JFS MetroWest is pleased to share that Susan Schechter, LCSW, Clinical Director of Older Adult Services, was selected as this year’s recipient of a Lester Z. Lieberman Humanism in Healthcare Award. Sponsored by the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, this award recognizes the contributions of professionals who work in local direct service healthcare organizations. Those who are recognized are acknowledged for their compassion, empathy, respect and cultural sensitivity in the delivery of services to clients and their caregivers.
In her role as Clinical Director of Older Adult Services, Susan is responsible for directing a multi-disciplinary department that responds to the needs of older adults and their caregivers with special focus on those most frail or otherwise vulnerable. “It is Susan’s unique ability to work with older adult clients, Holocaust survivors and caregivers that exemplifies her kindness, compassion and empathy. Throughout her 15-plus-year tenure at JFS, Susan has been engaged in extensive program development efforts to better the lives of agency clients.” said Reuben D. Rotman, Executive Director of JFS MW. Susan has contributed to the successful implementation of HouseCalls, a program bringing social work services to the homebound frail elderly, Elderlink, a specialized eldercare information and referral service, the JFS Caregiver Consultation Service, Volunteer Friend Advocate, Listen to Children and Retired Senior Volunteer Programs as well as extensive services for our community’s Holocaust survivors. Within the arena of Holocaust Survivor Assistance, Susan ensures over 100 frail survivors receive emotional and/or financial support as needed. She also directs Café Europa, a bi-monthly therapeutic socialization group which typically attracts close to 100 survivors at each session. Susan not only manages the administrative end of this complex service area, but responds to each survivor with dignity and compassion, regardless of his or her needs.
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, adoption services, school- and synagogue-based social work services, family life education 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.
By JFS MetroWest
