San Diego Nonprofit Service Agencies
Agencies Comprising the Older Adult Network
The aging network of San Diego consists of a variety of governmental agencies, nonprofits that are exclusively dedicated to support older adults, nonprofits that serve older adults as part of a larger mission, and affiliated stakeholders. This section provides a roster of the primary organizations involved in the regional older adult support system. SDSCF recognizes that within each community in San Diego, there are numerous organizations such as churches, grassroots community entities, and civic organizations producing a level of support for seniors in their respective neighborhoods. A long-term goal in the formation of a truly age-friendly community is the integration of these local efforts into the building of a region-wide coalition moving toward the same goals with a unifying vision. This section provides a brief summary of the organization and is broken down into agencies exclusively dedicated to older adults and organizations that serve seniors as part of a broader mission.
Agencies Serving Older Adults as Primary Mission
San Diego Aging and Independence Services (“AIS”) – The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. These services are provided locally by contracted agencies. In San Diego County, AIS is the administrator that oversees a comprehensive portfolio of programs that provide services to help keep clients safe in their homes, promote healthy and vital living, and publicize positive contributions made by older adults and persons with disabilities.
5520 Overland Avenue San Diego, CA 92123........................................................ (800) 339-4661
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais.htm
Meals on Wheels – The mission of Meals on Wheels San Diego County is to support the independence and well-being of seniors. Meals on Wheels provides meals 7 days a week for older adults throughout San Diego County, including delivery into the over 3,049 square miles of rural and unincorporated areas, and subsidizing 60% of the costs for meals, delivery, and other services provided, regardless of a senior’s ability to pay.
2254 San Diego Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92110.................................... (619) 260-6110
https://www.meals-on-wheels.org/
ElderHelp – ElderHelp provides personalized services and information that help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes, serving as an integral part of the spectrum of government, health care, and community-based providers focused on providing long-term solutions for seniors struggling to navigate complex challenges. ElderHelp is one of the only agencies in San Diego County solely focused on providing quality services and programs to help seniors age successfully in their own homes.
3860 Calle Fortunada #101, San Diego, CA 92123................................................ (619) 284-9281
https://www.elderhelpofsandiego.org/
Serving Seniors – The mission of Serving Seniors is helping seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives by providing an extensive set of programs and services. Based on the principle of whole-person care, Serving Seniors’ innovative model looks at a client’s needs across multiple domains—nutrition, housing, health, and social—and delivers a wraparound system of care tailored to meet the individualized needs of each client.
525 14th Street Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92101................................................... (619) 235-6538
Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) – The mission of SCRC is to help families and communities master the challenges of caring for adults with chronic and disabling conditions. SCRC offers services to family caregivers of adults with chronic and disabling conditions or diseases. With a team of highly qualified, professional staff, SCRC supports families through a full range of programs and services.
3675 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123................................................................ (800) 827-1008
https://www.caregivercenter.org/
Alzheimer’s San Diego – Alzheimer’s San Diego recognizes the dignity of every person living with dementia and empowers them to play an active role in planning their own future care. A team of Dementia Experts helps anyone affected by dementia, providing supportive counseling, connecting families to trusted community resources, talking through difficult situations and working one-on-one to develop a personalized plan for the future.
3635 Ruffin Road, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92111............................................................. (858) 492-4400
Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers (GAFC) – The Glenner mission is to provide affordable and accessible adult day care and support services to families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment diseases. This is accomplished by providing innovative adult day care programs, family support, case management, crisis intervention, family and community education, advocacy, information, and referrals.
2765 Main Street Suite A Chula Vista, CA 91911.................................................. (619) 543-4700
3686 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 ................................................................ (619) 543-4704
335 Saxony Road Encinitas, CA 92024.................................................................. (760) 635-1895
Foundation for Senior Wellbeing – The mission of the Foundation for Senior Wellbeing is to improve the wellbeing of a growing population of seniors throughout North San Diego County by linking them, their families, and their caregivers to resources and programs to achieve a sense of purpose, supportive relationships, financial security, community pride and good physical health.
131 Richmar Avenue San Marcos, CA 92069........................................................ (760) 891-8176
https://www.thefoundationforseniorwellbeing.org/City of San Diego AgeWell Services – The City of San Diego’s AgeWell Services provides information and referral services to the senior community, as well as follow-up when appropriate. AgeWell services include special events, dances, activities and day trips for seniors.
