After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Family Service College Avenue Center has reopened to the public for in-person programming weekdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Located at Temple Emanu-El, 6299 Capri Dr., the center provides a plethora of activities for the mind and body, prepared lunch and social connection for adults of all backgrounds, over the age of 60.

Although the College Avenue Center (CAC) provided virtual programming throughout the pandemic, many were thrilled to gather in person again.

Senior Director of Nutrition and Aging for Jewish Family Service (JFS), Kristine Stensberg, was among those excited about new and familiar members returning.

“It’s been amazing being back in person because we’ve actually been able to see people,” Stensberg explained. “We actually continued to provide virtual programming for everyone but we kept hearing time and time again about the missing connection. The virtual formatting worked but it’s not the same as people having a cup of coffee and connecting before and after class.”

During the pandemic, the CAC received an increase in requests for nutritional assistance. JFS offers various services to help community members with food security such as home deliveries, which are offered Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Community members can also gather at the CAC for warm group meals.

Verne Boyce has been coming to the CAC for the last 10-15 years with his wife and enjoys the hot meals.

“The food is fresh and it’s always made that day,” Boyce said. “It’s very wholesome food, I think.”

The congregate meals are served Monday-Friday at 11:45 a.m. and require a meal reservation 24 hours in advance by calling (858) 637-3230. Additional information about donation, monthly menus and home delivery options can be found at: jfssd.org/our-services/food-meals/.

JFS also offers “On the Go,” a volunteer-run program to help adults get where they need to go. Visitors and members can request transportation to the CAC by calling (858) 637-7320.

“What we want to provide is that whole person service,” Stensberg said. “Making sure that someone can physically come here through transportation, participate in the classes, get a meal and get safely home. If there’s other items that they need, they can check in with our staff for referrals.”

Further information regarding hours of operation, pricing, eligible zip codes and much more can be found at: jfssd.org/our-services/older-adults/on-the-go-transportation-solutions-for-older-adults/.

While food and transportation are popular services at the center, they also offer daily activities that CAC Program Coordinator Carmen Lomeli helps run.

“I set up in the morning to [make] sure we have an inviting space for our members, making sure we have books and magazines,” Lomeli said. “I process our intakes for new members and connect them to the resources that we have.”

Among these resources is the JFS Fix It Service that offers safety repairs and modifications to improve one’s mobility and safety at home. The pre-screened volunteers can assist with mounting outdoor security lights, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and much more.

“‘Fix It’ is a volunteer-run service and it’s a big program that we offer,” Lomeli said. “If we can’t provide the [assistance], that’s okay, we’ll connect you to other people in the community that can.”

An extensive list of services, details and contact information can be located at: jfssd.org/our-services/older-adults/home-safety-modification/.

Many visit the CAC for unique daily activities such as trivia, Tai Chi (pictured in top photo), current events, music appreciation and even laughter yoga.

“Laughter yoga is really fun,” Stensberg said. “It’s all about breathing and being in the moment, including laughter and using your breath.”

Bonnie Sattler came to the center prior to COVID-19 and highly anticipated coming back for the CAC’s various programs.

“They had a lot of programs and lectures I enjoyed and I was very excited when they reopened the center,” Sattler said. “I come for the Tai Chi class on Tuesdays and music appreciation on Fridays.”

With a variety of activities, resources and assistance, community members of all backgrounds can find social enrichment and connection with others at the Jewish Family Service College Avenue Center.

(Photos by Jessica Mills and Jewish Family Service College Avenue Center)