AJAS Visit to White House and Call for Action

Last week, several AJAS members and staff had the opportunity to meet with White House staff to discuss the current potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid being discussed as part of the U.S. Debt Ceiling debate. The meeting was put together by AJAS member, Richard Schwalberg (Menorah Park/Beachwood, Ohio) in conjunction with LeadingAge and JFNA. This allowed the White House to put a face on those whom the potential cuts would seriously affect and offer partnerships in discussing ways to improve the system in the long-term, thereby cutting spending without harming its recipients. One take away message from the White House is that our members need to be advocating at the local level; getting in touch with Senators and Representatives who are debating this issue as we speak and ask them to oppose these cuts.  An email with instructions was sent earlier this week.

To read the rest of the email and to see a letter template to send to your representative, click here. 

As a follow-up to the meeting, our member David Fuks from Cedar Sinai Park, wrote an op-ed "We All Need to Stand Up for Medicaid Funding":

At a recent meeting I was able to attend with federal officials, I was told that while advocates for eliminating cuts to social security and Medicare have been very visible, very few voices have been heard on behalf of those who depend on Medicaid for assistance in receiving healthcare.  This is no surprise.  Because social security and Medicare are available to all elders a very large and articulate constituency exists for these programs.  This constituency is very capable of speaking up for itself and has enjoyed the support of broad-based organizations such as AARP.  We applaud the strength of their advocacy.  

To read the rest of the article, follow this link. 

(Chicago, IL) - CJE SeniorLife's Home-Delivered Meals program has been awarded $9,037 through a Walmart Foundation grant to the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). The "Building the Future" Impact Grant money will allow CJE to refurbish a walk-in cooler and aging refrigeration equipment at its Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Skokie and install infrared heaters at the loading dock area where the meals are picked-up and loaded into delivery vehicles. These improvements are critical for ensuring sustained food safety and efficiency in serving older adults who rely on CJE for kosher meals on a daily basis. 

Summer Reading Project is a Family Affair

(Overland Park, Kan.) - What does a mom do with a passel of kids ages 2-13 on a hot summer day? Lori Boresow Glaser devised an all-in-one solution that combines summer reading, a "field trip," intergenerational involvement and a sizable bit of mitzvah-doing. Glaser brought a group of 11 cousins (her own seven children plus the four daughters of her sister, Jennifer Burns) to Village Shalom several times this summer to read books to the residents. She hopes to return with them once or twice more before the start of school.

"Early in the summer, I decided I wanted a project that could keep them all busy," said Glaser. "I know Village Shalom because my Aunt Bertha (Pener) used to live there. It's not an age group my kids are familiar with, but it's a good connection, a nice fit, and the kids seem to enjoy it. It also gives them a chance to practice their reading."  

The residents enjoy the experience as well. "I love it," said Edna Worth, who lives in Village Shalom's Weinberg Health Center. "I think it's the sweetest thing."

Edna Worth and Morton Jacobs (seated) were among the Village Shalom Residents who enjoyed hearing stories read by members of the Glaser and Burns families.

Village Shalom resident Elaine Polsky (left) listens as Taylor Burns  (center) and Lucy Glaser read aloud.

Sally Korkin Elected President of Partners in Senior Life (formerly AJHSA)

MASON, OH-- Sally F. Korkin, Executive Director of the Cedar Village Foundation, was elected president of Partners in Senior Life, formerly AJHSA (Associates of Jewish Homes and Services for the Aging) at the 36th Annual Meeting held recently in Detroit, Michigan.

Partners in Senior Life is a non-profit organization that provides education, leadership development, networking and member support to improve and enrich the quality of life for the elderly entrusted to the care of Jewish homes and services providers. Partners in Senior Life began as AJHSA, an organization of auxiliaries of North American Jewish nursing homes. The Cedar Village auxiliary group, the Friends of Cedar Village, has been a member agency since 1997. The auxiliary of the Orthodox Jewish Home was a member prior to that. Today, the organization is comprised of both volunteers and professionals serving facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

"I have been privileged to be associated with this organization since 1999 when I attended my first conference in Washington, DC," said Korkin. "I am proud to be the president of Partners in Senior Life which represents volunteers and professionals committed to enhancing the lives of the residents in the Jewish senior care facilities we represent." 

To read more, follow this link.

Congratulations to Cedar Sinai Park!  The list of nonprofits is compiled by the Oregon Business magazine.  The final ranking will be announced on September 28th. More information to follow. 

Follow Menorah Manor's Building Project 

Menorah Manor, a Jewish center for complete geriatric care, is building a beautiful, luxury assisted living residence in Clearwater, FL. The Inn on the Pond is the only one of its kind in North Pinellas County and will be completed in early 2012. For the latest construction updates, please visit www.innonthepond.shutterfly.com.