By Amanda Levine, JFS Licensed Therapist and Charlotte Rouchouze

This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million people by 2030. During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the primary goals are to reduce the stigma surrounding the disease and focus on education about the disease. There are many ways to observe Parkinson’s Awareness Month including attending a local event, volunteering, showing support on social media networks, or scheduling a visit with a neurologist.

At Shalom Park the need is responded to in several ways by both the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC) and Jewish Family Services (JFS).

In 2017, Charlotte-area residents facing a Parkinson’s diagnosis got a new tool in their fight against the disease. That involved fighting it, literally, with boxing gloves through the LJCC Rock Steady Boxing classes. It started when Shirlee Wadsworth, a Parkinson’s patient and regular at the LJCC, approached Suzanne DiOrio (head coach) with a newspaper clipping. She read about a new boxing regimen that was shown to tremendously help others with Parkinson’s and wanted Suzanne to teach her. Suzanne had never heard of it, but she agreed to take it on. What started with a kind gesture to help a member has turned into supportive community for those struggling with Parkinson’s. At the pre-COVID peak, the program had almost 60 participants. The program is led by three coaches who are certified by the Rock Steady Boxing national program in Indianapolis, Indiana. Part exercise group, part support group, the program aims to provide a truly loving and motivating community.

In 2021, the LJCC added a Friday yoga class for individuals with Parkinson’s. Instructor Aminta St. Onge says, “Our class works on breathing techniques, yoga movement/postures, balance, meditation, and creates mind/body awareness. Specific movement and practices address symptoms and help participants manage some of their symptoms. Yoga is an excellent tool to benefit the nervous system while providing a sense of confidence and calm. The class is also for caregivers.”

Additionally, in 2021, the LJCC’s Oasis Senior Enrichment Program added monthly “coffee houses” to provide support and education to those with Parkinson’s and their families. Last year, Dr. Sanjay Iyer, a well-respected neurologist in Charlotte and doctor to many of the patients in the LJCC’s programs, spoke to the group about a new, breakthrough drug therapy for Parkinson’s. Jill Lipson, director of the LJCC’s Senior and Adult Programs says, “The Levine JCC is committed to supporting the Parkinson’s community as much as possible. Thanks in great part to a grant from Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors, services for families living with Parkinson’s disease have been able to expand and flourish over the past several years.”

Caregiving for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be an emotional and challenging journey. Jewish Family Services offers a variety of support group options, including a Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group specifically for individuals caring for family members with Parkinson’s disease. JFS also offers individual counseling services and case management services for individuals that may require additional support managing their emotional health and wellbeing or may need assistance exploring available resources.

Having a strong support is essential for the wellbeing of the caregiver and the individual with Parkinson’s. Caregiver responsibilities may include helping a loved one with daily activities, making financial decisions, or managing medications and medical appointments. Unfortunately, caregiver stress is common when caring for someone with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s, especially for an extended period. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 40%-70% of caregivers are significantly stressed, and about half of these caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for clinical depression. There are several common warning signs to be aware of in order to address caregiver fatigue. Some of these include ignoring or postponing taking care of physical health needs, growing feelings of isolation, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, feelings of anger often followed by guilt, bitterness toward friends or relatives, emotional strain/distress often manifesting as varying physical symptoms, and depression, despair or feelings of hopelessness. Depression can interfere with the ability to engage in daily activities and provide the necessary care for both the caregiver or a loved one. It is critical that the caregiver continues to assess mental and emotional needs throughout the caregiving journey.

There are several ways to help manage excessive stress and combat caregiver burnout. First, it is important for caregivers to place their own physical, medical and emotional needs on par with the person with Parkinson’s. Engaging in self-care practices regularly and finding life balance is essential. Taking regular breaks from caregiving is a crucial part of this balance. These breaks are particularly important for those that provide 24-hour care. Maintaining social connections is also an integral part of the caregiver’s emotional wellbeing. It is important that caregivers have an outlet for their emotions and be honest with themselves if they are needing additional support. That support may include seeking professional help or counseling. A therapist or psychiatrist can help to identify causes of distress and provide strategies to better cope with challenging feelings and emotions.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s and there is still much unknown about the disease. Parkinson’s Awareness Month is an annual opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and support the caregivers and those individuals living with this condition. Whether you choose to attend a local event, volunteer, or make a donation to one of the many Parkinson’s organizations, there are several ways to raise awareness and take part in Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Charlotte is fortunate to have agencies like Jewish Family Services and the Levine Jewish Community Center that are dedicated to education and support not just in April, but all year long.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or is the caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s, you can share with them the following resources.

