NORTH BETHESDA, Md. (September 15, 2025) – Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), a 38-acre elder care campus serving nearly 1,200 older adults, launched its newest wellness initiative, puppy yoga, on Friday, September 12.
The program integrates a gentle yoga practice with therapeutic puppy interactions, offering a unique approach to supporting relaxation, emotional well-being and intergenerational connection. More than 25 residents, prospective residents and youth volunteers participated in the inaugural sessions, held at CESLC’s Smith-Kogod Residence and Ring House.
Supported by a $3,500 Harold and Shirley Robinson H2YP Youth Philanthropy Program grant, the program featured two 75-minute sessions of guided yoga, puppy play and Polaroid photos for participants.
“CESLC is committed to delivering innovative, resident-centered programs that foster meaningful connections and improve quality of life,” said Darren Seise, vice president of business growth at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. “Puppy yoga is an innovative way to bring joy to our residents, and host an activity that brings community connection and fosters emotional well-being. We’re excited to schedule our next event in the near future.”
For photos from the event, click HERE.
About Charles E. Smith Life Communities: Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Jewish faith-based organization serving more than 1,300 older adults annually, including nearly 1,200 on its 38-acre campus in North Bethesda, Maryland, and approximately 200 in-home clients throughout the Greater Washington region.
Founded in 1910, CESLC is among the largest single-site senior living campuses in the nation, featuring a wide range of living options and services, including independent apartment living (Revitz House and Ring House), assisted living (Cohen-Rosen House and Landow House), and long-term and post-acute care (Hebrew Home of Greater Washington). CESLC is committed to empowering older adults by offering meaningful connections, intellectual engagement, artistic expression and cultural exploration.
CESLC also provides outpatient senior-focused medical care (Hirsh Health Center) and offers the region’s only temporary shelter exclusively serving victims of elder abuse (ElderSAFE™ Center). Additionally, CESLC provides personalized care that empowers older adults in Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington D.C., to live safely and independently in the comfort of their homes (SmithLife® Homecare).
