metro Shabbos from page 22 The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Young Israel of Oak Park on 10 Mile Road east of Greenfield. Visit the website for more information or to register. Project Origins The Shabbos Project started last year in South Africa, the brainchild of Dr. Warren Goldstein, the country's chief rabbi. After a short but intensive publicity campaign, the majority of South Africa's 75,000 Jews, in eight communities throughout the country, observed the des- ignated Sabbath together. Some attended communal Friday night dinners. Others shared meals in private homes. For many, it was their first experience of a Jewish Sabbath. The community-wide open-air Havdalah service in Johannesburg attract- ed an audience of 50,000. During the concert, stories started to pour in from people who said they'd had the most inspiring, uplifting, wonderful day, Goldstein said. The experience elec- trified the entire community, he said. This year, Goldstein has taken the proj- ect global, enlisting committees to plan similar events in Jewish communities around the world. "The beauty of the Shabbos Project is that it's for every Jew. It doesn't mat- ter what denomination you are or whether you're affiliated or not affiliated," Goldstein said. "Shabbat belongs to the entire Jewish people. This was a Jewish unity project." ❑ For more information and registration, visit www.shabbosprojectmi.com or call the local office at (248) 583-2476, ext. 26Z Funding Squeeze Jackie Headapohl I Managing Editor T —Fox Run resident Dr. Leonard Stein Living at Fox Run in Novi, Dr. Leonard Stein has time to work full-time as an optometrist and develop his eye for photography. Since dining, maintenance and 24-hour security are all handled by our expert full-time staff, Fox Run residents have more energy and opportunity to pursue their passions. Fox Run is a great place for seniors who enjoy an active lifestyle. Learn more about independent retirement living at Fox Run in Novi. Call 1-800-989-0293 today for your free brochure. Fox Run Add more Living to your Life' he Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA), which provides funding for direct-care providers such as Farmington Hills- based JARC, has announced a 6 percent funding reduction, which could mean a $400,000 hit to JARC's annual budget. The reductions stem from state and Medicaid cuts that OCCMHA absorbed last year, tapping into its financial reserves to make up the $21 million shortfall. Another cut to OCCMHA's budget was expected this year, as the Michigan Legislature was considering re-apportioning how state mental health dollars were going to be distributed, which would have meant big losses for Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties' mental health authorities. JARC, as well as Jewish organizations JVS and Kadima, knew about this looming budget cut — and have been fighting against it all year in Lansing. They were successful in lobbying Lansing not to make these changes. ,„. The Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority's JARC CEO Rick budget was not cut in this budget go-round. In fact, it got a 1 Loewenstein percent increase, according to JARC CEO Rick Loewenstein. "What bothers me most is that we went to bat for [OCCMHA] in Lansing so it wouldn't get cut, and now it is cutting us," he said. The OCCMHA claims the cuts are necessary to shore up its financial reserves. "Why are they so set on shoring up reserves?" Loewenstein said. "They still have reserves that they almost never use." Loewenstein is hoping that continued lobbying will restore the lost funds. However, in anticipation of the possible budget cuts, he said that JARC implemented changes earlier this year to make up for the budget shortfall including reducing start- ing wages, eliminating some office positions and a top-to-bottom wage cut. These changes will help; however, if budget pressures persist, "JARC would have to consider scaling back on community activities for the people we serve and some training for employees," he said. Loewenstein stressed that cutting back on activities for the people it serves would be a last resort. "JARC exists so people we serve with disabilities can be included in the community— going to the movies, to a ball game, visiting friends — all the things everyone likes to do. How can you monetize quality of life and inclusion in the community?" he asked. JARC hosted a group of Oakland County lawmakers and commissioners at its offices recently to ask them to pressure OCCMHA to rescind the budget cuts to direct care providers. "The OCCMHA can do this at any time by passing an amendment to its budget during one of its board meetings," Loewenstein said. The next OCCMHA board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at Common Ground in Pontiac. ❑ 24 October 16 • 2014