News & Events
LOS ANGELES JEWISH HEALTH NEWS CENTER
News & Events
Here, you have access to the latest news, upcoming events, blog posts, and other information about Los Angeles Jewish Health.News Spotlight
Nov
15
Los Angeles Jewish Health Celebrates Opening of Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE Program, Offering Care to Seniors on Los Angeles’ Westside
BCSC PACE West Los Angeles Location Opens
Program enables seniors to live independently in their homes while receiving vital health and social services in their local community
(November 15, 2023, Los Angeles) Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a program of Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), held an opening celebration for its new facility located at 9800 Pico Boulevard in West L.A. The day included well wishes from dignitaries, a ribbon cutting, and an open house offering tours of the new facility to more than 150 guests in attendance.
Formerly the site of a Chase Bank branch, the building has undergone a comprehensive transformation and is now a state-of-the-art social center for older adults. The facility includes medical and dental clinics, and inviting activities rooms. Poised to enroll its first participants on December 1, 2023, the new BCSC location will provide adult day health care services to hundreds of local seniors, 55 and older, who can take advantage of door-to-door shuttle service to and from the center. This is the second Brandman Centers for Senior Care facility; the first is located on the Grancell Village campus of Los Angeles Jewish Health in Reseda.
PACE is a vital program of Los Angeles Jewish Health, a non-profit health system that cares for 4,000 seniors each year. Program participants receive medical care onsite from doctors, dentists, nurses, and therapists whose specialties include primary and specialty care; medications; nutritional counseling, state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies; optometry; hearing aids; podiatry; and mental health counseling.
Brandman Centers are a safe and enjoyable place to come and participate in stimulating activities, enjoy delicious and nutritious meals, and receive medical care. Brandman Centers for Senior Care Vice President Susie Fishenfeld said that opening the latest BCSC facility “has been a dream, a long time in the making as we worked to find the perfect location that will benefit the most seniors from the local community. We understand that today more seniors want to stay in their own homes, but they may be frail and need extra help and support to do so. Our PACE centers empower seniors to continue living independently at home while receiving vital services at thriving activity centers located near them. We even provide comfortable, sterilized shuttle transportation to and from the centers.”
Joining in the celebration was Los Angeles Jewish Health Chief Executive Officer and President Dale Surowitz, who shared that, “Today is a very special day for all of us at Los Angeles Jewish Health. We are immensely grateful to Joyce Brandman and the Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation for funding this second Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE location. Joyce’s unwavering support of our work over the past decades has ensured the health of the older adults in our care, while enhancing the quality of life for each and every participant and their families. Support from donors like Joyce is what makes days like today possible.”
The PACE Program accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private pay. To find out more, call (855) 774-8444, or visit brandmanseniorcare.org.
You can see event photos at our photo gallery
May
13
Los Angeles Jewish Health Earns Rare American Heart Association Certification for Excellence in Heart Failure Care
LAJH is among fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide to earn this designation, and the first Jewish facility outside of NY or NJ LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) has received the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide recognized for excellence in evidence-based heart failure care. LAJH is one of the first Jewish facilities to receive this certification, and the first outside of New York or New Jersey.LAJH is the largest single-source senior care provider in Los Angeles. Across the organization, LAJH serves more than 4,000 seniors each year, including those in skilled nursing facilities who receive 24/7 specialized heart failure care.The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the American Heart Association’s rigorous requirements for heart failure care, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and quality improvement.“This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our healthcare team, who have provided exceptional care for more than 114 years since LAJH’s founding,” said Dale Surowitz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Los Angeles Jewish Health. “Amid the challenge of a growing number of seniors, we are committed to delivering comprehensive care for all, rooted in our Jewish values.”“Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Cory Woods, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Quality Certification Business Management Committee and assistant chief clinical officer at Rockport Healthcare Services in Los Angeles. “When there are clear processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes.”Dr. Noah Marco, Chief Medical Officer of Los Angeles Jewish Health, added, “Patients with heart failure require specialized, closely coordinated support, and we are proud of the systems we’ve built to provide care that is both effective and compassionate. As our team helps seniors navigate a wide range of cardiac conditions, we continue to innovate and adopt best practices to strengthen patient outcomes. The AHA’s certification is a meaningful endorsement of our approach and our impact across Southern California.” ### Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home) is the largest non-profit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, thousands of seniors benefit from community-based and in-residence care and services. Programs include independent living; assisted living; senior behavioral health; short-term rehabilitation; skilled nursing; Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE; and geriatric and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing.
