Pictured from left: President & CEO of JALSA Cindy Rowe, Staff Member Moira Regan, Manager Abrielle Salloway, Senate President Karen Spilka, and CEO Lino Covarrubias
JFS was proud to once again participate in Senate President Karen E. Spilka’s annual 55+ Health and Wellness Fair, joining community organizations, local service providers, and residents for a day dedicated to supporting the health, well-being, and independence of older adults in our community.
The annual event brings together valuable resources, information, and opportunities for connection, helping older adults and their families learn about services that can enhance their quality of life.
Geriatric Care Manager and Senior Fitness Specialist Laila Vehvilainen, MS, MPH, NASM-CPT, CDP, demonstrates how exercise can support strength, balance, and mobility at any age (Source: https://karenspilka.com/2026fair)
For JFS, the fair was a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members and share information about the many services and innovative initiatives designed to address the evolving needs of older adults, including:
- Patient Navigator: Helping older adults and their families navigate complex healthcare systems, coordinate medical care, and access the support they need.
- Geriatric Care Management (GCM): Providing personalized guidance, care planning, and ongoing support to help older adults and their families make informed decisions about care and maintain quality of life.
- Home-Share Initiative: Exploring innovative housing solutions that connect individuals with shared living opportunities, helping address housing affordability while fostering companionship and community connections.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Initiative: A collaboration between JFS and the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA) that helps expand awareness of accessory dwelling units as a potential housing solution, creating new possibilities for older adults to age in place, remain connected to family, and maintain independence.
- Memory Cafés: Providing a welcoming, supportive environment where individuals experiencing memory loss and their care partners can enjoy social connections, engaging activities, and opportunities to build community in a comfortable, inclusive setting.
- Advance Care Planning Guide: Helping older adults and their families navigate important conversations about future healthcare wishes and decisions. This valuable resource encourages individuals to communicate their preferences, plan ahead, and ensure their voices are heard when making healthcare decisions. This information is shared in part through funding provided by the Parmenter Foundation.
As the needs of our aging population continue to grow and change, JFS remains committed to providing compassionate, individualized support and exploring creative solutions that help older adults live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and everyone involved in organizing this important annual event! We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with residents, share resources, and work alongside community partners who are dedicated to helping older adults thrive.