Focus on aged, community care

FOCUS has shifted to the aged and community care sector as JCA enters the second week of its fundraising campaign.

Organisations operating in this sector include JewishCare, the Burger Centre, COA Sydney, Montefiore, Wolper Jewish Hospital and B’nai B’rith Retirement Villages, who collectively provide a wide range of services to the community.

In the aged care sector, seniors can live independently at home or in residential aged care. When living independently, the Burger Centre and COA Sydney are able to ensure a sense of social connection regardless of age and provide kosher meals on wheels to those who need them. In addition, COA and JewishCare support Holocaust survivors with services, including seeking restitution from the Claims Conference.

Through JewishCare over 4000 people are helped each year, including people living with a disability and mental illness, and children and families with various issues, including domestic violence.

Recently a JewishCare client was assisted through its Domestic Violence Support Group to leave her relationship.

“JewishCare showed me that there would be people around me and they escorted me as I prepared to take each step,” the client said.

“Every little step took so much strength and so much courage and you don’t know it unless you’re in it, that’s the bottom line.” According to JewishCare NSW in 2020 there were between 35 and 45 domestic violence clients seeking its assistance. Many of these people will become long-term clients seeking support for housing, employment and mental health care.

CEO of JewishCare Gary Groves said: “JewishCare is fundamental to supporting the community in so many ways. JewishCare provides services for everything from looking after children, families, aged care and people with disabilities and we are an integral part of the community and we support the community for whatever their needs are.”

Overall the aged and community care sector received an allocation of $1,902,000. In terms of impact, the statistics are significant.

The COA Sydney team delivered 40,000 freshly cooked kosher meals on wheels and 30,000 fresh parcels.

Twelve dedicated social workers provided 400 hours of support at Montefiore, and almost 250 staff were trained at Jewish schools in mental health first aid and suicide prevention.

Wolper Jewish Hospital and B’nai B’rith Retirement Villages do not currently receive an allocation but still contribute and are an integral part of the JCA family.

To donate visit jca.org.au/donate