(Courtesy of JFSCNJ) Fred Kessler, president of the board of directors of Jewish Family Service of Central NJ (JFSCNJ), is proud to announce that it has received a $150,000 grant from the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Center for Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma. The funds will be combined with $50,000 in matching funds from the Fund for Holocaust Survivor Care from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest, NJ. The grant award will enable $200,000 in new programming to provide over 200 individuals with educational and therapeutic services to combat an increase in sleep disorders, emotional dysregulation and substance abuse among older adults with a history of trauma.

Tom Beck, JFSCNJ executive director, stated that on behalf of the staff and constituents served, he is “honored to have been awarded this competitive grant that will benefit the Holocaust survivors served in Union County in addition to all older adults in the community who are in need of our services during this prolonged pandemic.”

“The pandemic has shown what a difference we can make when we come together, especially for those older adults at highest risk of COVID-19,” said Mark Wilf, chair of the JFNA board of trustees. “Holocaust survivors are our teachers and our heroes, and we are committed to empowering them to live with comfort in their communities. The Federations system is humbled and proud to help thousands of Holocaust survivors, as well as other older trauma survivors and their families during their time of need.”

Dov Ben-Shimon, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ executive VP/CEO, stated: “Since we know that trauma earlier in life can impact Holocaust survivors and other older adults today, we recognize that it is critical to advance innovative person-centered, trauma-informed services. Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is proud that its partner, JFS of Central NJ, has received this important new grant, and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ is pleased to support critical JFSCNJ work by providing $50,000 in matching funds.”

JFNA launched this program in 2015, following an award from the Administration for Community Living. Acknowledging JFNA’s profound impact, the federal government has increased the funding through the years, highlighting JFNA’s approach as a model for serving all older adults, and empowering JFNA to be the national resource center on aging and trauma.

Since inception, the program has supported approximately 30,000 Holocaust survivors, 15,000 professional caregivers, 5,000 family caregivers and 2,000 other older adults with a history of trauma. The numbers served include a small amount of duplication as participants received services through multiple organizations and grants. Local organizations have provided specialized care across 21 states and 54 cities.

JFNA works in close collaboration with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and other local and national service providers to implement the grant program. More than 60 experts in aging and trauma volunteer their talents to help JFNA implement the programs, train grantees, and build capacity to employ the person-centered, trauma-informed approach. Person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) care is an innovative approach, spearheaded by JFNA, that promotes trust, dignity, strength and empowerment of all individuals by incorporating knowledge about trauma into agency programs, policies and procedures. Some estimates suggest that up to 90% of older adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetimes, which can affect them as they age. The challenges have become even more acute with social distancing and the threats posed by COVID-19.

JFNA aims to catalyze a nationwide culture shift toward PCTI care across older adult populations. JFNA is proud to do this work with strong bipartisan Congressional support.

This program is made possible by federal funds from a grant through the JFNA Center for Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma and funding from the Fund for Holocaust Survivor Care from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

This program is made possible by federal funds from a grant through The JFNA Center for Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma. $150,000 comes from federal sources and $50,000 from the Fund for Holocaust Survivor Care from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest, NJ.

Contact at [email protected], or, 908-352-8375 for further information.