Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Sharon F. Weil has been hired as the new director of Programming and Development at the Kinneret Council on Aging. She follows Leslie Collin who led Kinneret for 10 years from 2007 to 2017. Weil will be responsible for creating in-house events and developing community outreach programs as well as Kinneret's yearly Health Expo and 8 over 80 fundraising event. In addition, she will be responsible for overseeing the onsite food pantry and daily continental breakfasts.

"I am really excited to be working with such an incredibly warm and professional lay leadership at KCOA," said Weil. "There is a lot of opportunity at this time in KCOA's history and I am looking forward to partnering with all relevant parties in our community to advance our mission... together." 

KCOA provides low-income elderly families, and elderly individuals, on a nonprofit basis, rental housing and related facilities and services, especially designed to meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of the aged, as well as contribute to their health, security, happiness and usefulness in longer living.

"The Kinneret Board is very excited to welcome Sharon as our new director of Programing and Development," said Carol Feuerman, KCOA Board president. "With her wonderful enthusiasm and extremely positive attitude, we know that she will enrich the lives of our residents. In addition, her diverse background will enable KCOA to continue providing all the programming and services that are the basis for our mission. We all look forward to working with Sharon as we move forward in our new chapter!"

Weil is no stranger to the Jewish community. Before relocating to Orlando four years ago with her three children and husband, Aaron, who is the executive director and CEO of Central Florida Hillel, she ran the annual fundraiser for Hillel in Pittsburgh which was the largest fundraiser in the Pittsburgh Jewish community in terms of attendees and dollars raised. Prior to event management for Hillel in Pittsburgh, Weil ran her own professional organizing business where she assisted clients in the organization of their homes and/or small office operations, and created "a safe place" for individual clients to go through the emotional process of transitioning and separating from their accumulated life "clutter." 

Prior to that, Weil lived in Israel for a decade with her family where she worked in the high-tech sector organizing international trade shows on three continents. She has a BA in social work with a minor in business administration from The University of Maryland where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1991.

History and background of KCOA

Constructed between 1968 and 1972, the Kinneret Apartments provide housing for over 300 seniors with very-low to low income. The apartments were built with federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spearheaded by leading members of the Jewish community. One bedroom and efficiency apartments are available and include appliances, air conditioning and 24-hour security. The cost of utilities is included except telephone and cable. Specific eligibility requirements for Kinneret I and Kinneret II are covered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

Later formed as a separate 501C3 nonprofit organization in 1985, the Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA) is specifically tasked with funding and supporting the supportive services for the residents of the Kinneret Apartments. KCOA provides, oversees and manages the apartments' independent living community lifestyle, with amenities, social activities, and programming. Kinneret offers an extensive lineup of ongoing programs aimed at enhancing residents' quality of life. These include onsite weekly exercise classes, cultural activities and holiday celebrations. Excursions include trips to Publix, Walmart and area restaurants and an optional meal delivery program is offered during the week for a nominal fee. KCOA is continually looking to better serve the need of the diverse, resident population.

While Kinneret was founded on Jewish traditions and values, all programs and services are provided to our low-income residents on a not-for-profit and non-discriminatory basis. Kinneret residents are low-income seniors from all backgrounds, all walks of life and who have limited resources beyond their ability to pay rent. No other federally or community-funded housing facility in Central Florida can boast the array of services that are available to the residents at Kinneret.