By David Dern

 

Since its founding in 1979, Jewish Family Services (JFS) has been helping Jewish seniors and their families to navigate the aging process through specialized and directed services tailored to their needs. 

 

Over the years, our team has expanded these services to include a wide variety of programming, from Kosher Meals on Wheels, the JFS Community Van (which is available to organizations looking to book group visits or transporting participants to weekly  programs), to specialized support and programming for the wide diversity of seniors in the Ottawa region.

 

Much of this programming is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from our sponsors and supporters, including the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. It is because of this funding that JFS can continue to provide the utmost care and support for members of the community in need, and particularly the needs of Ottawa's Jewish community. 

 

Among the many things services provided by JFS, one of the largest groups the organization supports is seniors. On average, the seniors team assists around  1,500 people in 12 different languages.

 

The Seniors Unit team has been blessed over the years to be supported by many community members and organizations, either as donors to specific programs, as mentioned previously, or through countless volunteer hours supporting our programs. One such community supporter was Thelma Steinman Z”L. 

 

Known for her kindness and determination to help others, Thelma was a pioneer in improving care and resources for seniors. Her dedication to social work continues to make an incredible difference for countless people.

 

Late last year, JFS organized an afternoon tea to honour Thelma’s legacy and ongoing impact on the community. Marking the 18th anniversary of the Seniors Support Unit’s dedication to Thelma was especially meaningful, and the event brought together people from all walks of life.

"I am so proud of our Thelma Steinman Senior Supports Unit and the tremendous work they do every day to support seniors in our community,’ said Sarah Caspi, JFS’s Executive Director. ‘They are indeed honouring Thelma and her enduring legacy. It was wonderful to see so many people there to celebrate with us and helping us to continue this critical work for Jewish seniors and their families across Ottawa.’ 

 

Shereen Miller, a JFS board member and community member, whose mother participates in JFS’s seniors programming, said ‘I want to thank the staff at JFS for the many years of amazing programming you’ve offered to my mother. If she’s not busy with the day program, she and her boyfriend are singing together as part of the B’Yachad choir. Thank you for everything!’

 

The JFS team would like to thank Thelma’s family from far and wide for their support. Also, thank you to all our sponsors and supporters and our event committee, Ellen Osterer, Sherill Besser, Shayna Osterer, Judith Stoler, Adele Tate, Laura Thomas, Ranit Braun, and David Dern. 

 

For more information about the great services offered by the JFS team, click here.