JOB TITLE: Therapist (Licensed)
PROGRAM: Counseling Center
POPULATION SERVED: Children & Adolescents, Adults, and Families
FSLA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Therapist, under the direction and supervision of the Program Manager, is responsible for the delivery and coordination of therapeutic services to clients enrolled in Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, Inc. The Therapist is responsible for all functions related to managing, supporting, and facilitating appropriate services to meet the needs of clients and families.

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:

The Therapist is a full-time, exempt position.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Clinical and Case Management

• Provide individual, group, family therapy, or care coordination for clients.
• Conduct therapy assessments to determine the appropriate treatment needs of the clients and families and evaluate and assess ongoing treatment needs.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate therapy treatment planning to include formulation, reviews, and re-formulations as directed.
• Provide on-going therapy in the most appropriate setting to meet the clients needs, i.e. office, home or community setting.
• Develop and implement crisis stabilization plans.
• Conduct case management assessments to determine the financial, housing, medical, emotional, and physical needs of clients and families.
• Develop and implement short-term and long-term goals with case management clients, with the goal of long-term resolutions and self-sufficiency.
• Provide ongoing case management services to evaluate and reassess client and family progress with short and long-term goals and make modifications to these as necessary.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources and advocate for or assist the client in obtaining such services.
• Where appropriate, conduct parenting classes and provide parenting support.
• Attend appropriate community committee meetings as they relate to the needs of clientele as a part of treatment.
• Participate in on-call rotation as clinical therapist for JFS.
• Confer with Jewish clergy, and other community professionals regarding cases, as appropriate.
• Serve as a consultant regarding mental health and case management issues for members of the Jewish Community.
• Submit timely documentation and maintain accurate, complete clinical and case management documentation of all assessments, services, interventions, treatment plans, and client related activities, and prepare statistical data and reports as requested.
• Establish and maintain close working relationship with clients, families, and other community professionals.
• Maintain strict adherence to the standards and guidelines of all state and private Insurance Panels.
• Participate in and/or lead meetings with other professionals at JFS or in the community, as needed.
• Lead community outreach efforts, such as visits to schools, physicians, and community agencies, in an effort to market and grow programs and services.
• Coordinate and/or develop workshops and lecture series.
• Participate in all assigned staff and supervisory meetings as well as in service trainings and staff development activities.
• Provide Quality Assurance of clinical documentation and chart auditing for compliance purposes.
• Ensures that community resource information is kept updated and that staff is kept informed.
• Maintain compliance with professional licensing requirements, i.e. training and license renewal.
• Other duties as they relate to furthering the mission of Jewish Family Services.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• NASW Code of Ethics and Best Practices
• Public and Private resources available in the Greater Charlotte community.
• Bio-psychosocial approach to evaluating individuals and families.
• Expanded principles of psychology, social work, juvenile justice, and other social sciences.
• Mental Health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Crisis Intervention and management.
• Needs Assessment techniques and strategies.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution.
• Child welfare and adult abuse laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Insurance documentation standards and guidelines.
• Individual, Group, Couples, and Family Therapy.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS:

• Adheres to NASW Code of Ethics in all practices.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and boundaries with client/families, staff and community agencies.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct clinical and program activities.
• Use effective time management skills to complete required job duties.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate program and client goals and objectives.
• Conduct individual, family and community needs assessment; develop, implement, and evaluate related services.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective use of individual, family, and group therapeutic techniques.
• Good computer knowledge and skills. Must be able to use Microsoft Office programs and electronic health record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in a Clinical Field. Two years of verified, full-time, post-graduate accumulated MH/DD/SA experience providing direct service to the population served. NC State licensure as LCSW preferred. Other Master’s level licensed professionals may be considered based on acceptance from insurance payers.

