Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ is proud to announce it will receive a grant from The Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care. When combined with matching funds, this award will enable $99,330.67 in new programming for survivors. In addition, all JFS clinical staff will receive intensive training on Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care. Matching funds for this grant will be provided by Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ will support children of Holocaust Survivors, the “Second Generation,” in order to improve the care they give to their loved ones. Programming will include a monthly caregiver support group, mental health counseling, a caregiver helpline, and quarterly seminars educating family caregivers on how the trauma of the Holocaust impacts how Survivors’ experience and relate to the world. The goals of this program are: (1) to reduce self-reported feelings of caregiver stress and improve self-care, and (2) to increase caregivers’ understanding and awareness of the multitude of issues that directly result from the Holocaust.
“Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ is honored to be selected by JFNA to bring these innovative services to the community. Providing support to the “Second Generation” allows us to care for the caregivers, who will in turn be better equipped to care for and understand the unique needs of our Survivors” states Diane K. Squadron, PsyD, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ.
“Antisemitism has shaken our community and Holocaust survivors are deeply affected,” said Mark Wilf, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees and past chair of JFNA’s National Holocaust Survivor Initiative. “We are grateful for the Federal government’s commitment to help survivors and ensure that this vulnerable group has additional support.”
Of the estimated 80,000 Holocaust survivors in the United States, approximately one in three live in poverty. Many live alone and are at risk for social isolation, depression, and other physical and mental health conditions stemming from periods of starvation, disease and torture.
This grant is part of The Jewish Federations of North America’s partnership with the Federal government to improve lives for Holocaust survivors, and comes as the world observes the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. This year, JFNA received $5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living—twice the amount since when the program launched—illustrating Congress’ recognition of the value of PCTI services to Holocaust survivors. PCTI care is a holistic approach to service provision that promotes the dignity, strength, and empowerment of trauma victims by incorporating knowledge about the role of trauma in victims’ lives into agency programs, policies and procedures.
The Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care promotes excellence in service delivery together with the expertise of partner organizations including the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. The grants awarded combine federal and philanthropic funds raised by JFNA’s National Holocaust Survivor Initiative.
This program is made possible by federal funds from a grant through The JFNA Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care. Approximately 75% of the project, or $74,498.00, comes from federal sources. Approximately 25% or $24,832.67 comes from non-federal sources.
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest is a comprehensive social service agency providing mental health counseling and support services on a non-discriminatory basis. With a presence in the community since 1861, JFS today delivers an expanding number of programs to increasing numbers of people. For children and families, JFS provides individual, couple, child and family counseling, play therapy, support groups, school and synagogue based social work services, and other assistance needed to support healthy families. Rachel Coalition, a division of JFS, provides domestic violence services for all members of the family affected by domestic violence. JFS also offers a wide range of services for older adults and their families including case management services, counseling, caregiver education, volunteer friendly visitors and specialized programs for Holocaust survivors. For more information, please call (973) 765-9050 or visit www.jfsmetrowest.org.
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