Our Senior Engagement department has two full time Case Managers who can work with any independent adult over 60 in Mecklenburg County and with Jewish senior adults all over the Greater Charlotte area. They can help connect clients with resources related to social opportunities, transportation, recommended homecare providers and more. We sat down with Ruth and Tracee to learn more about them:
How long have you lived in the Charlotte area and what was your path to arrive here?
TRACEE: I lived in Charlotte most of my life, 27 years. I was born in Kinston, NC and moved to Wilmington, DE when I was 4 years old when my dad was transferred there for work. We lived there about 6 years and then moved to Charlotte when he was transferred again. I moved to Union County in 2013 to get away from the hustle and bustle of the “big city” to raise my family.
RUTH: I came to Charlotte in 2002 after graduating from Chapel Hill—I had grown up in small towns and wanted to live in a city and see what it was like and there were more job opportunities here.
What drew you to your position with JFS and what is your favorite thing about it?
TRACEE: I was drawn to my position because I would be given the opportunity to work with my favorite population – seniors! My favorite thing about JFS is that the people here love the people they help and go out of their way for them.
RUTH: I was drawn to the position because it was an opportunity to continue working with senior adults, but in a different capacity than I had in the past. It has been great to get to meet so many new seniors in the Charlotte area, to provide resources that allow them to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, and to build on-going relationships with them.
Who is in your immediate family?
TRACEE: My 23 year old daughter, Cortlyn, just graduated from Johnson and Wales and is currently working in her career where she can pursue her passion for coffee. My son, Channing is 20 years old and is a junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro pursuing a degree in Computer Science. I am also blessed with having my parents and sister close by in Charlotte.
RUTH: I have been married to Justin for over 13 years and we have a 10 year old son Charlie and a 7 year old daughter Adeline and our 13 year old beagle Hank Jr.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
TRACEE: I love spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, cooking, traveling and attending live music and shows. I just started learning how to crochet, but I still have many hours of practice ahead of me!
RUTH: In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, going to sports events and concerts, and baking with my kids.
If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
TRACEE: Hands down – Mexican food!
RUTH: Pizza!
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
TRACEE: I collect turtles. Years ago, my uncle (now deceased) encouraged me to start collecting something unique. I decided on turtles since I feel we have things in common. There was a time when it was hard for me to find them but now, since they are so plentiful, I usually only buy ones when I’m traveling or I see one that it is very unique. Side note – I have no desire to have a living turtle!
RUTH: Had I been born on my due date of August 11, my parents had plans to name me Christine. However, when I finally decided to make my appearance on August 31st, my mom’s grandmother that she was very close to had just passed away 3 days before and my mom had not been able to attend the funeral because she was so pregnant, so my parents decided to name me after her instead, which is how I became Ruth.
