I know you care about seniors and adults with disabilities and JABA’s mission to support their safety and independence. The pandemic that is gaining traction in our community offers a particular threat to elders, who are more vulnerable than any other age group to complications associated with COVID-19. JABA remains actively engaged in protecting our area’s most vulnerable population, but we need your help. I am asking you – or your company or organization – to make a donation today.

To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, JABA’s community centers for independent seniors, adult care centers for those with dementia and other disabilities, and child care center have been closed. While our physical facilities are closed, JABA’s work continues remotely:

• Staff are providing activity kits and keep-in-touch calls, as well as some creative ways to do projects together for our center members.

• Our resource counseling team is fielding calls and helping families with questions about food for elderly loved ones, home care, transportation — the list is endless.

• Insurance counselors continue to provide expert advice to callers enrolling in Medicare and furloughed workers needing insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

• The Ombudsman staff is working to address concerns for elders living in long term care facilities.

JABA is working hard to protect older adults and help our community navigate through this crisis at a time when revenues are unstable and our fee-for-service income has diminished due to closings. And we have made the commitment to care for the staff who care for our seniors — by keeping them on payroll with benefits. We want to be ready to welcome our members and clients back when it is safe, and the familiar caring faces will make each one feel so happy to be back. Your support will help us weather the challenges associated with this pandemic and manage additional, unknown needs.

Please consider making an online donation – it’s secure and you don’t have to go to the post office. Think also about making small recurring gifts that don’t break your budget. These gifts help us plan how much money comes in every month. You can change or discontinue your monthly donation at any time. Any gift will make a difference. 

If you have already donated to JABA in the midst of this crisis — I am truly grateful. Thank you for your support, whenever you can give it. Please stay safe and continue to look out for your loved ones. And, remember that our staff is here, ready to assist if needed.

Marta M. Keane
Chief Executive Officer