In Your Community – La Jolla
Community Outreach
- The San Diego County Council on Aging (SDCCOA)

SDCCOA is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to promoting education, awareness, and networking across San Diego County to enhance the lives of older adults. They serve as a collaborative forum that brings together seniors, service providers, and advocates, focusing on protecting seniors’ rights, improving their welfare, and ensuring equitable access to community resources. Regular monthly meetings—often featuring educational speakers—support ongoing engagement and professional collaboration.
- San Diego Regional Home Care Council (SDRHCC)

The San Diego Regional Home Care Council (SDRHCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting high standards of practice and fostering collaboration among home care professionals in the San Diego region. By connecting healthcare providers with shared goals and concerns, SDRHCC facilitates networking opportunities and offers educational resources to enhance the quality of home care services. The council also provides a platform for members to stay informed about industry trends and best practices, ensuring continuous improvement in patient care.
- Aging & Independence Services (AIS)

Aging & Independence Services (AIS) is San Diego County’s centralized resource for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. AIS offers a wide range of supportive programs—such as adult protective services, in-home supportive services, nutrition and fitness initiatives, caregiver support, and volunteer opportunities—empowering community members to live safely and independently. The AIS Call Center (1‑800‑339‑4661) serves as a key entry point, offering information, referrals, follow-up services, and advocacy at no cost.
- Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS‑SD)

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS‑SD) is a people-centered, impact-driven nonprofit founded in 1918, committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient San Diego community. JFS‑SD offers a wide spectrum of services—from nutrition assistance and economic support to aging care, legal help, and refugee resettlement—serving individuals and families with dignity and respect. As a community hub, JFS‑SD also fosters social connections through volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and dynamic community programming.
- The AARP Local San Diego

The AARP Local San Diego website is a vibrant hub offering events, workshops, volunteer opportunities, job and health resources, and financial guidance tailored for adults age 50+. It’s a nonprofit, nonpartisan platform that connects community members through social, educational, and wellness programs.
- San Diego Oasis

San Diego Oasis is a nonprofit educational and wellness organization dedicated to adults aged 50 and over in the San Diego region. Their mission is to prevent isolation and promote successful aging through lifelong learning, health and fitness programs, and intergenerational volunteer opportunities. With locations in La Mesa and Rancho Bernardo, they offer over 3,000 classes annually on everything from arts, tech, and finance to exercise and social engagement—ensuring older adults stay active, mentally sharp, and connected.
- The San Diego Dementia Consortium (SDDC)

San Diego Dementia Consortium is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia and cognitive impairment in San Diego County. It brings together healthcare professionals, caregivers, researchers, and community members to promote awareness, education, and support. The Consortium hosts monthly educational meetings and annual events, such as the Brain Health Forum, to share the latest research and best practices in dementia care. SDDC also offers networking and training opportunities through its membership programs. Its mission is to foster collaboration across disciplines and enhance the quality of dementia care in the region.
- La Jolla Recreation Center:

The La Jolla Recreation Center is a historic community hub located in the heart of La Jolla, offering year-round programs and activities for all ages. With amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, fitness classes, and special events, it serves as a vibrant space for wellness, learning, and connection. This city-run facility is an excellent local resource for community outreach and engagement.
- La Jolla Community Center:

The La Jolla Community Center is a vibrant hub dedicated to lifelong learning, wellness, and friendship, located just blocks from the ocean. This modern, 7,200 sq ft facility offers a wide variety of classes—including yoga, fitness, cooking, language, art, dance, and bridge—along with enriching social events, day trips, and a popular jazz and opera concert series. It serves as an ideal community outreach resource, fostering social connection and engagement for adults and seniors alike.
- The Peninsula Community Senior Center

The Peninsula Community Senior Center in Point Loma is the only independent senior center on the peninsula, serving as a vibrant hub for older adults. It offers a wide range of social activities, clubs, classes, and transportation services, including door-through-door van service and volunteer driver programs, parents’ creative engagement and independence among members. The Center also hosts regular outings, such as excursions to local attractions, providing enriching experiences and opportunities for community connection.
- Serving Seniors

Serving Seniors is a volunteer-based effort that serves food to older adults. At Griswold Home Care for La Jolla, we’re proud to support seniors with dignity, both in our work and in the community.

Events
Oasis Tailgate Networking Event:
Thank you to Belmont Village Senior Living for hosting, The Springs at Pacific Regents for co-hosting, and Oasis Senior Advisors for organizing another vibrant Oasis Tailgate Networking Event!
It was a fantastic morning filled with meaningful conversations, delicious pastries, fresh coffee, and perfect coastal weather. Special thanks to Paula Lemkuil for her leadership with MSSM (Marketers Supporting Senior Meetings), an incredible platform that helps professionals connect and collaborate to better serve our senior community.
I was proud to meet Bryan Devore, who was honored in the Carlsbad Business Journal’s 50 Under 50 for his leadership and commitment to supporting seniors and their families.
I had the opportunity to meet Brenda-Lee Smith, BSN, CSA, CDP, CADDCT, whose diverse nursing background and specialization in mental health truly inspire me. Her passion for community care is contagious.
And of course, Raysan Benito, his positive energy, insurance expertise, and heart for people always elevates the room.
Events like these remind me why I’m so proud to be part of the Griswold family, serving La Jolla and surrounding communities in San Diego.

Staying Compliant in Home Care – Highlights from SDRHCC Event:
It was my pleasure to attend a fantastic event hosted by the San Diego Regional Home Care Council, led by the inspiring Lia Smith. A highlight of the event was the insightful presentation by Sam Sherman of TencerSherman LLP, who shared expert knowledge on PAGA (Private Attorney General Act) and the essential labor laws that every business should understand and follow.
Key takeaways included the importance of:
- Staying compliant
- Conducting regular audits
- Keeping an up-to-date employee handbook
- Understanding how these elements truly impact our businesses
I am grateful for the valuable insights and the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the home care community.

Dr. Aladdin Shadyab, Highlights from a Belmont Village event:
Inspired again at Belmont Village—many thanks to the incredible Paula Lemkuil for hosting such a meaningful event!
We had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Aladdin Shadyab , a leading researcher from UC San Diego, who delivered a powerful presentation on lifespan vs. healthspan, reminding us that living longer isn’t enough unless we’re living healthier.
Dr. Shadyab shared science-backed strategies to improve healthspan—the years we live in good health. He noted that the U.S. lags behind countries like Singapore, Japan, and those in Europe in maintaining quality health as we age.
Some key insights from his talk:
- Regular physical activity & healthy diet play critical roles in promoting longevity.
- Women tend to live longer than men, and early menopause increases cardiovascular risk.
- Interestingly, women who have 2–4 children tend to live longer than those with fewer or none.
- Slowing the aging process could significantly reduce chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
He also discussed the impact of weight management & coffee/tea/alcohol consumption on aging in older adults. With over 290 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Shadyab’s research blends science with practical advice that empowers us all to age with intention. Grateful for this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others passionate about healthy aging and community care.

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