Making Connections Over Lunch

If you stop by the Perlmutter Room at the Denver Jewish Community Center (JCC) during lunch, you’ll hear laughter and snippets of conversations, but, most importantly, you’ll see older adults making connections while enjoying a hot kosher meal. 

Long before JFS began coordinating the Congregate Meal program in 2012, the JCC was the place to be for those in the community to gather, catch up, and stay active—and it’s no different today. 

Every Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., those over 60 years of age are invited to join fellow community members for lunch. The menu changes daily, and there is a suggested contribution of $2.50 (although no one is turned away if they cannot pay). 

Depending on the day, the JCC offers some older adult programming before and after lunch, such as poker, Mahjong, intergenerational music programs, and current event discussion groups. 

“The main goal of the Congregate Meal program is to reduce social isolation and create connections in the community,” said Stacey Pottish, program manager of the Jay and Rose Phillips Aging Care & Connections program. “The clients are all very welcoming, and many friendships have been made. This program is important for the community, and we work hard to make sure we have the funding and space to continue.” 

No registration is necessary, and masks are required in all common areas and when not eating or drinking. If you are not comfortable dining in person, grab-and-go meals will be available. Learn more.