Jewish Family Service

The JFS Older Adult programming goal is to promote general well-being through a model of coordinated care, prevent premature placement in long-term care facilities, help individuals age in place and support family members and caregivers as they cope with the challenges they or their aging loved ones face. JFS has a robust set of programs for older adults. When Covid-19 prevented us from meeting in person in the Spring of 2020, we transitioned to a virtual format. JFS has four programs for people with dementia and their caregivers. They work in harmony with each other. Our programming includes Music and Memory, Gleeful Choir, Caregiver Support Groups, and our newest addition, Dementia Friendly Activities, which evolved in response to a clear need during the pandemic. Each program is conducted via a Zoom platform and is supported by a mental health clinician to meet any additional needs of participants.

In July 2020, we started our Virtual Dementia Friendly Activities via Zoom. We view and talk about pictures from a slide show. Each activity has a theme such as animals, tv theme songs, smells, and sports. Other activities include, show and tell, rhythm, and craft projects. We used our other older adult programs to recruit for our Activity Group. There has been steady participation.

Gleeful, JFS' Choir for Dementia Care Partners is a valuable extension of Music & Memory. It provides an opportunity for people in the early to middle stages of dementia, together with their caregivers, to have fun, enjoy music, and socialize without being stigmatized. Due to the Pandemic, the choir is meeting virtually via Zoom, singing and providing support to one and other. The choir is an effective point of entry to agency services such as respite, mental health counseling and caregiver support. Participation in Gleeful is offered free of charge. It provides an opportunity for people in the early to middle stages of dementia, together with their caregivers, to have fun, enjoy music, and socialize without being stigmatized. Choirs such as these currently exist in other states and countries, and experts in dementia report that choir participants experience improved memory, mood and learning. Participation in the choirs helps reduce isolation and provides an opportunity for family members affected by dementia to participate in an activity together. One care partner commented, “It’s like having a date again!” A music therapist directs the choir; JFS social workers will refer families to it, educate participants about JFS services, and facilitate individual referrals as needed. Like the Music & Memory program, the a choir is an effective point of entry to agency services such as respite, mental health counseling and caregiver support. Participation in Gleeful! is offered free of charge. Participants say it has been a lifeline connecting them to support & services

JFS now has two caregiver support groups, which meet twice a month each via Zoom, to learn about topics related to caregiving. They offer speakers & facilitated discussions, to help individuals sustain their roles as caregivers, & enable their loved ones to remain at home for longer periods of time. This program has expanded to meet the need during the pandemic; addressing the isolation many caregivers are feeling during these challenging times. Also, a generous donor has set up a fund to provide training for caregivers, for example attending a caregiver related conference or educational class.

It is always our goal to be responsive, creative and effective in our approach to working with older adults and their families. The Music and Memory and the Lunch Bunch continue to be an effective gateway to JFS social services.

The Lunch Bunch is an outreach & social support program that provides older adults opportunities for healthy socialization and education. It helps JFS monitor client needs & build rapport in a relaxed & comfortable atmosphere. JFS staff coordinates monthly groups, wellness, & education programs for people who have common interests & experiences. The Lunch Bunch continues to meet via Zoom, & currently has 50 members.

Our Writing Workshops consist of two six-week workshops for healthy seniors. Writing Through Grief will supplement our counseling services for people dealing with loss. Re-Imagining Your Life: Creative Aging will help people find new direction as they approach their senior years. Workshops are led by a professional writer and experienced teacher. New this year is Writing through Anxiety.

The Safety Net Family Assistance Program is homelessness prevention. It helps the most vulnerable in our community – primarily the working poor, the unemployed, and elders living in poverty. Many people have nowhere else to turn and they are referred to JFS by other non-profit and government agencies that cannot help them because of agency restrictions. Program clients are generally in crisis due to family or financial problems, or a combination of the two.

They may be facing homelessness, emotional and psychological stress, and other challenges of poverty. This program combines our agency’s essential services in a unique and effective way. By recognizing the needs of people in crisis-both financial and emotional – we help find ways for them to gain control of their lives and live in more meaningful ways.

JFS Safety Net Services offers emergency financial assistance, rent assistance, a food pantry, affordable mental health counseling (using a sliding fee scale) and advocacy for low income families struggling with the challenges of poverty, mental health difficulties, and family issues. All clients with urgent needs speak with a social worker who collaborates with them to develop a plan to address acute and longer term problems. Acute crises must often be dealt with before strategies for long term stabilization and change can begin. No one is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

In 2020, JFS has provided over $1,110,500 in emergency assistance to 1,900 families, for help with rent & utility assistance due to the pandemic, helping them to remain safe in their own homes.

Community outreach and education programs address important topics to help individuals and families learn coping skills, improve communication, and better handle conflict and stress.

Parent Plus
Now offered virtually and free of charge. Parenting program for any couple or family who want to strengthen their family relationships.

Mindfulness skill building with Mind Body Skills Group
Now offered virtually. Jewish Family Service's Mind Body Skills Group is for individuals who want to learn skills to improve physical and emotional health. The Mind Body Skills Group is open, inclusive, and non-denominational. Sliding scale available.

Mindful eating
Writing Through Grief
Writing to Cope with Anxiety