Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is one of six federations across the country to receive a Critical Supports Grant from the Jewish Federations of North America’s Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care. When combined with matching funds, this award will total $300,000 to help prevent and resolve emergencies among Holocaust survivors.

In compliance with the terms of the grant, Federation recently convened three meetings of its leadership council. This high-level think tank is tasked with identifying the needs of survivors and the services currently offered to them. It is also charged with thinking creatively about how best to address the unmet needs of the community’s aging survivors. All services are to be delivered in accordance with the principles of “person-centered, trauma informed” care, focusing on the needs of each unique individual.

The leadership council identified, as an essential first step, locating survivors previously unknown to the community and informing them about services to which they are entitled. Along with this effort, the leadership council recognized the need to help survivors maximize the reparations to which they may be entitled. In addition, the leadership council acknowledged the importance of combating social isolation and loneliness among survivors in the Greater MetroWest community and of alleviating pressures that may arise from serving as a caregiver to these individuals. The leadership council is also concerned with finding creative ways to help survivors cover otherwise unreimbursed expenses related to healthcare.