May
6
Los Angeles Jewish Health Showcases Classic Cars and Charitable Giving
This April, for the third consecutive year, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) hosted its annual car show—a chance for Angelenos to get an up-close look at classic and exotic cars while also learning more about the organization and its vital senior care mission. The event brought approximately 100 car owners and admirers to the Grancell Village campus in the San Fernando Valley.Aaron Levinson, LAJH’s vice president for planned giving, conceived the car show to capitalize on a growing trend in donor-driven philanthropy.“Donors are interested in creative ways to be philanthropic and to get great tax advantages, and over the years, the nonprofit sector has seen an increase in people giving gifts in the form of different kinds of assets: real estate, artwork, investments, and even automobiles,” Levinson says. “Hosting a car show helps introduce the idea of donating non-traditional assets to LAJH, and also gives potential donors an opportunity to see firsthand what makes LAJH so wonderful and worth supporting.”The event has grown over time: In its first year, 30 cars were entered; by this year, that number had nearly doubled. Levinson attributes the increase not only to effective publicity, but also to positive word of mouth.“It’s really a great day: People look at the cars, socialize, enjoy some refreshments, and get to tour LAJH,” he says. “There’s no program, no speeches, no admission fee—just people coming together to have a good time. Even some of our residents joined us to see what was happening!”Longtime LAJH donor and former board member Rick Katz served as chair of the event.“The car show is a lot of fun, especially for car enthusiasts,” Katz says. “I’ve always been a car guy; I think growing up in Southern California, where cars are part of the culture, sparked my interest. It’s great to be able to share that with people through LAJH, and as the event gets bigger and more successful, I’m hopeful it will translate to increased donations.”Levinson recently formed a car show committee to begin planning future events, and Katz says he intends to participate again next year.“I strongly support the work being done at LAJH,” he says. “The men and women who live there paid it forward for me to have a better Jewish life, and I believe it’s my responsibility to make their senior years as enjoyable as possible.”To learn more about the annual car show or to get involved, contact Aaron Levison at (818) 757-4416 or [email protected] HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE CAR SHOW
Apr
1
The Power of Passover at Los Angeles Jewish Health
In the Jewish tradition, Passover represents many things: the liberation of the ancient Israelites from Egyptian slavery, the beginning of a long journey to self-determination and freedom in a promised land, and the rebirth and renewal that accompany the start of spring. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, Passover celebrates all of these themes—as well as LAJH’s establishment nearly 115 years ago.In 1912, five older adults experiencing homelessness men in Los Angeles needed a place to observe Seder. They found a welcome home and a willing host in Polish immigrant and Boyle Heights grocery store owner Simon Lewis. He invited them in to share the holiday, thus paving the way for what would soon become the Los Angeles Jewish Home.Lewis and the hard-working women who cooked and prepared for that Seder could never have imagined how their generosity would reverberate for generations of Angelenos. For more than a century, LAJH has served as a vital refuge for seniors, offering critical programs and services that set a national standard for exceptional, high-quality care. Today, the tradition continues, and LAJH reaches seniors throughout the San Fernando Valley, L.A.’s Westside, and beyond.At LAJH, Passover is an opportunity both to celebrate its legacy and to marvel at the institution’s daily impact on thousands of lives. Whether through skilled nursing care, memory care, adult day care, or independent living, LAJH plays a crucial role in strengthening the social fabric of Los Angeles—giving seniors the support they so greatly deserve.Passover is also an occasion for excitement, merriment, and delight at LAJH. Each year, the organization welcomes residents to experience the holiday with a range of hands-on activities including music- and food-filled Seders.“Passover comes alive at Los Angeles Jewish Health, awakening all five senses and inspiring the spirits of our residents,” says Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender. “Our goal is to stimulate memories of the past for each of our beloved residents, while also providing Seders that are extraordinarily interactive and memorable themselves.” As they eat their fill of matzah, sip grape juice, sing traditional melodies, and tell the story of the four children, residents gain strength from—and find meaning in—participating as part of a cohesive community.