Senior Life
Who Cared for Us by Emily Raij Kinneret Council on Aging ramps up its programming for the seniors it serves
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Caring for Those
K inneret Council on Aging (KCOA) continues to meet the needs of Central Florida seniors with the help of several new community partnerships and programs. Since 1985, the nonprofit organization has provided life- enhancing resources to the 300-plus residents of Kinneret Apartments, a low-income, senior housing complex in downtown Orlando. The needs of seniors and the reach of KCOA are both growing, yet the organization’s mission – which is based in Jewish values – remains constant. KCOA has expanded the scope of its activities beyond Kinneret Apartments, which were sold in 2022 to Fairstead, a private developer and manager of low-income housing projects. Susan Godorov, KCOA executive director, says, “We’ve taken a look at our mission statement since the sale of the building, expanded it beyond our walls, and seen the need for engaging the aging population in the greater community at large.” Feeding Bodies and Minds KCOA has established a relationship with the Rosen JCC in Southwest Orlando, sponsoring a monthly speaker series open to all seniors at that campus. Topics thus far have included financial wellness and brain health. Additionally, KCOA has brought law-enforcement professionals from the City of Orlando to Kinneret Apartments for breakfast talks with residents that will help them avoid financial scams and improve their situational awareness. Breakfast at Kinneret has improved in other ways. Food offerings now include healthier options such as breakfast sandwiches and yogurt, and provide more fruit instead of pastries. “This request was a direct result of residents learning more about healthy eating from another partnership with UCF Health,” says Susan. The University of Central
and more from UCF healthcare faculty and students. Residents also receive one-on-one consultations and testing results on site. The mobile unit comes twice a month, providing more consistent care than occasional screenings can offer. Staying Fit and Having Fun Kinneret residents also have the opportunity to take charge of their own health and fitness through weekly chair exercise classes, Orlando Ballet’s Gentle BeMoved program, and an off-site visit to the UCF Healthy Aging Fair.
KCOA has not forgotten about residents’ social needs, either. There are weekly English and semi-weekly Spanish lessons, musical programs, movie nights, and arts and crafts classes. Residents have celebrated Purim and Passover with Cantor Nina Fine, and weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services are led by KCOA volunteers. Off site, residents recently enjoyed brunch and a performance of Disney’s The Lion King at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, thanks to the Dr. Phillips Community Giveback initiative. KCOA’s contribution to residents’ nutritional needs extends well beyond the twice-a-week continental breakfast, through numerous food programs, including a food pantry twice a month, bread and jambalaya kit distribution, cooked meals all weekdays, and kosher holiday meal delivery, as well as a Thanksgiving meal and gathering for all residents. A new partnership with 4Roots now allows KCOA to offer fresh produce, canned items, and proteins twice a month during non- pantry weeks. “The costs of food and medicine are rising,” says Susan, “and we are seeing more residents participating in these programs.” Susan has heard from some residents that without the services of KCOA, they would have to choose between purchasing food and medicine. That’s a choice nobody wants our community’s seniors to ever have to face. For more information about the services KCOA provides to seniors, visit KinneretCouncil.org or email Susan at sgodorov@ kinneretcouncil.org.
Florida’s Mobile Health Clinic made its first visit to Kinneret Apartments in June, offering blood pressure screenings, cholesterol checks, and blood sugar testing, along with education on diabetes, sleep, nutrition, preventive care,
For more information about the services KCOA provides to seniors, visit KinneretCouncil.org or email Susan at SGodorov@KinneretCouncil.org.
26 J LIFE | FALL 2025
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