Sunburst Projects Receives Grant from Einstein Jewish Community Services to Help Older Adults Living with HIV Age in Place
Funding will expand Golden Services for Seniors, providing essential services that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life.
SACRAMENTO, CA — October 22, 2026 — Sunburst Projects is proud to announce a new grant from Einstein Jewish Community Services (EJCS) to expand its Golden Services for Seniors (GSS) program, supporting adults age 55 and older living with HIV throughout the Greater Sacramento region.
The grant supports EJCS’s commitment to helping older adults and adults with disabilities live with dignity and stability, particularly through initiatives that assist individuals in aging safely and independently in their own homes.
With advances in HIV treatment, people living with HIV are living longer than ever before. Today, the majority of Sunburst Projects’ clients are over the age of 55, many having lived with HIV for more than two decades. While this represents remarkable progress in HIV care, aging brings new challenges, including chronic health conditions, social isolation, housing instability, and financial insecurity.
“For decades, our focus was helping people living with HIV survive. Today, we must also help them thrive as they age,” said Jake Bradley-Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of Sunburst Projects. “Our older clients deserve to remain independent, connected to their communities, and safely in their homes for as long as possible. This investment from Einstein Jewish Community Services allows us to expand the support they need to do just that.”
Expanding Services That Support Aging in Place
Through this funding, Sunburst Projects will strengthen its Golden Services for Seniors program by adding a dedicated Medical Case Manager and a second Mental Health Clinician, expanding access to individualized care coordination, counseling, home visits, and emotional support.
The grant will also expand and introduce essential services, including:
- Transportation and Nutrition: Increased assistance with transportation to appointments, grocery stores, and community activities, along with expanded food and grocery support.
- Housing Stability and Home Safety: Emergency rental assistance and a new Home Safety and Stability Initiative providing minor home repairs, accessibility modifications, and safety improvements.
- Mental Health and Social Connections: Expanded counseling, support groups, therapeutic social outings, and activities designed to reduce isolation and build meaningful relationships.
- Pet Care Assistance: A new program providing temporary pet care for seniors requiring hospitalization or essential medical treatment, removing a unique barrier to accessing healthcare.
Together, these services will help older adults living with HIV overcome barriers that threaten their independence and ability to remain safely in their homes.
“Aging in place is about more than having a roof over your head. It is about having access to healthcare, nutritious food, emotional support, and a community that cares,” Kelly Snook-Fehr, Director of Case Management added. “Sometimes something as simple as installing a grab bar, providing a ride to the grocery store, or caring for a beloved pet during a hospital stay can make the difference between independence and crisis.”
The expansion reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to improving quality of life and ensuring vulnerable older adults have the resources and support needed to age with dignity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Einstein Jewish Community Services for recognizing the unique challenges facing older adults living with HIV,” said Bradley-Rowe. “Their investment allows us to strengthen our services and build a more supportive future for a generation of HIV survivors who have already overcome so much.”
