A collection of experiences

BY TODD GEISE

For more than 160 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York (JFS) has offered a variety of services to improve the lives of Western New Yorkers. While originally formed to support returning Civil War Jews and resettle Eastern European Jews fleeing persecution, the agency has evolved into an organization that today serves everyone—regardless of beliefs or background.

One of JFS’ core service populations is older adults. At JFS, we don’t use the terms “senior” or “senior citizen” because we know that being over fifty, sixty, seventy, or eighty does not lessen your contributions to the world. The wisdom that comes from the collection of experiences in your life is probably one of the key contributions you provide.

For example, let’s discuss the story of Faina and Naum. These octogenarians are Holocaust survivors who both fled Kiev, Ukraine as children and lived in Uzbekistan through the remainder of the World War II. At the war’s conclusion, they returned to Kiev to find it destroyed. As they grew up in a post-war world, Faina and Naum met at a school dance. Together, they began the process of building an adult life that included marriage and the birth of a daughter. But life was not easy for them.

Although the war was over, the persecution of European Jews continued. When Faina and Naum’s daughter was an adult, she left Ukraine for Canada. Longing to be free of discrimination and closer to their daughter, Faina and Naum applied to move to the United States. They were successful and settled in Ohio. This was closer, but not close enough, so the couple moved to the Buffalo area. They are now content with their proximity to Canada, their modest apartment, and the support they receive from JFS’ Holocaust Survivor’s Program.

This program, like all of JFS’ programs, is designed to support individuals in culturally appropriate and responsive ways. Faina and Naum are not numbers; they are a couple with a story that includes joy and pain. The JFS approach is holistic in its intentional development of a plan that speaks to the individual.

The Jewish Federation Apartments Williamsville are a great example of support for all, as one does not need to be Jewish to live there. A JFS staff member works out of the apartments to serve building tenants, providing everything from activities to social services support.

Not too long ago, a grant was awarded to the Federation Apartments that allowed residents to go on a journey anywhere around the world. The COVID experience was particularly hard on older adults; many were isolated, alone, lonely, and afraid. Perhaps you felt this way. JFS knew we needed to provide opportunities for residents to experience something new—something safe, enjoyable, and that would help them to feel connected and provide conversation.

The answer came in the form of headsets with monitors that could take residents on virtual journeys around the world. With vibrant photos, videos, and narratives, many residents felt they were actually visiting these European, Asian, and South American countries and cities. Of course, they knew they were not, but this non-threatening and secure mechanism helped bring faroff experiences closer. What’s more, residents found themselves learning about technology and other places in the world, and they had enjoyable conversations about their travels in the building’s community room. Since the initial introduction of this activity, the equipment has been updated with new places to visit.

As a decades-old resource for older adults, JFS understands that aging is not easy. We hope the two stories we’ve shared here provide you with a glimpse into our work on a more personal level and demonstrate our appreciation for your thoughts and feelings.

We would be remiss if we did not mention that we also understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. To this point, we want to remind you that it is okay to talk with someone. Mental health and wellness are big concepts you may have heard a lot about in recent years. Whether you are coping with physical health challenges, grieving the loss of a loved one, or simply struggling to keep up with a world that seems like it is moving faster and faster, there are support systems available.

For additional information on JFS’ services for older adults, please call (716) 883-1914. FY