The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition Dec 2019-Jan 2020

PAGE 57 Can’t Decide on Holiday Gifts? One Stop Shopping… 12 East Main Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908-450-7450 !& $! " #$! * )!&# !( # %$ ! " ) !# ! !$ ) $ !# #%(!# ALL SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE. AFFORDABLE PRICES! ) & + ! & %) ' %$ "!#%$ + #% )$ + #%(!# #! !% ! & + ! " ) ! !$ % GimmeeGimmeeTees.com Doggie Tees Available JFS Offers Services to the Entire Community Celebrating 39 years of Providing Support to the Community For more information contact: Jewish Family Service 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 • 908-725-7799 Admin@JewishFamilySvc.Org • www.JewishFamilySvc.Org • Betty & Arthur Roswell Family Counseling Center • Senior Services • Volunteer Programs: Family Mentor-Good Deeds Corps- Cooking Companions-Senior Shopper • Expanding Horizons Special Needs • Holocaust Survivors Assistance • Career Services • Ohr Tikvah Jewish Healing Program • Evan Jaffe Memorial Fund for Emergency Assistance and Hebrew Free Loan Programs • Family Life Education From one of our elderly clients: “I love vis- its from my Cooking Companion volun- teer! We especially enjoy trying new foods and, after each time together, we feel more and more connected.” From one of our Cooking Companion vol- unteers: “I was looking for a meaningful and flexible way to make the world a little less lonely. The joy and purpose I get from being a volunteer exceeds anything I could have imagined. I leave each visit overflow- ing with gratitude.” Many older adults in our community are frail and socially isolated. Many have lost their appetite and loneliness can also be a big contributor to poor nutrition. But, according to Canadian nutritionist, Cather- ine Morley, when seniors are with other people they eat more. Seniors benefit from companionship, con- versation, assistance getting to doctors, or help with basic tasks around the home. In response to this challenge, JFS of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties (JFS) offers people of all ages ongoing, weekly or short- term volunteer opportunities to work with older adults in ways that are tailored to their individual skills, interests and passions. Now, the JFS Cooking Companion program, which involves volunteers visiting seniors on a monthly basis to cook and/or eat a light healthy meal together at home or at a restaurant, reduces a senior’s social isola- tion with a focus on healthy eating all in one visit! Funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, shared with eight other JFS agencies throughout NJ, the Cooking Companions program is currently piloted in 15 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. JFS of SHW also employs a nurse and a social worker who evaluate potential clients and train volunteers about nutrition and chronic conditions affecting seniors such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In addi- tion, the volunteers are taught communica- tion tools to facilitate connection with older adults. Clearly, it’s not only the clients who benefit from these programs. In fact, volunteering, according to AARP studies, is good for both the body and soul. It reduces stress and anxiety, promotes self-esteem and happi- ness, enhances one’s sense of well-being and renews a sense of purpose. In a societal ethos too often defined by “winners” and “losers,” pairing volunteers with clients cre- ates mutually beneficial “win-win” scenar- ios. It is a wonderful way to participate in the sacred mitzvah of Tikkun Olam, repair- ing our broken world. If you are interested in participating in the Cooking Companions program as a client or a volunteer please contact JFS at 908-725- 7799 or admin@JewishFamilySvc.org. JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social service agency serving the needs of individ- uals and families in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and offers a continuum of programs and services. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, couple and family counseling as well as geriatric assessments, supportive counseling and case management services for home bound elderly. The Family Mentor Program recruits, trains and matches volunteers with vulnerable young families or with elderly persons for friendly, supportive, in-home visits; Families with children with special needs are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Men- tor Program. Career Counseling helps indi- viduals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counseling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at 908-725-7799, email us at Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org and like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. SOME SAY EAT, PRAY, LOVE… AT JFS IT’S COOKING, COMPANIONSHIP, GRATITUDE By: Maris Chavenson, LCSW shop somerville theconnectionsnj.com