points of view Senior Living I Independent awe/Assisted Living Jewish Detroit from page 35 Independence Village of WHITE LAKE r. Forging Ahead Much has happened since then. In Scott Kaufman, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit hired a CEO who thinks strategically, sees the entire playing field and who, in the face of resistance from many of his own lay leaders, carved out a path that is helping to keep more of our young adults here and bring more back home. Concurrently, he is making Federation relevant to new generations of potential leaders and donors. In Dan Gilbert, the Jewish com- munity has a savvy businessman who understands the importance of an urban-hip Detroit as a hub for the region and as a lure for young adults. At a time when jobs-jobs-jobs are still a key reason for people to stay or relocate here, Gilbert's compa- nies now employ more than 12,000 in "Gilbertville" around Campus Martius. The spillover of Gilbert's vision has special importance to the Jewish community and its future. The folks at Young Israel of Southfield and Akiva, in a small but significant way, have been modeling behavior for the rest of the commu- nity — proactively recruiting young Orthodox families from more expen- sive parts of the country to move here because of the quality and affordabil- ity of Jewish life that we offer. The region's auto-dependent economy, and Detroit, have hit rock- bottom and are on the rebound. The challenges are still mind boggling, but the Detroit of today is a more hopeful 1111 11•P r — s • At the Village Grabbing The Reins But, we need to remember that the numbers don't lie. While there is a palpable belief that younger people are returning to the Detroit area, trends take years, even decades, to change. It will require more than keeping our young adults here or bringing them back home to reverse this decline. As Michigan puts out the welcome mat for immigration, we need our own version of a "Jewish welcome mat" to attract "immigrants" from New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and other high-cost areas. In the classic baseball movie Field of Dreams, we are told that "if you build it, they will come" to a cornfield in the middle of Iowa. We have built it in Detroit and continue to do so. But we are dealing with reality. And reality requires that we actively and aggressively recruit young families to Detroit. In the middle of 2014, we have a unique opportunity that must not be squandered. We MR. SHULDIG AND have a rebound- 11P HIS DOG DOOBIE ing region, more job opportunities, an affordable cost IT'S A CRITICAL WHAT'S A of living and an PART OF TWO "GET OUT OF unsurpassed Jewish AMERICAN GAMES JAIL FREE" infrastructure and CARD? safety net — recently enhanced with more than $35 million in gifts and grants. We need to tell it to more than ourselves. As the commu- nity's central address, . . ONE IS AND THE OTHER Federation must seize ABOARD GAME IS A FANTASY /- the opportunity to THAT'S CALLED GAME CALLED convene representa- MONOPOLY APPEASING THE tives from all parts PALESTINIANS. of the Detroit Jewish community, map out a sustainable plan, secure the necessary resources and imple- ment. If not now, when? Imagine waking up and having a full day of fun activities waiting for you. At Independence Village of White Lake, there is seldom a dull moment for our residents. Indulge in everything from our gourmet meals to our exciting social activities or just relax in our comfortable sur- roundings. We offer the best in class apartments, amenities and services. It's your life...so come live it here! • Distinctly appointed apartment homes • Monthly rent includes all utilities (except telephone and cable), gourmet dinners each evening, bi-weekly housekeeping services, transportation, scheduled activities and complimentary laundry facilities D ry Bones • On-site amenities include Internet center, library, beauty salon, billiards/game room and Chapel • For those that need it, now or in the future, a full range of health services are available on-site with 24-hour response staff Th APARTMENTS AVAILABLE CALL TODAY! • Pet Friendly Independence Village of White Lake 935 Union Lake Rd.,White Lake, MI 48386 Between Elizabeth Lake Road and Cooley Lake Road www.SeniorVillages.com 248-360-7235 ©2014 Independence Villages are managed and lovingly cared for by Senior Village Management ❑ 1914570 36 June 12 • 2014 place and an urban frontier for those from around the world seeking to start a business or help shape a new social-political order. And if urban living is not what a young family is seeking, there are still first-class com- munities like Huntington Woods to plant their roots. And, of course, our generous and unique Jewish community continues to contribute its treasure and talent to make sure we remain the most afford- able — and best — place in America to raise any kind of Jewish family.