JCA Shares What We Love About Serving Older Adults

JCA Heyman Interages® Founder, Austin Heyman, Receives a Lifetime Achievement Award

The Commission on Aging presented Austin Heyman with the Commission's 2022 Community for a Lifetime Award. The CoA seeks to enable older adults in Montgomery County to live quality lives, regardless of their abilities, income levels, and backgrounds. "You are being recognized with this Community for a Lifetime Award because your efforts and leadership help to achieve this vision. We believe that you have been a vital partner, leader, and innovator in enabling programs and services for older adults in the County. You contribute to the important work being done by many people, organizations, communities, associations, and agencies in the County, to meet the sustained interests and needs of our older adult residents," said Wayne Berman of the CoA.

Austin believes that the Commission on Aging works hard to help adults in the community. He was on the Commission for seven years, starting in 1998. Austin's work with Interages began in 1996 when it was the first program of its type in the county. He is proud of the work he has done and grateful for his experiences.

Senior HelpLine: 301-255-4215 or 703-425-0999

Interages and Kensington Clubs Staff Complete Arts Training

Gorlitz Kensington Clubs Manager Karen Miller and Interages Program Coordinator Rachel Lanman completed a Facilitator Training Course titled Opening Minds Through Art (OMA). A program of Scripps Gerontology at Miami University of Ohio, the course builds intergenerational programs designed to bolster the creative expression of people with memory loss. Rachel and Karen intend to implement the program, combining Kensington Clubs’ members and Interages youth volunteers, and conclude with an art show.

Staff Profile: Dana Hirsch

If you call JCA's Senior HelpLine, your questions and concerns will be answered by Dana Hirsch, Senior HelpLine and Escorted Transportation Program Manager. Dana has been with JCA since 2008, when she managed the SeniorTech program. She went on to lead the Mobility Management for Gainful Employment and Medication Management programs. Dana has an MSW and a Master's Degree in Jewish Communal Service. Before coming to JCA, she worked for the Greater Washington Area chapter of Hadassah. Summing up the work of the Senior HelpLine, Dana says, "There are many resources available to seniors, but not many people know what they are or how to access them. Callers often give a sigh of relief that they are not alone, and there is help available."

County Council Praises Interages During National Mentoring Month

At the end of January, the Montgomery County Council recognized mentors during National Mentoring Month. The proclamation was a celebration recognizing, with praise and gratitude, those who mentor and encourage others to volunteer as mentors.

They praised those who, during the pandemic, stepped up to help young people and families by connecting them with resources and ensuring that relationships continue virtually. According to the Council, "students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than peers to skip a day of school, and youth who face an opportunity gap but have a mentor are 55% more likely to be enrolled in college."

SCSEP Participants Reflect on Black History Month

Several SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) participants were asked to express their points of view on Black History Month. These SCSEP jobseekers are on an amazing journey to finding their dream job. Keep reading for their thoughtful and insightful commentary. Please visit the JCA website for each full reflection.

Juliet Ceesay

As a baby boomer, I have a dream too that as we enter the 21st Century, generations to come will recognize that we are all part of the one human race, uniting together as a community and a nation of different races to make America great again. No longer will there be a black and white nation, but a nation where men/women of all races are treated equally with respect and dignity.

Kathaleen Maney

Black History and the study thereof teach us about the life, struggle, achievement, setback, and resilience of enslaved African people in America from the 17th to the 21st Century. It is very often an uncomfortable, soul-wrenching flashback in history that is disturbing to assimilate because our ancestors were brought to America in chains. .. We deserve a place of prominence in American history without apology for celebrations honoring our heritage and heroes.

Clarence Morris

Black History is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of African Americans in spite of the hardships along the way. We must continue to honor our past and use it to inform our future. We must also continue to fight for justice and equality and use our collective power to create a more equitable and just society, as well as use our stories to empower future generations. This includes fighting for racial, economic, and social justice. It also includes advocating for better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities and digging deep to end police brutality and mass incarceration, as well as end systemic racism.

Blog Highlights

The JCA Blog, Information for the Sandwich Generation, continues to offer valuable information and resources. This month the blog launched a three-part series on hearing loss. View the first post and check back often for more about hearing loss as well as useful articles and resources of particular interest to older adults.

Travel Training for Public Transportation Users

After more than a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Connect-A-Ride is restarting Ride Smart Travel Training. Travel Training is a free half-day workshop that helps Montgomery County residents aged 50+ get confident and comfortable while taking public transportation. Participants learn how to read the Metro map, understand digital schedule signs, load a fare card, and learn how to find a station’s emergency and accessibility features. The workshop includes classroom training, a trip on a Ride On bus, a visit to a Metro station, and a one-station round-trip train ride. The workshop takes about three hours. Three workshops have been scheduled:

March 30th at the Wheaton Senior Center
April 18th at the Holiday Park Senior Center
April 21st at the Benjamin Gaither Center

For more information or to register, call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 or email ConnectARide@AccessJCA.org.

Come learn about the impact JCA has in our community in a 45-minute Zoom “tour of our mission.” You might be surprised at what you hear as we introduce you to our CEO, board president, Career Gateway graduate, Interages volunteer, and Kensington Club activity leader. Reserve your spot for March 1 at 9:30 a.m., March 16 at 4 p.m., or April 20 at 4 p.m. We really would love to meet you!

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Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington

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