Reducing Isolation
Let’s Do Lunch! (LDL)
LDL, a senior social activity program, encourages socialization through regularly scheduled “gatherings” where participants engage in a myriad of activities—lectures, workshops, art projects, films, brain games, exercise, and live entertainment. LDL is integrated with counseling and case management, allowing for seamless referral between the programs for clients presenting with additional needs. By engaging in activities outside their home, seniors experience greater self-esteem and the opportunity to gain meaningful friendships. To sign up or to get more information, please contact JFS Director of Community Outreach Julie Hirsh, at (760) 325-4088 ext. 103 or by email at [email protected]
Cafe Europa
Cafe Europa is a monthly education and socialization program similar to LDL offered exclusively to our local Holocaust survivors. Additionally, JFS provides Cafe Europa members financial support for survivors’ rent, utilities, dental, and in-home support services.
Cafe Europa 2.0
Cafe Europa 2.0 is a recently-launched program offering children of Holocaust survivors a forum to interact and engage, while also allowing JFS staff a chance to assess additional needs this group may have. To sign up or learn more about Cafe Europa and Cafe Europa 2.0, please contact JFS Director of Community Outreach, Julie Hirsh, at (760) 325-4088 ext. 103 or by email at [email protected].
Call Tree
Weekly “wellness-check” phone calls to isolated seniors that assess physical and mental health, offer connections to needed services, and provide clients with a chance to interact with others are essential parts of the program that began in the wake of the COVID pandemic that forced the suspension of many in-person services. To sign up or learn more about the Call Tree program, please contact JFS Director of Community Outreach Julie Hirsh, at (760) 325-4088 ext. 103 or by email at [email protected].
Friendly Visitors
The JFS Friendly Visitor program matches volunteers with seniors who are homebound or have limited mobility to provide companionship and support. Friendly Visitor Volunteers provide friendship and companionship for those who may have difficulty leaving the home. The program helps reduce isolation for seniors, many of whom live alone. Regular social interaction can be instrumental in reducing symptoms of depression, isolation, and even dementia. To sign up or learn more about the program, please contact JFS Director of Community Outreach Julie Hirsh at (760) 325-4088 ext. 103 or by email at [email protected].
JFS Express
“JFS Express,” a volunteer-based transportation service for medical appointments, is offered to any local senior, 60 years of age or greater, who has registered for the program. Registration is free; to register, please complete this form. To request a ride, please contact JFS Transportation Coordinator Jennifer Diaz at (760) 325-4088 ext. 117 or by email at [email protected].