3325 Zoo Drive San Diego, CA 92101.................................................................... (619) 525-8247
https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/activities/agewellservices
OASIS – Oasis is a unique educational program for adults 50+ who want to continue to learn and be productive throughout life. The mission of San Diego Oasis is to ensure that adults age 50+ have opportunities to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. Oasis seeks to positively impact lives through partnerships to share knowledge, offer evidence- and research-based programs, conduct evaluations and adapt to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
5500 Grossmont Center Drive Suite 269, La Mesa, CA 91942.............................. (619) 881-6262
https://san-diego.oasisnet.org/
Osher Lifelong Learning Institution – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are found on the campuses of 124 colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska. Each provides a distinctive array of non-credit courses and activities specifically developed for seasoned adults aged 50 or older who are interested in learning for the joy of learning.
https://ces.sdsu.edu/osher-lifelong-learning-institute-sdsu
https://extension.ucsd.edu/olli/membership/open-house
University of San Diego – University of the Third Age – USD's University of the Third Age program brings a holistic approach to learning as well as providing a great venue to meet new people and top experts from San Diego.
5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110................................................................. (619) 260-4600
https://www.sandiego.edu/cas/humanities-center/u3a/program.php
Elder Law and Advocacy – Elder Law & Advocacy is a group of experienced elder law staff and trained volunteers who serve over 8,000 seniors annually in both San Diego and Imperial Counties. Older adults are provided free and low-cost civil legal services, Medicare related counseling and advocacy, referrals to community senior service providers and community education. The majority of services are offered at no-cost to qualifying seniors.
5151 Murphy Canyon Road Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92123................................ (858) 565-1392
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – Elder Law & Advocacy’s HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) program is staffed by trained counselors who can give information needed to make an informed decision about healthcare choices. All HICAP counselors are registered with the California Department of Aging and provide unbiased, impartial information and counseling. HICAP staff attorneys provide representation and counsel and advice, including appeals.
5151 Murphy Canyon Road Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92123................................ (858) 565-1392
Consumer Advocates for Residential Care Facility Reform (CARR) – The Mission of CARR is to improve the aging experience through advocacy and education. CARR provides information and research on the assisted living care model, regulatory compliance documents on RCFEs located in San Diego and other California counties, and related aging issues and services.
P.O. Box 82123 San Diego, CA 92138.................................................................... (619) 540-1648
Sharp Hospital Senior Resource Center – Sharp Senior Resource Centers offer a multitude of information and resources to assist with older adult’s health needs, both to older adults and their caregivers. The centers provide free health education classes, health screenings, flu shots and referrals to other health services and specialties.
Grossmont: 9000 Wakarusa Street La Mesa, CA 91942........................................ (619) 740-4214
Memorial: 4320 Genesee Avenue San Diego, CA 92121...................................... (858) 939-4790
https://www.sharp.com/services/seniors/resource-centers.cfm
San Diego PACE (San Ysidro Health System) – San Diego PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), is a coordinated health and social services program for the frail and elderly allowing participants to live at home and be part of the community.
3364 Beyer Boulevard San Ysidro, CA 92173........................................................ (619) 205-4585
880 3rd Avenue, Suite A Chula Vista, CA 91911................................................... (619) 205-4585
St. Paul PACE – St. Paul PACE’s mission is to provide medical, social, and home care services to San Diego County Seniors so they can remain safely at home. St. Paul’s PACE provides senior care for adults in San Diego over 55 years of age who are living with chronic illness or disabilities and need coordinated medical care to continue living as independently as possible in their home and community.
111 Elm Street San Diego, CA 92101..................................................................... (619) 677-3800
630 L Street Chula Vista, CA 91911........................................................................ (619) 271-7100
1306 Broadway El Cajon, CA 92021....................................................................... (619) 551-7400
304 Seacrest Way Encinitas, CA 92024.................................................................. (619) 677-3800
Gary and Mary West PACE – The mission of Gary and Mary West PACE is to enable seniors to live in their communities as independently as possible by providing compassionate, comprehensive health and supportive care. The Gary and Mary West PACE center provides a full range of compassionate care including medical services and personal support to help seniors live a healthy and independent life.
1706 Descanso Avenue San Marcos, CA 92078.................................................... (760) 280-2230
San Diego Senior Games – The San Diego Senior Games Association (SDSGA) is a community-based organization whose mission is to encourage senior adults, aged 50 or older, to carry on vigorous lives by developing and maintaining high levels of physical activity and mental fitness through regular participation in sports, fitness, and health education activities.
P.O. BOX 600007 San Diego, CA 92160................................................................. (858) 292-5812
https://www.sdseniorgames.org/
Agencies Serving Older Adults as part of Broader Mission
Catholic Charities – The role of Catholic Charities has been to provide social welfare programs, witness to the scriptural values of mercy and justice, and advocate for the poor and vulnerable within the diocese.
3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117........................................................... (619) 323-2841
Jewish Family Service – Jewish Family Service is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego. Their broad network of staff, volunteers, supporters, and community partners are committed to the pursuit of one shared goal: helping individuals and families in San Diego Move Forward.
