3940 Montclair Road Suite 205 Birmingham, AL 35213
www.cjfsbham.org We serve all ages, with a special emphasis on older adults.
Collat Jewish Family Services’ comprehensive range of services is designed to help clients live independently and safely, often in their own homes, for as long as possible. For more than 25 years, CJSF has been a United Way agency, serving people of all religions, income levels and races. Our seasoned and professional staff creates a nurturing environment to assist with issues large and small, short-term and chronic, with a focus on preserving the respect and dignity of each person.
Operating as usual
Mark your calendar for 3 pm next Tuesday, Dec. 6, for an Elder Fraud Seminar at the Jewish Community Center. Sponsored by CJFS. Birmingham Jewish Federation and Secure Community Network, this event will highlight the latest fraud trends and provide guidance in protecting yourself and loved ones. The seminar is free, but registration is required. RSVP here: https://bjf.org/event/elder-fraud-seminar/
This , help CJFS provide companionship, support, and mental health care to those in our community who need it the most- especially during this holiday season.
Support our Friends Campaign today and help make a difference in your community! Link to give: https://cjfsbham.org/giving/
Each month we rely on two sets of volunteers for our Senior Grocery Delivery program, a partnership with Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Before our volunteer drivers can deliver healthfull groceries to about 45 low-income older adults in our area, the group shown here has to receive and pack more than 1,300 pounds of food. Thank you ALL!
Happy Thanksgiving from CJFS! Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday.
Families often want to be together over the holidays, but if you are considering traveling with a loved one who has dementia, it’s important to be realistic about the challenges and limitations you may face. Here is some helpful guidance from Pam Smitherman Leonard, director of our CARES respite program.
https://cjfsbham.org/traveling-with-dementia/
It's Time to Order Your Mah Jongg Cards for 2023! $5 from every card you purchase through our local collectors, Heidi Damsky & Esther Schuster, will be donated directly to CJFS. Last year, your purchases generated over $1,200 for CJFS programs & services. FIND THE ORDER FORM HERE:https://cjfsbham.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Mahjongg-Order-Form-2023.pdf
As our parents age, we may feel the need to share our concerns about their health, safety and mobility. In this Counselor's Corner column, Amy Warren Neiman, LMSW, provides tips for beginning the conversation.
https://cjfsbham.org/how-to-have-hard-conversations/
Our newest CJFS Social Worker, Caleigh Rathmell Alevy, is the daughter of longtime CJFS Care Manager Lynn Weil Rathmell. Learn more here: https://cjfsbham.org/lynn-rathmell-caleigh-alevy-mother-daughter-now-cjfs-colleagues/
Join CJFS. Birmingham Jewish Federation and Secure Community Network for an Elder Fraud Seminar at 3 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Levite Jewish Community Center auditorium. Learn the latest fraud trends and how to protect yourself and loved ones. The event is free, but registration is required. RSVP here: https://bjf.org/event/elder-fraud-seminar/
We hope to see YOU tomorrow at the Senior Fit Health Fair at Railroad Park!
FREE health screenings, giveaways, door prizes & more will be available at our Senior Fit Health Fair tomorrow from 1-3 PM. Partners include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, UAB Callahan Eye, Live HealthSmart Alabama Mobile Market, United Way of Central Alabama, YMCA of Greater Birmingham, American Heart Association - Alabama, Levite JCC of Birmingham, Collat Jewish Family Services, & more!
Julie Cohen and Jewish Fertility Foundation-Birmingham have touched so many lives, we cannot believe it has only been ONE year since this program became part of our community! Come celebrate this anniversary with us on Nov. 3! RSVP here: www.jewishfertilityfoundation.org/celebrateBHM
A conversation you don’t want to miss! CJFS and Red Mountain Theatre are hosting a conversation with sports writer Ivan Maisel on Sunday, Oct. 23rd at 4pm! Join us for a fireside chat with Ivan and Dr. Josh Klapow on loss, su***de, and our different paths to acceptance through grief, followed by a signing and reception underwritten by the Birmingham Jewish Foundation. RSVP here: https://redmountaintheatre.secure.force.com/ticket/#/instances/a0F5b00000iQa5SEAS
In this month's CJFS Connections newsletter, we met Blanche Taylor and her daughter, Maria Whiting. Mrs. Taylor participates in the CJFS Personal Care program. which provides services that help older adults with limited incomes continue living independently. ""It gives me a break, and it’s affordable for us," Maria said, adding that weekly visits with Tasha Womack, her CJFS Personal Care Attendant, provide a mental health boost for Mrs. Taylor. Read the article here! https://cjfsbham.org/reducing-caregiver-stress/
What would we do without our wonderful volunteers? Thank you, Dale Marcus, Shari J. Peters Friedman and David Reese!
