Holocaust Survivors Assistance

Holocaust Survivors Assistance Services are designed to help elderly survivors of the Holocaust live their remaining years safely, with dignity, and as independently as possible. Jews who resided in European countries that were subject to Nazi rule and control between 1933 and 1945 are eligible. All others affected by Nazi persecution are eligible for services as well.

The purpose of the program is to stabilize, if not to improve, the mental and/or physical status of those affected by Nazi persecution in order for them to live their remaining years in dignity and as independently as possible. Clients may make a self-referral or may be referred by family, friends and/or other social service agencies.

Counseling services are provided by licensed social workers, with weekly supervision by the Executive Director. Needs specific to Holocaust Survivors are dealt with through individual or family counseling; and family members are counseled about the specific needs of their loved ones. Once a month the program staff consults with a local Psychiatrist regarding particularly difficult cases.

Through grants received from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc., Emergency Financial Aid is distributed according to their specific guidelines, which include approval from the Holocaust Survivor Advisory Committee established for this program.

Training is provided to caregivers who through their employ come in contact with holocaust survivors. The goal of this training is to increase their knowledge of the scars that remain with survivors and to make them aware of possible stressful situations that trigger painful memories for the holocaust survivor.

The program begins with contacting individual local holocaust survivors by telephone and then a home visit is scheduled to assess and determine the client’s level of functioning. This assessment includes an in-depth evaluation of the client’s physical, emotional, and psychological need for services. It also includes an evaluation of the client’s available supportive network including family, friends, neighbors, religious affiliations, etc.

An individualized treatment plan is developed based on the persons expressed need, the completed professional assessment and the desired outcome. The plan details specific services needed, responsible parties and providers, and schedules for short and long-term goals and objectives.

After the treatment plan is in place it is monitored to assure that we are meeting the client’s goals and to revise the treatment plan as needed.

To schedule an appointment or for additional information, contact our office and a social worker will assist you or email info@jfsnepa.org.