Collaborative funding effort ensures continuity of services at kosher nutrition programs

JCC MetroWest will continue to offer kosher Nutrition programs to senior citizens 60 years and older who reside in Essex County, thanks to a challenge grant from The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey and generous financial support from Grotta Fund for Senior Care. Both responded to an e-mail alert from the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) on behalf of the JCC. This collaborative effort, together with continued funding from the Essex County Division on Aging and a grant from JCF's Iris Teen Tzedakah Project, ensures that service will continue at current levels through Dec. 31, 2007.

The JCC offers two kosher congregate nutrition sites for Essex County seniors, where there are a variety of daily group activities in addition to a nutritionally balanced kosher lunch. They are located at the Margulies Senior Center, Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, West Orange and the Irvington Senior Center, located at Jewish Community Housing Corporations Jewish Federation Towers, Irvington. Seniors from the community, regardless of income, are encouraged to attend either of these congregate sites. For low-moderate income homebound shut-in individuals, the kosher Meals on Wheels program makes a daily friendly visit to the homes or apartments of the county’s most vulnerable seniors.

“If we had been unable to raise the necessary funds, budget constraints would have forced us to cut daily meal service at our congregate nutrition sites and rendered us unable to take on any new Kosher Meals on Wheels clients. Generous funding from the Iris Teen Tzedakah Program, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, and Grotta Fund for Senior Care will allow continuity of these essential services,” said Joanne Bramnick, Nutrition Program coordinator.

No fee is charged for JCC Nutrition Programs, although a modest contribution is suggested to help enhance holiday meals and to provide special programs throughout the year. JCC MetroWest Nutrition Programs are the only kosher Congregate and Kosher Meals on Wheels programs in Essex County.

For more information on JCC MetroWest Kosher Nutrition Programs and donation opportunities, contact at (973) 530-3414.