Sometimes, what looks like misbehavior in a child can actually be a sign of anxiety. In this month's Counselor's Corner, Jennifer Bradley, LPC, provides tips for knowing the difference.
by Jennifer Bradley, LPC As a therapist for 25 years, I have had the privilege to work with adults and children of all ages, and I have been seen some changes in our children’s mental health. This generation has a problem, and it’s anxiety. There is a cloud of anxiety that is hovering over our [...
Boy, do we have fun when Mary Horn of UAB Arts in Medicine comes to CARES! UAB Heersink School of Medicine
How will you know when it's time for your loved one to move into a care facility? In our most recent Counselor's Corner article, Pam Smitherman Leonard, director of our CARES program, provides guidance.
By Pam Leonard The decision to move a family member into a long-term care facility can be difficult. Family caregivers often feel guilty when they begin considering such a move. They may feel it is their responsibility to care for their loved one home. They may be concerned that a facility will not....
Why are these volunteers smiling? They're assembling a mailing for the annual CJFS Friends campaign, which makes it possible for us serve people of all ages, regardless of their faith or financial ability. And that really is something to smile about!
We are grateful for our partnership with Junior League Of Birmingham and their wonderful volunteers. Here, two JLB volunteers are packing food to be delivered to low-and moderate income seniors through our Senior Grocery Initiative. Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Birmingham resident Emily Bebenek, a rising junior at Wake Forest University, worked as a Hillel Connections intern this summer with the CJFS Development and Outreach team. In this article, Emily reflects on a family trip that opened her eyes to the challenges of aging and caregiving.
https://cjfsbham.org/cjfs-summer-intern-reflects-on-the-challenges-of-aging/
We love our partnership with Episcopal Place and our friends that ride with us on the Buz-A-Bus!
This LeadingAge member partnered with another local provider to replace a transportation program that had been shut down by COVID.
Meredith and Gary Weintraub know delivering groceries to low-income older adults through our Senior Grocery Initiative is fun - and so does their 4-legged mascot, Stella! Feeding Alabama Community Food Bank of Central Alabama Meredith Happ Weintraub Gary Weintraub
Skip the hassle of selling that old car, truck or boat - donate it to CJFS!
Jennifer Bradley, CJFS' new Licensed Professional Counselor, is accepting new clients. With more than 25 years' experience, Jennifer helps clients move through past challenges and negative patterns to experience transformative change. Jennifer helps adults and children manage grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and self-worth issues. Confidential counseling at CJFS is often covered by insurance. To learn more, contact Clinical Director Marcy Morgenbesser, [email protected] or 205.879.3438.
Our CARES team was proud to present St. Stephen's Episcopal Church with this work of art created by our CARES participants. We so admire the resiliency and faith of the St. Stephen's community and are grateful for our partnership with them and our many volunteers that are members of their congregation. What a beautiful project from CARES!
Yesterday, Pam Leanord and Lise Grace of Collat Jewish Family Services presented this piece of artwork made by the adults of the CARES program to Saint Stephen's. The CARES program (Caring for Adults through Respite, Enrichment and Socialization) program provides cognitive, social and physical stimulation to individuals with memory or movement disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke. The program takes place at the Chapel of St. John's in partnership with Saint Stephen's. The adults having been praying for the Saint Stephen's community and this artwork was an extension of the love and care through relationship. To learn more about CARES visit https://cjfsbham.org/our-mission/cjfs-cares-respite-program/.
