.created at: 2010-11-18

When we talk about how JCHE builds community, we are usually discussing something intangible. We are referring to the friendships and relationships that are formed in each of our buildings at a time of life often associated with loneliness and isolation.

But these days, JCHE is also building the bricks-and-mortar version of community. We are building a new program center at our Brighton site. When it is completed early in 2011, residents of Ulin, Leventhal and Genesis House will have 16,000 square feet of exceptional space to sustain and expand the activities that enable a vital community to thrive.

Residents and staff alike are excited with the possibilities that the program center will offer: 

  • The new auditorium will engage community in a most basic way. Headsets will be available so that residents with hearing impairments will not be left out of the conversation.
  • Also in the auditorium, we will have the capability to offer real-time translations in Russian and Chinese, meaning that we will no longer have to break up the flow of communication sentence by sentence. (Actually, we are still in need of additional funds before the translation channels can be used. If you want to help us ‘go live’ with this community-building technology, don’t hesitate to give me a call!! )
  • The new kitchen will be an inviting location for residents to cook together and share cherished recipes.
  • The fitness center will be a hub of activity. As with each of our gyms, the center will offer wonderful opportunities for residents to participate in classes or work out on machines under the expert guidance of our fitness team. Given the popularity of our exercise programs, they can also enjoy their neighbors while working on their personal fitness goals.
  • Computers will facilitate email, Internet learning and writing (memoirs, letters, journals)The access to Skype in the new computer center will make it possible for residents to connect via video to loved ones across the state or across the globe.

And there is so much more: the tri-lingual library; the Generations Together intergenerational program suite; the massage therapy room; the beautiful outdoor patio.

Each of these will invite residents to come together to enjoy favorite activities and to cultivate new interests. The attractive spaces give life to the relationships and engagement that’s at the heart of a true community 

November 18, 2010

tl_files/images/whoweare/amy-signature.jpg

 

This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE