SOLACE by CHAI ACS

S.O.L.A.C.E. is a culturally grounded senior support program launched by CHAI ACS to meet the urgent needs of aging Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac refugees and immigrants in East County San Diego. With over 50,000 Middle Eastern community members residing in the region, many of whom face language, cultural, and access barriers to care. 

S.O.L.A.C.E. provides compassionate, community-based solutions for older adults and their caregivers. The program focuses on enhancing aging-in-place capabilities, expanding access to culturally sensitive dementia care, and providing comprehensive social services that respect the dignity, faith, and traditions of participants.

SOLACE (Social Opportunities, Organized Support Systems, Living Actively, Connection & Cultural Belonging, Empowerment for Aging in Place) is a culturally responsive and phased initiative by CHAI ACS, designed to serve aging Middle Eastern, North African, and refugee/immigrant populations in San Diego County.

Rooted in cultural empathy and guided by the values of dignity, care, and inclusion, SOLACE addresses the urgent need for aging-in-place solutions that are linguistically accessible and reflective of community traditions. Many older adults in these populations face social isolation, language barriers, and limited access to services that reflect their cultural identity. This program bridges that gap.

The SOLACE model combines education, engagement, and care coordination to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being among seniors. From community gatherings and light physical activity to caregiver support and long-term housing solutions, SOLACE empowers elders to remain connected, active, and valued in their communities.

• Resource Navigation & Intake: Trained staff assist seniors and families in accessing IHSS, Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits through culturally responsive assessments.
• Case Management: Ongoing support for older adults navigating healthcare, financial, and legal systems, with regular care coordination and follow-up.
• Caregiver Support: Education, respite referrals, and peer support groups to reduce burnout and empower family caregivers.
• Adult Day Program (coming soon): Safe, dementia-friendly space offering supervised care, memory activities, and language-appropriate socialization in Aramaic and Arabic.
• Community Connection: Daily activities, meals, faith-based gatherings, and access to intergenerational programs that reduce isolation and foster engagement.

S.O.L.A.C.E. will be co-located at CHAI’s upcoming 55-unit affordable housing project in El Cajon. This integration will offer seniors the ability to live independently while receiving ongoing support, spiritual care in the on-site chapel, and community meals and activities in the café lounge and commercial kitchen area.

As a committed community partner, we are passionate about ensuring that our fellow community members in the impacted areas have access to the vital information and resources they need.

For questions, you can send a text message to (619) 841-7508.