Retirement is supposed to be a time to enjoy. But for Connie, retirement meant anxiety. No matter how she tried to cut her living expenses, she still couldn’t afford the rent on her apartment. She knew she couldn’t continue living in her apartment and she needed help with daily living.

When she learned about Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (JCHE) — a CJP supported organization — suddenly the cloud lifted. The fear of living alone vanished. Connie discovered that not only was help available, but she still had something valuable to contribute to her community.

After moving into JCHE’s supportive senior housing, Connie’s life began to change. JCHE was the perfect fit, allowing her to remain independent and active in the community, while providing her with necessities, such as
on-site wellness services and transportation.

For years, she volunteered weekly at a Dorchester elementary school to help inner city children improve their reading skills as part of the Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy program. Now she participates in a penpal program that helps the children improve their writing ability. Connie has also reached out to her JCHE neighbors, starting an English as a Second Language class for Russian-speaking residents in her building.

Thanks to your support to CJP, Connie and nearly 1,400 older adults benefit from JCHE’s affordable, supportive, independent housing communities in Brighton, Newton and Framingham. In addition to support for JCHE housing, CJP funding also makes it possible for seniors to receive case management, health and fitness services, homecare assistance, educational, cultural and social activities and more.

Connie says that what she values most about her life at JCHE, is the sense of community. “At JCHE, I am never alone. I know that I can pay the rent and still do things that make me feel useful. I am part of a community where people care… they really care!”