Jewish Senior Network Provides Vital Assistance

• “JSN solved my problem of being able to remain living in my house.” 
• “Just knowing help was available gave us some peace of mind.  We were feeling desperate.”
• “Having little or no family or other support, JSN has been of great assistance and general support.”

These are just a few comments from seniors in the Kansas City Jewish community who have been helped by Jewish Senior Network (JSN), a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.  JSN helps senior citizens and disabled adults who are seeking information about available services.  It is also a one-stop resource for caregivers of aging parents who are experiencing increased difficulties.

Established by the Jewish Federation in 2001, JSN provides four distinct services to Jewish seniors and disabled adults:

• information and referral
• no-cost needs assessment
• no-cost case management
• financial subsidies for qualified seniors and disabled adults

To provide information and referral, JSN operates a hotline at 913.327.4677.  The hotline helps seniors and their caretakers connect with services such as home care, support groups, activities, facilities, and transportation.

JSN contracts with Jewish Family Services (JFS) to provide no-cost needs assessments and case management to Jewish seniors and disabled adults.  A comprehensive survey evaluates a client’s socialization, recreation, physical/mental health, spirituality, and housing situation.  The JSN case manager will provide recommendations based on the assessment. 

Individuals who have completed a JSN needs assessment can also apply for subsidy to help pay for goods and services.  JSN case managers determine subsidy eligibility, which is based on a standardized means test and a sliding scale.  Approved goods and services include prescriptions, home care services, durable medical equipment, and emergency response buttons.

JSN is funded by grants from Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Heritage Foundation, Menorah Legacy Foundation, and Menorah Women’s Foundation.  Administrative costs of the program are funded through the Jewish Federation’s annual allocation process and the Abe & Anna Bograd Memorial Trust.

For more information, contact the JSN Coordinator, Christine Jamerson, at 913.327.4677 or christinej@jewishkc.org.