NEW Community Connections Program to Kick Off
Earlier this year, JFS was awarded a two-year $210,000 grant from the Jewish Federations of North American (JFNA) Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma. The grant will support the new Community Connections program that will provide group socialization opportunities and community resources to elderly Russian speakers in the East Metro who have experienced trauma, many of whom are Holocaust survivors. The goal of the program is to reduce social isolation in our older population who often experience significant cultural and linguistic barriers to supportive services.
Program coordinator Adel Kuchyk is a native Russian and Ukrainian speaker who is also fluent in English. She has also been trained in person-centered, trauma-informed care. Adel previously taught English classes to Russian and Ukrainian speakers. She also established a program in Iowa with a focus on cultural shock and trauma for Ukrainian refugees helping more than 70 adapt and integrate into the community and improve their English-speaking skills.
Community Connections will also make PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives) available to this vulnerable population.
Outings to a variety of metro attractions including theater, art and music will be offered as well as social and dining gatherings. Participation will be free.