Center for Senior Enrichment celebrates one year of virtual programming

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced all in-person events to be canceled, the Center for Senior Enrichment, sponsored by Jewish Family and Children’s Service, found a new way to bring its programs to the community.

And now, one year later, the virtual CSE is reaching thousands of older adults and will continue to offer online activities.

“When we had to quickly close our doors in March of 2020, I knew I wasn’t ready to say goodbye,” said Jennifer Brauner, CSE director. “With online platforms like Zoom I knew we could move our programming online and work diligently to ensure we could create a meaningful experience for all our participants.”

Brauner approached Ellie Schwartzberg, JFCS’ vice president of older adults and Jewish community services, with the idea of a virtual center instead. “Neither of us was really sure whether this would work or not,” Schwartzberg admits, “but it was certainly worth trying. And we’re so glad we did.”