Monthly Newsletter
November News
2023
Local Restauranteur Fred Deni Hosts
44th Annual Thanksgiving at 'Back on the Beach Café'
Wise & Healthy Aging is proud to have teamed up once again with local restauranteur, Fred Deni (pictured left with staff and volunteers), to host the annual Thanksgiving meal for seniors and their families at Back on the Beach Café, a landmark in the City of Santa Monica.
For 44 years, Fred has hosted Thanksgiving for those in need in Santa Monica, donating all the food and enlisting staff and volunteers to help prepare and serve the traditional meal.
"This year, WISE was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with about 150 people," said Molly Davies, LCSW, President and CEO of Wise & Healthy Aging. "We are so appreciative to Fred for his continued generosity and commitment to making this day special for older adults and their families."

(Photos by Makala Lee, @themakalalee)
WISE Names New Director of Adult Day Center
Meet Rachel Sangestanian, our new Director of Wise & Healthy Aging's Adult Day Center (ADC)!

Rachel started with WISE nearly 10 years ago as an activity leader in the WISE ADC and was soon promoted to Special Projects Coordinator, reporting directly to our President, where she assisted with projects across departments, including agency fundraisers and coordination of proposals to our government funders.

As she missed working directly with clients, Rachel moved back to the ADC as an Enrichment Programing Specialist, where she started the WISE Minds program for older adults with early memory loss.

Most recently, Rachel has been serving as Assistant Director of the ADC, where she helped lead day-to-day operations at the Center and worked directly with clients and their families, preparing her well for her new role.

"I am honored to take on my new role leading the WISE Adult Day Center and am committed to the continued excellence of our program," said Rachel. "I bring a vibrant and empathetic approach to my work, with a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting the needs of our clients and their families."

Rachel lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband, son, and two cats, is an avid audiobook “reader” and loves vegan baking.
Join our In-Person Caregiver Support Group
The Peer Counseling Program at WISE offers an in-person Caregiver Support Group. If you are looking for a safe, confidential space where you can share the ups and downs of caring for your loved one, you will find it here.

Our in-person group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

To reserve your place in this support group, please call: (310) 394-9871, ext. 289.
Spice Up Your Social Life!
With a calendar full of day trips and new multi-day adventures starting in January next year, there's no need to miss out! Take in the sights, learn new things, make new friends! Here are just a few adventures to choose from. What are you waiting for!
BAPS Shrine, Chino Saturday, Jan. 27,
2024
Joshua Tree Nat'l Park
Saturday, Feb. 17,
2024
Santa Barbara
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Great Lakes Adventure & the Holland Tulip Festival
May 2-10, 2024
Central Coast Lighthouses, Redwoods & Rail
May 19-23, 2024
Landscapes & Lighthouses of Coastal Maine
August 10-16, 2024
Wise & Healthy Aging, a non-profit, community-based social service organization, advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and high-quality, innovative services.