JFCS Spotlight - March 2023

50,000. That is the estimated number of Holocaust Survivors living in the US today. Many of them are older than 85 years old and approximately one third of them live in poverty. These individuals who have suffered through one of the greatest tragedies in modern history are also continuously at risk of becoming food insecure, experiencing social isolation, and being deprived of their basic needs. While the picture painted here could easily result in more tragedy, we are so fortunate to live in a community that is dedicated to supporting and uplifting our Survivors.

Here at JFCS we believe that our Survivor community should be treated with the utmost care and respect, and so we offer comprehensive services to more than 250 Survivors in Northern NJ. As with all of our Older Adult clients, we strive to ensure that our Survivor community can age safely and respectfully at home, while also providing them with opportunities to socialize and make new friendships.

One of our clients (above right) expressed what it means to have JFCS on “their side,” saying, "We are homebound, and at times, getting even basic chores done can be a burden. JFCS has been helpful in so many ways, including providing us with a social worker to guide us through our options. She helped me find an agency that places home health aides which is something we really needed. JFCS is a great organization to turn to if you need help.”

Through the generous support of Claims Conference and others in the community, we are able to offer Survivors a robust suite of services aimed at improving the quality of their lives. These include Café Europa, which is a socialization program, and Case Management Services, which are aimed at helping our clients navigate their options of care and assistance.

Our Café Europa program (above left) is especially loved by the Survivors who attend because of the way it promotes camaraderie. One participant expressed her gratitude when she told us, “We all have the Holocaust in common. We each have our own stories from different parts. It’s nice to have a reunion. It’s a favor from G-d that we get to see each other. There are not too many of us left, so it’s nice to be together.”

"Never Forget" is a popular and important refrain when discussing the Holocaust, but we believe it applies to more than just never forgetting the tragedies of that time - We see it as also applying to the Survivors. Never forget THEM, their needs, and their much deserved right to live out their golden years in safety and happiness.

Dear JFCS Family,

It is our honor to serve the older adults of our northern New Jersey community. Our seasoned care managers strive to keep people in their own homes by providing support and coordinating various entitlements/services to improve the lives of our seniors and their caregivers. Unique to our community is an unusually high number of Holocaust Survivors and we are so blessed to have significant funding from the Conference for Material Claims Against Germany to serve our Survivors and to put essential services in place for them. In this newsletter, you can see the enormous impact we can have on the quality of life of our Survivors and their families. We are deeply grateful for this funding and for the privilege of doing this work.

Unfortunately, this highlights the needs that may not be met for seniors who are not Survivors, who are not destitute, but who may not be prepared to cover the high costs of healthcare and homecare and other services that may be needed. As mentioned above, our compassionate and highly skilled care managers work tirelessly to access any resource or help that will enhance a senior’s life. That said, as JFCS CEO, I am deeply concerned about all of those seniors for whom there simply is not enough support.

At this contemplative time, between Purim and Pesach, please think about the older adults in your own life and orbit. Can one of our care managers be helpful to them in some way? Might Kosher Meals on Wheels be a life changer for them? Would a few hours of homecare be helpful to their loving spouse who is the full time caregiver? Is there a government entitlement that will help? Are they a survivor who can benefit by Claims Conference support? Would a JFCS Friendly Visitor or Telephone Reassurance volunteer improve their mood?

I’ll close as I opened: It is our honor to serve the older adults of our Northern New Jersey community. Truly, it is an honor to serve all who come to us for help of any kind…just call 201-837-9090.

Wishing you and your family an easy prep and a joyful Passover!

Susan