Wise Seniors :: About WISE

Mission & History

WISE Senior Services is a well-established multi-service, private, non-profit organization serving senior citizens throughout Los Angeles County, with emphasis on low-income and/or underserved individuals. Our mission is to promote and improve the well-being, independence and self-esteem of seniors, and to prevent inappropriate institutionalization whenever possible.

Initially, WISE stood for Westside Independent Services to the Elderly, but over time, as a reflection of our mission, it has come to stand for Well-being, Independence, Self-esteem and Education.

WISE was founded in 1968 by volunteers and community members to address the needs of the growing senior population in Los Angeles County. During its first few years of operation, WISE was instrumental in establishing the first senior center in Santa Monica in 1972. In the 1980's, WISE began its involvement with the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, opening the first three of the 11 offices this program currently has throughout the County. Since then, WISE has expanded its scope of services to reach a variety of seniors in need: those who are at risk when alone, have a physical or mental impairment, want to remain in their own home, are lonely or depressed and/or are at risk for exploitation and abuse by others.

Over the years, WISE has developed several model programs for seniors and their families, most notably related to elder abuse issues, which have gained national attention and recognition. In 2002, after many years of researching best practices, WISE opened a new state-of-the-art building for our adult day care program that was designed specifically to meet the needs of the frail elderly and that nearly doubled our service capacity. Also, in 2002, WISE was named "Agency of the Year" by the City of Los Angeles in recognition of the innovation and creativity of its programs. WISE has a long history of involvement in associations and task forces and frequently shares its expertise in policy development forums related to aging and elder abuse prevention issues.