A Word From Shane

Improving Health in Montgomery County

In Montgomery County, the “cost of living” is often a “cost of health.” For many of our neighbors, staying healthy isn’t just about visiting a doctor; it’s about having a warm home and a full plate. Our new Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) directly targets these social determinants of health (SDOH)—the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes—by helping seniors navigate the complex web of available support.

BECs improve these conditions through a “whole-person” approach to economic security. By connecting residents to programs like SNAP we ensure that basic needs like nutrition are met before they become emergencies. Furthermore, when our specialists help a neighbor enroll in Medicare Savings Programs, they can reallocate their limited income toward other SDOH, such as reliable transportation or home modifications. By bridging the gap between available government aid and the people who need it most, BECs transform financial stability into a foundation for better physical and mental health.

At JCA, we believe that economic security is the foundation of wellness. Our BEC doesn’t just process applications; it provides a lifeline that allows Montgomery County seniors to age with dignity, stability, and better health.

With gratitude,

Shane

The Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School Pre-K brought Purim cheer to Samuel J. Gorlitz Kensington Clubs at Parklawn Thursday’s Morning Mavens. The program included mask-making, Purim treats, and story time.

Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School and Kensington Clubs have a long-standing tradition of celebrating Jewish holidays together. As can be seen in the photos, it is a joyful partnership for both programs.

OMA Art Show

The spring ’26 OMA Art Show was held earlier this month. Framed artworks from the session’s workshops were on display for the participants’ friends and families. The participants and volunteers enjoyed seeing the art matted and framed and displayed among fresh flowers. Musical entertainment was provided by Ed Kean, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program for people living with dementia. People living with dementia (artists) are paired with volunteers (students, families, caregivers) who are trained to rely on imagination instead of memory. OMA enables people living with dementia to assume new roles as artists and teachers and leave a legacy of beautiful artwork.

In keeping with the recent series of fraud, scams, and identity theft prevention, the March Senior Resources Guide outlined ways to stay safe in a world of scams.

Everyone has been told not to share personal information with strangers or give money for a scenario that seems too good to be true. Yet during 2024, scammers stole $12.5 billion from Americans, according to the Federal Trade Commission. It actually is even worse, because some victims are just too embarrassed or ashamed and don’t report what happened and how much they lost.

We are all quite confident we would never fall for such obvious schemes, yet unfortunately, millions of people find themselves in deep financial trouble and without the money they had saved for their retirement or to pass on to their children when they are gone. Are the scammers really that good, or are we – especially older adults – simply that easy? The good news is that the blame rests solely on the people who use the internet and other methods to obtain your money. Their goal is to get your money any way possible. When one scheme fails to work for them, they make some adjustments and try another way. And all too often, the illicit requests come when we are vulnerable, or just too polite or nice to think anyone would take our money.

In the most recent Senior Resources Guide, written by the Jewish Council for the Aging and printed in the Washington Jewish Week, we delve into various schemes and what you can do to stay safe.

Read the full guide.

JCA Launches Benefits Enrollment Center

JCA has launched its Benefits Enrollment Center. Supported by the NCOA Center for Economic Well-Being, Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) help low-income seniors and people with disabilities find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they are eligible, and create coordinated, community-wide systems of benefits access.

The BEC focuses on connecting Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes to these core benefits:

The BEC also helps adults age 65+ and younger adults with disabilities to apply for other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, local transportation assistance, tax relief, and more.

The BEC at JCA is available by phone and in person (by appointment): 301-255-4207.

Through the Community Revitalization Partnership, Rebuilding Together Montgomery County (RTM) partners with local non-profits to repair community spaces. This spring, the Temple Beth Ami/Shaare Torah volunteer team will take on the project of repairing and revitalizing the Kensington Clubs’ outdoor terrace on Parklawn Dr.

Check out upcoming newsletters for before and after photos and see the transformation of our outdoor space.

