Phoenix Holocaust Survivors’ Association, Jewish Family & Children’s Service Aleinu, and Generations After-Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Greater Phoenix are launching Care Across Generations, which will train volunteers to help and honor Holocaust survivors.
Many survivors, either living alone or declining in their abilities, may benefit from assistance provided by volunteers. Care Across Generations will provide friendly visits, phone reassurance, transportation to medical appointments and shopping, assistance with paperwork, life history documentation, assistance with using a computer technology, and minor home repairs.
In partnership with community organizations (Duet, Benevilla, Smile on Seniors, and Hospice of the Valley), the program will recruit and train interested Jewish community members to provide this assistance in a manner that is mindful and sensitive to the experiences and needs of Holocaust survivors.
One powerful aspect of this program is that descendants of survivors – the second and third generations – are specifically being sought to serve as volunteers. Descendants of Holocaust survivors often feel a strong desire to give back, in part to honor the struggles and survival of their own parents and grandparents. Additionally, many survivors feel a special comfort and safety with the children and grandchildren of other survivors. Organizers hope to have the program operational this winter.
Potential volunteers are asked to register for the required volunteer training at 7 pm, Jan. 15. “Assisting Holocaust Survivors: Unique Needs and Opportunities” will be the theme of the training program. Training will be provided by Janice Friebaum, MS, MA, chair of Generations After – Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Greater Phoenix. A light dessert reception is included in the free program.
For location, RSVP at JFCSAZ.org.
