Causes: Human Services, Job Training, Judaism, Religion, Senior Centers, Seniors, Transportation Assistance

Mission: The Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) helps older adults in the Greater Washington, D. C. region maintain independence, dignity, vitality and self-respect. It also helps people of different generations understand, learn from and care for one another. JCA accomplishes this through a myriad of community-based programs built upon vibrant programmatic partnerships with funders, fellow charities and local communities; and by providing opportunities for volunteers to make the National Capital Area a great place to age. Although our Jewish heritage and values guide our vision and work, JCA is a recognized leader in meeting the needs of seniors and caregivers regardless of their religious beliefs.

Results: JCA represents something different to each and every man and woman we proudly serve. To the isolated senior with no means of getting around, we are a smiling ElderBus driver who cheerfully helps with canes, walkers and wheelchairs and even carries packages with a smile. To the concerned family member suddenly faced with overwhelming health or home care issues, we are the confident voice of an information specialist who understands precisely the services needed to care for a beloved parent or spouse and can access our unique, comprehensive database to find needed resources close to home. For the senior who is frail or suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other challenges, we are a safe and caring place that provides dignified assistance at adult day programs that are second to none. To the older job seeker, we are a friend, advocate, teacher and guide. JCA is all of this and so much more! We are vibrant intergenerational programs that build bridges and shatter stereotypes. We are diverse volunteer programs that demonstrate that ability is ageless. We are different faces in various places, but united in our mission of helping local seniors experience the positive side of aging while making the National Capital Area a great place to age. Last year, because of generous friends like you, JCA served 31,000 older people of all faiths, ethnicities and walks of life. We helped them avoid isolation and live independently. We helped them thrive.

Target demographics: local seniors age well while building bridges between the generations

Direct beneficiaries per year: 31,000 people in the area , while helping make our region a great to grow up and grow old

Geographic areas served: the National Capital Region -- Washington, DC; Suburban Maryland; and Northern Virginia

Programs: . . . door-to-door ElderBuses, the Connect-A-Ride Transportation Resource Center, Ride Smart Workshops, the Escorted Transportation Program and other mobility management programs that help older adults TRAVEL IN THE COMMUNITY THEY LOVE. . . the JCA Kensington Clubs -- our day program for people in the early stages of a diagnosed memory loss -- that provide CARE AND CAMARADERIE. . . the JCA Career Gateway, Senior Community Service Employment Program and 50+ Employment Expos that enable older job seekers to LAND A JOB. . . the Heyman Interages Center that builds BRIDGES BETWEEN THE GENERATIONS while helping students succeed in school and life. . . the Senior HelpLine, HomeCare Resource Center, State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Community Speakers Bureau that help older adults and family caregivers GET THE ANSWERS they need