Local volunteer feeds frontline healthcare workers

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2021 Simon Family JCC Day Camp Employment

HEAD OF CAMP GADOL

The Head of Camp Gadol is responsible for the management, programming and oversight of rising 1st - 6th graders (aka, Upper Camp) engaged in the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC Summer Day Camp program. In addition to helping formulate and implement policy, the Head of Camp Gadol will be responsible for planning, preparation, and implementation of all programs and activities for Camp Gadol; serve as the creative force for Camp Gadol programs; lead counselors in planning and implementing activities, and work closely with specialists; act as role model for staff; be a ‘counselor’s counselor;’ and more. Qualifications Strong background and experience in camp and/or related fields; Must have leadership skills, ability to motivate, manage, and counsel; Ability and willingness to teach and live by Jewish concepts and values in camp community; Ability to maximize the skills and talents of staff members at camp; Ability to communicate with, relate to, and serve as an example to all campers and staff; and more. A college degree is preferred.

Complete job descriptions at www.jewishva.org Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@ujft.org Submit by mail to: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Attention: Taftaleen T. Hunter, Director of Human Resources – Confidential 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, 23462

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

tIDEwatEr JEwISh fouNDatIoN

Community project feeds frontline healthcare workers— one meal at a time

Thomas Mills might get it.” After hearing those calls, Blais decided

When the COVid-19 pandemic to respond. She recalled her own expestarted breaking out across the rience of working in the emergency United States, Pam Blais began receiv- department and how tough it was for ing a slew of phone calls. A former nurses and staff to squeeze in a meal. 18-year-emergency department registered “in my 18 years in the emergency nurse, Blais had countless friends and department, i probably had less than 10 co-workers that were suddenly thrust to times where i had a break, sat down at a the frontlines during the biggest global table, and ate a meal,” says Blais. “And if pandemic in more than 100 years. you do have the time, you feel guilty for

“People were just calling to vent about doing it because you know that it’s going what was happening,” says Blais. “Some crazy out there.” of the strongest nurses i know, leaders Realizing there would be gaps of meal in the emergency department and iCU deliveries and that food support would world, were crying and calling extremely be critical for frontline workers, Blais and scared—worried they were going to take her daughter Gilly, started the Pantry BOX this virus home or that they themselves Project. “The Pantry BOX Project’s mission is to support the frontline staff who are directly involved with the COVid population— the emergency departments, intensive care units, and designated COVid units that exist at every hospital,” says Blais. “We give them trail mix, granola bars, fruit, things like that as a pick-me-up. Just as a ‘i care, i see you, i understand.’” The Pantry BOX Project has grown in size and demand and has attracted the attention of volunteers such as Cathy C. Fox. “When i saw what Pam, her daughter, Pam Blais receives WtKR’s People taking Action and friends were doing, i knew i wanted Award from reporter Beverly Kidd. to be involved,” says Fox, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, FAEN, and Quality and Safety Nurse for EMd, Lab, and Cardiovascular Service Line at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. “We often work eight-, 10-, and 12-hour shifts, often without a break to go to the bathroom or even eat a quick bite. Providing a nutritious snack and seeing their faces light up when we deliver a Pantry BOX Project is like Pam Blais, second from left, with her family after receiving Christmas or Hanukkah WtKR’s People taking Action Award.

tIDEwatEr JEwISh fouNDatIoN A Perfect Holiday Gift Idea!

Members of the Sentara Norfolk general Hospital Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance after receiving a delivery.

morning.”

With local hospitals gearing up for both flu season and rising COVid-19 cases, and to be certain that those on the frontlines received actual meals, Blais contacted Tidewater Jewish Foundation to partner on raising the funds to purchase meals for these workers.

“While snacks are enjoyed by our recipients on the frontline, nothing replaces a real meal,” says Blais. “With the restaurant community suffering, we want to make this a win-win for our community. We’ve chosen five, local, non-franchise restaurants that we’re going to exclusively purchase meals from.”

With a fundraising goal of $10,000, the new TJF fund, Front Line Meals of the Pantry Box Project, will be used to purchase meals. Blais says that a $100 donation will provide 20 meals.

Over the past nine months, Blais’s hard work has been recognized in local media. Just last month, she received the People Taking Action Award from WTKR Channel 3, which, according to WTKR, “award[s] citizens who are doing great things in their community.”

“Pam and Gilly’s experience working together, compassionately caring for those taking care of others is a multigenerational philanthropic endeavor,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO. “We are proud to play a part in supporting multi-gen philanthropy, as well as our frontline health care workers battling this pandemic.”

Gilly Blais is also incredibly proud of everything she and her mother have accomplished.

“it’s been amazing to see how the community has gotten involved and how they’ve embraced us, embraced this project, and have become as passionate about it as we have,” she says. “it’s especially been nice to partner with Tidewater Jewish Foundation because they understand our mission and share our values. Tikkun olam, repairing the world, giving back to your community—is all very important to us as a family, but also as Jewish people.”

“if you have your health, a roof over your head, food on your table, and you’re not exposed to the virus, think about how you can give back,” says Blais. “i would encourage people to donate. it doesn’t have to be a big amount, whatever amount is going to speak to you, let people see your heart.”

To make a donation to the Front Line Meals of the Pantry Box Project, visit foundation.jewishva.org or TJF Donor Advised Fund holders may make a distribution via TJF’s donor portal at jewishva.donorsphere.org.

Receivea BONUS $50 gift card for every$500 spent.

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