Celebrating
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YEARS OF SERVICE!

ABOUT US

OUR ROOTS

San Antonio Jewish Senior Services (SAJSS), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has been providing services and programming for Jewish Seniors since 1968. We’re proud of our humble beginnings, arising out of the growing need for a non-denominational nursing home (The Golden Manor Jewish Home for the Aged) to what we are now: an organization focusing on serving Jewish seniors through transportation, social, cultural, and educational programming, grants and funding, and an information and referral service. Want to learn more? Here’s a look through the years.

IN THE BEGINNING

In 1955, a group of 24 men and women gathered to discuss the growing need for a non-denominational Jewish home in San Antonio. The goal was to serve the needs of Jewish seniors within a 200-mile radius of the city. The group found, through a community survey, there was broad enthusiasm for the project. In 1956, the group formed a board, and chose the name, “The Golden Manor” for the future home. They then set about the difficult task of planning and fundraising to bring their vision to fruition.

FROM DREAM TO REALITY

In 1961,16-acres were purchased off of Spencer Lane. A groundbreaking took place in 1964, the same year the land was paid off through the Clarence Freeman Trust, a grant from Hill-Burton, and generous contributions from the Jewish and Christian communities of San Antonio. Construction continued through early 1968, and on May 15, 1968, the Golden Manor Jewish Home for the Aged officially opened its doors.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The following year, the Women’s Auxiliary of Golden Manor was formed, and were casually referred to as, “The Golden Girls,” long before the popular sitcom was created. They brightened the lives of residents daily with social visits, craft projects, entertainment, education, and love. In 1999, these devoted volunteers dedicated a playground for the grandchildren of Golden Manor residents. The “Manor Munchkins,” as they were known, brought joy and vitality to the staff, volunteers, and residents of the home.

FROM HOME TO AGENCY

In 2008, the board of Golden Manor Jewish Home for the Aged made the difficult decision to sell the home due to increasing financial unsustainability, and the desire to continue to serve Jewish seniors in San Antonio. The physical home became Golden Estates under its new ownership, and Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services opened its doors as an agency that offered additional programs and resources for Jewish seniors in San Antonio. After nearly a decade of providing valuable services for San Antonio Jewish seniors, the leadership of the agency knew there was still much more to be done to bridge the gap between available resources and the needs of San Antonio’s Jewish seniors. In 2017, Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services became San Antonio Jewish Senior Services. Under the leadership of President and CEO, Stacey Kline Schwartz, we continue to grow and add more programming and services for our seniors.

Today

Today, San Antonio Jewish Senior Services (SAJSS):

  • Provides transportation for those 60+ in the Jewish community to attend Jewish events, meetings, and religious services as well as for healthcare appointments.
  • Runs a Shabbat and Holiday Delivery Program that reaches more than 400 Jewish households throughout the year. This includes making weekly check-in phone calls and delivering challah for Shabbat and special holiday treats for major holidays.
  • Organizes monthly Jewish Chats at Adante Senior Living and Madison Estates which are the senior residential facilities with the most Jewish residents
  • Hosts twice monthly Grief and Caregiver Support Groups at our office.
  • Offer the Connect Information & Referral Program in which we help older adults, and their families, find the services they need.
  • Sponsors quarterly Game On Programs that provide an opportunity for older adults to socialize, stimulate their minds, and have some fun.
  • Arranges museum visits and other culturally enriching activities.
  • Partners with the congregations and other Jewish organizations to host lunches, guest speakers, and the like.
  • Engages 100 volunteers throughout the year to make weekly deliveries, help in the office, and ensure mailings go out on time.
  • Has an active board and committees that help lead SAJSS and innovate programming further.

We are excited to continue to grow and offer more engaging programs to local Jewish older adults for years to come.