The JCC steps up to the plate to help community during COVID-19 crisis

JCC delivers Passover meals

JCC staff member Amelia Winter poses with delivery of shelf-stable Passover meals, ready to go out to those in need. (Courtesy/Allison Cohen)Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Since the coronavirus crisis began, the Joan and Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island has stepped to the plate to ensure that Staten Islanders in need have resources and support during this difficult time.

Following the closure of JCC facilities, staff members distributed more than 5,000 frozen and shelf-stable kosher meals to seniors in need, as well as delivering meals to home-bound seniors. Meals were also distributed to the residents of Seaview Senior Housing, where the JCC operates the Social Services Office. The program is funded by the NYC Department for the Aging.

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Additionally, the JCC has distributed meals to those in need through its Kosher Food Pantry, including special holiday meals. Thanks to the help of Borough President Oddo, the JCC was able to obtain 400 additional boxes of Kosher for Passover shelf-stable meals to ensure that no one goes hungry during the holidays.

“Usually, this time of year is celebratory,” noted CEO David Sorkin. “Despite the uncertainty around us, we want to maintain the spirit of the holidays by helping those in need access food for their families. This is something we do every year, but this year, we’re providing meals on a much larger scale.”

In addition to providing meals, the JCC continues to provide social services to those in need during this crisis. JCC social services have gone completely virtual, with staff members providing health insurance navigation, mental health services, legal support resources, and other COVID-19 resources over the phone and email.

JCC staff members have also reached out to 300 seniors a day by phone, including those who attend the JCC’s three senior centers and individuals enrolled in the JCC’s Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs. In addition to food, staff began providing resources and supplies to seniors isolated in their homes.

Other community services, including ESL classes and community after school programs, have also gone virtual, with activities taking place through Zoom. The JCC has also begun to offer free classes and lectures on its social media pages to entertain and educate those stuck at home.

“Every year, the JCC serves over 6,000 Staten Islanders in crisis,” said Sorkin. “Unfortunately, this year, we expect that number to grow as more people experience loss of wages, food insecurity, and isolation. If you are in need, we are here to help. We encourage Staten Islanders experiencing hardships to reach out to us for assistance during this difficult time.”

To provide financial support for these programs, the JCC has established Families in Need, a special COVID-19 emergency fund. The money raised will support the JCC’s social service programs.

For further information on JCC social services and the Families in Need fund, kindly visit www.sijcc.org

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