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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJewish Family Service of Tidewater Presentation to City Council 05272025City of Virginia Beach CITY COUNCIL Dorothy Salomonsky Program Director Brooke Rush Development Director JFS is NOT a religious organization, though we are guided by Jewish values JFS recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary as an incorporated agency, though we have been serving people in Hampton Roads since the 1800’s 26% of the people served by JFS are Jewish 84% of the people served are not Jewish JFS serves ALL people in Hampton Roads, regardless of affiliation, race, religion, age or other factors 1,534 of them live right here in Virginia Beach Annually, JFS serves more than 2,300 people in Hampton Roads Hampton Roads Community Foundation Community Assessment Local stakeholders named the three challenges facing Tidewater Residents: Housing Transportation Nutrition insecurity JFS Programs that support people in Virginia Beach TransportationHome Delivered Meals and Food Pantry Counseling & Support Services Guardianship and Conservatorship Home Delivered Meals •7,268 Meals were delivered by volunteers last year Other funding for this service provided by Senior Services of SE VA, the United Way, donations and self pay. Food Pantry 966 visitors to the food pantry last year Open twice a week Increasing costs of food, and emptier shelves at the Food Bank, means we have to buy retail/at cost Funding for this service provided by the United Way, Food Bank, and Community Contributions. Transportation Funding for this service provided by the United Way, and self pay. Hundreds of rides are provided every year, mostly for doctor appointments Other Assistance (as available) Medicine Indigent Burial Utilities Medical Co-Pays Rent & Housing Assistance Car Repairs Additional Support Provided by the generosity of funds established for JFS’ benefit and maintained at TJF “Mental illness is clearly one of the greatest challenges facing households in Tidewater” Community Needs Assessment of the Tidewater Jewish Community Total Counseling Hours (by Year) 2566 2963.5 3555 3610 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 21-22 22-23 23-24 24-25 (projected) 399 654 792 804 21-22 22-23 23-24 24-25 (projected) Counseling Services to children have doubled over the past 3 years Other funding for this service provided by the United Way, insurance carriers and self pay. JFS’ therapists specialize in grief, loss and transition, and are certified clinical trauma professionals Other Program Affiliations: Guardianship and Conservatorship JFS began Guardianship Services in 1995 The JFS Guardianship model was adopted by the state, and was recognized as a Model Program by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. Guardianship services by JFS serve the entire Commonwealth. Guardianship Service Area What is Guardianship? Guardianship is a protective service developed to assist people aged 18 or over who are unable to care for themselves Appointed by the Court Responsible for the personal affairs of an incapacitated person Not a provider of direct services To be found incapacitated, the person has been identified as being incapable of receiving and evaluating information effectively to remain safe, even with aid. What Does Incapacitated Mean? JFS is the Guardian We are Substitute Decision Makers •Not Caregivers •Not Health Care Providers •Not Therapists •Cannot force a client to do what we want The PAM program is monitored by the Department of Aging and Rehabilitation, and is overseen by a multi-disciplinary Advisory Board. Public Guardianship Oversight and Monitoring In Virginia, Guardians are appointed by the Courts to protect incapacitated persons. Only Circuit Court judges in the state of Virginia may decide that an individual is incapacitated and affirm guardianship. State Statues Regarding Guardianship Statutes outline due process, as the incapacitated person’s rights are impacted The court order outlines individual restrictions What is Conservatorship? Definition: •A person appointed by order of the circuit court who is responsible for managing the estate and financial affairs of an incapacitated person. Purpose: •To ensure the financial well-being and protection of the incapacitated individual Guardianship is not intended to replace family and friend relationships. Friends and family are encouraged to visit &maintain contact with their loved ones, unless there are concerns related to safety or health. Maintaining Connections Thank you for Supporting JFS! Questions? Comments? Concerns?