“When we come together to share happy occasions, all of our lives are enriched,” says Dale Surowitz, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s CEO and president. “It’s amazing to be at the Seder and see our residents sharing this special occasion. The sense of fulfillment and joy on their faces—it’s what LAJH is all about.”Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aged - Bungalow at 325 S Boyle AveMeal at Eisenberg Village Dining Room - Date UnknownPassover Seder at Grancell Village 2025
Apr
1
At Los Angeles Jewish Health, Social Services Department Elevates Care and Improves Residents’ Lives
The staff at Los Angeles Jewish Health is the secret ingredient that makes it one of the city’s most sought-after destinations for residential senior care. Among the many teams central to LAJH’s reputation and impact is the Social Services Department, which sets a high bar for professionalism and touches nearly every aspect of residents’ lives.From their very first encounter with LAJH, residents and families look to the Social Services Department for guidance. With dedicated teams at every location, staff provide specialized support tailored to each program. This structure allows staff to build personal connections and address the specific circumstances of everyone in their care.“I help individuals who have been hospitalized navigate the admissions process as they assess options for rehabilitation after discharge,” says Jared Hutchings, a resident services coordinator at the Mark Taper Building on the Grancell Village campus. “It’s my job to hold their hands and answer their questions about everything from the services we provide, to the daily schedule here, to the role insurance will play in covering the cost of their care.”Hutchings, who has worked at LAJH for 13 years, says that allaying prospective residents’ anxieties is a task he takes seriously.“Families come in experiencing a huge mix of emotions, and my colleagues and I reassure them—providing a window into the expert care their loved ones will receive and explaining how their conditions are likely to improve by the time they leave,” he says. “They come away feeling empowered and so much better about the journey ahead, and I love being part of that process.”Thelma Mata is a Social Services case aide in LAJH’s Newman Building, located at the Eisenberg Village campus. She started her career at LAJH in 1991 working in the kitchen, and gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a certified nursing assistant and transitioning to the Social Services team.“I’m responsible for ensuring that our residents’ quality of life is good, which involves things like doing evaluations of their needs, coordinating their care plans, and seeing that their emotional wellbeing is attended to,” Mata says. “I interact with residents and families every day, and I also collaborate with vendors to source equipment like walkers and diabetic shoes, and with doctors’ offices to schedule vision, hearing, podiatry, and dental appointments. I absolutely love my job.”The responsibilities of Social Services staff are vast: They monitor residents’ cognition, mood, and behavior, and they also distribute mail, keep inventories of residents’ belongings, coordinate virtual calls with families who live out of town, and undertake other essential tasks. Their work is integral to LAJH’s success—and it is why Director of Social Services Kimberlee Marsh refers to the department as “the glue that keeps the organization running smoothly.”“We are the conduit between departments at LAJH, facilitating communication to keep everybody on the same page,” Marsh says. “Beyond the logistics, the most important part of our job is the bond, rapport, and trust we build with residents and families.”Based in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center on the Grancell Village campus, Marsh—a licensed clinical social worker—oversees three full-time social workers and three full-time Social Services case aides. Her team partners with other LAJH colleagues to create an environment that is truly special.“The core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence are all reflected every day here at LAJH, by all staff,” Marsh says. “I am especially proud of our Social Services teams, which excel at providing person-centered care. It’s an approach that fuels our sense of purpose and showcases our deep commitment to serving our community.”Social Services Staff - Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer BuildingThelma Mata - Eisenberg Village Social Services
