SAN DIEGO (June 15, 2026) – According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness can be as damaging to health as many chronic conditions for

Kindness Initiative (KI) and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are deepening a coordinated effort to better serve Jewish individuals and families in need across the community – while remaining fully independent organizations.
Effective June 1, 2026, Kindness Initiative will co-locate its Member Services case management division at the Jewish Family Service Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa (8804 Balboa Avenue, 92123).

“Our Safe Parking Program interrupts the downward spiral of homelessness for individuals and families who are working hard to secure a place of their own,” said JFS CEO Dana Toppel. “Through the support of donors and Everytable, participants don’t have to worry about if they will have enough money for dinner every night, which provides invaluable peace of mind and dignity. When meals are covered, participants are spared one more painful tradeoff between food and other essentials like gas, hygiene items, medical needs or saving for the future. Money not spent on dinner can instead help them build a financial cushion, moving closer towards long-term stability.”

SAN DIEGO — Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s (JFS) 2026 Heart & Soul Gala brought together supporters, friends, community partners and advocates to celebrate JFS's

Every Wednesday morning, Michael Higdon of La Mesa drives up in his plug-in hybrid vehicle to the Lakeside home of 96-year-old Henry Stey for a trip to the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center. At 82, Higdon is one of the more senior volunteer drivers for Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Rides & Smiles.

Rides & Smiles is part of Jewish Family Service’s On the Go transportation program, which provides rides for older adults (age 60 and up) regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
At the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, Stey plays pinochle and socializes with other seniors before Higdon returns in the afternoon to take him home.

For Stey, who also gets to his monthly doctor’s appointments via Higdon, these rides are not just a way to get around.
“On the Go means more to me than anything,” Stey said. “Especially with the card games, my whole life has changed.”

Last year the nonprofit “On the Go” gave over 30K rides. However, the program’s popularity is outpacing available drivers. NBC 7’s Shandel Menezes went on a ride-along to experience the program first-hand.

The Solana Beach service operates under nonprofit Jewish Family Service’s larger On The Go program, which provides free transportation to seniors in various cities throughout the county. The program aims to support independence and mobility for older adults.
The Solana Beach City Council agreed earlier this year to pilot the senior transportation program for six months, running from May through the end of October. The city is also seeking additional funding to extend the program beyond that timeframe.

A new pilot program in Solana Beach is helping senior citizens who have started to give up driving a new chance to get around town. When Rae met her volunteer driver, Ali, she found much more than a ride. She found a trusted friend who helps her get to physical therapy appointments, stay connected to her community, and continue living independently at 96 years old.