Staying independent and connected through transportation

JCA’s Connect-A-Ride (CAR) is a free service that helps Montgomery County seniors and adults of all ages with disabilities find the transportation they need. Certified Information and Mobility Specialists provide callers with tailored transportation options and help with schedules, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

While mobility specialists don’t provide transportation, they offer referrals from a

variety of public and private providers whom they trust to handle the needs of those needing a ride.

A Gaithersburg couple who had difficulty walking reached out to CAR, unsure of how they would get to all the medical appointments they needed. The 87-year-old woman said she was “feeling overwhelmed” until the helpful staff at CAR reassured her and referred her to Gaithersburg Help, a local volunteer service agency. They have since taken multiple trips to their doctor’s office, which turned out to be “just fantastic,” according to the woman. She expressed her gratitude for CAR’s mobility managers, who also referred the couple to Call-N-Ride and MetroAccess.

CAR’s mobility specialists also assisted a 65-year-old Sandy Spring resident who needed transportation to a medical appointment. Her insurance offers free rides, but only if requested 72 hours in advance. However, this woman needed to see her doctor the very next day. CAR referred her to a private taxi service for that appointment and also let her know about Call-N-Ride and Olney Rides for her future needs.

And a 54-year-old resident with a brain injury reached out to CAR, explaining that she had been trying for more than three months to determine the status of her Reduced Fare Smart Trip Card for People with Disabilities from WMATA. She depended on that free bus fare but was growing frustrated with how long she had to remain on hold when reaching out to WMATA. Our mobility specialist contacted WMATA and obtained the correct information the woman needed to get her answers. She was so grateful for the help that she emailed CAR to let them know that her special card was on the way.

These are just three examples of the 1,799 people who sought assistance from the program in the last year. More than half of those callers requested assistance obtaining a ride to a medical appointment, and 15% needed access to grocery stores and faith-based events.  “There are dozens of websites and phone numbers for programs and services in the county, but only CAR makes a comprehensive assessment of a person’s transportation needs and offers personalized guidance. We help people navigate so they can get through the sea of options and find what works for them,” explained Rachel Goldberg, JCA’s Senior Director, Center for Information Services.

Added one mobility specialist, who has been with JCA for more than seven years, “Access to reliable transportation makes such a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” Dependable transportation “helps them stay independent, connected to their communities, and able to get to medical appointments, grocery stores, social activities, and more.”

If you or a family member are a resident of Montgomery County and need transportation assistance, contact Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 or ConnectARide@AccessJCA.org.

Northern Virginia Free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

Register today for the JCA Northern Virginia free virtual 50+ Employment Expo on April 16, 2026. Help us spread the word. If you know of any age-friendly employers, tell them about our expos and the accomplished, experienced, motivated candidates waiting to hear from them.

This month, the JCA blog offered more useful information about protecting yourself from scams, including a new Senior Resources Guide and a link to an informative Freakonomics Radio podcast.

Two posts on blood pressure reveal some subtle symptoms and new medical attitudes on how high is too high. Walking is a great way to get exercise and control blood pressure. Assistive walking devices can keep you

balanced and safe from falls.

Are you a “solo ager?” Older adults living on their own live fulfilling lives through second careers and community activities, but need to plan for those situations when help is needed. Solo or not, financial planning is key for a successful retirement. Bear in mind that home care costs are rising and factor that in to any long-term plan.

Have you experienced agism by your healthcare providers? Mentorship programs are working to change attitudes about aging of medical students.

If you are a caregiver for an older adult, or you know one, check out the KC Blog as well.

Susan & Rob Loewy in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
Elana Marcus in memory of Libby Pohoryles to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
John & Mary Ann McGannon in memory of Libby Pohoryles
JoAnne & Marvin McIntyre in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
Karen & Doug Monsein in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
Eldad Moraru in memory of Libby Pohoryles
Risa Pulver in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
The Rocks Family in memory of Libby Pohoryles
Sandy & Joe Samberg in memory of Libby Pohoryles
Audrey Sherins in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
Lisa & Richard Shofnos in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café
Deborah Tucker in memory of Lynn Fanaroff to Kensington Clubs Kesher Café