Apr
1
Reaching the Century Mark in West LA
The Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE West Los Angeles location achieved a significant milestone by enrolling the program’s 100th participant. “Reaching our 100th participant at BCSC PACE West Los Angeles is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the trust our community places in our person-centered, comprehensive care," says Jasmine Young, Senior Vice President of BCSC PACE. "We are proud to support seniors in living with dignity, independence, and connection right here in West LA, and we look forward to extending that support to even more older adults and their families.”"Our 100th enrollment is a celebration of 100 seniors gaining access to reliable transportation, engaging activities that reduce isolation, and an interdisciplinary care team that truly knows them," says West LA Center Director Marilyn Stoch. "Through PACE, we’re helping older adults stay active, connected, and supported while managing complex health needs in a coordinated, proactive way — preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and improving outcomes. It’s more than healthcare; it’s about enhancing daily life — helping someone feel stronger through therapy, rediscover joy in social programs, or simply have consistent support they can count on. Just as importantly, PACE provides much-needed respite and peace of mind for family caregivers."
May
6
Women's Philanthropy Event: Your Financial Health & Wealth: What You Need to Know Now for Your Future!
May 6, 2026
Wed • 5pm – 7pm
Mar
10
Major Changes in the Tax Law This Year: What It Means for You, Your Taxes, and Your Legacy
Mar 10, 2026
Tue • 10am – 12pm
Sep
18
Special Event Lecture: Meaningful Social Connections & Well-Being Later in Life
Sep 18, 2024
Wed • 3pm – 4pm
Nov
15
Grand Opening of Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE Program West Los Angeles Location
Nov 15, 2023
Wed • 4pm – 6pm
May
13
Los Angeles Jewish Health Earns Rare American Heart Association Certification for Excellence in Heart Failure Care
LAJH is among fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide to earn this designation, and the first Jewish facility outside of NY or NJ LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) has received the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide recognized for excellence in evidence-based heart failure care. LAJH is one of the first Jewish facilities to receive this certification, and the first outside of New York or New Jersey.LAJH is the largest single-source senior care provider in Los Angeles. Across the organization, LAJH serves more than 4,000 seniors each year, including those in skilled nursing facilities who receive 24/7 specialized heart failure care.The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the American Heart Association’s rigorous requirements for heart failure care, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and quality improvement.“This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our healthcare team, who have provided exceptional care for more than 114 years since LAJH’s founding,” said Dale Surowitz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Los Angeles Jewish Health. “Amid the challenge of a growing number of seniors, we are committed to delivering comprehensive care for all, rooted in our Jewish values.”“Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Cory Woods, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Quality Certification Business Management Committee and assistant chief clinical officer at Rockport Healthcare Services in Los Angeles. “When there are clear processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes.”Dr. Noah Marco, Chief Medical Officer of Los Angeles Jewish Health, added, “Patients with heart failure require specialized, closely coordinated support, and we are proud of the systems we’ve built to provide care that is both effective and compassionate. As our team helps seniors navigate a wide range of cardiac conditions, we continue to innovate and adopt best practices to strengthen patient outcomes. The AHA’s certification is a meaningful endorsement of our approach and our impact across Southern California.” ### Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home) is the largest non-profit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, thousands of seniors benefit from community-based and in-residence care and services. Programs include independent living; assisted living; senior behavioral health; short-term rehabilitation; skilled nursing; Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE; and geriatric and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing.
