ADULT PROGRAMS WHAT’S NEW New Visual Arts Program Coordinator, Carolyn Catlos joined the J, and for the first time in many years we are now offering art classes for children and teens with 123 students participating this past year, an increase of 25% from last year. J Ride, a service for seniors and adults with disabilities who need rides for medical appointments, grocery store and personal care, launched in May 2015 and funded in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Rose and Harry Getz Fund. Over 1,350 rides have been provided to more than 80 different clients since May 2015.
WHAT’S IMPROVED More community arts programs are now offered during weekday afternoons including Opera to Go, Concerts with Cantors, Jewish films and cultural dance.
WHAT ELSE In 2015, the Adult 60 Plus lunch program served 607 more meals than during the previous year thanks to new menu items, Laykie Donin's catering and the programs after the meal.
J MEALS
RSVP, SENIOR COMPANIONS & FOSTER GRANDPARENTS
WHAT’S NEW
WHAT’S NEW
A new delivery truck, donated by the Pauline Stern Wolff Memorial Foundation, allowed an immediate 8% volume increase in meal service this spring.
Foster Grandparents Program director, Sarah Classen-Calvillo, was hired to continue stewarding the successful program.
WHAT’S IMPROVED
WHAT’S IMPROVED
733 food-insecure home-bound elderly clients received over 119,000 Meals on Wheels from over 170 J Meals volunteers, along with smiles and much needed human contact. This is an increase of 5% over last year.
Fourteen Jewish clients received supportive services through the Senior Companions program in collaboration with Jewish Family Service funded by a Houston Jewish Federation Grant. Due to the respite care the volunteers provided, family caregivers did not need to quit their jobs to take care of their relatives.
WHAT ELSE
WHAT ELSE
J Meals’ latest strategic plan was ratified by the Board in Fall 2015, determining a need to increase meal deliveries by 25% over the next three years and reduce waitlist time for clients.
739 RSVP volunteers provided 77,224 hours of service at 75 non-profit and public organizations throughout 18 counties in support of early childhood education, senior independent living programs, and disaster services. 5