Serving seniors is a moral obligation

We find ourselves in a unique era in the ever-evolving human experience. The world’s aging population is now larger and more vibrant than ever before. Over the past 100 years, the average life expectancy has increased by 50 percent, allowing folks to live longer and creating new opportunities and challenges for the population as a whole.

We have a profound moral obligation to serve our older adults, and not just for their invaluable contributions to society. Our mothers and fathers; our grandparents and in some cases, our great-grandparents enrich our collective well-being. They have the “institutional knowledge,” if you will, and it is our duty to honor their lives and empower them to age with grace, dignity, and a continued sense of purpose.

The vision of Jewish Family & Career Services is that ALL live with dignity and purpose. Guided by our Jewish values, we serve EVERYONE, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, socio-economic background, and, of course, age.

Last year, the Klein Older Adult Program provided over 10,000 hours of home care to older adults and more than 950 rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking, and other important errands. JFCS served 68 older adults who were victims of crime, and 191 received case management or counseling to help them cope with the challenges of aging.

JFCS has worked hard over the years to develop a wide range of support services for older adults that are comprehensive and recognize that their needs evolve over time. We also recognize that caregivers play a crucial role in that support system and that caregiving comes with a unique set of challenges. JFCS’s support groups and other services for caregivers highlight our commitment to supporting those who devote themselves to caring for older adults in our community.

“The well-being and dignity of older adults is one of JFCS’s core missions,” said Dr. David Finke, CEO. “Through the Klein Older Adult Program, we’re providing comprehensive and personalized care to ensure that every older adult we serve can age with the dignity, compassion, and the quality of life they deserve.”

In July, JFCS will join nonprofits across the country participating in the national Give65 Event – a 65-hour, online crowdfunding effort hosted by Home Instead Charities exclusively for organizations serving older adults. This is the first time JFCS has been part of Give65, but the program has raised and awarded more than $5 million in support of older adults in the United States since 2016.

Between 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 11, and 2:00 a.m., July 14, the community will be asked to go to www.give65.org, find JFCS in the list of eligible non-profits, and make a secure gift. JFCS is eligible for a matching gift from Give65. Donations made within that window will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000. All proceeds go to the Klein Older Adult Program.

For more information on the wide array of services offered through the Klein Older Adult Program, click here, or call (502) 452-6341.

There are times we all need support and care…JFCS is there for those times.