MorseLife Health System is proud to announce it will receive a grant from The Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care to The Lola and Sual Kramer Senior Service Agency. When combined with matching funds, this award will enable $184,000 in new programming for survivors. In addition, more than 100 paraprofessionals will receive intensive training on Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care.
Child survivors of the Holocaust often experience trauma-exposure related concerns as they age, which may result in significant emotional confusion, isolation and physical deterioration. MorseLife Health System in partnership with Next Generations of Holocaust Survivors will offer strategic community outreach and professionally facilitated programing for Survivors who were children during the Holocaust, within a PCTI framework. The goal of this program is to help child survivors better understand and deal with childhood loss, now exacerbated by aging, reduce social isolation and increase wellbeing through peer engagement.
“It is inexcusable that amid the wealth in Palm Beach county, thousands of survivors of the Holocaust are living in poverty,” said Keith Myers, President and CEO of MorseLife Health System. “This generous support of our NOW for Holocaust Survivors Mission enables us to continue to be a lifeline to this aging population while there is still time. MorseLife is the only provider in the area equipped to offer health services such as medical assessment, care management, medication management, skilled nursing and a nutritious meal service as well as quality of life enhancements including housekeeping and errands, personal care, financial management, clothing, transportation, safety system installation, home repairs and improvements, respite care and music and art therapy.”
“Antisemitism has shaken our community and Holocaust survivors are deeply affected,” said Mark Wilf, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees and past chair of JFNA’s National Holocaust Survivor Initiative. “We are grateful for the Federal government’s commitment to help survivors and ensure that this vulnerable group has additional support.”
Of the estimated 80,000 Holocaust survivors in the United States, approximately one in three live in poverty. Many live alone and are at risk for social isolation, depression, and other physical and mental health conditions stemming from periods of starvation, disease and torture.
This grant is part of The Jewish Federations of North America’s partnership with the Federal government to improve lives for Holocaust survivors, and comes as the world observes the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. This year, JFNA received $5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living—twice the amount since when the program launched—illustrating Congress’ recognition of the value of PCTI services to Holocaust survivors. PCTI care is a holistic approach to service provision that promotes the dignity, strength, and empowerment of trauma victims by incorporating knowledge about the role of trauma in victims' lives into agency programs, policies and procedures.
The Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care promotes excellence in service delivery together with the expertise of partner organizations including the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. The grants awarded combine federal and philanthropic funds raised by JFNA's National Holocaust Survivor Initiative.
This program is made possible by federal funds from a grant through The JFNA Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care. Approximately 61% of the project, or $112,240, comes from federal sources. Approximately 39% or $71,760 comes from non-federal sources.
About MorseLife Health System
MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short term rehabilitation, long term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice and palliative care, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion. For more information, visit www.morselife.org.
