Live
At JABA, our mission is to ensure that individuals and families live better. We believe that living as part of a community promotes healthy aging, so all JABA owned and run living options promote a sense of community. Whether you are seeking independent living or living with assistance, JABA continues to establish and preserve affordable living communities that increase options for living better.
Enjoy
Living as an elder should be an enjoyable part of your life. Why not enjoy yourself as part of a community that learns, plays and works together? At JABA, we have designed our Community Centers and our Adult Care Centers to promote fun and fellowship.
Support
JABA is all about lending support to seniors in need of assistance. Whether that includes basic information, case management, insurance counseling, home delivered meals — or any of the many other available services — we want you to think of JABA as a source of support for you or your loved ones. Most of our support is offered as a gift to those who cannot pay. See individual programs for more details.
Give
JABA is able to do all that it does because of generous volunteers and donors. We value contributions of time as well as dollars and promise to put your talents and your donations to very good use.
In the past five years, government funding has diminished. Luckily, individual and corporate contributions have begun to rise. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and needed.
Learn
What’s good for us as we age is good for our entire community — from planning for neighborhood growth, to promoting local foods and collaborating for the best use of resources. This is the philosophy behind JABA’s mission, “to promote, establish and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit individuals and families of all ages.”
Cooling Assistance Program
While JABA's annual cooling assistance program (Cool-Aid) went into effect June 15, it took the recent power outages to drive home just how important a working fan or AC unit can be.
"Our emphasis again this summer is on helping income-eligible members of the community aged 60 and above stay comfortable without overloading their electric bills," says Case Management Supervisor Ginger Dillard. "We will be providing primarily fans, some purchased with funds from Dominion Electric's Fan Care program."
Dangers of Heat
The need is real for this basic cooling assistance. In the United States, each year, more people die from "excessive heat events" (where temperatures rise 10 degrees Fahrenheit or more for an extended period) than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that older adults are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses due to physical changes. Chronic diseases and prescription medications greatly add to the risk.
Because early intervention can be a lifesaver, JABA urges people to check on their neighbors.
Low-cost/no-cost ways recommended by the CDC for coping with the heat include:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Rest.
- Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment, Such as a shopping mall or public library, or one of JABA's eight community centers.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
- Do not engage in strenuous activities.
JABA's 2012 cooling assistance program runs from June 15 to September 30. In certain critical instances, JABA may also be able to provide air conditioners or limited amounts of assistance with electrical bills in addition to fans. Applicants must be 60 years of age or older and meet certain income eligibility requirements and have medical authorization. The program is available to those who qualify in the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson.
How to Help
Funding for the program comes from a variety of sources, but it would not be possible without the help of donors. A donation of $20 will buy a fan; $150 an energy efficient air conditioner; and $200 will help an at-risk senior keep the electricity on at home. JABA also accepts donations of new air conditioners and fans provided they are in their original boxes with warranty cards.
To apply for assistance, learn more about JABA's cooling assistance program or to make a donation, contact JABA at (434) 817-5222.
