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JCA Insights, November 2023

By JCA on November 22, 2023

Eli’s Loaves of Love Celebrates Third Anniversary

Eli’s Loaves of Love has delivered belonging, blessings and bread to many doorsteps since launching in November of 2020. Volunteers have delivered 1,255 loaves of challah and warm smiles.

The program makes monthly challah deliveries to senior adults and takes its name in memory of Eli Fatow, who spent years distributing challahs to hospitalized patients each Friday morning. In addition to bringing the traditional Shabbat food, volunteers have a chance to chat with isolated older adults.

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

In these difficult and stressful times please reach out to the J-CARING Community Support Line if you feel the need for emotional or mental health resources.
Call (703)-J-CARING (703-522-7464), and a J-Caring provider will connect you to community resources to address your needs.

In this issue:

➢ Eli’s Loaves of Love celebrates 3rd Anniversary

➢ New Upskill Classes for Winter 2023

➢ Interages Opportunities

➢ KC adds Kesher Cafe

➢ 2023 Awards Presented

➢ JCA Blog Highlights

Upskill Classes Added for this Winter

Several new classes are opening for the end of this year: Intro to MS Word, Intro to MS Excel, Electronic File Management, Bookkeeping, Mastering the Interview, and Conflict Resolution. Our website has details and contact information.

Heyman Interages® Volunteer Opportunities

The school year is well underway and plenty of Interages volunteer opportunities remain. Openings in Montgomery County schools include Dialogues Across the Ages Grandreaders, and Daly Elementary Bridges. OMA, Opening Minds through Art is seeking two adult volunteers for the session that runs on eight Fridays, January-March of 2024. Details and contact information can be found on the Interages volunteer portal.

New Social Engagement Group

Young Onset Dementia is the term used for a diagnosis before age 65. Individuals in this group have their own unique needs and benefit from gathering with others with the same diagnosis. To provide a social framework, the GorlitzKensington Clubs is launching Kesher Cafe. This monthly event provides a safe space of connection, sharing, and support. The first session will take place on December 10 at JCA in Rockville. Contact Colleen Kemp for details.

JCA Presents Awards for 2023

JCA has presented three awards for 2023. Each award winner has made a valuable and valued contribution to JCA and the community we serve.

Jack Berezny, JCA Controller, received the Ruth Breslow-Young Staff Award of Excellence Award in recognition of his extraordinary service to the JCA’s mission. In his nearly 14 years of service as JCA’s Controller, Jack Berezny has quietly, calmly and deftly managed a wide assortment of ever changing and challenging financial tasks each and every day. Read more.

The Jacqueline Unger Community Service Award was given to Sheldon Lehner in recognition of his extraordinary volunteer support of the Gorlitz Kensington Clubs. Sheldon began volunteering at Kensington Clubs in 2021 with Terrific Tunes with Sheldon on Zoom and he was an instant hit with the KC members. His motto is, “Do More of What Makes You Happy.” Read more.

Dr. Odile Brunetto was presented with the David Gamse Humanitarian Award as a tribute to an outstanding individual whose work embodies the mission and values of JCA. As Chief of Aging and Disability Services for Montgomery County Dr. Brunetto served as an outstanding partner to nonprofits serving older adults and people with disabilities. Her passion, advocacy and wisdom were guiding lights for others to follow. Read more.

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

Stefan Tucker in memory of Marvin Rott

Michael King in memory of Carolyn Karch

Stuart Steingold in honor of Steve Herman

Howard Cooper in memory of Racine Ellis Murdock

Phoebe Joseph in honor of Ferne Levine

Mina Sweet in memory of Jacob Sweet

Nancy and Howard Cooper in memory of Dorothy Gale

November Blog Highlights

This month, the JCA Blog, Information for the Sandwich Generation, presented a post on tax considerations and benefits of charitable contributions. Use the information to guide your end of year donations. November may be National Caregiver Month, but what do caregivers really need? Explore that question in our blog. As Medicare open enrollment continues, read about

possible pitfalls as you weigh the option of Medicare Advantage.

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 November 30 at 4:00 p.m., or December 14 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!