Commemorating Yom HaShoah by Serving Survivors

On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, we invite you to learn about how JFCS works with survivors in our community so they can age with dignity and live as independently as possible.

Yom HaShoah is a time for reflection and remembrance. At Jewish Family & Career Services, we are reflecting on the work we have done to support Holocaust survivors and other refugees and immigrants over the years. From resettling refugees in past decades to helping those same immigrants navigate complex medical and benefits systems today, we have adapted to meet their needs.

One of the most important areas of our work as a Jewish human service agency is supporting Louisville’s Holocaust survivors. In 2020, JFCS served 52 Holocaust survivors. JFCS staff and volunteers made regular telephone reassurance calls to survivors facing an overwhelming sense of isolation increased by the COVID-19 crisis.

We also provided food and essential care items, mental health counseling and home care services to those with a need. Our Holocaust survivor clients were also able to access reparations benefits to help them live with dignity because JFCS was a partner and support system in navigating the process.

This month, JFCS will recognize and honor Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month by highlighting the resilience of some of our past and current clients on our social media channels. As we share their stories, we invite you to learn more about these survivors of identity-based violence and more about the work JFCS does with them and with other refugees and immigrants.

If you are interested in supporting the work JFCS services, including our work with Holocaust survivors, refugees and immigrants, you can donate online today.