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HAGOPIAN

The Original Since 1939

CLEANING SERVICES

"Everyone did everything with a smile
and a soft touch',' Kaluzny said.
Agitation and impatience were nowhere.
Said Kaluzny: "The JAS and JHAS staffs
did everything the way they always do —
in a manner that preserved the resident's
dignity and honored the sensitive needs
and feelings of those they serve'
JAS, JHAS, Jewish Family Service and
other human service agencies as well as
Federation, Jewish Detroit's umbrella plan-
ner and fundraiser, face a monumental
task. Reconstruction could take up to a
year. Damage totals millions of dollars.
The big hearts of many local busi-
nesses, organizations and schools that
have stepped up will play big parts in the
rebuilding.

Personal Moments
The fire scene generated trying times.
Rabbi Hornsten was on her way to
work out when she heard about the fire on
the radio. She quickly
headed to Hechtman.
She recounted how
residents worried about
pets that had been
left behind and about
their purses, papers,
medicines and other
personal belongings:
Rabbi
"Many residents were
Hornsten
in night clothes. Some
had robes. A few had slippers."
In a chilling reminder of what the fury
of fire, Hornsten noted: "Several only had
one sho'
Each rescued senior had a story.
Ironically, they made
the caregivers feel
special.
Rabbi Kaluzny
was overwhelmed by
the appreciation of a
woman who had made
it down a firefighter's
Rabbi Kaluzny ladder."She said I made
her day',' Kaluzny said.
"I was simply overwhelmed. I could smell
the smoke from her robe. She could have
been angry but she was not"
Kaluzny, who knows all about solace as
a hospice chaplain, was warmed by know-
ing she mattered in the lives of the fire
victims. "From the moment I left Meer,"
she said, "I have not been able to let go
of that feeling of connection, sacred and
steadfast, with these wonderful seniors of
our communits/'
The rescued seniors fueled the collected
nature of the fire's aftermath. Those inter-
viewed by the news media retold this hor-
rific episode in their lives with calmness
and sprinkles of humor.
That shouldn't be lost on us.

Looking Ahead
Many seniors are living longer, healthier
lives. Others don't have the same zip yet
still contribute to the vigor of the commu-
nity. But all require steady immersion in
Jewish experiences, tradition and learning
to continue to be examples for our young-
est generations. Hence the great need for
Jewish complexes like Hechtman.
We must revere our seniors. They nour-
ish the community with their years of
know-how, insight and love. Their hard
work and devotion have given many of us
the golden opportunities that we enjoy.
I applaud the Jewish Fund board for
seeking to help prevent frailty or at least
prolong good health. The Fund was
created via a collaboration involving
Federation, the boards of Sinai Hospital
and the Sinai Health Care Foundation, and
other local leaders. It was born with pro-
ceeds from the sale of Sinai Hospital to the
Detroit Medical Center in 1997.
Former Federation president Robert
Naftaly chairs the Fund as well as the
Federation task force looking at serving
the housing, mobility, medical and social
needs of our seniors. He gives the Fund
and Federation a pivotal liaison.
Almost 40 percent of our 30,000 house-
holds have adults 65 or older. The ideal
result of Naftaly's task force would be a
21st-century model for meeting the needs
of older adults, one of our most vulnerable
groups.
There is much to do to help the burned-
out Hechtman II residents, beginning with
their personal needs. Donations started
to flow instantly. The concern isn't just a
Jewish thing; there has been an outpour-
ing from the secular community. Fire
knows no religious bounds.

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A New Model
With Federation's announcement that
older adult services will be restructured
and intensified, JAS and JHAS will become
part of a new paradigm for such services.
New opportunities will be a highly antici-
pated result of this new communal vision
and direction.
Whatever form it takes, our new
"Eldercare Centre" will be integral to
Jewish Detroit. Rabbi Hornsten punctuat-
ed that. Caregivers at the fire gave physical,
emotional and spiritual care, but also were
there, she said, "to let the seniors know
that we care and that we will continue to
be there in the difficult weeks and months
ahead:'
Rabbi Kaluzny mused about wanting
to be pivotal in that lengthy relief process
— "not only to help, but also to feel the
special connection once again."
As a Jewish community, we've never let
each other down ... and never will. ❑

To register for a FREE CR., sen7inar for RNs
prior more information on career opportunities.
log on to henryfordcareers.corn

_ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

JOB FORUM

Saturday, April 26

Great opportunities

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Westin Southfield

• FREE CEU seminars for RNs

1500 Town Center
Southfield, MI 48075
(248) 827-4000

• Representatives from all
Henry Ford Health System locations

• Prize drawings

• On-site interviews

• Complimentary refreshments

FREE PARKING located in the
structure next to the hotel

Sy;ieni is an AITEO mpir r).

AprH 17 42008

A9

