Jim* had been feeling depressed for several months after falling and injuring himself. He just couldn’t do the exercise he used to love. In fact, Jim was so depressed he was not even attending physical therapy.  A concerned neighbor encouraged him to contact Jewish Family Service for counseling. Jim contacted JFS, and a social worker provided counseling in his home. JFS worked with him to reduce his depression symptoms and encouraged Jim to seek appropriate medical care.  JFS even helped Jim look for physical therapists in the area.  Now, Jim can go for daily walks again and has even started going to an exercise class for senior adults.

Jim is but one example of the many older adults that Jewish Family Service of Akron serves.  JFS plays an instrumental role in reducing barriers seniors face accessing health care due to mental health or financial reasons.  Whether it is through counseling services, educational programming or community outreach, JFS treats older adults in the Akron community with dignity and respect, consistent with Jewish teachings and regardless of that person’s ability to pay.

Client contributions comprise only two percent of Jewish Family Service’s revenue. The agency relies on individual donors, as well as grants, to make essential services available to everyone who needs the help of JFS. This month begins the annual Friends’ drive to provide essential services to the older adults served by JFS. Consider making a gift to Jewish Family Service by calling 330-867-3388 or securely online at https://jfsakron.org/donate-now.

* Name changed to protect privacy.