Respect, dignity, support and companionship is what Holocaust survivors encounter when they walk into The Volen Center and attend the monthly Eat & Schmooze Program; collaboration between Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, Alpert Jewish Family Service and, the host agency, The Volen Center.
The needs of Holocaust survivors are unique and as they age and their needs and frailty increase; we have an obligation to provide a designated place and specialized program that allows them to remain engaged, active and enjoying a high quality of life. Activities include discussion groups on survivor related issues, musical programs, educational lectures, movies, and, of course schmoozing with friend.
The only thing missing from this program was quality meals that our survivors could nosh on and enjoy. As many are living on fixed and low incomes and/or dealing with physical impairments that make it difficult to cook or get out to a restaurant, a fresh delicious meal would make all the difference. When The Volen Center contacted HOT, it took only one meeting (after a series of phone calls, background checks with peers, and our normal detailed review of Budgets and Financial Statements) to decide to make a grant to fund the requested meals.
The Volen Center anticipates the meals will encourage even more survivors to participation in what is already a successful program.
The Volen Center, a nationally accredited senior center known for offering in-home support care, home delivered meals, specialized adult day care/Alzheimer’s care at three separate locations, low and no-cost transportation as well as individualized care management; added the Eat & Schmooze program to its myriad of programs and services in late 2009.
We would like our donors to consider designations for all or part of the following for its senior, not necessarily survivor, population:
$25,000 for hot meals at ten dining sites in southern Palm Beach County specifically for seniors who are low-income and would otherwise go hungry. Without this, the Center will have to cut off enrollment and have to turn away people for the first time in over 40 years.
$10,000 scholarships (provides one year of specialized day care Monday-Friday) for Alzheimer’s patients so their loved ones do not have to place them in nursing homes and can keep them at home where they want to stay.
$2,500 to upgrade current computer lab with new computers, software and, for the first time ever, cameras so that seniors can “Skype” with their loved ones to keep in touch.