Holocaust Survivors

We are dedicated to providing assistance to Holocaust survivors throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley region. All services offered are sensitively delivered by professionals who have been trained in using a Person Centered, Trauma Informed method. We offer supports through the following programs:

Expression through the Arts

• This program gives an opportunity to survivors and their caregivers to express their voice.
• With the guidance of a Creative Arts Facilitator, survivors create their unique pieces of art that share a part of their story. The artistic techniques used are all easily accessible.
• In partnership with SageArts, songwriters visit survivors. During a period of about ten visits, relationships unfold. Stories are shared and social isolation dissolves. The songwriter works with the survivor to create a song based on their conversations.
• “Honoring Holocaust Survivors: A Concert of Resilience and Hope,” combining both a concert and art exhibit, will take place in the spring of 2021. This culminating event will be held in the community at a location to be determined. The concert will be free and open to the public.

Holistic Self-Care

• Trained professionals visit survivors and their caregivers in their homes. Simple, attainable techniques are taught and practiced. Examples of these techniques include breathing methods, progressive relaxation, yoga, mindfulness practice, and sound healing.
• With the help of their practitioners, survivors learn skills that help to reduce the physical manifestations of trauma and stress. Once techniques are learned, the survivors and caregivers can perform them on their own.

Holistic Nutrition Counseling

• A Culinary Nutrition Counselor meets with Holocaust survivors and their caregivers. She offers an in depth assessment. During this initial visit the counselor will focus on learning dietary preferences, medical needs, and the survivor’s budget.
• As an outcome of this assessment, a personalized menu is developed by the survivor and the counselor. Three cooking sessions will follow, occurring in the survivor’s home. The survivor and their caregiver will learn how to make delicious, simple, healthy meals that fulfills all of their needs.
• The Culinary Nutrition Counselor will create a customized set of recipes to leave with the survivor.

Resource Manual

• A resource manual will be available for professionals in the field to use in helping caregivers and Holocaust survivors access services.
• Along with listing resources, the manual focuses on information about putting the Person-Centered Trauma-Informed (PCTI) model into action.

Case Management

• JFS Orange offers case management as an opportunity to enable more support systems for older adults in their homes. Click here for more information about available services.

We are grateful for the support that we receive from our funders. They include: Jewish Federations of North America, the Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care, Jewish Family Service of Rockland County and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County.