Jewish Family Services Expands Outreach to the Senior Community

Charlotte Jewish News October 2021

By Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist

The senior engagement team at Jewish Family Services (JFS) has been busy with recent expansions to programs and service offerings for our senior community. Grants and community partnerships have enabled our dedicated, specialized staff to support more seniors, connecting them to resources in our community. According to Sheryl Gerrard, senior engagement manager, “Growth in our department couldn’t come at a better time. We have seen an increase in requests for services, whether the needs are related to financial assistance, food insecurity, planning for housing transitions, lack of transportation, or social isolation or mental health support. Our continued growth makes it possible to meet the increase in demand for a variety of services and ensure we are able to support senior adults.”

JFS received a Mecklenburg County grant that provides funding to support all individuals ages 60+ in our community. Services include connecting seniors to resources that can help with individualized life care planning,

food pantry referrals, housing and living arrangement transitions, transportation information, resources for social connections, senior health-care resources, and additional referrals.

JFS has been able to expand the holiday gift bag delivery program thanks to a grant from the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors (CFJS). This grant provides funding to deliver birthday bags to seniors, many of whom are isolated. The bags contain several items, including a sweet treat, a pair of LED tea lights, a large print puzzle book, a water bottle, and a reusable cloth tote. Volunteers began delivering bags in August and will continue delivering each month.

Community partnerships have also contributed to the expansion of JFS programming. A new, monthly, hybrid in-person and virtual program is the product of a partnership with the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC) Oasis program. Each month will feature a different topic, with the goal of enriching and engaging our senior community. In addition, JFS has partnered with the Levine Jewish

Community Center to offer a Parkinson’s caregiver support group funded by CFJS. This new group, facilitated by JFS staff, will offer support and connection and is a valuable addition to the support groups currently in place.

These new grants enhance the continued support JFS receives from the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and the philanthropic community to build on our established continuum of programs and services for seniors that include:

Friendly outreach: JFS staff and trained volunteers provide friendly visits to seniors that offer regular social interaction and can reduce feelings of isolation.

Case management: Also supported by a grant from CJFS, JFS assists in planning and coordinating care for older adults. Our staff helps develop an individualized plan to connect seniors to services such as meals, transportation, housing, financial support, health options, and social activities. With an emphasis on maintaining dignity, the JFS Food Pantry provides food. During holidays, like Rosh Hashanah and Passover, JFS delivers bags

with holiday treats to those who might otherwise go without enjoying a bit of tradition.

Counseling: The aging process presents various issues and challenges. Our counselors are experienced with these challenges and can help with life’s transitions, grief and loss, stress, depression and anxiety, family relationships, and other life decisions. JFS therapists can help maintain and/or improve emotional quality of life.

Holocaust survivor services: The senior engagement staff has the knowledge, expertise, and sensitivity to enhance quality of life and address the unique needs and interests of survivors and their family members. Regularly scheduled programs are designed to connect, engage, and support the survivor community.

Caregiver education and support: JFS recognizes the unique needs of caregivers and offers a variety of support to those who often must show up for duty 24/7 when caring for a loved one. JFS staff is knowledgeable about the challenges of caregiving and the community resources that are available for caregivers and their loved ones.

Programs and celebrations: JFS provides relevant and meaningful educational programs and coordinates Jewish holiday and cultural celebrations throughout the community. These experiences touch the lives of seniors living on their own or in a residential community, often becoming the one connection our Jewish seniors have to their culture, heritage, and traditions.

JFS is dedicated to ensuring that older adults feel supported, engaged, and connected and can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. JFS’s team is sensitive and responsive to the special needs of all seniors regardless of faith, race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. If you know a senior who could benefit from support, please contact JFS at info@jfscharlotte.org or (704) 364-6594.