I have held the position of Executive Director of Cape Jewish Seniors Association since 2003 .

Our centres are busy with groups of people enjoying themselves, interacting with one and other and being an
active part of a caring community. 1985 CJSA was inaugurated. It has proven to be a vibrant association catering for the needs of all and within a short period there were 5 Branches . Our 4 Social Workers and I actively engage with our members ensuring that the daily programmes are diverse and include weekly outings, exercise and yoga
classes, arts and crafts, musical events, Yiddish, Hebrew in house weekly and bi weekly Zoom on line Yiddish reaching seniors all over the world. An annual art exhibition is hosted and a bi- annual Seminar
which focus on healthy ageing. The weekly programme of activities is compiled and distributed by the
Director.

I am committed to ensure that all needs of our members are met. The psycho social aspect is extremely important as many of our members are completely alone in Cape Town with family members scattered all over the world. Social Workers consult with members in their homes or office when necessary.

Regular lunch and twilight suppers are enjoyed with guest speakers. Members socialize and interact of being isolated and eating alone at home. Regular Shabbat Dinners are also enjoyed at the Marais Road Shul.

We guide and assist with moving into residential care when the time comes. We regularly interact and guide family members who call from overseas with concerns. The social workers closely work with doctors in the community and the multi disciplinary team ensures the best care of our seniors. Our annual three night get away is thoroughly enjoyed as most of our members no longer travel and do not have the capacity to go away alone. Covid 19 and lock down changed the world. Staff pivoted to enable members to be held. At the start of Covid less that 10 members had ever been on zoom – by Shavout we had 145 people joining us for our daily programmes and monthly concerts . We provided weekly Shabbat meals , delivered by volunteers. Many recipients of the meals mentioned that volunteers were the only people they saw during lockdown.

This service continues today to those who do not have the capacity to source Shabbat meals for themselves. We work closely with other Jewish Welfare agencies and have recently initiated a service for home care for those who are battling to live well, but wish to age in place. Fundraisers included the making of our own kosher kiddush wine , Bobba’s home made biscuits and annual Yiddish Song Festival 13 years as well as annual 3 day immersion Yiddish Class which was attended by many people from all over the country.

The services provided and care that our members receive spearheaded by the team ensures that all members have the opportunity to age well optimally.

Vision: As our community is one that is ageing and the need to provide services and care increases, it is imperative that we ensure that the needs of our members are met in every way. We acknowledge the need for care services in the home and envisage that this service will allow people to age in place while being cared for.

Succession planning is crucial to ensure that we can build on what has been started. This model is a successful service would be welcomed throughout South Africa as currently our service is unique.