Recent grant and new executive director expand Joslyn Center's mission

Between a new executive director and its ongoing mission to provide exceptional senior services, The Joslyn Center is moving into a new era with vigor.

Jay Seller, Ph.D., recently came on board as the center's new executive director, further refining the nonprofit's focus to enhance senior services across Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and the surrounding Coachella Valley communities. Seller enters the scene after the departure of Jack Newby, a longtime change agent at the center.

"Jay is a good fit for the organization," says Greg Murphy, director of development and marketing for the center, also known as Cove Communities Senior Association. "Anyone who comes on to a new position like that also brings their own connections in the community. That's something we're all looking forward to, just bringing new people in touch with what we do and how we do it and getting more prospective funders, members and supporters."

The center, which has long been committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its numerous programs, services and outreach to aging adults of all backgrounds and abilities, strives to assist seniors in living healthy and fulfilling lives through a variety of means.

"I am thrilled to join the Joslyn Center and its legacy of innovative programs and services for older adults," Seller says. "I look forward to working with the talented team here to build on the strong foundation of service and support for our senior community. Together, we will create new opportunities for wellness, engagement and enrichment."

Seller is seasoned in nonprofit management and health care services, and he will oversee all aspects of the center's operations, pulling from his own innovative approaches and a collaborative spirit that garnered recognition in the past.

Recently, The Joslyn Center received its annual distribution from the Dr. Abram I. & Sylvia S. Chasens Endowment Fund through the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The resources will continue to fuel the nonprofit's established legacy.

The Joslyn Center was founded in 1981, benefitting greatly from local philanthropist Merritt Joslyn. It has been in its current Palm Desert location since 1985. However, it has grown considerably, thanks to extensive expansions. With two buildings now, and 27,000 square feet, the sky's the limit as the center moves in the latter half of 2024 and into 2025.

Many things stand out. In fact, should an intrepid and seasoned documentarian be circling around Coachella Valley, The Joslyn Center would make for a rich subject on best practices.

From its fitness center, learning programs and arts and entertainment offerings — the Joslyn Strummers ukulele group stands out — to its one-of-a-kind public lawn bowling facility, there's a lot to savor.

But there's much more going on than activities. The nonprofit's Meals on Wheels program has been a vital source for seniors in the region.

Another major triumph arrived in 2017 when The Joslyn Center Wellness Program sprang to life. Now a nationally recognized wellness center, it is also the first to take a holistic approach to wellness for older adults. It's also the first to offer free bilingual counseling services to individuals in need.

"It's not for members only, it's a community service," Murphy says. "The term 'wellness' has become the catchphrase instead of saying 'mental health.' You're just talking about the world of wellness, but we like to take this holistic approach to healthy aging. So, it's a cross-section of activities, courses and options to improve your well-being."

To that end, the center is the only one of its kind offering the UCLA Longevity Center Brain Boot Camp program and the National Council on Aging program, Aging Mastery. Individuals in need are encouraged to contact the center for more details.

"Something else which is kind of new for us is that we became a certified autism center this past year," Murphy says. "We're waiting to develop how that's going to evolve with the regional office, but it's another way for us to offer inclusivity and expanding services to people from all basic walks of life and needs."

Learn more at joslyncenter.org.

The Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Recent grant and new executive director expand Joslyn Center's mission