The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies is proud to announce it has received 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 $309,085 in new programming for survivors.
The grant provides funding to utilize technology to address the challenging dynamic of senior isolation. The program will support homebound Holocaust survivors and will utilize broadcast and video technology developed by Uniper Cares, a start-up company with roots in Israel. Participating in this collaborative program are the following Network member agencies: JFS Cincinnati, Blue Card of New York City, Kings Bay Y of Brooklyn, NY, JSSA of Rockville, MD, CJE SeniorLife of Chicago, JFCS Philadelphia, JFCS of the Suncoast of Sarasota, FL.
“The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies is honored to be serving as lead agency in this innovative service model which will bring together 7 diverse communities in a pilot initiative to support homebound Holocaust Survivors. Drawing on advances in broadcast and livestream technology, the Uniper Cares platform provides a personalized and dynamic platform for homebound Survivors to connect with the community, with social work staff and with family” said Reuben Rotman, President & CEO, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies.
“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 person centered, trauma informed (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.
