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JCA Insights, April 2024

By JCA on April 25, 2024

Kesher Cafe for Young Onset Dementia

Kesher Cafe, a group for those with young onset dementia, continues to offer social engagement. The next meeting will take place on May 5 with an art therapy session and a sculpture project.

Since the start of the monthly program in December of 2023, Kesher Cafe has served 13 care couples which include mother/daughter, mother/son, boyfriend/girlfriend and spouse pairs. Projects have included paint and sip, musical entertainment, and gardening.

Contact the JCA Senior Helpline to receive personalized guidance on housing, home care, recreation, mental health resources, and more,
for seniors in the Greater Washington, D.C. area.

Senior HelpLine: 240-290-3311 or 703-652-1515

seniorhelpline@accessjca.org

In this issue:

➢ Kesher Cafe

➢ 50+ Expo in Howard County

➢ Passing of Austin Heyman

➢ Village Rides Volunteers

➢ Ride On Bus Ad

50+ Expos Expand to Howard County

JCA’s 50+ Employment Expos have expanded to Howard County. The first 50+ Expo for Howard County residents and employers will be held on May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jobseekers and employers can learn more at the 50+ Employment Expos website.

JCA Mourns the Passing of Austin Heyman

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Austin Heyman, a beloved figure and dedicated advocate for the seniors and youth of Montgomery County. Austin’s profound impact on our community, from his founding of Interages to his visionary leadership in shaping senior services and intergenerational programs, leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

His unwavering commitment to public service, exemplified through his extensive career in federal government administration and his instrumental role in county initiatives, will be remembered as a testament to his selflessness and dedication to making our world a better place. His family shared that even through his last days and hours, he remained incredibly engaged with his family, friends, and community – even testifying virtually last week on behalf of seniors at a Montgomery County Council budget hearing.

As we reflect on Austin’s life and legacy, let us cherish the memories of his tireless advocacy, compassionate leadership, and boundless generosity. The JCA Heyman Interages® Center stands as a testament to his enduring impact, and his spirit will continue to inspire us as we strive to carry forward his vision of a more inclusive and vibrant community. Austin’s memory will forever be a guiding light, reminding us of the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of others.

Village Rides Seeks Volunteers

Now more than ever, there is a need for volunteer drivers to help older adults maintain their independence while aging in place.

Alfred Harf and Artie Romano, members of the Villages of Kensington, and Rick Quander and, Sue Winakur, members of the Greater Stonegate Village, are the star volunteers in a new Village Rides’ advertising campaign. The commercial was produced to promote volunteerism among VillageRides’ community partners that have senior volunteer transportation programs.

The VillageRides commercial is the latest in a series of transportation spots to highlight successful volunteer transportation programs in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. VillageRide’s spring ad campaign will run on cable television channels and streaming services in neighborhoods served throughout Montgomery County and northern Prince George’s County on April 23rd. For more information, visit the VillageRides webpage, call 301-255-4212 or email VillageRides@AccessJCA.org.

Connect-A-Ride Ads on Ride On

Next time you are on the Ride On bus, look up! You may see the Connect-A-Ride (CAR) ad. The ads that appear in English and Spanish direct passengers to JCA’s CAR services. The transportation program’s Mobility Specialists provide tailored transportation options and help with schedules, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

This past month the JCA blog, Information for the Sandwich Generation, explained the concept of an ethical will and why you might consider writing one. It also outlined a caregiver bill of rights. The overseas board director of one of Israel’s largest charities, Yad Sarah, wrote about the benefits of volunteering for older adults. If you are a caregiver for an older adult, or you know one, check out the KC Blog as well.

JCA thanks our generous donors who made Honor and Memorial gifts in the last month.

Toby Friedberg in memory of Herb Janney

Hollis Weisman in memory of Coleman and Sylvia Raphael

Rivka Yerushalmi in memory of Jacques Ymar

David N. Gamse in memory of Austin Heyman

Brian Bunten in memory of Austin Heyman

Rivka Yerushalmi in memory of Austin Heyman

Fran Abrams in memory of Austin Heyman

Marcia Pruzan in memory of Austin Heyman

Joan D. Kleinman in memory of Austin Heyman

Come learn about the impact JCA has in our community in a 45-minute Zoom “tour of our mission.” You might be surprised at what you hear as we introduce you to our CEO, board president, Career Gateway graduate, Interages volunteer, and Kensington Club activity leader. Reserve your spot for May 9, May 30, or June 27 at 4:00 p.m. We really would love to meet you!

Steer your car donation to JCA!

It’s easy to donate your car through CAR J, a collaborative program of JCA and Makom (formerly Jewish Foundation for Group Homes). Get started by filling in the CAR-J form. CAR-J will pick up your car at no cost!