BJH Foundation for Senior Services Provides Grants for Growing Jewish Population in Carolinas

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Sept. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- There is a pressing need to fund programs that enable, enrich, and engage the aging Jewish population.  According to the National Jewish Population Survey the U.S. Jewish community is rapidly aging, doubling to more than a million from 1957 to 2012. In addition, recent economic and legislative changes have resulted in cuts for many federal and state programs that serve older adults. Helping fill the funding void, the Greensboro-based BJH Foundation for Senior Services (http://www.bjhfoundation.org/)  recently awarded more than $203,230 in grants to 21 different programs focusing on improving the lives of Jewish older adults across North and South Carolina.

With an endowment in the millions, BJH Foundation has granted more than $1.4 million over the past seven years to qualifying non-profit organizations that serve Jewish older adults in the Carolinas. Grant awards of up to $25,000 each help area non-profits cover program expenses for food, mailings, supplies, educational materials, salaries for social workers, Congregational Nurse staff, and other necessary expenses.

In 2013, the BJH Foundation for Senior Services awarded 17 grants to assist organizations across North Carolina in their efforts to improve life for Jewish older adults. For a complete listing of grant recipients and information on programming, please visit www.bjhfoundation.org

In Asheville:

Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina received grants for two programs:  Senior Information and Case Management Services, and Elder Day Club Group Respite.

Asheville Jewish Community Center received a grant for its Volunteer Corps program.

In Charlotte:

Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte received support for its Family Connections program.

Sandra and Leon Levine Jewish Community Center’s Oasis Senior Enrichment Program was awarded grants for two projects: the Holistic Wellness Program and “Important Life Conversations:  “There’s No Time Like Now.”

Temple Beth-El received funds to expand its Special Programs of Interest or Concern to Elders (SPICE) program.

Temple Israel, Temple Beth-El, and Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte received a grant to collaborate on a Community Needs Study assessing the demand for a Jewish senior living facility in the Charlotte Area.  This program was partially funded by the BJH Foundation’s Jerome Madans Fund.

In Davidson:

Temple Kol Tikvah of Lake Norman was awarded a grant to initiate the “Learn Kibbitz and Nosh” program.

In Greensboro:

Jewish Family Services of Greensboro received two grants:  one to support the Congregational Nurse Program, and the other to assist the Chai Notes program.

Temple Emanuel received funds to support both its “Friendship Circle” and “A Taste of Judaism” programs.

Beth David Synagogue was awarded funding for its “Vatikim” lunch and learn programs.

In Hendersonville:

Agudas Israel Congregation received a grant to fund its Congregational Nurse Program.

In New Bern:

Temple B’nai Sholem received a grant for its “Pastoral Care and Beyond” program.

In Raleigh:

Temple Beth Or was awarded funds for its “Staying in Touch” program.

“Our board, composed of members from both North and South Carolina, is dedicated to enriching the well-being of the many seniors in our communities,” said Cheryl David, president of the BJH Foundation for Senior Services.  “We continue to receive positive feedback about the many projects we’ve supported over the years and are thankful to those who have financially supported the BJH Foundation when it was originally created, as well as those working tirelessly for us today. We know the wonderful people we serve in the Carolinas will continue to benefit from the ongoing enrichment of our efforts.”

To learn more about the 2013 programs that received grants, learn how to apply for grants, or find out how you can help, please visit www.bjhfoundation.org.

About the BJH Foundation for Senior Services:

BJH Foundation for Senior Services, founded in 2006, provides grants to organizations that enhance the lives of Jewish older adults in North and South Carolina.  Grants are awarded for activities, services, and programs for older adults in accordance with Jewish values and beliefs.  For information on donating to BJH Foundation for Senior Services, call 336-854-8400 or visit www.bjhfoundation.org.  The next grant application deadline will be April 2014.

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the state.