Natalie Tunney, Director of Senior Adult Outreach Services
Natalie currently serves as the agency’s first full-time Director of Senior Adult Outreach Services. Natalie originally joined Jewish Family Services in 2009 as Front Desk Administrator. With a strong background in development for non-profit agencies, she quickly advanced to Senior Outreach Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. Natalie was promoted to her current position where she has been able to dedicate her time to providing increased enrichment and connection to the many Jewish senior adults living in the greater Charlotte area, South Carolina and other neighboring counties.
Due to the lack of a central Jewish senior living facility, many of our senior adults are dispersed geographically. The majority of this group has had very little opportunity for interaction with their Jewish peers. For many of these Jewish seniors, Natalie and the JFS volunteers are their only connection to the Jewish community.
In addition to outreach to the seniors, Natalie is available to provide family members and caregivers with support, information and knowledgeable direction for those planning care options for senior family members. Senior adults involved with the JFS Senior Adult Outreach Program receive a variety of Jewish experiences including Jewish holiday celebrations, Shabbat and holiday services, enrichment/educational programs, and friendly visits from volunteers of all ages.
Natalie’s favorite part of her job is visiting with older adults, because she gets to learn from them, keep them company brighten their day and help them get results for their issues. She enjoys being able to provide a vital connection to the Jewish population, thereby enhancing the lives of our Jewish senior adults and providing them with a greater sense of community and Jewish identity.
“I feel like I can truly give back to others while working at Jewish Family Services. I make an impact and a difference every day.”
Natalie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Keene State College in New Hampshire, and is completing coursework toward a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at Appalachian State University. She also holds a Certificate in Aging Studies and an Associate’s Degree in substance abuse counseling.
Natalie currently serves on her HOA Board, is a volunteer usher at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, a Life member of Hadassah and a member of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Aging Coalition. Prior to joining JFS, she managed group homes for chronically mentally ill adults, was a professional fundraiser for national and international nonprofit organizations, managed direct mail fundraising appeals for American Cancer Society, and served on the team of fundraisers for the Temple Beth El capital campaign.
For information on senior adult programs and services, please contact Jewish Family Services at 704-364-6594.