May
6
Los Angeles Jewish Health Showcases Classic Cars and Charitable Giving
This April, for the third consecutive year, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) hosted its annual car show—a chance for Angelenos to get an up-close look at classic and exotic cars while also learning more about the organization and its vital senior care mission. The event brought approximately 100 car owners and admirers to the Grancell Village campus in the San Fernando Valley.Aaron Levinson, LAJH’s vice president for planned giving, conceived the car show to capitalize on a growing trend in donor-driven philanthropy.“Donors are interested in creative ways to be philanthropic and to get great tax advantages, and over the years, the nonprofit sector has seen an increase in people giving gifts in the form of different kinds of assets: real estate, artwork, investments, and even automobiles,” Levinson says. “Hosting a car show helps introduce the idea of donating non-traditional assets to LAJH, and also gives potential donors an opportunity to see firsthand what makes LAJH so wonderful and worth supporting.”The event has grown over time: In its first year, 30 cars were entered; by this year, that number had nearly doubled. Levinson attributes the increase not only to effective publicity, but also to positive word of mouth.“It’s really a great day: People look at the cars, socialize, enjoy some refreshments, and get to tour LAJH,” he says. “There’s no program, no speeches, no admission fee—just people coming together to have a good time. Even some of our residents joined us to see what was happening!”Longtime LAJH donor and former board member Rick Katz served as chair of the event.“The car show is a lot of fun, especially for car enthusiasts,” Katz says. “I’ve always been a car guy; I think growing up in Southern California, where cars are part of the culture, sparked my interest. It’s great to be able to share that with people through LAJH, and as the event gets bigger and more successful, I’m hopeful it will translate to increased donations.”Levinson recently formed a car show committee to begin planning future events, and Katz says he intends to participate again next year.“I strongly support the work being done at LAJH,” he says. “The men and women who live there paid it forward for me to have a better Jewish life, and I believe it’s my responsibility to make their senior years as enjoyable as possible.”To learn more about the annual car show or to get involved, contact Aaron Levison at (818) 757-4416 or [email protected] HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE CAR SHOW
Apr
1
The Power of Passover at Los Angeles Jewish Health
In the Jewish tradition, Passover represents many things: the liberation of the ancient Israelites from Egyptian slavery, the beginning of a long journey to self-determination and freedom in a promised land, and the rebirth and renewal that accompany the start of spring. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, Passover celebrates all of these themes—as well as LAJH’s establishment nearly 115 years ago.In 1912, five older adults experiencing homelessness men in Los Angeles needed a place to observe Seder. They found a welcome home and a willing host in Polish immigrant and Boyle Heights grocery store owner Simon Lewis. He invited them in to share the holiday, thus paving the way for what would soon become the Los Angeles Jewish Home.Lewis and the hard-working women who cooked and prepared for that Seder could never have imagined how their generosity would reverberate for generations of Angelenos. For more than a century, LAJH has served as a vital refuge for seniors, offering critical programs and services that set a national standard for exceptional, high-quality care. Today, the tradition continues, and LAJH reaches seniors throughout the San Fernando Valley, L.A.’s Westside, and beyond.At LAJH, Passover is an opportunity both to celebrate its legacy and to marvel at the institution’s daily impact on thousands of lives. Whether through skilled nursing care, memory care, adult day care, or independent living, LAJH plays a crucial role in strengthening the social fabric of Los Angeles—giving seniors the support they so greatly deserve.Passover is also an occasion for excitement, merriment, and delight at LAJH. Each year, the organization welcomes residents to experience the holiday with a range of hands-on activities including music- and food-filled Seders.“Passover comes alive at Los Angeles Jewish Health, awakening all five senses and inspiring the spirits of our residents,” says Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender. “Our goal is to stimulate memories of the past for each of our beloved residents, while also providing Seders that are extraordinarily interactive and memorable themselves.” As they eat their fill of matzah, sip grape juice, sing traditional melodies, and tell the story of the four children, residents gain strength from—and find meaning in—participating as part of a cohesive community.“When we come together to share happy occasions, all of our lives are enriched,” says Dale Surowitz, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s CEO and president. “It’s amazing to be at the Seder and see our residents sharing this special occasion. The sense of fulfillment and joy on their faces—it’s what LAJH is all about.”Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aged - Bungalow at 325 S Boyle AveMeal at Eisenberg Village Dining Room - Date UnknownPassover Seder at Grancell Village 2025
