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