Several Second Quarter Grants Awarded to JGS Lifecare

JGS Lifecare is pleased to announce it is the recipient of several grants that will fund improvements to our outdoor activity space, will enrich dementia care programming, and will enhance campus security measures.

At Wernick Adult Day Health Care a $5,000 grant from the Eugene & Rhoda Zeller Family Fund and Discretionary Fund of the Jewish Endowment Foundation, a division of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, will fund the purchase and installation of a new 4 foot high fence with a self-closing walk gate, and an 8 foot double drive gate, to help provide a safe and enclosed outdoor activities space for the use and enjoyment of our Wernick adult day care clients. It is well documented that outdoor activities and therapeutic programming is good for a person’s health and well-being. In addition, the Mass Health Adult Day Healthcare Program Re-opening /Guidance sent out in July promotes the use of outdoor space for programming and activities, where social distancing can be maintained. We are grateful to our local Jewish Federation and the Endowment Foundation and the Zeller Family for helping us provide a secure outdoor area for the safety and enjoyment of our adult day care clients who will enjoy participating in events and activities in this newly renovated space.

As a campus of care for the elderly many of our residents struggle with some form of memory impairment or dementia. Through the generosity of the Sephardic Foundation on Aging, we are the recipient of a $50,000 grant to fund enhancements to our dementia care programming across our campus. The Sephardic Foundation on Aging is dedicated to empowering all older people to live happier, healthier lives. One of their funding priorities is supporting and building empathy for people with dementia and their caretakers, and advancing programs that encourage well-being and connections to their community. Grant proceeds will support the re-establishment of dementia care programs put on hold during COVID-19 as well as the development of innovative programs designed to enrich the lives of our resident living with dementia. Now that more people have been vaccinated and restrictions eased, we have entered a recovery phase, re-engaging in social and therapeutic activities, rebuilding programming, hiring new staff, and replacing materials and supplies once shared by our residents. These funds will also help us enhance staff training on dementia care, and make physical improvements to our outdoor gardens and activity spaces for the use and enjoyment of our residents.

We are also happy to share that we are the recipient of a $27,000 Commonwealth non-profit security grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Office of Grants and Research. We will be enhancing our campus surveillance system with the purchase of additional professional grade cameras and audio-video door station intercom systems. This and other measures of screening visitors will offer our residents, their families and our staff with added reassurance that our campus is a safe place to live and work. Although it is uncomfortable to have to think of taking these measures, it is an absolute necessity. We offer our sincerest thanks to Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Tom Turco and his team, Senator Eric Lesser, and Representative Brian Ashe for helping make these grants available.

“As a non-profit healthcare organization we rely on philanthropic support through grant awards to help us address  immediate needs that cannot always be met through normal operations,” remarked Susan Halpern, vice president of development and communication. “We are so grateful to these generous funding partners for helping us address these priorities. As the funds are expended we look forward to sharing their impact on the lives of our residents as well as our staff.”