Donors and volunteers recognized at JGS Lifecare Annual Meeting
JGS Lifecare a leading health care system serving seniors and their families, held its annual meeting on May 22 in the Gloth Family Auditorium at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, following a reception at Michael’s Café.
Susan Goldsmith, chair of the board, welcomed new board members Christopher Carr II, Steven Dane and Meyer Weiss, all of Longmeadow, and saluted retiring board member Harvey Schrage of East Longmeadow for his service.
The focus of this year’s annual meeting was a celebration of the donors who made possible the completion of Phase I of Project Transformation, aimed at de-institutionalizing the delivery of health care to elders through adoption of the small-house model of care. Five new walls of recognition honoring all donors to the campaign were unveiled at the meeting.
Phase I of the campaign culminated with the opening of the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation on the JGS Lifecare campus of care, the only Green House model in the area. Also completed during Phase I were the renovations and upgrades to Ruth’s House Assisted Living Facility and the opening of Michael’s Café.
Phase II of Project Transformation was kicked off with a $1 million bequest from Paul Cohen, who was recognized for his leadership at the annual meeting with a special presentation.
Stephen Krevalin, co-chair of the Project Transformation Campaign, said, “Paul is incredibly connected with our community and saw the need for supporting all of our institutions. He recognized how important this institution is to our community in providing the services to our elderly and infirm.”
Phase II of the Project Transformation Campaign will bring the small-house model of care to the Leavitt Family Jewish Home.
Goldsmith also recognized the 134 volunteers who provide over 9,000 hours of volunteer time annually in support of JGS Lifecare.
“These volunteers help us fulfill our mission of improving the physical, spiritual and emotional health of the individuals and their families, guided by Jewish values,” she said. “Each volunteer has his or her unique story of why and how they give of their time.”
Goldsmith shared the stories of two such volunteers, Barbara Henriques of Chicopee and Joe Dumbrowski of East Longmeadow, both of whom came to volunteer because of the care their mothers received at JGS Lifecare.
“They saw what set JGS apart from other communities and have wanted to be part of that mission, even after the passing of their dear ones,” said Goldsmith.
The evening concluded as Goldmith noted, “I am so very proud of our leadership, management, staff, volunteers and supporters for their dedication and hard work in overcoming the challenges we face and in keeping JGS on course to continue its long history of providing the highest quality of care for our community’s elders.”
