to have Lincoln Square partner with Goddard Riverside. In strategic terms, this Alliance is the best thing that could have happened to our agency and to our community.”

Goddard Riverside Community Center is one of New York City’s leading human service organizations, assisting more than 17,000 people each year on the Upper West Side and throughout New York City. Goddard Riverside builds community and changes lives with vital services including early childhood and youth programs, college counseling, supportive housing, employment readiness, older adult services and outreach to homeless people.

The Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center provides support to multiple generations living in the Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition through programs such as daycare, after-school activities, summer camp and senior services. The Center helps residents live full, dynamic and rewarding lives.