To apply for this position, please email resume to:  info@jfscharlotte.org 

 JOB TITLE: Senior Engagement Specialist-Part Time 
PROGRAMS: All JFS Programs 
POPULATION SERVED: Older Adults 
FSLA STATUS: Non-Exempt 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Part-Time Senior Engagement Specialist is responsible for assisting with program development, case management, information and referral and outreach services to Senior Adults and their family members. The Part-Time Senior Engagement Specialist reports to the Senior Engagement Manager. 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: 

The Part-Time Senior Outreach Specialist is a non- exempt part-time position. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Individualized Senior Engagement Services, which may include 

• Provides direct services to Senior Adults through case management, on-going monitoring, visitation, community referrals, advocacy, etc. 
• Works with Senior Adults and/or families in providing case management services to address goals related to food insecurity, housing needs, lack of socialization, or assistance with securing benefits (such as Veteran’s or Medicaid). 
• Provides information, referrals, and consultation to families of Senior Adults and assists with planning needs. 
• Coordinates services with other JFS staff. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Community Outreach Services 

• Assists in the planning and implementation of programming, educational and socialization groups, and outreach efforts to senior adults in both senior residential communities and those residing in private homes. 
• Educates the community on aging issues and resources to establish JFS as the Jewish community’s resource for the aging community. 
• Represents JFS at various professional and community meetings as it relates to senior services. 
• Assists in maintaining community contacts and relationships to maximize use of community resources. 
• Assists in the Coordination and/or implementation of workshops and lecture series geared at issues facing senior adults and caregivers. 
• Coordinates community programs for Senior Adults 
• Conducts educational and cultural programs for seniors who reside in the community or group facilities, including Jewish-themed programming. 
• Collaborate with community partners in implementing Senior specific programs. 
• Co-facilitate support groups such as caregiver support groups or other senior related groups.

Admin and Strategic 

• Performs basic administrative tasks such as record keeping, charts managements, and statistics related to performance and productivity of programs and services. 
• Assist the Senior Engagement Manager to meet outcomes and benchmarks for success of senior services. 
• Collaborates and assists the Senior Engagement Manager, Director of Programs and Services, and Executive Director in assessing the needs of seniors in the community. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Ability to interact and engage with geriatric population. 
• Knowledge of issues impacting older adults and/or family members. 
• Ability to identify and access resources for Senior Adults in the greater Charlotte community. 
• Knowledge of Jewish culture and values. 
• Understands service delivery trending in the aging community. 
• Comfort level and ability to speak and present in public.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Good organizational skills. 
• Ability to plan, implement, and coordinate programs. 
• Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft word, outlook, excel, and a client data base. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the Social Services. At least two years of experience working with the Senior Adult population. 

To apply for this position, please email resume to:  info@jfscharlotte.org 

Jewish Family Services (JFS) is excited to introduce five new board members beginning terms in 2022 along with our new president, Jennifer Golynsky. Jennifer joined the JFS Board in 2016 and has been a longtime JFS supporter. “JFS provides a wide array of services to so many people. The span of offerings and numbers of people it touches is impressive. I am honored to be part of such a dynamic and engaged board and to offer my support to the talented professionals who live the organization’s mission, vision, and values by engaging, connecting, and healing our community.”

As we begin 2022, we would like to thank our outgoing president, Louis Sinkoe, for his many contributions during his two-year term. Louis served on the board from 2011 to 2013, rejoined in 2015, and has served JFS for many years in a variety of capacities prior to joining the board. “What first drew me to get involved with JFS was the food pantry. I appreciate the necessary services that JFS provides to the community. JFS has a great board; people work together to solve issues to help the Jewish community be a better place.”

A warm thank-you and best wishes to two of our outgoing board members. Jan Weiner joined the board in 2015 and served as president from 2018 to 2019. Over the past six years, she has served on the executive, finance, personnel, and board development committees. Adam Levy served on the board from 2019 to 2021 and was a major initiator for the Live, Laugh, Give event. Adam and his wife, Kim, have been the entertainment underwriter for all three years of this event. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Suzy Catenazzo, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Rachel Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Marcia Lampert, Matt Luftglass, Gene Marx, Nina Rose, Louis Sinkoe, and Steve Teich who will continue to serve on the board this year.

We appreciate all of the ongoing time and effort you give to support JFS. We are excited to welcome the following new board members:

Andrew Bernstein, a Charlotte native and lifetime member of Temple Beth El, his family’s membership spans four generations. Since 1992, he has worked with Johnson Control Fire Protection as territory suppression leader. Andrew has long been involved in the Jewish community, including teaching at Hebrew High and Temple Beth El and working at Camp Mindy.

Dan Coblenz has been a resident of Charlotte since 1965. He successfully operated a janitorial business for more than 50 years. He has volunteered with several of the agencies on campus, including the Butterfly Project, the Social Action Committee at Temple Israel, and JFS. In 1968 he married his wife, Nancy, in Temple Israel and is looking forward to celebrating his 54th wedding anniversary in 2022.