Ashley McDuff Clarke is a business owner, mother and wife. She's also primary caregiver for her father, Jack, 79, who lives with dementia. Ashley says that when Jack began attending our 4-hour CARES respite program, it gave him a much-needed opportunity to laugh, socialize and play games with his peers. Through CARES' virtual Caregiver Support Group, Ashley found a community where she can offer and receive encouragement and advice. And when Jack, shown here with one of our wonderful volunteers, is at CARES, Ashley has peace of mind; she knows her father is happy, engaged and well cared-for. "CARES has been an absolute gift," Ashley says. To learn more about CARES, contact Program Director Pam Leonard, [email protected] or 205.960.3411. Earthkeeper Yoga
Why are these people smiling? They're volunteers packing bags for our Senior Grocery Initiative, a partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama that delivers to more than 40 low-income older adults each month! David Ovson Sheri Krell United Way of Central Alabama
In this month's Counselor's Corner, CJFS Social Worker Gail Cohen Schuster, LICSW, notes that it isn't uncommon for adults to withdraw from friends at the time they need them most - when they're facing serious health challenges. Read more here: https://cjfsbham.org/accepting-the-physical-changes-of-aging/
Physically, cognitively and socially engaging. That's CJFS CARES, our acclaimed 4-hour dementia respite program in Cahaba Heights. To learn more, contact Program Director Pam Leonard, [email protected] or 205.960.3411.
Serving older adults through the CJFS Senior Grocery Initiative is fun - sometimes you even get a hug!
Pearce Kross, our Birmingham-Southern College Hess Fellow, is spending the summer conducting in-person satisfaction surveys for the CJFS Personal Care program. And when she can, she spends time with clients like Asya, who love hanging our with her!
Bowling at our CJFS CARES dementia program is just part of the fun! To learn more, contact Program Director Pam Leonard, [email protected] or 205.960.0806.
Meet Jennifer Bradley, CJFS' new Licensed Professional Counselor! Jennifer has more than 25 years' experience as a therapist, and she has been licensed in Alabama since 2003. Her specialties include grief, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, growing self-worth, life transitions and trauma. Jennifer assists clients in moving through their past challenges and negative patterns to experience transformative change. Confidential counseling at CJFS is often covered by insurance. To learn more, contact Clinical Director Marcy Morgenbesser, 205.879.3438.
Have you spoken to your parents about what they would want if they became unable to manage their own medical and financial affairs? In this month's Counselor's Corner, CJFS Social Worker LaBrena Friend Jackson shares her own family's story.
https://cjfsbham.org/proactive-planning-brings-peace-of-mind/
It is with deep sadness that we share condolences with our partners and friends at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Our heart goes out to all who have been impacted by this tragic violence. We stand with you and support you during the difficult journey forward. May G-d’s presence offer you comfort and peace as you grieve.
Thank you WBRC FOX6 News for having us on today! We love talking about the fun we have in CARES each week and the support we provide to special caregivers like Jim!
3940 Montclair Road, Ste 205
Birmingham, AL
35213
| Monday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 4pm |
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Boy, do we have fun when Mary Horn of UAB Arts in Medicine comes to CARES! #movement UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Bowling at our CJFS CARES dementia program is just part of the fun! To learn more, contact Program Director Pam Leonard, [email protected] or 205.960.0806. #dementiacare #respitecare #bhamal
Thank you John Scalici and Get Rhythm for bringing your drums and music to CJFS CARES! CARES provides 4 hours of respite care that is fun, engaging and loving! To learn more, call Pam Leonard at 205.960.3411. @johnscalici #dementiacare #drumcircle #bhamal
CJFS CARES is back - live and in person - and it is FUN! CARES is 4 hours of cognitive, social and physical engagement for people with memory/movement disorders. To learn more, contact Program Director Pam Leonard, [email protected] or 205.960-3411.
