rogram for Holocaust Survivors and Families Summer/Fall 2004 Inside this issue Opening Windows 1 for Widows Opening Windows for Widows Program Services of Program for Holocaust Survivors and 1 Families The Jewish Women's Foundation Grant Opening Windows for Widows, funded for a second year with a grant from the Jewish Women's Foundation, helps widowed Holocaust survivors cope with their losses through the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families. The goals and objectives of the program are aimed at help- ing aging widowed Holocaust survivors who are experiencing great emotional loss due to the recent death of their spouse, gain sup- port and understanding from other survivor widows who have been through similar dev- astating experiences. The goal is to help reduce their feelings of isolation and loneli- ness and to support them as they continue with their lives. Survivors who are widowed meet in facili- tated support groups both at the JCC in Oak Park and at Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza in West Bloomfield. The support groups focus on the special difficulties of widowhood when one has suffered devastating losses of their families earlier in their lives. This group setting is an essential tool helping survivors realize that they are not alone in their strug- gles with depression and loneliness. Veteran widowed survivors provide a sense of caring and comfort as they reach out to the newly widowed, taking them under their wings and helping them cope with life's changes. Many of the widows enjoy the friendships they have recently formed as a result of the support received in the Windows for Widows Program. Later, many attend Cafe Europa and are able to enjoy the Yiddish music and cama- raderie this unique social support event pro- vides. They report feeling less isolated, lonely and depressed. (Biographical information is a composite of several survivors, for purposes of confidentiality.) Mrs. A. is a concentration camp survivor who lost her entire family in the Holocaust. Six months ago, due to a stroke, she lost her husband. Several years prior, Mrs. A. and her husband lost their only child, a daughter, in an automobile accident. Since her husband's death, she has found it difficult to continue with normal day-to-day activities. She felt overwhelmingly depressed, alone, and that life was no longer worth living. Mrs. A. was referred to Dr. Silow who suggested that she attend an Opening Windows for Widows support group meeting. As she began to discuss her situation, other group members warmly welcomed her. Befriended by other widowed survivors, they insisted that she join them and have lunch at the JCC, and later to see some Jewish films together and attend Cafe Europa. These caring widows under- stood her loneliness and sorrow. A Note from Joel Dorfman 2 A Note from Dr. Silow 2 Community Resources 2 Jewish Family Services 2 Happenings at Program for Holocaust Survivors 3 and Families Mrs. A. has grown and exhibits strengths that others have helped nurture in her. She is not only an active participant in all of the activities offered through the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families, she has become a leader as well. Although her life is still difficult, she welcomes other widows into the group and encourages them to keep going. She has created her own identity in a com- munity that cares for her, as she cares for them. Donations and Contributions 3 Portraits of Honor Online Contributions 4 Contribution Form 4 Services of the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families The Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families is a dynamic multi-faceted program developed to provide psychosocial and emotional support to Jewish Holocaust survivors and their families. Activities and supports are provided at no cost to the survivor or their family. Facilitated Support Groups Facilitated Support Groups are at the heart of the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families. The support group meetings, as well as individual and family counseling, address and support the psy- chosocial and emotional needs of survivors using both traditional and non-traditional methods. For Holocaust survivors, aging presents an enor- mous challenge. Although they have survived Hitler and the Nazis, many survivors now struggle with the anxiety and problems of aging, isolation, stress and frightening turmoil in the world around them. Small support groups provide a safe and environ- ment for survivors to share their fears, concerns and memories. Facilitated by Dr. Silow, himself a child of Holocaust survivors and fluent in Yiddish, group sessions meet every Monday morning from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. twice per month at the Jewish Community Center in Oak Park, and from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza in West Bloomfield. Café Europa This upbeat café provides a festive, freilich, Jewish atmosphere where survivors come together monthly at the Jewish Community Center in Oak Park, to listen to Jewish and Yiddish music, have a nosh, sing and even dance. It is a place where survivors can forget their wor- ries, troubles and concerns and relax with friends. Jewish Videos/Films The Jewish Videos/Films program provides an opportu- nity for Holocaust survivors to view rarely shown Jewish & Yiddish films. It affords survivors the oppor- tunity to reminisce with each other about life before the war, their Jewish life and heritage. Movies are shown in five locations each month: Fleischman Residence- Blumberg Plaza and Hechtman Apartments in West Bloomfield; the Jewish Community Center, Prentis and Teitel Apartments in Oak Park. Portraits of Honor: Michigan's Holocaust Survivors This exceptional traveling exhibit portrays black and white photographs with brief biographies of Michigan's Holocaust Survivors. Approximately 300 survivors have been photographed and interviewed for this ongoing project that seeks to honor the lives and histories of Michigan's Holocaust survivor community. Consultation, Liaison and Training Ongoing consultations with health-care facilities and professionals are conducted regarding the psy- chological needs of Holocaust survivors in their care. Dr. Silow is also available as a consultant when a Holocaust survivor is having difficulty adjusting to a hospital or institutional setting. Educational outreach programs are provided to help train health-care professionals regarding the unique psychological issues and needs of survivors and their families. The Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families also coordinates care and serves as a liaison to mul- tiple community agencies serving the Jewish Holocaust survivor population. For more information, contact: Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families Jewish Home & Aging Services Charles Silow, Ph.D. - Program Director Sharon Levine - Program Coordinator 6710 West Maple Road West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-661-2999 ext. 299 csilow@jhas.org slevine@jhas.org www.j has. orWHolocaust