Philadelphia’s Senior Law Center acquires two advocacy programs from CARIE.

The Senior Law Center, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, has assumed responsibility for key programs previously operated by the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE), which unexpectedly ceased operations shortly before Thanksgiving. This transition comes as part of a broader effort to ensure continued support for vulnerable elderly populations within the region.

In an announcement made to its supporters, the Senior Law Center confirmed that it will undertake CARIE’s initiatives aimed at assisting elderly crime victims, bolstered by a two-year contract with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. This contract, valued at 2,094 annually, will enable the Senior Law Center to sustain and expand services critical to addressing the legal and advocacy needs of the elderly community.

As part of this transition, the Senior Law Center has successfully recruited four of the five CARIE employees who were engaged in the program. The fifth employee had already secured other employment opportunities prior to the closure of CARIE. Among those hired is Kathy Cubit, who previously served as CARIE’s advocacy director. At the Senior Law Center, she will focus on initiatives related to health equity and long-term care, and she is also involved in monitoring the implementation of Medicaid programs throughout Pennsylvania.

Prior to its abrupt closure, CARIE employed 26 individuals, as listed on its website. The organization had been a fixture in Philadelphia for nearly 50 years, providing essential long-term care ombudsman services, particularly in Philadelphia and surrounding Montgomery County. The exact reasons behind CARIE’s closure remain unclear, although reports indicate that the organization had lost its critical contracts, which may have contributed to its inability to continue operations.

The transition of these programs to the Senior Law Center represents a vital step in maintaining essential advocacy services for the elderly, a demographic that often faces significant challenges related to health care, legal support, and crime victimization. Through this new agreement and the retention of experienced staff, the Senior Law Center aims to reinforce its commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of older adults in the region.

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