JFS Colorado Senior Connections
JFS Colorado Senior Connections is an innovative program that enriches the physical and emotional well-being of older adults by providing wellness, recreational, social, physical, and mental health services, and activities, along with connecting to outside community resources and agencies. The concept is based on “Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities” or NORCs, where community-based support services can be provided to help older adults age in place. Older adults continue to grow and learn, maintain their independence, and enhance their quality of life by making new friends, and actively participating in their community.
The program is currently offered in Edgewater and Wheat Ridge. Thank you to our partners: City of Edgewater, City of Wheat Ridge, The Colorado Health Foundation (Wheat Ridge), Community First Foundation, Daniels Fund, Jefferson Center for Mental Health (Wheat Ridge), and Rose Community Foundation.
Contact:
JFS at the JCC
Jewish Family Service provides social, recreational, educational, and health programming to older adults at the JCC. Through Volunteers of America, JFS at the JCC also offers a kosher lunch (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and has become a popular gathering site for Jewish and non-Jewish seniors who come to share a meal, enjoy other activities, and connect with others in the Jewish community. These services are funded in part by JEWISHcolorado and Volunteers of America and generously hosted by JCC Denver.
View the current list of programs
Para-chaplain Program
The JFS Para-chaplain Program reduces social isolation of Jewish residents of assisted living and nursing-care facilities through visitation and programs conducted by JFS para-chaplains and other volunteers. The program strengthens the connection between Jewish residents living in non-Jewish senior residential facilities and the Jewish community by arranging and leading religious services for Shabbat, High Holy Days, Hanukkah, and Passover. In addition, para-chaplains work with the staff at these facilities to sensitize them about the values, traditions, and holidays of Jewish residents.
Friendly Visitor Volunteers
Many older adults stay connected with their community through the loving attention of JFS Friendly Visitor volunteers. These volunteers donate their time weekly to visit with isolated seniors and enjoy a variety of activities together. Seniors are carefully matched with volunteers who share their interests and values.