TAThe Austin Geriatric Center Inc
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About The Austin Geriatric Center Inc
At RBJ Senior Housing, older adults in Austin can find an affordable apartment and the practical support that helps make independent living possible. The Ladybird and The Rebekah offer housing alongside resident services, food assistance through Serafina Pantry, wellness activities and ways to stay connected. A gift helps sustain a community where older adults can live with dignity, comfort and access to resources.
RBJ Senior Housing places resident services close to home. Residents can turn to on-site staff for help navigating healthcare, social services and community resources, access food through Serafina Pantry, and shape their community through the Resident Council. The two residences carry forward a senior housing vision that began in Austin more than 50 years ago.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Affordable independent senior housing
Affordable housing for older adults in safe, comfortable and supportive communities. The Ladybird provides 279 apartments for adults 55 and older, and The Rebekah provides 224 affordable apartments for adults 62 and older.
Resident services and case management
On-site staff help residents navigate government agencies, social services, healthcare and community resources. Services are resident-centered, with residents directing their own goals based on their needs and values.
Serafina Pantry
An on-site food pantry that helps residents access fresh produce, meat and dairy, shelf-stable groceries and special dietary items.
Wellness and enrichment
Free activities and events include exercise and yoga classes, art, creative writing, bus trips, theater tickets, movie screenings, educational opportunities, cooking classes and technology classes.
Health and resource access
Residents can access on-site and mobile services including behavioral health care, wellness check-ins, care coordination, nutrition education, healthcare information and travel training.
Resident Council
All residents who hold a lease at RBJ Residences can participate in the Resident Council, which identifies community needs, improvements and requested services and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Community activities and social connection
Residents participate in recurring activities such as bingo, community meetings, Bible study, concerts and artistic programs that foster connection and community well-being.
About this work
Mission
To provide affordable, high-quality independent living for older adults in a safe, comfortable environment enriched by the community. RBJ Senior Housing’s vision is that all older adults have access to affordable housing supported by innovative services.
Who they serve
Older adults, including adults 55 and older at The Ladybird and adults 62 and older at The Rebekah. The organization provides affordable housing for seniors with low and moderate incomes, including apartments at or below 60% of Area Median Income and units supported by project-based vouchers for seniors at or below 30% of Area Median Income.
Their impact
- Serafina Pantry distributes thousands of pounds of food each month to RBJ residents.
- RBJ Senior Housing accepted its first tenants in 1972, and thousands of seniors in Austin have since lived at the residences.
- The Ladybird opened with 279 apartments for adults 55 and older.
- The Rebekah provides 224 affordable apartments for adults 62 and older.
How your donation helps
- Serafina Pantry food and household-item access for residents
- Resident-centered services and connections to healthcare, social services and community resources
- Wellness, enrichment and educational activities for older adults
- Affordable housing and supportive services for senior residents
Need help?
How someone in need can access The Austin Geriatric Center Inc’s services.
Older adults seeking housing can pursue apartments at The Ladybird or The Rebekah, subject to the properties’ housing and income requirements. Current residents can access on-site Resident Services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for help navigating government agencies, social services, healthcare and community resources. Serafina Pantry is available to eligible residents during scheduled distribution hours, and residents can participate in the Resident Council and wellness activities.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Kate Howard, RBJ resident: "The openness, friendliness & generosity of most of the people I've interacted with here is truly remarkable."
Kate Howard, RBJ resident: "If I could describe the vibe of the past 5 months living here, it would be instant community."
Kate Howard, RBJ resident: "I need to be calm and to feel safe and heard, and I think like I'm a part of something that's bigger than me."
Grant support
$15,000 from 1 funder · through 2020 (IRS 990 records).
- UNITED WAY FOR GREATER AUSTIN — $15,000 (2020)ALL TOGETHER ATX
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Austin Geriatric Center Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteers and donors for Serafina Pantry
- Food donations for Serafina Pantry, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, shelf-stable groceries and special dietary items
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer with Serafina Pantry by helping support food distribution and resident access to groceries and household items
- Contribute time or resources to Serafina Pantry
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Farah M. Rivera-Ortiz received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mexican American Cultural Center in 2022.
In the media
- Community Impact covered The Ladybird’s history, affordable senior housing and amenities in "Inside the Ladybird: A new chapter for Austin’s senior residents" on August 25, 2024.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What housing options does RBJ Senior Housing provide?
The Ladybird offers 279 apartments for adults 55 and older. The Rebekah offers 224 affordable apartments for adults 62 and older. All units are affordable to seniors at or below 60% of Area Median Income, and some are connected to project-based vouchers.
What support is available after a resident moves in?
On-site Resident Services staff are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They help residents navigate government agencies, social services, healthcare and other community resources.
How does Serafina Pantry work?
Serafina Pantry is an on-site food pantry for eligible residents. During scheduled distribution hours three days each week, it provides fresh produce, meat and dairy, shelf-stable groceries and special dietary items.
What activities are available to residents?
Residents can take part in exercise and yoga classes, creative writing, art, cooking and nutrition classes, technology classes, movie screenings, bingo, concerts, Bible study, community meetings and trips to local destinations.
Can residents help shape the RBJ community?
Yes. Every resident who holds a lease at RBJ Residences is a member of the Resident Council and can participate in its meetings. The council identifies community needs, improvements and requested services, then makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.
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