Joni Deutsch is active within the media community, currently serving as vice president of podcast marketing and audience development at Podglomerate, overseeing audio strategy for clients, including PBS and NPR stations, Stanford University, and Expedia. Joni most recently was podcast manager for WFAE where she received several awards, including The Webby Awards (called “the Internet’s Highest Honor” by The New York Times). Jennifer Koss, a social worker, has diverse experience providing community-based services to a broad range of clients. She currently serves as social action co-chair and board member for Women of Temple Israel and volunteers with the Federation’s Annual Campaign, Shalom Green, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Marvin Elementary, and in classrooms tutoring and as room parent for her daughter’s class.

Adina Loewensteiner served as co-chair of Live, Laugh, Give last year and will co-chair again at the 2022 event. She has volunteered as secretary of the Temple Israel board, board member and PTO co-president at Charlotte Jewish Preschool, and at the JFS Food Pantry. She has taught her children the importance of the food pantry by collecting donations in lieu of birthday presents and letting her kids deliver donations to JFS and help stock the pantry shelves.

Each member of the board is committed to the success of JFS’s full range of programming, counseling, and social service assistance. JFS helps those facing daily challenges, life’s transitions, new hardships, and unexpected crises. Programs provide education, engagement, counseling, food, care management, financial assistance, resources, and referrals. For more information, visit jfscharlotte.org.

BY JULIE LOFTIS JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

(JFS) is thrilled to announce the first-ever honorees for Live, Laugh, Give 2022. “This year we have the esteemed pleasure of recognizing Kevin Levine and Louis Sinkoe for their many contributions to JFS, the Jewish community, and the Greater Charlotte community,” said Howard Olshansky, JFS executive director.

Kevin and Louis, both Charlotte natives, demonstrate their strong belief in giving back and leaving the world and community a better place through their many actions and financial support in the Jewish community. Levine and Sinkoe have served our community through leadership roles with Temple Israel, The Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community, The Foundation of Shalom Park, the Hebrew Cemetery Association, the Jewish Federation, and Jewish Family Services. Sinkoe stated, “In my role as president of Jewish Family Services, I have directly seen the impact JFS’s services have on meeting the needs of our community. Kevin and I are flattered to be the first honorees of Live, Laugh, Give and look forward to inspiring others to help support JFS and the event.”

The event will feature comedian and actor Elon Gold, who has starred in FOX’s “Stacked” and NBC’s “In-Laws.” His one -hour stand-up special on Netflix, “Elon Gold: Chosen & Taken,” received wide acclaim from audiences and peers alike. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He has made 10 appearances on “The Tonight Show” and had a recurring role on the FOX hit show “Bones.” Elon was a writer/performer on ABC’s “The Dana Carvey Show” and has guest starred on “Frasier,” “The Mentalist,” and “Chappelle’s Show,” among others. He recently had stellar appearances on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” and Comedy Central’s “This Week at the Comedy Cellar.” His routines have gone viral and are shared by millions around the globe. He is also currently featured in the Hulu movie “The Binge,” and in season three of HBO’s “Crashing,” he plays his most challenging role yet … himself. Elon can next be seen opposite Larry David in a recurring role on the upcoming 11th season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

Live, Laugh, Give comedy night brings together supporters, donors, volunteers, and community members for “a night of laughter, a lifetime of healing.” It’s no coincidence that JFS chose a comedy night event to raise funds for the organization five years ago. Study after study has proven that laughter has many physical and mental health benefits. According to MayoClinic.org, short-term benefits of laughter can include stimulating many organs, activating and relieving your stress response, and soothing tension. Long term, laughter may improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and improve your mood. “At the time, we were looking to develop an event that would bring people together in a fun, entertaining atmosphere,” said Susan Meyer, development manager and co-creator of Live, Laugh, Give.

All proceeds benefit JFS’s programs and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in our community, including therapy, parenting support, financial and food assistance, domestic violence resources, senior engagement, case management, Holocaust survivor and family support services, and aging support, including home visits, housing transitions, and caregiver support groups. With expertise, compassion, and an emphasis on maintaining dignity, JFS staff are dedicated to working with clients to develop individualized plans. By uplifting, strengthening, and empowering individuals and families, JFS helps those in need when they need it the most. Save the date for our upcoming Live, Laugh, Give comedy night on Sunday, June 12, 2022 ,for “a night of laughter, a lifetime of healing.” For sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Meyer at (704) 364-6594 or Susan.Meyer@jfscharlotte. org. To learn more about Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, visit jfscharlotte.org, email info@jfscharlotte.org, or call (704) 364-6594.