It takes some faith to help seniors live their best lives. See what can happen

Jewish Family Home Care began with a specific mission — to help Holocaust survivors remain in their homes with dignity as they aged.

Over time, the need for compassionate in-home support grew far beyond that population, and now the nonprofit organization helps all seniors across Broward County.

“Enabling them to age gracefully, in their homes for the remainder of their lives is really what it is about,” said Robin Miller, CEO of the organization. “With all the respect they have given out their whole lives, it is time for others to step up and take care of them.”

As South Florida’s population ages, faith-based organizations across Miami-Dade and Broward are finding ways to ensure older adults aren’t left behind. Whether through health care at home, monthly gatherings at a park or parish-based programs, these groups help seniors stay connected, supported and valued.

“We were finding that seniors felt isolated and they were looking for something to do,” said Shabbir Motorwala, founding member of the UHI CommunityCare Clinic and founder of the Kendall Social Club, which brings members of the Muslim faith together.

These faith-based groups operate alongside a patchwork of county, state and federal programs designed to meet the needs of South Florida’s aging population. Local governments provide services that include transportation and meal deliveries while federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security provide the bulk of the support.

But with the region’s senior population projected to grow sharply in the coming decades, faith communities are stepping up to fill critical gaps — offering personal connection and culturally rooted care that larger systems can’t provide.

“Knowing that we’re making a difference in the lives of others fuels our passion and commitment to exceeding expectations every day,” Miller said.

Fighting isolation

Motorwala began reaching out to seniors in Muslim communities and started a gathering once a month at Kendale Lakes Park to give them a chance to socialize. The gatherings provide seniors with opportunities to have meals, hear presentations from social service organizations and interact with others.

“We as a community are experiencing a crisis of loneliness,” said Naisy Sarduy, who along with her husband has attended the gatherings. She said it’s important for seniors — especially those who don’t have family nearby — to have a support system.

“Technology does not replace human contact,” she said. “We have to be there for each other.”

The atmosphere of the gatherings is part picnic, part resource fair and part family reunion — and for some it’s the only regular social outing on their calendar, Motorwala said.

“It’s not just about giving information,” he said. “It’s about giving people a reason to get out, laugh and feel part of a community.”

Through the parish

Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services of the Archdiocese of Miami reach out to seniors through parish-based programs. Ministries offer everything from wellness checks and meal support to prayer groups and volunteer opportunities that keep older parishioners engaged.

“Our services are designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults at every stage of aging,” said Mary Jo Frick, executive director of Catholic Health Services.

The variety of programs that support older adults include inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs; home health services that support recovery and independence after illness, surgery or injury; programs that help seniors with limited income.

“Catholic Health Services ensures that senior citizens receive quality care rooted in the Catholic tradition of service to others,” Frick said.

Steve Robin, whose mother lives in Tamarac and receiving physical and occupational therapy through Catholic Health Services said he is grateful for the “tremendous care, dedication and support.”

“Their staff is so caring and prompt in setting up and providing valuable health care services for my mom,” he said.

Keeping traditions

Miller said while her organization helps people of all faiths, caregivers are trained on how to help patients adhere to Jewish tradition.

Caregivers are trained to understand the basic guidelines of keeping kosher, which means adhering to certain dietary laws.

And during holidays, the organization helps make sure that clients have what they need to celebrate.

“We are there to make them feel comfortable and cared for,” she said.

For Sarduy, faith in general is a big part of why the community gathers to support seniors.

“Faith across the board — in any religion — gives people a sense of purpose and strength to overcome anything that may come their way.”

How to get help

Jewish Family Home Care 5890 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 200, Davie, 954-908-5677 or 833-532-2737, www.JFCares.org

Kendall Social Club

Affiloiated with UHI Community Care Clinic, 870 Fisherman St., Opa-locka, 305-283-2261, Www.uhiclinic.org

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami Adult Day Care

1505 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors, 305-754-2444, https://www.ccadm.org/sh_projects/elderly-services/

Catholic Health Services of the Archdiocese of Miami

Locations throughout Miami-Dade and Broward, https://www.catholichealthservices.org/locations/

This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 11:59 AM.