The Charlotte Jewish News - December, 1997 - Page 23
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Jewish Family Services
Reflections
By Penny Wager-Schuster. MSW, ACSW, CCSW - Executive Director
December marks the beginning of
the fifth month since my move to
Charlotte. I have seen and
experienced many new and different
things during this time. I feel almost
child like as 1 explore new areas of
the city and see things that 1 may have
taken for granted in the past. The
people I have met have been so
friendly and helpful. The stress and
anxiety that can come with moving
and starting a new job never became a
problem because 1 felt so welcomed
and reassured from the day I arrived
here.
As 1 reflect on all of the new things
that I have seen or done during the
last few months, one particular
discovery stands out. 1 have
discovered a Jewish Community,
(although 1 came from Miami), which
is very strong in its commitment to
kindness and charily to others. The
Jewish Community here in Charlotte
seems to be one that pulls together in
times of happiness as well as times of
need. Seldom have I heard anyone
say “no” to a request for help. Often
the opposite is true. I have found
people here who call and ask how
they can help even before the request
is made. I am tmly amazed at the
frequency of those calls and the
generosity I have seen from the
community. The number and size of
a community really does not matter.
What does count is the level of
dedication among those numbers.
The desire to be there to help others in
need seems to be a strong one in the
Chariotte Jewish community.
Jewish Family Services has a
special group of individuals who
routinely give of their time and
special talents to others. If someone
needs a ride to the doctor, or is in
need of a friendly telephone voice or
visit, there are several Mitzvah Maker
Volunteers willing and ready to fill
these needs, no questions asked.
There are a number of individuals t lat
are “matched” with sped ic
volunteers who visit or call or a
regular basis. A true partnership i i
friendship often develops from th( j
matches. The benefits and rewai j
are found on both ends of t ;
partnership.
I have also noticed a commitmf
from the community at large. T
WHEN MOM XtEDED
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THE BESTl
BLUMENTHAL JEWISH
HOME
THE NURSING HOME OF CHOICE
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“When our Mom needed more care and
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“Professional care, companionship, activities
and security ottered in a Jewish atmosphere
answered our Mother’s needs."
When choosing assisted living or
intermediate or skilled nursing care, call
Blumenthal Jew ish Home tor information.
Better yet, schedule a visit to see this superb
facility. You will be glad you did!
No entrance fees. Afibrdable rates.
Staperior amenities wtdi fine, Kosiier dining.
I'o receive more information, call tlie
Admissions Office today: (fl9>
Momentiial Jewish Home
7t7« Fair Oaks Drive
Oemmoos, Nortk Carolina 27012
support from the Temples, the Jewish
Community Center and the Jewish
Federation, working with JFS to
ensure that whenever possible, no one
goes without. When 1 first arrived, 1
would worry when I saw that the JFS
food pantry began to look empty. The
next thing I knew, wonderful people
from the community walk in the door,
arms full of groceries to re-stock the
shelves. I have also found that when
there are special requests for shoes or
furniture, calls come into the agency
from individuals who will help.
During the holiday season, the
request for help seems greater.
Perhaps more now than at other times
of the year, people reach out for
assistance. People who are lost, sad
or lonely. People who need just a
little assistance to get by. I am sure
that the need occurs the other months
of the year. It is during the holiday
season, however, that the needs seem
even greater. The requests for help
seem more desperate and the urgency
appears more intense.
Jewish Family Services relies on
the commitment of the Jewish
Community to continue their
generosity. As a social service
agency, JFS reaches out to those in
need. There are often times, however,
when the requests for help are best
met by those able and willing to
provide the tangible assistance that
professional counseling cannot make
a reality. JFS is always in need of
additional volunteers. We need
individuals who can assist with
transportation to doctors. JFS also
needs people who can assist with
errands or make a friendly call or visit
to someone who is alone and isolated.
We also need ongoing donations of
canned goods to make sure that our
food pantry stays stocked with
grocery items so no one in our
community goes hungry.
The staff of Jewish Family services
appreciates the “gifts of self’ offered
by the Mitzvah Maker Volunteers and
the Jewish Community. If you would
like additionaf Infbrmatlbn about
ways that you can provide assistance,
please call us at 3^6594. ^
Donations received and
tribute cards sent in
October 1997
In memory of
Dr. Sherrie Kanlor from Judy & Mill Tager
Mary Ann Levinson from Gerry Litwak, David & Doris Citron.
Bernie & Buddy Roberts, Marilyn & Mike Tuckman,
Florence & Ben Jaffa
Herman Poliakoff from Alan & Ruth Goldberg, Gerry Litwak,
Gerson & Wilma Asraci, Fay & Gerald Sinkoe, Ollie & Sam
Polk
Essye Rosenkrantz from Alan & Ruth Goldberg, A1 & Doris
Rousso, Marilyn & Mike Tuckman, Cynthia & Peter
Levinson, Ethel & Allen Gordon, Betty & John Levin,
Florence & Ben Jaffa, Marilyn Shapiro
Congratulations on birth of child:
Barbie & Steve Weiner from Marilyn & Mike Tuckman,
Leigh Ann & Brett Goodman from Marilyn and Mike Tuckman
Marci & Phillip Goldberg from Ollie & Sam Polk
Wishing you a Speedy Recovery to:
Marsha Smith from E)orothy & Ira H. Schulman
Ernest Freidman from Dorothy & Ira H. Schulman
Susan Kramer from Clarice & Harold Breitman
Shirley Silverstein from Dicky & Walter Shapiro
Ginnie Hayes from Marilyn & Mike Tuckman, Dicky & Walter
Shapiro
Happy Birthday to:
Elsie Karro & Ira H. Schulman
Alan Blumenthal from Linda & Trevor Goldberg
Elly Ostrow from Tammy & Andy Cohen
Walter Klein from Linda & Barry Marshall, Ena Stern, Sally
Ascenberg, Renee Buxbaum, Eve Stewart, Selma Melasky,
Jesse Simon, Margot Moritz, and Trudy Packard
Happy Anniversary to:
Susan & Hardy Spatz from Clarice & Harold Breitman
Carol & Joe Voynow from Clarice & Harold Breitman
Selma & Sonny Melasky from Ena Stern
With Special Thanks to:
Dr. Gerson Asrael from Leigh Ann & Brett Goodman
Sonnie Besnoy from Marilee Kodsi
Mike Van Glish from Dollar General Corp.
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and Thousands of Happy
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Since 1981. Alternative Living Services has been
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