When Jordan Weisner of Fort Lee had his bar mitzvah, he decided to give back in a special way to honor his grandfather, who is struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease. He raised $1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Association by participating in its Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care and research, and then decided to do something unique and special for people with Alzheimer’s in his local community.
Learning that the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades runs a comprehensive program four days a week for people with Alzheimer’s, Jordan decided to collect arts and craft supplies for seniors in the program who enjoy creating and crafting as a favorite activity. He collected baskets of crayons and markers, scissors and paint, glue and glitter, and then visited the JCC so he could hand-deliver his “surprise” in person and see the expressions on the seniors’ faces when he presented the baskets to them.
“My grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I see how this disease affects the entire family,” says Jordan. “It can be a sad and isolating experience and I wanted to do my part to help people like my grandfather stay connected and happy. Raising money for the Walk was one way, and I am very proud of the funds I raised, but I wanted to do something personal as well and decided what would make my Bar Mitzvah really rewarding for me would be to find a way to make a personal connection. So I contacted the Kaplen Adult Reach Center (ARC) at the JCC and asked what their Alzheimer participants would most like to have. I was told arts supplies, so that is what I made it my mission to collect. But the best part was coming to the JCC so I could meet these people and witness their reactions.
“It was really fun and meaningful for me, and I got to observe how special the JCC’s Alzheimer’s program really is because the participants get to connect with the whole JCC community. They get to plant gardens with children, celebrate holidays, and take part in activities that add to their quality of life. It was so nice to learn and something so important for anyone struggling with this terrible disease.”
The seniors were as delighted to meet Jordan as he was to meet them and everyone at the JCC was grateful for his donations and thoughtfulness.
The Kaplen Adult Reach Center (ARC) helps individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia, making it possible for participants to make friends and enjoy a socially engaging life, while providing respite, support and guidance for their family caregivers. ARC meets four days a week, 9am-2pm, in a bright spacious room with an outdoor patio. Door to door transportation in handicapped accessible vans is provided to many area towns. The program includes full breakfast and hot kosher lunch, as well as a diverse calendar of activities that all take place in a safe environment with experienced professional staff. ARC is reasonably priced, and offers financial assistance. Free caregiver support groups are available twice a month. For more information or to arrange a visit, contact Judi Nahary at 201-408-1450 or [email protected].
