THE JEWISH NEWS SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS SERVING DETROIT'S JEWISH COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP THE sleepwalkers JANUARY 10, 1992 / 5 SHEVAT 5752 $400,000 Grant Helps JPM Drive NOAM M.M. NEUSNER Staff Writer p lans to improve Oak Park's Jewish Corn- munity Center were aided this past week when the Kresge Foundation ap- proved a $400,000 challenge grant for the renovation of the facility. The grant requires that the remaining funds be rais- ed for the construction of a new pool, health clubs and activity rooms. With the grant, $2.35 million of the needed $3.5 million has been raised. The project at the Jimmy Prentis Morris (JPM) JCC is a crucial part of a Jewish community effort to strengthen agencies in Oak Park and Southfield. "It's a plus for the whole neighborhood," said Hugh Greenberg, chairman of the capital and endowment campaign for JPM's expan- sion. "It's a vibrant and viable area and we're just going to keep it going." The Kresge Foundation gave almost $63 million last year to 174 charitable organ- izations throughout the nation. All of its grants go toward construction and renovation of needy facilities, or for the purchase of major equipment or prop- erty. The foundation's grant to the project was crucial, not only because of its size, but because it might generate more funds at a time when giving has slowed, said Robert Aronson, executive vice president of the Jewish Federation. The grant also is Kresge Foundation's single largest financial gift to Federa- tion. 0 JFS 'Secret' Apts. Seeking Tenants AMY J. MEHLER Staff Writer S Detroit's Jews and blacks don't share the same dreams. Sometimes, it seems they don't share the world. Page 22 ol Capitol, 80, used to have a a room in an adult foster home in Homer, Mich. "I had a bed and TV," said Mr. Capitol, who's paralyz- ed. "I shared a toilet with three men and a woman. Three times a week I'd get the same dinner — a plate of macaroni and cheese. Occa- sionally, someone made a bowl of Campbell's tomato soup." Jewish Family Service offered Mr. Capitol a diff- erent alternative — Group Apartments for the Elderly. "I'm starting to live again," said Mr. Capitol, born in Chicago. "I would have died had I'd stayed there." JFS currently maintains seven apartments at North Park Place apartments in Southfield. Eighteen residents moved this summer from nearby Carlyle Tower. The program has room for three more. "It's one of JFS's best kept secrets," said Jan Bayer, co- manager of the apartments. "We want everyone to know about it." Mr. Capitol lives with Abe Mondry, 65, in a furnished, three-bedroom apartment. They're looking for another roommate — "Someone who'd put up with us," Mr. Capitol said. When the residents aren't in their apartments, JFS staff provide social and recreational activities, holi- day and birthday celebra- tions, current events discus- sions, exercise programs and individual and group counseling. Last week, everybody ex- ercised with Sylvia Ravin, a fitness instructor, ate lunch at the Pickle Barrel and made crafts. Zoya Umansky, the men's geriatric care worker, shops, prepares the men elaborate lunches and dinners and maintains the apartment. "I'll make whatever they want to eat," said Mrs. Umansky, originally from Odessa. "I'm their family and friend." Continued on Page 20