Growth and Expansion of JFS Senior Engagement Services

The Charlotte Jewish News, September 2022

Sheryl Gerrard, JFS Senior Engagement Manager

Rosh Hashanah is a time for looking forward — for reimagining ourselves and seeking ways to build upon what we have and who we are for the future. At Jewish Family Services (JFS), not only do we support our clients in making positive changes, but also we are always looking for ways to improve how we can support our community. In the Senior Engagement Department, this commitment to improvement is reflected by the recent growth in both the type and number of senior services available and an increase in staff to support those services.

Seniors are the largest growing population in Mecklenburg County, and JFS is committed to responding to the growing numbers of seniors living longer and experiencing a need for higher levels of support. Thanks to increases in grants from both the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors and Mecklenburg County, JFS is increasing staffing for senior case management services in both the Jewish community and the greater community throughout Mecklenburg County. This will allow us not only to continue providing existing vital support to seniors and their families, but also to address additional needs in new ways, such as through the unique wellness workshops we now offer.

After being extremely pleased with the work JFS accomplished through a grant to work with Holocaust survivors, Jewish Federation of North America recently awarded JFS with a grant to support these workshops. These “Person-Centered Trauma-Informed” programs, offered at the Levine Jewish Community Center and at the Eastway Recreation Center, reach a diverse group of seniors. Using alternative therapeutic techniques such as mindful breathing, creative arts, and music and movement, our trained facilitators have been able to address grief, loss, and trauma while encouraging the development of various skills to cope with stress.

The additional staffing will also ensure JFS can continue to provide the broad support for se- niors and their families through existing services that are at the heart of senior case management. In addition to connecting seniors to resources related to primary care issues such as housing, transportation, medical care, and nutrition, JFS case managers assist with socialization, long-term care planning, relocation support, life transitions, and other issues related to aging. Each day our staff assists family members who want to relocate their aging parents to Charlotte.

However, JFS also recognizes that, beyond basic needs, it is critical that our seniors’ social and emotional needs are being met and that seniors have opportunities to stay engaged with the community and each other. Studies show that social isolation significantly increases health-related issues, dementia, and premature death. To address this serious need, JFS offers a variety of programs, activities, and what we call “touches” to ensure our senior community stays connected.

JFS offers the aforementioned wellness workshops, helping seniors address grief, loss, and trauma while developing

JFS provides many opportunities for seniors to celebrate holidays. Whether these events are larger community celebrations, like the annual Hanukkah and Purim celebrations, or smaller holiday programs at individual senior living communities, these activities ensure that seniors can commemorate their culture and heritage.

JFS volunteers provide outreach visits and phone calls to senior adults who are feeling isolated. Our trained volunteers are paired with senior adults who could benefit from additional social interaction. Often these relationships grow into true friendships that last for years and provide much comfort to both the senior adult and the volunteer.

JFS works closely with our community’s Holocaust survivors to ensure their needs are met and to recognize their contributions to our heritage and community. JFS support can include accessing German government funding for services such as in-home support, assisting in participation in community programs like the annual Yom HaShoah commemoration, and providing opportunities to connect to each other.

In anticipation of Rosh Hashanah, JFS staff and volunteers are preparing more than 125 “Taste of the Holiday” gift bags. This is just one of five celebratory bags delivered by volunteers throughout the year, including for Rosh Hashanah, Purim, Hanukkah, Passover, and monthly birthday celebrations. What began as a way to engage with isolated seniors in assisted living communities has more than doubled in numbers as JFS provides outreach to senior adults throughout our community.

If you or someone you know is in need of senior services, is interested in participating in a program, including Wellness Workships, or would like to volunteer, contact JFS at (704) 364-6594.