Apr
1
At Los Angeles Jewish Health, Social Services Department Elevates Care and Improves Residents’ Lives
The staff at Los Angeles Jewish Health is the secret ingredient that makes it one of the city’s most sought-after destinations for residential senior care. Among the many teams central to LAJH’s reputation and impact is the Social Services Department, which sets a high bar for professionalism and touches nearly every aspect of residents’ lives.From their very first encounter with LAJH, residents and families look to the Social Services Department for guidance. With dedicated teams at every location, staff provide specialized support tailored to each program. This structure allows staff to build personal connections and address the specific circumstances of everyone in their care.“I help individuals who have been hospitalized navigate the admissions process as they assess options for rehabilitation after discharge,” says Jared Hutchings, a resident services coordinator at the Mark Taper Building on the Grancell Village campus. “It’s my job to hold their hands and answer their questions about everything from the services we provide, to the daily schedule here, to the role insurance will play in covering the cost of their care.”Hutchings, who has worked at LAJH for 13 years, says that allaying prospective residents’ anxieties is a task he takes seriously.“Families come in experiencing a huge mix of emotions, and my colleagues and I reassure them—providing a window into the expert care their loved ones will receive and explaining how their conditions are likely to improve by the time they leave,” he says. “They come away feeling empowered and so much better about the journey ahead, and I love being part of that process.”Thelma Mata is a Social Services case aide in LAJH’s Newman Building, located at the Eisenberg Village campus. She started her career at LAJH in 1991 working in the kitchen, and gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a certified nursing assistant and transitioning to the Social Services team.“I’m responsible for ensuring that our residents’ quality of life is good, which involves things like doing evaluations of their needs, coordinating their care plans, and seeing that their emotional wellbeing is attended to,” Mata says. “I interact with residents and families every day, and I also collaborate with vendors to source equipment like walkers and diabetic shoes, and with doctors’ offices to schedule vision, hearing, podiatry, and dental appointments. I absolutely love my job.”The responsibilities of Social Services staff are vast: They monitor residents’ cognition, mood, and behavior, and they also distribute mail, keep inventories of residents’ belongings, coordinate virtual calls with families who live out of town, and undertake other essential tasks. Their work is integral to LAJH’s success—and it is why Director of Social Services Kimberlee Marsh refers to the department as “the glue that keeps the organization running smoothly.”“We are the conduit between departments at LAJH, facilitating communication to keep everybody on the same page,” Marsh says. “Beyond the logistics, the most important part of our job is the bond, rapport, and trust we build with residents and families.”Based in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center on the Grancell Village campus, Marsh—a licensed clinical social worker—oversees three full-time social workers and three full-time Social Services case aides. Her team partners with other LAJH colleagues to create an environment that is truly special.“The core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence are all reflected every day here at LAJH, by all staff,” Marsh says. “I am especially proud of our Social Services teams, which excel at providing person-centered care. It’s an approach that fuels our sense of purpose and showcases our deep commitment to serving our community.”Social Services Staff - Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer BuildingThelma Mata - Eisenberg Village Social Services
Apr
1
Reaching the Century Mark in West LA
The Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE West Los Angeles location achieved a significant milestone by enrolling the program’s 100th participant. “Reaching our 100th participant at BCSC PACE West Los Angeles is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the trust our community places in our person-centered, comprehensive care," says Jasmine Young, Senior Vice President of BCSC PACE. "We are proud to support seniors in living with dignity, independence, and connection right here in West LA, and we look forward to extending that support to even more older adults and their families.”"Our 100th enrollment is a celebration of 100 seniors gaining access to reliable transportation, engaging activities that reduce isolation, and an interdisciplinary care team that truly knows them," says West LA Center Director Marilyn Stoch. "Through PACE, we’re helping older adults stay active, connected, and supported while managing complex health needs in a coordinated, proactive way — preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and improving outcomes. It’s more than healthcare; it’s about enhancing daily life — helping someone feel stronger through therapy, rediscover joy in social programs, or simply have consistent support they can count on. Just as importantly, PACE provides much-needed respite and peace of mind for family caregivers."
