A Mission-Driven, Not-for-Profit Community

Flushing House is one of New York State’s largest not-for-profit Independent Living retirement communities. For more than 50 years, we have remained committed to one central mission:

To provide a safe, enjoyable, and affordable retirement experience for our residents.

As a not-for-profit organization, Flushing House exists to serve older adults—not private owners, investors, or shareholders. Our decisions are guided by our mission and by what best supports the residents who call Flushing House home. This mission-centered approach allows us to focus on providing older adults with an affordable community where they can maintain their independence, dignity, autonomy, and quality of life.

Guided by Faith and Service

Flushing House is operated by United Adult Ministries, a not-for-profit organization with roots in the Presbyterian and Reformed faith traditions.

Our work is supported by the commitment and leadership of a volunteer Board of Directors whose members are affiliated with the Presbytery of New York City, the Presbytery of Long Island, and the Regional Synod of New York of the Reformed Church in America. Their leadership helps ensure that Flushing House remains faithful to its founding purpose while responding to the changing needs of today’s older adults. Although our organization was founded through a faith-based tradition of service, Flushing House welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.

A Tradition of Caring Since 1916

The history of United Adult Ministries began in Brooklyn in 1916.

Moved by their faith and concern for others, Mrs. W. G. Clark-Duff, Mrs. George W. Arms, Mrs. George Moore, Mrs. Charles Rasweiler, and Mrs. Hans Popper led eight Presbyterian women in caring for 12 mothers widowed during World War I, as well as older adults in their neighborhood. What began as a small act of compassion grew into a lasting ministry dedicated to providing older adults with security, dignity, understanding, and care.

As the need for services increased, the organization expanded. In 1933, it purchased the Presbyterian Guest House in Brooklyn. In 1940, it acquired the Brooklyn Home for Girls, further extending its ability to serve the community.

In 1955, residents moved from Brooklyn to the former Willock Estate in Syosset, which became the United Presbyterian Residence. By the late 1990s, that community had grown to serve nearly 700 residents on a 33-acre campus.

The Founding of Flushing House

In 1969, the First Congregational Church of Flushing, located at the corner of 38th Avenue and Bowne Street, was destroyed by fire.

Soon afterward, the board of the United Presbyterian Residence began searching for a location where it could create affordable housing for older adults who wished to remain independent. Through a partnership between Presbyterian and Reformed churches, the Bowne Street property was secured for future development.

In 1974, construction began on Flushing House Senior Retirement Residence.

Flushing House was among the early communities to recognize that older adults could benefit from an affordable Independent Living environment with supportive services available when needed. That vision continues to guide us today.

United Adult Ministries

In 1994, the organization was reorganized and incorporated as United Presbyterian & Reformed Adult Ministries, allowing it to continue operating Flushing House independently. In 2000, the organization simplified its name to United Adult Ministries, or UAM. Its mission reflects the values upon which Flushing House was founded:

United Adult Ministries offers older adults hope, through expanding opportunities and practical services, to live confidently in today’s world.

Today, Flushing House proudly carries forward more than a century of compassionate, not-for-profit service to older adults.

Click Here to learn more about United Adult Ministries.

Experience a Community Where the Mission Comes First

If you or someone you love is considering Independent Living, we invite you to learn more about the difference a not-for-profit, mission-driven community can make.

To request information, ask about apartment availability, or arrange a personal visit, please call our Marketing Department at (347) 532-3050.

You may also schedule a visit online.

At Flushing House, our mission has always come first—and we proudly Celebrate Living Every Day!

If you or someone you know may benefit from an Independent Living community with supportive, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can provide you with information over the phone or by e-mail. We encourage you to visit our community in person. Schedule your visit today by clicking HERE.

United Adult Ministries

United Adult Ministries is the culmination of a tradition of service originating in 1916 Brooklyn. Moved by their faith, Mrs. W.G. Clark-Duff, Mrs. George W. Arms, Mrs. George Moore, Mrs. Charles Rasweiler and Mrs. Hans Popper, led eight Presbyterian women to begin caring for twelve mothers widowed by World War I, as well as the elderly in their neighborhood. Mrs. Clark-Duff served as President of the incorporated Brooklyn Presbyterian Home for the Aged. This soon expanded to serve more elderly with love, understanding and medical care. In 1933, they purchased the Presbyterian Guest House in Brooklyn to better serve the community. In 1940, they obtained the Brooklyn Home for Girls, and were able to expand their ministry. Around 1953, the city fire department considered the Guest House unsafe for community living, so Mrs. Rasweiler and Mrs. Popper sought the assistance of clergymen and elders of the church, who purchased the eleven acres owned by the Willock Estate in Syosset. In 1955, the residents from Brooklyn moved to the old Syosset mansion, which became the United Presbyterian Residence. By the late 1990’s, the United Presbyterian Residence (UPR) had grown to serve nearly 700 residents on a 33-acre campus.

In 1969 the First Congregational Church of Flushing, which occupied the corner of 38th Avenue and Bowne Street, was destroyed by fire. Shortly thereafter, UPR’s board of directors began looking for a place to provide housing to older adults who could live independently. A partnership was forged between the Presbyterian and Reformed churches, which secured the Bowne Street site for future development. In 1974, ground was broken and the construction of Flushing House Senior Retirement Residence began.

Our senior living in Queens,  Flushing House, a not-for-profit community dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults in a supportive environment. Flushing House has long been recognized as an innovator, one of the first to offer Independent Living for older adults, along with supportive services on the premises. Our 12-story, 319-unit residence maintains a reputation as one of New York’s leading centers for Independent Living for older adults. Flushing House was cited by New York Magazine (December 11, 2006) as the biggest independent-living residence on their list of the 20 most highly recommended elder-care facilities in the five boroughs.

Major changes took place in 1994, first the sale of UPR to Winthrop University Hospital and second, the board’s reorganization and incorporation as United Presbyterian & Reformed Adult Ministries (UPRAM), so it could continue to independently operate Flushing House.

UPRAM

Also in 2000, UPRAM simplified its name to United Adult Ministries and also developed a new corporate logo, making it easy to remember and appealing to a broader audience.

Flushing House is a not-for-profit organization offered through United Adult Ministries (UAM). The UAM mission statement: United Adult Ministries offers older adults hope, through expanding opportunities and practical services, to live confidently in today’s world.

Visit the UAM website.