If you didn't get to hear CJFS CARES Director Pam Smitherman Leonard and caregiver Ashley McDuff Clarke on The Morning Blend With Reg & Will last week, here's your chance! Ashley discusses the challenges of being a dementia caregiver, and Pam provides information about our amazing respite program! Many thanks to our friends Scott Register and Will Lochamy at @birminghammountainradio! #dementia #caregivers #bhamal #BHM @regscoffeehouse
Thanks to our generous supporters, Hands Up Together 2021 honoring Nancy Collat Goedecke raised more than $330,000 to provide care and support for older adults, regardless of their faith or financial ability! #generosity #bekind #kindness
Watch as CJFS pivots to meet the needs of our clients during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Watch as CJFS pivots during the COVID-19 global pandemic to meet the needs of their clients.
You asked for it and here it is!! Volume 2 of CJFS CARES Sing-Along Songs for those with dementia & Alzheimer's. CJFS CARES Assistant Program Director Elise Lapidus Grace and local singer/actor Greg Womble sing favorites from years past that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Download and print the songbook so you and your loved-one can sing along:https://cjfsbham.org/tyfoon/site/fckeditor/CARES%20songbook%20Volume%202.pdf
Suzanne Gibson Moseley's volunteer experience at CJFS CARES, working with adults affected by dementia, brought joy into her life after she lost her mother to the same disease.
Through CJFS, Margie is able to continue living independently after a stroke, Shmuel finds community on the Buz-A-Bus and Suzanne achieves healing through giving back, after her mother's death from Alzheimer's disease. Collat Jewish Family Services is a United Way of Central Alabama partner agency that provides care and support for older adults, regardless of faith or financial ability. Learn more at www.cjfsbham.org ... Video Production by John Kacker and Jason Ruha of Protagonist Digital
After a severe stroke forced her to prematurely give up her career, her home and her car, Marianne Dreyspring was determined to stay independent and engaged with the world. See how CJFS' Personal Care, Transportation and Cyber-Seniors programs help keep Marianne happy and active!
Volunteers are esssential to the daily operation and long-term success of our CARES respite program, which provides four hours/day of cognitive, physical and social stimulation for people with dementia and related disorders. Many volunteers in this program are themselves older adults, including Bobby Fierman and Alan Berman, who are featured in this wonderful video by Jason Ruha and John Kacker of Protagonist Digital!
The Birmingham Sunlights' memorable rendition of "Didn't It Rain" during Collat Jewish Family Services' 2018 "Hands Up Together" event, featuring Eric Essix & Friends. The annual event provides funding for CJFS programs that enrich life and support independence for older adults in greater Birmingham, regardless of faith or financial ability.
For Ivy Smith, a kidney transplant meant a chance to live a full life ... but it has also brought great challenges. Through CJFS, Ivy gets where she needs to go, including her doctor visits, despite having had to give up her car. Ivy's story is one of several we shared at Sunday's Hands Up Together 2018 event honoring Karen and Joel Piassick at Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at ASFA. Thanks to Jason Ruha and John Kacker and Kristi Dougherty Walker for producing this video, and many thanks to our generous sponsors and attendees. See Ivy's story here!
A disabling neurological disease has not kept Birmingham resident George Medlock from making music - or from continuing to live on his own. In this short video, George shares his inspiring story.
When Jeff and Mary Ash moved to Birmingham to seek better care for his early-onset dementia, they didn't know a lot of people. That changed when Jeff began attending CJFS CARES, a respite program that provided cognitive, social and physical stimulation for him and a break for her. Along the way, they found a community where they were accepted and supported.
When Margy Rosenbaum reached her 90s, she decided it was time to give up her car - and she worried. How would she stay connected to friends, get to the beauty parlor, avoid feeling isolated and depressed? Today, Margy doesn’t worry about any of that, because the purple CJFS Buz-A-Bus keeps her on the go!
If you've been wondering what happens at CJFS Cyber Seniors classes, check out this video. Better yet, sign up! A few spaces remain in the current class at the Friedman Center for Jewish Life on Overton Road! You'll be paired with a Samford University student who can help you learn to use your smartphone, tablet and/or laptop. ALL faiths are WELCOME and classes are FREE, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Remaining classes are at 1 pm Sept. 26; Oct 3, 17 & 24; Nov 7 & 14. To register or learn more, contact [email protected] or 205.278.7118.