8804 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA 92123........................................................... (858) 637-3210
Salvation Army – The Salvation Army operates 7 community corps centers in San Diego County and embraces the senior citizens of San Diego County. Every day, The Salvation Army serves seniors through a variety of programs.
6505 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92115...................................................... (800) 725-2769
https://sandiego.salvationarmy.org/
Neighborhood House Association (“NHA”) – The mission of the Neighborhood House Association is to promote health and educated communities – where dreams become reality. NHA serves as a cutting-edge comprehensive human service provider, offering a number of key programs that benefit older adults.
5560 Copley Drive San Diego, CA 92111............................................................... (858) 715-2642
http://www.neighborhoodhouse.org/#sthash.L8lsMh2Z.dpbs
Interfaith Community Services – Interfaith Community Services empowers people in need to stabilize and improve their lives through comprehensive programs, in partnership with diverse faith communities and people of compassion. Programming for older adults is part of the Interfaith portfolio that provides services in housing, employment, self-sufficiency and support, clinical and behavioral health and recovery and wellness.
550 W. Washington Escondido, CA ...................................................................... (760) 489-6380
https://www.interfaithservices.org/
Casa Familiar – The mission of Casa Familiar allows the dignity, power and worth within individuals and families to flourish by enhancing the quality of life through education, advocacy, service programming, art and culture, housing and community/economic development. Casa Familiar is dedicated to serving older adult residents in San Ysidro with a variety of classes, tailored specifically to meet the needs of this group of community members and for support for a variety of entitlements and benefits including Medi-Cal, Social Security & SSI forms assistance, Alzheimer’s Support Group, Medicare Counseling (HICAP), Senior Social Club, Senior SEPIA Photography Class: (given in collaboration with the San Diego MOPA) and Senior Computer Classes.
119 W. Hall Avenue San Ysidro, CA ....................................................................... (619) 428-1115
Union of Pan Asian Communities (“UPAC”) – The mission of the Union of Pan Asian Communities is to improve the general well-being and education of the Asian, Pacific Islander and other ethnic communities of San Diego County. UPAC’s major areas of focus include: Mental Health, Addiction, Treatment & Recovery, Community Engagement & Business Development, Housing Counseling, Health Promotion and Education, and Cultural Competency Training & Education.
1031 25th Street San Diego, CA 92102.................................................................. (619) 446-0804
Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (San Diego Chapter) – The mission of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California is to be a servant to those in need. The organization is part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strives to serve those in need with dignity and respect. The community care center in San Diego County currently offers a range of programs for seniors, youth, and those in need of emergency services.
4425 Bannock Avenue San Diego, CA 92117......................................................... (858) 483-4007
https://www.lsssc.org/location/san-diego-county/
The San Diego LGBT Community Center – At The San Diego LGBT Community Center, every person feels and knows that they are welcomed, valued, and supported. Senior Services – 50 and Better Together – strives to create a safe space where those 50 years and “better” will have access to important resources and referrals regarding health care, social services, and community activities.
3909 Centre Street San Diego, CA 92103.............................................................. (619) 692-2077
San Diego Food Bank – The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and the North County Food Bank chapter comprise the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 28 million pounds of food, and the Food Bank serves, on average, 350,000 people per month in San Diego County.
9850 Distribution Avenue San Diego, CA 92117.................................................. (858) 527- 1419
Feeding San Diego – Feeding San Diego is on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Through a decentralized food recovery and distribution model, every dollar donated helps provide four meals to people in need.
9455 Waples Street #135 San Diego, CA 92121.................................................... (858) 452-3663
San Diego Hunger Coalition – San Diego Hunger Coalition leads coordinated action to end hunger in San Diego County supported by research, education, and advocacy. Senior hunger is a very real challenge in San Diego County where 1 in 10 older adults experience food insecurity. Food insecurity means that a person does not always have enough to eat to lead an active and healthy life. SDHC recognize the need for an intervention to support our older residents and have partnered with AARP Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services to provide CalFresh-in-a-Day workshops to senior citizens.
4305 University Avenue #545 San Diego, Ca 92115.............................................. (619) 501-7917
https://www.sandiegohungercoalition.org/
San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF) – With a commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare, the San Diego Futures Foundation is in the business of improving lives through technology. SDFF can fuel San Diego’s workforce and economic development by providing resources that assist individuals and communities navigate today’s digital world with repurposed computers and educational programs that promote digital literacy.
4283 El Cajon Blvd. #220 San Diego, CA 92105.................................................... (619) 269-1684
San Diego Continuing Education Emeritus Program – San Diego Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse adult learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to college. The Emeritus Program challenges adults to stay intellectually stimulated, socially engaged and physically fit.
