Jewish Family Service of Akron has received a grant from The Jewish Federations of North America’s Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care. When combined with matching funds, this award will enable $75,000 in new programming for Holocaust survivors living in Summit County. In addition, JFS staff will receive intensive training on person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) care. A newly hired bi-lingual Russian-speaking case manager will oversee new programming, including free monthly socialization opportunities for survivors and expanded outreach efforts to identify survivors and assist in applying for U.S. and German government survivor reparations and benefits.

As a division of Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland (JFSA Cleveland), the Akron survivor community will benefit from JFSA Cleveland’s 20 plus year expertise in providing critical supports to this special population.
“We know very well the benefits of PCTI care from our work with domestic violence survivors as well as Holocaust survivors,” says Susan Bichsel, president and CEO of JFSA Cleveland. “We know there are survivors living in Summit County not being adequately served. This funding will help us spread the word and connect survivors to the services they need.”

“We are grateful for the federal government’s commitment to helping Holocaust survivors,” says Mark Wilf, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees and co-chair of JFNA’s National Holocaust Survivor Initiative. “Together, we are using this window of opportunity to make sure more survivors are connected to their communities and have the social support necessary to age in place.”

Of the more than 100,000 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. JFNA received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living in FY 2018. The doubling of funds for this program illustrates Congress’ recognition of the value of PCTI services to Holocaust survivors.

JFSA Cleveland and JFS Akron help individuals and families face life’s challenges with confidence. For more information about JFS Akron programs and services, call 330.867.3388.

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 Claims Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.