Home » News & Events » JSSA and JCA Announce Transformational Merger
Media Contact: Julie Perlstein Director of Marketing, JSSA 301-610-8311
Rockville, MD — April 30, 2026 — In a bold step to meet the rapidly evolving needs of an aging population, JSSA and the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) today announced a merger that will create a dynamic, integrated hub of services for older adults and their families across the Greater Washington, DC region, beginning July 1, 2026.
The merged organization will operate under the JSSA brand, building on the strength, legacy, and shared mission of both organizations while continuing to serve individuals and families at every stage of life.
For more than 50 years, JSSA and JCA have worked side by side, partnering on programs, coordinating care, and earning the community’s trust. This merger formalizes that longstanding collaboration, combining expertise and resources to deliver more seamless, accessible, and comprehensive support for older adults.
“This is a natural and exciting evolution of a partnership rooted in shared values and a deep commitment to the community,” said Todd Schenk, Chief Executive Officer of JSSA. “Together, we are creating an innovative hub that not only strengthens what already exists, but expands what’s possible, ensuring that older adults and their families can access the care they need, when they need it, in a more connected and coordinated way.”
Community members can be assured that the services they rely on will continue without interruption. Familiar programs, trusted staff, and the high standard of care both organizations are known for will remain firmly in place, now strengthened by expanded resources and deeper coordination.
The unified organization will bring together a wide range of services, including behavioral health, social day clubs, young-onset dementia care, intergenerational programming, benefits navigation and enrollment, transportation, workforce initiatives, support for Holocaust survivors, home care, food access, care management, and end-of-life care under one umbrella. By integrating these services, the organization will simplify navigation for clients and families while enhancing the quality and continuity of care.
“This merger amplifies our impact and positions our programs for long-term sustainability,” said Shane Rock, Chief Executive Officer of JCA. “It strengthens our ability to ensure that older adults in our community have expanded access to a full continuum of care, supporting their physical, emotional, and social well-being at every stage of aging.”
Grounded in shared values of human dignity, inclusiveness, repairing the world, and unconditional kindness, the combined organization will continue to serve people of all faiths and backgrounds with compassion and respect.
As the population of older adults continues to grow, the need for innovative, responsive, and integrated services has never been greater. This merger reduces fragmentation, creates efficiencies, and reduces service duplication, making it easier for people to find the help they need when they need it.
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About JSSA JSSA is the trusted health and social wellness agency serving the National Capital Region. We help our neighbors through their most vulnerable moments with warmth and compassion.
We focus on four main areas of care: Supporting people’s mental health and strengthening family relationships, helping individuals find meaningful jobs, caring for older adults so they can age safely at home, and offering dignity and comfort to hospice patients.
We’ve learned that everyone needs support at some point. JSSA is always here, ready to help. Our goal is to make essential care and quality of life accessible to everyone.
About JCA Founded in 1973, The Jewish Council for the Aging® (JCA)provides the programs and services that support older adults and their families and builds bridges across generations.
JCA helps older adults and the wider community thrive. We do this by:
JCA serves people of all faiths, races, ethnicities, and income levels. As an agency with deep Jewish roots and community connections, JCA continues to embrace and enact Jewish values of human dignity, repairing the world, and social justice.
