(KCJC) JFS ended May with a major outreach project helping older adults in our community, delivering about 400 care kits across the city.
In light of COVID-19, their highest priority was to put personal protective equipment (PPE) in the kits. They included a reusable mask with instructions on how to properly wear and wash the mask. Everyone also received spray hand sanitizer, a puzzle or a coloring book with markers and lip balm. They provided information about the importance of frequent hand-washing and resource information on getting support as well. Hand-made cards also added a little personalized joy to each package.
“It’s just that additional touch to make people feel like they’re part of a community and of course our first priority is to serve people and to meet their basic needs, but right behind that is to make them feel connected and hopeful and know that they’re not alone,” Taly Friedman, director of volunteer engagement at JFS, told The Chronicle.
They had over 50 delivery volunteers. That is the largest amount of volunteers they’ve ever had for a delivery program. Funding to support the effort came from the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign the agency participated in early May.
Since JFS is typically able to see their clients, delivering care packages is not something they normally do. Normally, they have three main programs that assist older adults in the community. They have a busy volunteer driving program, JET Express. A Help@Home program for small home repairs, computer support and home organizing. They also have a Care Management program, where care managers or social workers work with their older adult clients to identify their needs and help them navigate challenges associated with aging.
Those social workers played a vital role in jumpstarting the care kits project. They heard from their older adult clients that they didn’t have access to face masks and felt isolated at home. So JFS got to work.
Volunteers made the care kits project possible. So did partnerships with MEDiA HEAD, The Learning Tree, Rightfully Sewn and The Sewing Labs. Jewish Family Services’ Friedman and Laura Gilman, director of older adult services, led the project.
“At JFS, our older adults are always a source of inspiration to us,” Gilman, said. “During this uncertain time, we wanted to share a bit of appreciation with them… We’re stronger together — this month and all months to come.”
JFS support of older adults in the community didn’t end – or start – there. One of the first things JFS got working on when the pandemic hit was making sure older adults in our community did not feel alone. Friedman feels that creating community, especially for isolated populations, is one of the most important things JFS does.
JFS identified the people they thought might be more isolated. And then matched their volunteers with older adults to check in on them – social connection calls. The program is called Calling Connections.
Staff and volunteers are calling older adults providing a friendly voice on the phone ensuring they have at least a two-week supply of food, medicine and other essentials. Care managers are prioritizing tele-therapy as well as making frequent contact for ongoing assessment of needs. JFS will supply tablets and technology support for 300 low-income older adults currently without internet connection for video chat, telehealth, grocery delivery and more.
JFS volunteer Alexa Summers is one of many who are making calls to older clients. She has found these tele-connections very meaningful.
“When I call them, we chat about everything under the sun. It is an incredible way to help them take their mind off everything going on, and letting their voice be heard, while making sure they are staying safe and healthy,” Summers said. “Talking to these people every week has reminded me to be thankful for everything that I do have, and to acknowledge the good things that are coming from this.”
“It’s just been incredible how much our community has stepped up. A shout out to our donors, our volunteers and our JFS staff for stepping up in such a challenging time… We have an incredible community. We’re really fortunate,” Friedman said.
To get involved or learn more visit jfskc.org. Their emergency COVID-19 donation page can be found at jfskc.org/donate-emergency. You can also mail a check to JFS, ATT: COVID-19 Emergency Campaign, at 5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211.
JFS provides a complete array of social services regardless of faith, age, culture or ethnicity. The agency has a dedicated team of care managers, therapists, counselors and support staff that work with older adults and their families to ensure quality of life. If you know of an older adult who needs support, contact the JFS Navigator, 913-327-8250.