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A Chance to Give Back

Posted
September 9, 2024
Categories
Adults / Care Today / Clients / Seniors / Volunteers

At JSSA, we are honored to serve thousands of individuals and families every year in their moments of need. Our supportive and compassionate staff and volunteers have a personal call to do this vital work. Their care today supports strength for tomorrow. Here is one of their stories.

In any given month, JSSA’s Meals on Wheels volunteers may deliver up to 2,500 kosher meals in Montgomery County, Md.

This is just one of the ways JSSA’s Aging in Place programs are helping older adults continue to live at home as they age.

“It’s gratifying to know I’m contributing to the health and happiness of seniors in our community,” said Taylor McCarley, a program manager for JSSA’s Aging in Place program. “Having that positive impact is really satisfying.”

Taylor manages JSSA’s Meals on Wheels and Brenner Transportation services for hundreds of clients – both of which are offered as part of JSSA’s Aging in Place program. Taylor also oversees the delivery of Rosh Hashanah gift baskets to clients who celebrate the holiday.

Taylor said she joined JSSA in January 2023 because she wanted to give back to the older adults in her community. She has a master’s in aging services and a background working for non-profits. She said JSSA was also a good fit because she comes from a service-minded family.

JSSA’s Meals on Wheels clients can have three to five deliveries every week. These meals arrive frozen and are easy to prepare for those over the age of 60, who are homebound and struggle to grocery shop or cook. As program director, Taylor helps oversee the delivery of more than 21,000 meals annually.

Similarly, assisted transportation services are available to individuals with difficulty walking or driving. JSSA’s Brenner Transportation team provides door-through-door transportation assistance, meaning clients are walked in and out of appointments. Our team can also assist with filling out medical forms.

Regular meal delivery and escorted transportation may be crucial for individuals with physical limitations wanting to age in place. Taylor said she loves hearing feedback from clients and knows the tough work of managing and organizing these services is always appreciated.

“I feel like I’m really a part of their support system,” she said.

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