JFNA Gets $5M to Help Holocaust Survivors and Others with History of Trauma

August 5, 2020 — Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging awarded a $5 million grant to The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to expand Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care to Holocaust survivors, other older adults with a history of trauma, and their family caregivers. This grant relies upon annual Congressional appropriations and $1.6 million in philanthropic contributions.

“We are grateful to the Administration for Community Living for having the confidence and trust in our ability to continue to serve this vulnerable population,” said Mark Wilf, JFNA Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Holocaust survivors are our teachers and our heroes. Now, they are teaching us how to help other older adults who have survived trauma, and their caregivers. We are honored to partner with the federal government to lead this initiative."

In addition to aiding Holocaust survivors, the grant will help bring PCTI practices to other older adults with a history of trauma and their family caregivers. PCTI care is an innovative type of service delivery, spearheaded by JFNA, that promotes trust, dignity, strength, and empowerment of all individuals by incorporating knowledge about trauma into agency programs, policies, and procedures. Some estimates suggest that up to 90% of older adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetimes, which can affect the aging process. And the problems of this group have become even more acute with social distancing and the threats posed by COVID-19.

In partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and others, JFNA will provide subgrants and technical assistance to local community service providers. To learn more visit www.holocaustsurvivorcare.org.

 




JFNA is proud to partner with the U.S. Administration for Community Living to lead the field of PCTI care for older adults and to serve Holocaust survivors, other older adults with a history of trauma, and their family caregivers. This builds on the work done by JFNA to catalyze a nation-wide culture shift towards PCTI care, elevating the important of PCTI care across older adult populations. JFNA is proud to do this work with strong bipartisan Congressional support championed by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Bill Johnson (R-OH).

JFNA represents 146 Jewish Federations and over 300 Network communities, which raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually for social welfare, social services, and educational needs. The Federation movement, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice), and Torah (Jewish learning). To learn more about how we advance Holocaust Survivor Care, visit
www.holocaustsurvivorcare.org.

Photo courtesy of Ronda Manders of Jewish Family and Children's Services of Southern New Jersey.