Joslyn Center named nation's first autism center for seniors
The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert is a real gem in our valley.
It all began back in January of 1981 when 40 desert locals met to form the Palm Desert Senior Association. It quickly gained popularity, and now more than four decades later, hundreds of Coachella Valley seniors take advantage of the many wonderful programs offered every day at what is now known as the Joslyn Center.
The nonprofit's more than 22,000 square-foot complex vibrates with activity. You immediately sense the fun, the energy and the healthy spirit.
Jack Newby, the center's executive director, says "there are over 2,000 members, ages 50 to 105. Each pay a yearly fee of $30, which gives them access to the impressive facilities and more than 80 weekly activities like Wii bowling, canasta, yoga, bingo, quilting — and perhaps the most coveted: the gift of friendship."
Yes! Experts say a sense of community, bonding and friendship is crucial to wellness. The Joslyn Center is a leader in the Coachella Valley, enhancing the well-being of its members.
"Our nationally recognized wellness center was first to take a holistic approach to wellness among older adults and the first to offer free bilingual counseling services to adults in need," Newby says. "We are also the only center offering the UCLA Longevity Center Brain Boot Camp program and the National Council on Aging program Aging Mastery."
But it's the organization's newest program that is getting national attention.
And what an achievement it is. The Joslyn Center was just named the very first autism center for seniors in the country and debuted its new programs this month, which is fitting since April is National Autism Acceptance Month.
Research shows that social and recreational activities have resulted in positive physical and mental health outcomes for autistic adults. Most of us are aware of the symptoms of autism in young people, but often times adults go undiagnosed.
"What better place to offer these services to autistic older adults than a center that has been providing social and recreational activities for older adults for over 40 years?" Newby says.
There was much work to complete before the new program could be implemented. The certification by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) included The Joslyn Center to be "front facing," so staff and volunteers had to undergo autism-specific training to better understand and accommodate the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive people.
The staff's training with the IBCCES ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to offer supportive and accommodating services.
It's for this exceptional and groundbreaking new asset to our community that we award this week's Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant to the Joslyn Center in recognition of its continuing efforts to grow and support seniors in our valley.
Congratulations to this local gem Keep the fun, education and growth going!
Learn more about the Joslyn Center at joslyncenter.org.
Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as cohost of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows like "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family." In 2017, she moved to the desert, creating and hosting NBCares for six years. She is currently the host of "Desert Chat," a half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley. Watch it Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KESQ, at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 11 and noon Mondays on CW5.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Joslyn Center named nation's first autism center for seniors