Mar
6
Mar
4
Graduation Offers Occasion for Celebration and Reflection at Annenberg School of Nursing
There is a reason Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Annenberg School of Nursing (ASN) is one of the city’s leading licensed vocational nursing (LVN) programs—and, according to ASN Executive Director Amandeep Kaur, that reason was on full display at the school’s recent graduation ceremony.“The people who are part of our community—the students, the faculty, and the staff—really make this place special,” Kaur says. “Everyone works together toward a common goal: increasing knowledge, skill, and professionalism in the nursing world to improve quality of care and make a real difference in people’s lives.”The current crop of LVN graduates—17 in total—demonstrated their commitment to service over the course of the 12-month program, which included long days and nights of study, classroom instruction, and hands-on clinical work.“Our program demanded sacrifices, but the consistent effort we put in didn’t just build knowledge, it built nurses,” said graduation speaker Sidney McCullers, who received the coveted Florence Nightingale Award. “Now, we will be able to carry forward the lessons we have learned: to show up for our patients, to trust the discipline we’ve built, and to set goals and know we have what it takes to achieve them.”This year marked a transition for ASN, which moved from its original location on LAJH’s Hirsch Family Campus to new facilities on the Eisenberg Village Campus.In her graduation remarks, Class Vice President Melody Campbell noted that the move was seamless—and that it was both instructive and inspirational for her and her peers.“We started in the old school building and transitioned into this beautiful, campus-style space without a single lecture being interrupted,” she said. “We witnessed growth in real time, and we also saw leadership up close, walking into a new building and finding not just a construction crew, but also our director and her two helpers moving cleaning supplies themselves just to keep our lectures on schedule.”Graduates Sergio Fuentes-Rivas and Isaac Covarrubias were honored with the Best Clinical Performance award in recognition of their hard work, which was roundly praised by both the floor nurses who helped train them and the patients in their care.“They were so good that people wanted to recruit them immediately!” Kaur says.For Fuentes-Rivas, graduation was the culmination of a journey that began nearly six years ago. He initially enrolled at ASN in 2020 and was just four weeks shy of completing the program when crippling anxiety and panic forced him to withdraw.“I worked hard with a therapist to learn how to cope and to believe in myself,” he said. “If anyone out there in the crowd doubts their ability to do anything in their life, I encourage you to change the way you think into a positive mindset; to be kind to yourself and love yourself.”Fuentes-Rivas also had some advice for future students: “Remember this about our director, Ms. Kaur—her office is a safe space. You can cry, vent, and open your heart—our secrets are safe. Not even a speck of dust will know.”Handing out diplomas at the event were Kaur and LAJH CEO and President Dale Surowitz, who says the annual ceremony is always a personal highlight for him.“These young professionals work so hard, and it is a joy to see them reap the benefits of that hard work,” Surowitz says. “It is also a point of pride for all of us at LA Jewish Health to be contributing to the future of nursing and to be enhancing the expert care of seniors throughout our community.”The graduates were celebrated by a crowd of 250, including LAJH Board Chair Judy Friedman-Rudzki, outgoing ASN Board Chair Shelly Steier, and incoming ASN Board Chair Armida Colmenares-Stafford.“It was an amazing event, and by the end, half of the audience was crying because they were so moved,” Kaur says. “It was the signature Annenberg School of Nursing magic.” FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM GRADUATION CLICK HERE