4343 Oceanview Blvd. San Diego, CA 92113......................................................... (619) 388-4956
San Diego Workforce Partnership – The San Diego Workforce Partnership is redefining workforce development. SDWP believes in the power and dignity of work and understands that an integrated approach is the key to empowering individuals to attain durable self-sufficiency and businesses to create a stable workforce. SDWP is reimagining workforce development to keep pace with a rapidly changing, skills-based economy in order to achieve the highest levels of personal and economic impact for the community. The Older Americans Act (OAA) seeks to enable older individuals to maintain their well-being through locally developed, community-based systems of services. SCSEP provides participants with a variety of supportive services, such as personal and job-related counseling and job-related training as preparation for community service assignments, job search assistance, and job referrals.
9246 Lightwave Avenue #210 San Diego, CA 92123............................................. (619) 228-2900
Consumer Center for Health, Education, and Advocacy (CCHEA) – CCHEA is a partner of the HealthCare Alliance (HCA), a coalition of eleven California legal aid programs providing healthcare access services to California consumers. CCHEA is the statewide coordinator for all of these consumer services. CCHEA is a department within the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, with specialized teams in the substantive priority areas of housing and community development, health, welfare, immigration law, consumer protection law, family law, and SSI advocacy.
110 S. Euclid Avenue San Diego, CA 92114........................................................... (877) 734-3258
https://www.lassd.org/about/what-cchea
Access to Independence – Access to Independence of San Diego, Inc. is a center for independent living, serving the county of San Diego. Core services include transition, diversion, peer support, personal assistance, advocacy, and information and referral. All of the services are free of charge to all people with a disability regardless of type of disability or age. Access to independence is committed to community integration and advocates on systemic issues in order to create barrier-free communities.
8885 Rio San Diego Drive San Diego, CA 92108.................................................... (619) 293-3500
http://accesstoindependence.org/
The Challenge Center – Challenge Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) restoring health, hope, and lives. The Center provides skilled physical therapy, specialized fitness, and wellness programs to rehabilitate, increase independence, and improve the quality of life for seniors, individuals with severe physical disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
5540 Lake Park Way La Mesa, CA 91942.............................................................. (619) 667- 8644
http://www.challengecenter.org/
San Diego Center for the Blind – The mission of the San Diego Center for the Blind (SDCB) is to help any adult with blindness or vision impairment to reach their highest level of independence. SDCB assists individuals with vision loss to overcome challenges by focusing on capabilities, emphasizing personal strengths, encouraging participation in family life and community activities, and by providing quality comprehensive vision rehabilitation services.
5922 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92115.............................................................. (619) 583-1542
1385 Bonair Road Vista, CA 92084........................................................................ (760) 758-5956
Lions Optometric Vision Clinic – The Lions Optometric Vision Clinic (LOVC) was established to provide vision care to individuals in the San Diego community that could not otherwise afford adequate care. This service has provided eyeglasses to over 10,000 individuals. More than 200 San Diego agencies currently refer patients to the clinic. Each patient must meet certain criteria in order to receive benefits from the clinic.
1805 Upas Street San Diego, CA 92103................................................................. (619) 298-5273
https://lionsvisionclinic.org/
Braille Institute San Diego – The Braille Institute provides on-site services for adults at regional and neighborhood centers, as well as community programs in your area at hundreds of Outreach Locations throughout Southern California, offering a wide range of educational, social, and recreational classes for adults, geared toward living well with low vision.
4555 Executive Drive San Diego, CA 92121........................................................... (619) 452-1111
https://www.brailleinstitute.org/sandiego
PAWS San Diego – PAWS San Diego, a program of San Diego Humane Society, helps people keep their pets by providing essential pet services and support to pet families living with low incomes all over San Diego County. PAWS bring pet care services and resources directly into underserved communities in San Diego County.
5480 Gaines Street San Diego, CA 92110.............................................. (619) 299-7012, ext.2100
https://www.sdhumane.org/programs/paws-san-diego/contact-paws-san-diego.html
San Diego County Volunteer Driver Coalition – The San Diego County Volunteer Driver Coalition is a county-wide network of free and low-cost transportation services available to seniors. The programs offer safe, reliable transportation provided by trained volunteers who care about seniors and disabled adults.
Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation (FACTSD) – FACTSD is a nonprofit agency designated by SANDAG to coordinate public, nonprofit, private and other transportation services in San Diego County. FACT seeks to improve access to transportation for seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, and the income disadvantaged and fill gaps in existing services.
516 Civic Center Drive Oceanside, CA 92054........................................................ (760) 754-1252
SANDAG – The SANDAG Specialized Transportation Grant Program (STGP) funds projects and programs that expand mobility options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Funding for the STGP comes from two sources: the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 program and the TransNet Senior Mini-Grant program.
401 B Street #800 San Diego, CA 92101................................................................ (619) 699-1900
