BACKGROUND: Jewish Family & Career Services (JFCS) is a Louisville-based nonprofit that provides vital support for individuals and families through counseling, career services, and programs that promote independence and well-being. Its ACE Seniors initiative focuses on reducing social isolation among older adults in low-income housing by bringing connection and care directly to where they live.
THE NEWS: With support from the Humana Foundation, ACE Seniors expanded from one site to threesenior housing facilities and a community center, offering regular classes like chair yoga, art, andtechnology help. JFCS also introduced evidence-based programs such as Bingocize to make fitness fun andaccessible.
WHY IT MATTERS:
- In just six months: 84 seniors enrolled, with 67 attending at least one class and 36 participating intwo or more events monthly.
- 20 seniors completed follow-up assessments, and over half showed improved scores onloneliness and social network measures.
- Education classes are driving the greatest gains in reducing isolation. JFCS is building trust andconsistency, turning one-off activities into a reliable safety net for seniors.
WHAT’S NEXT: JFCS will launch Bingocize across all sites to combine fitness and fun, form residentadvisory councils to boost peer-led engagement, and expand partnerships with additional housingcomplexes to reach more socially isolated seniors.