Watch as one of our youngest supporters, Hampton Doobrow, shares an easy way to help CJFS care for older adults regardless of faith or financial ability: Open the Planet Fundraiser app and designate Collat Jewish Family Services as the charity you want to support. When you visit a participating local store or eatery, snap a photo of your receipt, uploaded it to Planet Fundraiser, and CJFS will get 3-12% of your purchase! Download the app to your iPhone HERE: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/planet-fundraiser/id1099327227?mt=8 Download to your Android phone HERE: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.planetfundraiser.app
We're having a GREAT time at this year's CARES Summer Concerts - a fun and friendly place for dementia patients and their loved ones to socialize. Thanks to the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Central Alabama Aging Consortium for funding this program, and thanks to Hollye Horton, Gregory Odrezin and the other talented musicians who have made these concerts a success! The July 14 concert will feature the Red Mountain Theatre Company Performing Ensemble, and on July 28 we'll hear our talented friend Nancy Hastings Hornsby! All concerts are at 1 pm at the Friedman Center for Jewish Life, 3100 Overton Rd. CARES Summer Concerts are free, but registration is required! For more information or to sign up, contact Jennifer Nemet, [email protected] or 205.879.3438. For more information about CJFS CARES, visit http://cjfsbham.org/cjfs-cares-2/
At our Hands Up Together event on May 16, CJFS raised more than $180,000 to provide care and support for older adults, regardless of faith or financial ability. We couldn't have done it without the support of our generous sponsors!
How does CJFS enrich life for older and disabled adults? For Margy, it’s the Buz-A-Bus, which helps her maintain important friendships. For George, it’s a personal care attendant who tidies up his apartment. For Jeff, it’s the CARES respite program, which provides him with cognitive, physical and social stimulation and gives his wife, Mary, a few hours for herself. We're grateful to these CJFS clients for sharing their stories. They're among hundreds in greater Birmingham who live independently, with an enriched quality of life, with help from CJFS!
We are SO grateful to our 2017 Hands Up Together event sponsors, who helped us raise more than $180,000 to serve older adults, regardless of their faith or financial ability! The event at Dorothy Jemison Day Theater - Alabama School of Fine Arts on May 16 honoring Sherri Corenblum Romanoff and David Romanoff was a huge success, and we couldn't have done it without you! Karen Allen Nancy Collat Goedecke Charlie Collat Emily Hess Levine Gail L. Bayer Annie Bayer Goldberg Brownell Travel David Roberson Cobb Hazelrig Ricki Kline Judy Kriger Marjorie Perlman Lee Ann Petty Regions Bank Steve Royal Bunny Rotenstreich Ed Meyerson Candy Meyerson Carole Marcus Pizitz James Sokol Robin Libby Bloomston Marc Bloomston Adrienne Biel Brook Barbara Royal Eleanor Rose Godfrey-Burnick Daniel Burnick Michelle Bearman-Wolnek EBSCO Industries, Inc. Ilene Engel Lisa Rosen Engel Brenda Friedman Amy Goldstein Chauvin Gary Gordon Melanie Parker Grinney Ricky Koslin Lyons J Heyman Jr Rochelle Hanan Koslin Michael Koslin Donna Kraselsky Sheri Krell Jerry Sklar Jean Marcus Sklar Roy Berger Andi Berger Brian Perlman Stuart Royal Schaeffer Eye Center
How does CJFS enrich life for older and disabled adults? For Margy Rosenbaum, it’s the Buz-A-Bus, which helps her maintain important friendships. For George Medlock, it’s a personal care attendant who visits a few hours a week to do the laundry, tidy up and change the bed. For Jeff Ash, affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, it’s the CARES respite program, which provides him with cognitive, physical and social stimulation and gives his wife, Mary, a few hours for herself. We're grateful to these CJFS clients for sharing their stories. They're among hundreds in greater Birmingham who are able to live independently, with an enriched quality of life, with help from CJFS!
Avondale Library - Birmingham Public Library
40th Street SPrescott House Child Advocacy Center
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20th Street NAAAS - Alabama Animal Adoption Society
Crescent Avenue, Homewood
Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham,
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Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmi
20th Street N
Prescott House Child Advocacy Center
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Community Action Association of Alabama
Beacon Parkway West
Fair Housing Center Of Northern Alabama
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