C
A
E
I
C
H A
R
The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County AUGUST-OCTOBER 2021/AV-ELUL 5781- TISHREI-CHESHVAN 5782 VOL. 5, ISSUE 1
Call me Becki!
O
fficially, my name is Rebecca Jade Tinter and I am proud to introduce myself as the 2021 Chai Care Chair. As a retired Human Resources professional who has worked for corporations, agencies and a selfemployed consultant Becki Tinter for more than 30 Chai Care Chair years, I know how important it is to reach out and assist people when they need it. That is the goal of Chai Care and my own personal mission for the coming year. When I first needed assistance for my mother, Chai Care was there for me. I never anticipated requiring care for my mom, nor was I previously aware of Chai Care’s existence. But after having such a positive experience, I hold Chai Care in a special place in my heart. My goal is to introduce this valuable program to the people who need it and to those who may not know they need the physical, emotional or mental support Chai Care offers. Chai Care is just one of many beneficiary programs under the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Broward County umbrella, an amazing organization that safeguards educational and social service needs to perpetuate our Jewish tradition and heritage. Traditionally, we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year with synagogue services and by sharing holiday meals with family and friends. In our joy of cooking and celebrating, it is easy to forget those who are alone and in need of our support. Let us begin this year, 5782, by being mindful of those who would benefit from our outreach. n Wishing everyone a sweet and healthy New Year. Shannah Tovah!
Becki
W
CHAI LIGHTING
ith a heart of gold, Rita Messner has dedicated her life to giving back to others. Growing up in Brooklyn, her claim to fame was graduating alongside classmate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After that, she worked for several accounting firms before retiring at the age of 50 and moving to South Florida. Upon moving to South Florida, Rita became involved with the Jewish Federation of Broward County beneficiary agency, JAFCO. JAFCO’s mission is to care for abused, neglected and at-risk children and those with developmental disabilities in the Jewish community and work in partnership with families and the entire community. Rita became a JAFCO Godparent and then sponsored a Bar Mitzvah for one of the JAFCO children, who had lost his birth mother due to a drug addiction and then had lost his adoptive mother due to cancer. Rita’s compassion for helping others goes beyond measure. She has become the heart of their volunteer program, visiting JAFCO every week. She expands, “I hold the babies in the shelter, help with administrative tasks, but most importantly, I get to know the children and the staff. My life has become more fulfilling since I met Sarah Franco, the Executive Director of JAFCO. She heard I wanted to volunteer with children, and after I took a tour of the facility, I knew I found something significant for me.” JAFCO is near and dear to Rita, and spending time with the children is something she is most accustomed to. She fondly remembers spending time with a close friend whose daughter had cerebral palsy. She would help her friend while she worked and developed a strong connection with the child even though she didn’t speak. It was an influential moment in Rita’s life and one she is most proud of. Since her involvement with JAFCO, Rita has created The Rita Carole Messner Endowment
Fund in loving memory of her parents, Rose and William Messner benefitting the Ability Center Summer Camp. She adds “Summer camp is a treasured childhood memory that my parents gave me.” In addition, Rita funded the Rita Carole Messner Serenity Elevator, located at the JAFCO Rita Messner Children’s Ability Center to show her love and support for the parents of children with developmental disabilities. Her Serenity Elevator takes parents to the center’s second floor, a private, quiet, and serene space reserved only for parents, allowing them to relax or connect with other parents. At the same time, their children enjoy the fun activities or have therapy on the first floor. And lastly, she funded the Rita Messner Britto Boomfish Sculpture and the Rita Carole Messner Guest House Screened Patio. And most recently, she funded the brand new lounge at Illuminate in the new Grand Ballroom at the Ability Center. Outside of her tremendous efforts with JAFCO, Rita became a Legacy Society member of the Jewish Federation of Broward County enabling her to become eligible for the Chai Care program, thanks to Kenneth Arnold, her Financial Advisor, who recommended the opportunity. The Chai Care program helps our donors on an individual basis depending on their needs through initial and ongoing assessment and monitoring, planning and problemsolving, education and advocacy, and caregiver coaching and support. Rita is grateful for this program and exclaims, “You don’t wait, do it. Chai Care is a protection for me and my future and assures me that someone will be there for me in a time of need.” For those interested in giving back to the Jewish community, Rita elaborates, “It is essential to give as much money as you can afford to help others besides giving your time to volunteer.” n
CHAI CARE, IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Do you live alone or have family living away? Have you ever thought of yourself as an older adult who has lost your independence due to a medical condition? Do you understand your options to have quality of life as you age? Are you comfortable navigating through the healthcare system?
WHY CHAI CARE? CHAI CARE OFFERS YOU:
To discuss your options, please call Esther Cohen
954-252-6952.
Peace of mind to you and your family so you can age with dignity. The ability to become your extended family providing you support so you are never alone. • Opportunity for education,caregiver support and coaching. • The Chai Care professional team to assist you in navigating the health care system. • The help to identify situations providing an assessment and future plan of care. • The assistance in smooth transitions between healthcare settings: hospital, rehabilitative facility and living residence.
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAI TIMES SPONSORS: Joan and Douglas Gross Charitable Trust