Heights & Hills’ 45th annual gala honors philanthropist who founded giving circle

Eliza Winans Rossman Has Devoted Her Career to Improving Life for Brooklyn’s Senior Citizens

May 10, 2016 By Francesca Norsen Tate Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Eliza Winans Rossman receives a plaque from Heights & Hills board Vice President Deborah Juantorena. Eagle photo by Francesca N. Tate

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Heights & Hills Community Council celebrated its 45th year of service to the elderly in Brooklyn by honoring a tireless and dedicated advocate for seniors. “Eliza Winans Rossman epitomizes leadership, generosity and goodwill,” reads the program journal for the benefit, which was held Monday at the Brooklyn Historical Society.

A trained geriatric social worker and community organizer, Rossman has advocated for the lives of senior citizens for her entire professional life. A graduate of Kenyon College, she began her career on Capitol Hill, advising Congressman Morris Udall on issues facing older adults. After receiving her master’s degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, Rossman worked at hospitals and community agencies, assisting Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. She then transitioned to fundraising and grant making. She recently coordinated a program at Hunter that supported at-risk master’s level social work students who are involved in agencies serving senior citizens around New York City.

She served on the Heights & Hills board of directors for 16 years, three of which as president.

Two years ago, Rossman founded ALLINBKLYN, a community of women who promote a tradition of philanthropy in Brooklyn, set up as a giving circle whose members pool their dollars and make grants to organizations that are strengthening the borough. During its first year, ALLINBKLYN made 13 grants totaling $201,000to nonprofits throughout the borough. Currently, ALLINBKLYN’s 46 members aim to create $230,000 in grants this year.