JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment

05/27/2026

I’m truly humbled and honored to be recognized among the 18 Under 50 professionals in our community. This recognition is incredibly meaningful, but the real inspiration comes from the seniors we have the privilege of serving every day through JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment. ❤️

Our programs are about so much more than activities — they create connection, purpose, movement, creativity, and belonging. They remind us that healthy aging means caring for both the mind and body while building community and friendships at every stage of life.

The impact is best expressed by the participants themselves:

“These programs give me something to look forward to and a chance to connect with others so I’m not so alone.”

“The Zoom classes became incredibly valuable during Covid and continue to help people who can’t drive or attend in person. The programs are diverse, welcoming, and wonderful.”

“I looked forward to every class — and to the friendships I found there.”

I share this recognition with the incredible JFCS team, volunteers, community partners, and especially the participants who inspire us daily with their resilience, energy, and spirit.

Thank you to everyone who believes in the importance of supporting older adults and creating opportunities for seniors to thrive, stay connected, and live vibrant lives. I am deeply grateful to be part of this work and this community. 💙

Last year, Jewish News launched its inaugural “18 Under 50” section, recognizing young professionals and community members making a meaningful impact across the Valley’s Jewish community. Following the overwhelming response

05/27/2026

At JFCS Creative Aging, joy is always in motion! 💃🎶🎤

Our Line Dancing and CHORDially Yours groups are full of life each week as participants come together to celebrate friendship, movement, creativity, music, and community. From dancing feet to uplifting voices, these programs create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.

Community keeps us young at heart — and our groups prove it every single week. ❤️

What activity brings YOU joy and connection? Share with us in the comments!

05/22/2026

🎶✨ Ready for a Feel‑Good Trip Down Memory Lane?
Get comfy in your favorite recliner and join us for Memory Lane Music Bingo—the online game that mixes Name‑That‑Tune with classic Bingo for a joyful, music‑filled experience. Expect laughter, nostalgia, and maybe even a little singing as you listen for songs you know and love. It’s fun, easy, and perfect for all cognitive levels.

💬 Tell us in the comments:
What’s one song that always brings back a great memory?

🎵 What to Expect
You’ll receive your bingo card the day before
Print it out and grab a pen
Listen for the songs… mark your card… and enjoy the memories
Sessions run 45–60 minutes
Benefits include:
• Social connection
• Autobiographical memory boosts
• Cognitive stimulation

If you need your card early or need printing accommodations, email [email protected]

🕒 Registration closes June 3
🎟 Register now:

Join us for an enjoyable online game that blends Name-That-Tune with Bingo. Expect plenty of fun as you hear & search for songs you know and love... all from the comfort of your recliner! You will receive a bingo card the day before the program. Print the card and have a pen ready to mark off th...

05/22/2026

🎭✨ Who’s Ready to Bring a Story to Life THIS Summer?

If you’ve ever wanted to try acting—but didn’t want the pressure of memorizing lines—this is your moment.

Join us for Stage & Story: A Readers Theatre Series with Breona Conrad, where creativity, connection, and pure fun take center stage. One play. Seven sessions. A final performance that tells the full story through your voices and characters.

No experience needed. No memorization. Just show up, explore, and enjoy.

📍 Congregation Beth Israel
🗓 Mondays: June 8, 15, 22, 29 & July 6, 13, 20
⏰ 12–2pm

Open to adults of all ages—bring a friend and make it a weekly creative adventure.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Brauner: [email protected] or (480) 670‑8073

🎟 Register now:

Using a single play to explore acting techniques and text analysis, this class will culminate in participants performing scenes from the play in chronological order, giving the live audience a chance to hear the full story through a series of scene studies. Participants will perform in the style of....

05/15/2026

Dear Center for Senior Enrichment Participant,

I am writing with wonderful news. After hearing from so many of you and receiving an outpouring of support from our community, JFCS has decided to keep the Center for Senior Enrichment open in spite of the fiscal challenges it is facing. Your voices, your engagement, and your commitment to this program made a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful.

Over the past week, JFCS received support for our program and truly understand the impact of the Center for all of you. The message was clear: this program provides connection, purpose, learning, and joy — and it is an essential part of your lives. Because of your feedback, JFCS has chosen to continue offering classes and programming rather than closing the Center.

We are excited to move forward with renewed energy and a deeper appreciation for the community we serve. More information about upcoming classes, schedules, and next steps will be shared soon. For now, please know how thankful we are for your advocacy, your participation, and your belief in the value of this program.

I look forward to continuing this journey with you and to all the meaningful moments still ahead.

With gratitude and warm wishes,
Jennifer Brauner
Director of the Center for Senior Enrichment

05/12/2026

It’s with a heavy heart that I share some news. May 15 will be the final day of virtual classes for the JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment and May 22 will be the final day of in-person classes.

Due to recent federal and state policy changes, along with ongoing funding challenges, JFCS can no longer sustain the programs and services that have supported our senior community for so long.

To all of the wonderful seniors, families, instructors, and community members I’ve had the privilege to work with — thank you. It has been an honor to share space, connection, and joy with you.

I’m wishing each of you continued health, happiness, and meaningful connection in the years ahead. I truly hope our paths cross again.

05/05/2026

A creative brain is a healthy brain and everyone can be creative!

If you’re curious how a Creative Brain Workshop can help, come find out over three Wednesdays in June.
Sign up at https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/CdB9VcWQ/v5

Like learning to play tennis or the piano, you can train your brain to think more creatively. When you do, answers come with less effort, perfectionism fades, and confidence grows. It’s not wishful thinking, its science.

04/24/2026

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For the first time in three years, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Arizona (JFCS) is offering senior enrichment classes in Central Phoenix, with even more to come in the

04/24/2026

Today marked the first day of our 6-week Acrylic Painting series at Creative Color Art Studios.

Our focus today was creating beautiful floral arrangements using acrylic paint, and the creativity in the room was inspiring!

It’s so meaningful to have opportunities like this for our community to stay engaged, express themselves, and enjoy time with friends while having fun.

We can’t wait to see how everyone’s skills grow over the next few weeks.

Want to learn how you can be a part of our classes?

www.jfcsclasses.org to learn more and register!

04/23/2026