Elder Links

It is daunting to arrive in America as an elderly immigrant. At an age when many people are thinking about retirement, these newcomers must learn a new language and culture. We offer weekly meetings for elderly Bosnians and Vietnamese and quarterly meetings for others.

We provide assessment services, case management, referrals, senior center activities, socialization and recreational opportunities, education, and assistance with US citizenship to nearly 400 elderly immigrants annually. At our weekly meetings, interpreters discuss health and nutrition, energy assistance, Social Security and the like. Special events and field trips also help the elderly learn and feel more integrated in St. Louis.

Registration hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

Our goal is to empower and help elderly immigrants and refugees become active players in their own lives and improve access for them to mainstream programs and services. By reducing isolation by the elderly, they are more engaged and integrated into the wider community.

Who is eligible? Eligibility is restricted to immigrants and refugees who are 60 years of age and older and who reside in the city and county of St. Louis.

Services are free to qualified immigrant elderly. They are underwritten by a variety of public and private sources.

What our clients say:

“I know more than those people that stay at home.” (Client from Bosnia)

“Coming to the meetings is a special occasion and I dress up.” (Client from Bosnia)

“I don’t know about the culture of American people and the program helps me learn.” (Client from Vietnam)

“This is the best program!” (Client from Bosnia)

Contact Information
Jasminka Grubor (gruborj@iistl.org) ext. 175 - Bosnian speaker
Ngoc Doan (doann@iistl.org) ext. 193 - Vietnamese speaker
Jane Knirr (knirrj@iistl.org) ext. 129