17 / 60
PAGE 17
www.theconnectionsnj.com SAVE THE DATE March Madness & Music Saturday Night April 1, 2017 • 8:00 pm Entertainment • Refreshments Door Prizes For more information, contact JFS 908-725-7799 Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org www.JewishFamilySvc.Org 12 East Main Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908-450-7450 GimmeeGimmeeTees.com $%"! + *"'$ ")! $ !& "$ #'$ % & $" '% " # !* "$ " "% * % "$ $&)"$ ALL SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE. AFFORDABLE PRICES! YOU THINK IT, WE’LL PRINT IT! ...ON A T-SHIRT Doggie Tees Available * '! , " '! &* ( !&% #"$&% , $& *% , $&)"$ $" "& "! ' ! , " # !* " "% & NEW LOCATION In the book of Psalms it states “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.” At Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and War- ren Counties (JFS) we take this dictum seri- ously. Our Senior Services Program includes a continuum of services and starts with a home visit and assessment of the individ- ual’s situation. JFS staff members are trained and dedicated to helping older adults, some who are Holocaust survivors, ageing and coping with the final chapter in their lives with dignity and assurance that the community has not forsaken them. Case management services assess for the psychological, social and financial needs of our community’s aging population from all walks of life, including Holocaust survivors. A nurse consultant is also available to assess medication management issues, home safety and nutritional concerns relat- ed to chronic illnesses including diabetes. A Good Deeds Corps of volunteers of all ages – from teens to volunteers in their 80’s, provide a limited number of hours focused around socialization, cognitive skills, help with gardening, grocery shopping, trans- port to medical appointments and other senior activities in the community. The Senior Mentoring Program recruits, trains, matches and supervises volunteers to work with frail, isolated seniors who do not have the support system necessary to thrive independently. The following are comments from several of our frail senior clients describing their mentor: “Her character is outstanding; I love her like a sister. When I was recently ill she vis- ited me in the hospital and the rehab. She cheered me up and encouraged me that I would be ok.” “He makes me laugh. We talk politics and sports and I look forward to his weekly visits. He is like family to me.” The relationships that develop have been extraordinary. It is often a reciprocal rela- tionship, with the volunteers benefiting too. “I mentor two gentlemen and even though I am not a tall man, when I leave their homes I feel 6 feet tall”. “I am so inspired by her strength despite many hardships in her life. Sometimes I feel that she gives me so much of herself and real- ly cares about me. I feel lucky to be matched with such a special lady.” Our volunteers help their seniors on many levels; they decrease their isolation through weekly visits, function as advocates in the community, help enhance their self-esteem and provide companionship and stimula- tion to many who would have limited access to these services on their own. JFS also provides outreach to seniors in the community through the Betty and Arthur Roswell Outpatient Mental Health Pro- gram. Seniors are seen either in our office or, if they are too frail, in their own home. Our staff of geriatric, clinical social workers address issues of aging in a sensitive and caring manner. A Bereavement Support Group brings together those who are adjusting to losses in their lives. JFS is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social serv- ice agency committed to serving the needs of the entire tri-county community and offers a continuum of programs and servic- es. 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, including holo- caust survivors. The Family Mentor Pro- gram recruits, trains and matches volunteers with vulnerable young families or with eld- erly persons for friendly, supportive, in- home visits; Families with children with special needs are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Mentor Program. Career Counsel- ing helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presenta- tions, support groups, and individual spiri- tual counseling to address the health, well- ness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. If you would like to make a referral or explore a role as a volunteer or if you are interested in learning more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at 908-725-7799, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org, like us on Face- book. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High St., Somerville, NJ 08876. Focus on Seniors By: Jeanne S. Lankin, LCSWShop Somerville