July 8, 2020 – Holocaust survivor Susanna Moore, 81, may be home alone for protection against being infected by the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean she is isolated, thanks to the recent renewal of a grant of $91,280 that gives 100 seniors in-home access to technology through the Active@Home program of Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County. It connects the 100 seniors to family and interactive online activities.
Community Foundation of Broward, Jewish Federation of Broward County, United Way of Broward County, and The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation announced nine grants for "Dignity in Aging" programs totaling $606,728, including the Active@Home Program.
The Active@Home technology assistance program of Goodman Jewish Family Services primarily targets holocaust survivors to provide computer set-up and connectivity. According to Jo Ann Arnowitz, the organization’s chief program officer, renewing the grant means seniors like Moore can continue to take advantage of the technology to remain connected to their community and others. She said the Active@Home program more than doubled during the first peak months of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Goodman JFS is most grateful for grant funds from the Community Foundation and others to meet the urgent needs of our seniors," said Arnowitz.
The nine Dignity in Aging grants to combat senior isolation were awarded to:
Memorial Foundation, Allies Program — $90,000 to engage 500 seniors in weekly social activities, of which 100 of them will receive home visits and depression management.
Mt. Olive Development Corporation, Senior Connection — $100,000 to provide 50 seniors and 25 caregivers in social engagement activities three times per week, plus in-home visits.
Easterseals of South Florida, Expanded and Enhanced Adult Day Care — $91,672 to serve 80 older seniors with memory and cognitive impairment on Saturday’s during Adult Day Care and provide respite for caregivers.
South Florida Institute on Aging, SoFIACARE Caregiver Assistance Program — $85,000 to serve 130 new clients with support, referrals to resources, and provide respite for caregivers to bring total to 250 clients served.
Daniel Cantor Senior Center, Connected to Friends and Activities — $78,776 to engage a total of 155 seniors, of which 35 will be new participants at the Center, in daily social activities and informal case management.
Slow Burn Theatre, Elder Arts — $25,000 to provide musical performances at the Broward Center for 200 seniors age 80+ and interactive/virtual experiences.
Museum of Discovery and Science, Movies, Music & More @MODS –$20,000 to provide 40 seniors with transportation to monthly interactive experiences and lunch at MODS.
Canine Assisted Therapy, Pet Therapy for Seniors — $25,000 to provide pet-therapy for 30,000 isolated seniors living at assisted living facilities or participating in center-based day programs.
As referenced above, Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County, Active@Home — $91,280 to give 100 seniors in-home access to technology that connects them to family and interactive online activities.
Some of the programs listed above can easily move forward without in-person gatherings, while others are adjusting their original strategies in order to tackle elder isolation through different means.
The Community Foundation of Broward, Jewish Federation of Broward County, United Way of Broward County, and The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation help address issues identified in the groundbreaking 2018 Broward aging study, "The Silver Tsunami: Is Broward Ready?" The study was jointly commissioned and funded by the Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation and United Way.
The Silver Tsunami study addressed holes in the safety net for Broward seniors, affordability issues resulting from limited finances, and perception issues of the larger community toward seniors. It noted that Broward has Florida’s fastest growing population of people over 85.
Since the study was published in June, 2018, it has been used as a reference tool by Broward judges, elder law attorneys and other leaders. A coalition of nonprofit organizations is now collaborating on programs to address the issues. Multiple media outlets have also drawn on details of the study as part of in-depth reporting on the subject.
For more information about the Dignity in Aging grants, please contact Angelica Rosas, Grants Manager at the Community Foundation, at arosas@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
About Community Foundation of Broward:
Founded in 1984, Community Foundation of Broward (CFB) helps families, individuals, and corporations create personalized charitable Funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 473 charitable Funds represent more than $212 million in assets, distributing $119 million in grants over the past 35 years. CFB provides bold leadership on community solutions and fosters philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter – which empowers visionaries, innovators and doers to create the change they want to see in the community – and BE BOLD. www.cfbroward.org.
About the Jewish Federation of Broward County
The purpose of the Jewish Federation of Broward County (JFBC) is to “enrich Jewish lives everywhere.” JFBC’s mission is to “inspire philanthropy to invest in Jewish life in Broward County, Israel and around the world by connecting people and igniting passion.” JFBC fosters vibrancy in Jewish identify, living and learning through collaboration, innovation, sustainability and welcoming different expressions of Jewish life. JFBC is proud to support the programs that embrace those with special needs, foster Jewish identity, support Israel and overseas Jewish communities and care for the elderly and those who are most vulnerable. www.jewishbroward.org
About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for 80 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.
About The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation
The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation was created in 1997 by the late Fred DeLuca, cofounder of the global SUBWAY® restaurant chain, to support charitable programs that empower people to lead healthy and productive lives. Since its inception, the foundation has provided educational scholarship opportunities and grants to community-based organizations in the state of Connecticut. Today, the Foundation’s impact has broadened to support artistic experiences, health awareness, and career development programs that help youth and families achieve independence and self-sustainability. The Foundation operates in South Florida. For more information, visit www.freddelucafoundation.org/.
