A Day in the Life of Our Agencies

Four year ago, Jeff Finkelstein, CEO and President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh addressed members of our community about the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, which occurred one year prior. Jeff also highlighted the fantastic work that our Federation and its agencies do in our community, and told us, “We fight well above our weight class.” We have always known we are “the best small Jewish community in North America,” and no community raises more funds per capita than we do. 

We have so much to be proud of! Here’s a peek into what goes on, through a day in the life of each of our agencies.

JFCS

8:30 a.m. – JFCS doors open and our administrative assistant reviews voicemails left overnight, returns phone calls to individuals wanting to sign up for meals as well as those asking for basic needs assistance (food, clothes, assistance with utility bills), and schedules appointments for mental health counseling with one of our social workers.

9:30 a.m. – An individual walks in asking for food and hygiene products, with these basic needs being met through the use of grants, including those from the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.

10:00 a.m. – Our meals associate is making follow-up phone calls to check on the status of meal participants, taking new meal referrals, and completing assessments to sign up new individuals for one of our meal programs.

10:30 a.m. – Our Senior Outreach Coordinator is facilitating a “Lunch Bunch” at the JCC, jointly sponsored by JFCS and the JCC on topics of interest to older adults, such as financial safety and scams, health after 60, and long-term care choices and preparation.

2:00 p.m. – One of our JFCS staff members is transporting a ward to a doctor’s appointment, under our Guardianship Program. Currently, JFCS has 20 clients under guardian care.

5:30 p.m. – Our staff are picking up members of “Our Gang” to host a monthly event for the members at a local restaurant. “Our Gang” is a group of JFCS clients/friends who get together on a monthly basis for social outings.

JCRC

9:00 a.m. – Meeting with Mahoning City public school superintendents regarding the JCRC’s new “Speak Up, Speak Out: Erase the Hate” initiative for students in grades 7-12. 

10:00 a.m. – Meeting with a national outreach staff person for a U.S. Senator regarding securing support of Ohio senators on bi-partisan legislation in connection with the Abraham Accords.

12:00 p.m. – Meeting with County Commissioners regarding possible funding for JFCS/JCC Mobile Meals programs.

3:00 p.m. – Meeting with Federation Executive Director of Senior Services regarding proposed federal nursing home rules that could impact Heritage Manor’s financial bottom line.

5:00 p.m. – Attended Youngstown City Council Finance Committee meeting to answer questions about Federation’s involvement in the development of a Manchester Bidwell Center in Youngstown, an adult career training school offering vocational training at no cost to students.

Levy Gardens

6:30 a.m. – Tenants come to the dining room for a delicious hot breakfast or have their breakfast delivered to their apartments.

10:00 a.m. – Morning activities for tenants including chair exercises, chair massages, trivia, and much, much more.

11:00 a.m. – Visit from students in Grade eight from Akiva Academy as part of the “Better2Gether” grant. Students and tenants meet monthly throughout the school year, which culminated this past May in a joint trip to the Maltz Museum in Cleveland.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch with fellow tenants to enjoy the company of good friends.

1:30 p.m. – Activities in our spacious multi-purpose room such as painting, ceramics, other crafts, Bingo, music, and so much more.

3:00 p.m. Visits from area rabbis and family visits with tasty snacks provided. Throughout the year, tenants enjoy many programs and speakers on Jewish issues and holidays, as well as topics regarding current events.

6:00 p.m. – Evening dinner rotates every day and varie.  All meals at Levy Gardens are kosher.

7:00 p.m. – Tenants relax at the end of the day listening to music and watching the news in one of Levy’s many parlors.

9:00 p.m. – Tenants start preparing for bed and receive assistance if needed from staff.

JCC

5:30 a.m. – The coffee is on and ready for the folks who like to get their swim or workout in early – an average of 40 people come through our doors between 5:30 -7:00 a.m. each weekday. 

8:00 a.m. – Ease into the day with an Easy Yoga class – this gentle class is for everyone, but especially great for those just beginning. It’s one of more than 40 fitness classes included in a JCC membership.

9:00 a.m. – It’s Circle Time in the Early Learning Center -our preschool students are starting their school day by greeting one another, singing songs, and reading books with their teachers. Soon, they’ll move into their learning centers and enrichment activities which include swimming, dance, fitness, art, and, on Fridays, Shabbat/Jewish holidays.

4:00 p.m. – Put on your tap shoes – it’s time for dance class. The JCC offers classes from the age of three all the way up to adults. Dance classes include tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, and more.

5:00 p.m. – Have you tried pickleball yet? Often described as America’s fastest growing sport, we’ve got four outdoor courts here at the JCC with indoor courts in our gym. Join us for organized open play (beginner or advanced), lessons, or join our ladder league.

6:00 p.m. – Spark your creativity with an art class in the beautiful Paul and Yetta School of Visual Arts. Classes are offered in a number of mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, crafts, and more.

8:00 p.m. – Wind down after a long day with a relaxing HydroMassage, which helps relieve muscle soreness and tension, increase circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, and encourage deep relaxation. Upgrade to a Silver or Gold level membership to receive a free 10 minute HydroMassage therapy session every day.

Heritage Manor

6:30 a.m.  – The dietary staff begins preparations to cook and serve breakfast each morning for up to 72 residents.

8:45 a.m. – All Heritage Manor department heads and nursing leadership gather for 15 minutes to review anything related to the residents or other critical issues.

10:00 a.m. – Our dietary director meets daily with residents to get their feedback on menu ideas and suggestions on menu planning.

10:30 a.m. – Residents participate in a 15 minute exercise routine followed by trivia, music appreciation, and reminiscing.

10:45 a.m. – Resident Council meets to discuss issues, dietary concerns, and any other issues of concern.

11:00 a.m. – Adult Day Services (ADS) clients finish their daily exercise and settle into individual or group activities, such as manicures, a spirited game of Rummikub or bowling, and so much more.

12:15 p.m. – ADS clients enjoy a delicious kosher lunch such as spinach lasagna, chili, or rigatoni and meatballs.  Clients once a month enjoy an outing such as visiting White House Fruit Farm or shopping at the Amish Market.

1:30 p.m. – ADS clients enjoy learning about the Jewish holidays, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

2:00 p.m. – Residents enjoy Bingo, musical entertainers, birthday parties, a Hanukkah party, or a special monthly Jewish program.

2:30 p.m. –Executive Director of Senior Services participates on a Zoom with Leading Age Ohio, a board helping to shape the future of senior care delivery in Ohio through advocacy, and also through high performing facilities with higher reimbursement. 

6:00 p.m. – Family and friends of residents visit, including the occasional canine, to brighten the days of the residents.

7:30 p.m. – Staff help the residents bathe/shower and get ready for the night, always remembering that the employees work in our residents’ homes.  

As you can see, so much happens at our Federation each day. I am so proud of all the staff, volunteers, and board/committee members that make this all happen. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the professionals in our agencies who raise the necessary funds to support these programs/services through grants and the Annual Campaign, including our volunteer chairs and many solicitors. Our Communications/Marketing staff do a great job publicizing what we do. And finally, our entire campus is supported by a team of security professionals 24/7 that makes our members, guests, residents, tenants, and staff feel safe.

Again, best wishes for the Jewish New Year 5784, and I wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Andy
Andrew Lipkin, Federation CEO