Where Seniors Thrive: Care that Heals, Uplifts, and Connect
At a time when older adults face growing cuts to services, financial insecurity, and isolation, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) stands as a vital pillar of support. Across five senior multipurpose centers throughout LA, JFSLA delivers wraparound services that uplift individuals and harness the power of community.
From daily nutritious meals at one of our thirteen Los Angeles area meal sites, and services that help seniors age safely in their own home, plus a variety of social opportunities throughout the week, JFSLA’s services support seniors with vital resources, stability, and connection.
Seniors can participate in wellness classes, support groups, art & music therapy, holiday events, and educational workshops. Our multipurpose centers have gyms and physical fitness classes that help keep seniors strong. Those who are homebound receive daily home-delivered meals and regular wellness checks. For medical appointments, grocery runs, and visits to local senior centers, JFSLA’s transportation program ensures safe, door-to-door access. JFSLA also provides vital help with case management, housing navigation, caregiver support, governmental benefits assistance, and specialized services for Holocaust Survivors.
A System of Support Rooted in Dignity
Every senior client’s journey with JFSLA begins with intake and assessment. Trained social workers provide immediate support—helping the client connect to the services they need, everything from Medi-Cal or in-home supportive services—and begin to build a care plan tailored to each person’s circumstances.
“For some, it starts with concrete services and advocacy” says Susan Belgrade, JFSLA’s Senior Director of Multipurpose and Senior Centers. “But if deeper needs emerge for frail, homebound, socially isolated clients who have no family or caregiving support—we step in with full case management.”
These services include ongoing needs assessments, help accessing government programs, community resources, emergency alert devices, and home care assistance. It’s not just about forms—it’s about honoring each person’s whole life.
“Marissa helped me get things I never knew how to find…
That layer of support—it’s as important as my oncologist.”
—Sarah
(with support from Marissa, her JFSLA Social Worker)
From Meals to Music: A Whole-Person Approach
Once enrolled, participants engage in a rich ecosystem of programs designed to promote wellness, joy, and community. Through the Arts, Wellness, and Engagement (AWE) Program, over 500 seniors enjoy classes like yoga, silk scarf painting, tai chi, movie matinees and more. Special cultural celebrations—from Shabbat to national holidays—help people feel at home and connected.
Paul (his name has been changed to protect his privacy) is a retired professional who discovered JFSLA while seeking nutritious meals and companionship during retirement. “I came to JFSLA because I was feeling isolated,” Paul says. “Now I have a community. I’m more active, I’m happier, and I feel supported.” Paul attends weekly lunches, art workshops, and visits the on-site gym. What keeps him coming back is not just the programs—it’s the people.
“The friendships I’ve made here have extended into my life outside…We show up for each other…I’m not Jewish, but I’ve always felt welcome here.”
—Paul
“The friendships I’ve made here have extended into my life outside—meals, errands, and other supportive gatherings. We show up for each other.” While rooted in Jewish values, the doors are open to everyone. JFSLA opens the door for all seniors and serves individuals of all backgrounds. While rooted in Jewish values, the doors are open to everyone. “I’m not Jewish,” Paul says. “But I’ve always felt welcome here.”
For Sarah (not her real name), a resident living with metastatic breast cancer, the connection to JFSLA came at a critical moment. She discovered the organization in a resource book for cancer patients and eventually connected with Marissa, a JFSLA social worker, who became a cornerstone of her support system.
“I am in chemotherapy until the end of my life. Marissa helped me get things I never knew how to find—personal care items, a shower bar, a bidet seat, even an electric scooter.” Sarah shares “It’s not just a scooter, it’s freedom. I can travel again. That layer of support—it’s as important as my oncologist.”
She especially praises the music therapy program, a partnership with Cedars-Sinai, where she saw fellow participants blossom from silence to self-expression. “Some people had never had therapy before. It was amazing to watch them grow through music.”
JFSLA delivers specialized services for Holocaust Survivor
Through programs like Café Europa—safe, welcoming spaces for connection, remembrance, and healing, with many opportunities to celebrate life. These gatherings offer live entertainment, holiday celebrations, cultural enrichment, and opportunities to build friendships in a supportive community. Survivors receive help navigating restitution programs and accessing critical social services, including case management, in-home support and help with food basics. Financially eligible Survivors may also receive taxi coupons if they live outside our transportation service area. While financial assistance requires proof of monetary need, Café Europa is open to all survivors seeking community and care.
Survivors receive help navigating restitution programs and accessing critical social services, including case management, in-home support and help with food basics. Financially eligible Survivors may also receive taxi coupons if they live outside our transportation service area.
Together We Bridge the Gap
With federal funding under pressure and inflation affecting everything from food to housing, these services are more essential than ever. Sarah, who receives only $99/month in food stamps, understands the stakes. “If programs like JFSLA didn’t exist, people like me would be in real trouble,” she says. “This isn’t just helpful—it’s survival.”
Fortunately, JFSLA continues to adapt and grow. New programs include grief and loss support, caregiver education, and a legacy care project with Mount Sinai. And thanks to the support of our generous donor community, JFSLA is positioned to meet the moment.
JFSLA’s work is powered by people—staff, volunteers, donors, and community advocates who believe that every senior deserves dignity, connection, and care.
As both Sarah and Paul affirm, this is more than a service—it’s a sanctuary. It’s a place where older adults are seen, supported, and reminded that they are not alone.
Get Involved or Get Support
If you or someone you love could benefit from these services—or if you want to help sustain this life-changing work—please visit jfsla.org/aging.
