Bringing care and connection closer to home

CJE Metro hosts an ongoing Tech Hour at Anshe Emet Synagogue. (Photo courtesy of CJE Metro)

For Shayna Jensky, CJE Metro is about more than simply bringing CJE SeniorLife’s programs to the Lakeview and Near North neighborhoods. It’s about meeting older adults and their families where they are to provide important services and create meaningful community connections. 

Launched in 2025, CJE Metro is a neighborhood-based outpost designed to make services more accessible to older adults and families. The program provides personalized guidance and care coordination, help navigating benefits and services, social and community-engagement opportunities, and a connection to the broader CJE SeniorLife network. 

“CJE Metro is about accessibility and deepening our impact in the city,” said Dan Fagin, President and CEO of CJE SeniorLife. “By embedding our services directly in the neighborhoods where people live, we are making it easier for older adults and families to get the support they need, while strengthening community connections.” 

“We help older adults and their loved ones navigate aging with confidence,” added Jensky, who oversees CJE Metro. In her role, Jensky, a licensed social worker with expertise in gerontology and aging services, provides personalized, one-on-one support. She also works closely with synagogues, community organizations, and other partners to connect older adults with care and resources. 

“I typically do an intake [interview] to help assess what the needs are,” Jensky explained. “Then, I either make an internal referral to one of our other departments, or provide resources within the community.” 

In its first year, the initiative has grown from clergy referrals and community outreach into a network of one-on-one support, welcoming programs and new partnerships designed to help older adults stay connected, supported, and seen.  

Among the most popular programs is an ongoing Tech Hour at Anshe Emet Synagogue. “The volunteer helping me was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to,” shared a Tech Hour participant. “Even when I had trouble explaining my questions, they understood what I needed and showed me how to do things in a way that made sense. I left feeling much more confident and less frustrated with my technology.” 

Jensky has also enjoyed her work at Tech Hour. “I had one participant who needed help with her Jdate account and managing her notifications,” she recalled. “It is very meaningful to help an older adult with all of their needs, but this one was especially memorable.” 

Another popular program for CJE Metro is its Memory Café, where people living with cognitive change and their care partners can meet others, enjoy time together, and participate in low-pressure, meaningful activities. Sessions include art, music, storytelling, pet therapy, and more. 

“It’s a wonderful way to meet caregivers and older adults who are experiencing cognitive change,” Jensky said. “It’s not supposed to be educational. It’s just supposed to be a space that’s stigma-free and a more relaxing environment.” 

Other offerings include social events to promote connection, a benefits educational series led by CJE SeniorLife, and care management and coordination services. 

Among future goals of CJE Metro are expanding services for people living with dementia and their families and caregivers, providing additional Jewish programming, and trying new locations to strengthen the neighborhood outpost. 

“We’re always trying to figure out what people want so we are directly meeting their needs,” said Paisley Valentincic, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of CJE SeniorLife. “We already hit exactly where we wanted to hit our targets as far as being successful, but there’s always room to grow and always more people to serve.” 

To learn more about CJE Metro, visit cje.net/supportiveservices/cje-metro.