12 | MAY 2 • 2024 
J
N

“YOU ARE ANGELS 
ON WHEELS.”

continued from page 10

A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
For Susan Gertner, the execu-
tive director of NCJW|MI, this 
anniversary celebration has 
a particular significance and 
provides a full circle moment 
for her career. Gertner’s first 
professional job after grad-
uating from Michigan State 
University with a bachelor’s 
degree in social work, was 
with Jewish Family Service, 
working as a Meals on Wheels 
caseworker from 1980 to 1984, 
assessing the needs of older 
adults. 
It was there that she encoun-
tered NCJW|MI volunteers for 
the first time. “I saw their pas-
sion and dedication to ensur-
ing that vulnerable seniors 
had a hot meal every day, 
and it really impressed me,
” 
she explains. “I became very 
familiar with the organization 
and heard about the important 
volunteer projects it developed 
for the community.
” 
Now these projects range 
from community impact 
efforts, such as the Back 2 

School Store, which provides 
free clothing and school sup-
plies to 900 Detroit children 
in need annually, literacy 
outreach, and fleece blankets 
for children in foster care or 
hospitals. The organization is 
also at the forefront of voter 
advocacy, women’s reproduc-
tive rights, gun safety and envi-
ronmental pollution, holding 
programs and educational ini-
tiatives to promote these issues.
President of NCJW|MI 
Sallyjo Levine describes the 
efforts of the Meals on Wheels 
volunteers as phenomenal. 
“They come back year after 
year and get such pleasure 
from being able to perform 
this community service to help 
our aging community. It’s an 
amazing undertaking,
” she 
says. “They pack and deliver 
and have a small, but very 
important, relationship with 
the people they serve.
” 
A former regular volunteer, 
Levine is now an emergency 
helper, jumping into action 
when an urgent need arises; 
she plans to volunteer again 
once her term as president is 
over this year. “One of the 
best things we can do as a 
community is honor our 
seniors with a hot meal 
and a smiling face,
” she 
adds. 

Reservations for the Kosher 

Meals on Wheels 50 Year 

Anniversary Celebration 

should be made by May 14. 

For tickets, go to ncjwmi.org 

or call (248) 355-3300, ext. 0. 

Sponsorship levels are still available.

Shalom Shomar of Epic Kosher Catering with Kosher Meals on 
Wheels coordinator Linda Greenfield.

OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

Who to call 
when you 
don’t know 
who to call.

During challenging times, the Detroit Jewish 

community is here to help. Managed by 

Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jhelp is staffed by 

knowledgeable professionals ready to guide 

you to the Jewish Detroit resources you need.

Older Adult Services • Transportation 

Caregiving • And So Much More

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund 
 and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

You can also chat 
with us online at 
Jhelp.org.

It’s FREE. It’s confidential. 
It’s here for you. 

Call 1-248-592-2650

