Since the coronavirus crisis began, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island has stepped up to ensure that Staten Islanders in need had resources and support during this difficult time.
 
Following the closure of JCC facilities to the public, staff members distributed over 5,000 frozen and shelf-stable kosher meals to seniors in need as well as delivering meals to home-bound seniors. Meals were also distributed to the residents of Seaview Senior Housing, where the JCC operates the Social Services Office. The program is funded by the NYC Department for the Aging.
 
Additionally, the JCC has distributed meals to those in need through its Kosher Food Pantry, including special holiday meals. Thanks to the help of Borough President Oddo, the JCC was able to obtain 400 additional boxes of Kosher for Passover shelf-stable meals to ensure that no one goes hungry during the holidays.
 
“Usually, this time of year is celebratory,” noted CEO David Sorkin. “Despite the uncertainty around us, we want to maintain the spirit of the holidays by helping those in need access food for their families. This is something we do every year, but this year, we’re providing meals on a much larger scale.”
 
In addition to providing meals, the JCC continues to provide social services to those in need during this crisis. JCC social services have gone completely virtual, with staff members providing health insurance navigation, mental health services, legal support resources, and other COVID-19 resources over the phone and email.
 
JCC staff members have also reached out to 300 seniors a day by phone, including those who attend the JCC’s three senior centers and individuals enrolled in the JCC’s Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs. In addition to food, staff began providing resources and supplies to seniors isolated in their homes.
 
Other community services, including ESL classes and community afterschool programs, have also gone virtual, with activities taking place over Zoom. The JCC has also begun to offer free classes and lectures on its social media pages to entertain and educate those stuck at home.
 
“Every year, the JCC serves over 6,000 Staten Islanders in crisis,” said Sorkin. “Unfortunately, this year, we expect that number to grow as more people experience loss of wages, food insecurity, and isolation. If you are in need, we are here to help. We encourage Staten Islanders experiencing hardships to reach out to us for assistance during this difficult time.”
 
To provide financial support for these programs, the JCC has established Families in Need, a special COVID-19 emergency fund. The money raised will support the JCC’s social service programs.
 
For more information on JCC social services click here. For more information on the Families in Need fund, click here.

Over the past week, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island has distributed nearly 5,000 meals to seniors in need across Staten Island.
 
Following the closure of JCC facilities to the public, staff members have been distributing frozen and shelf-stable kosher meals at the Bernikow Building as well as delivering meals to home-bound seniors. Meals were also distributed to the residents of Seaview Senior Housing, where the JCC operates the Social Services Office.
 
Staff members have also reached out to 300 seniors a day by phone, including those who attend the JCC’s three senior centers and individuals enrolled in the JCC’s Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs. In addition to food, staff are providing resources and supplies to seniors isolated in their homes.
 
“Over the past 90 years, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC has occupied various buildings and spaces throughout our community. No matter where we were located, our mission has never changed—to provide services to those in need across Staten Island,” said JCC CEO David Sorkin. “Now, we see a clear need, and we are ready to transform the way we offer services to help those in crisis. Even with our buildings closed to the public, the JCC has stepped up to do everything we can to help the community during this time.”
 
In addition to providing meals, the JCC continues to provide social services to those in need during this crisis. JCC social services have gone completely virtual, with staff members providing health insurance navigation, mental health services, legal support resources, and other COVID-19 resources over the phone and email.
 
“With each and every passing day, we will continue to listen, adapt, and deliver to those hit hardest by this crisis. Please know that if you have a need, we are here for you,” noted Sorkin.
 
The meal program for seniors is funded by the NYC Department for the Aging.

​For more information on our social service programs, click here.

On December 5, the JCC hosted Senior Law Day, an event designed to answer legal questions that many seniors will face. The information session covered a wide range of topics, including planning for future medical expenses, estate planning, tenant and landlord rights, elder abuse, and helping family members in crisis.

Mary, an attendee, reports being impressed by the presenters’ knowledge, “Over the years, I have attended quite a few programs on Staten Island promoting senior topics ranging from law to healthcare to housing. The depth and breadth of knowledge shared by the presenters yesterday was extraordinary. The speakers were thoughtful, inclusive, and helpful in their remarks.”

We are grateful to the New York State Office of Court Administration for organizing Senior Law Day and to all those who sponsored the event: The State of New York Unified Court System, the Community Agency for Senior Citizens, the NYC Department of Social Services, the NYC Department of Aging, Catholic Charities of Staten Island, the Richmond County Bar Association, the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association and the Staten Island Trial Lawyers Association.

On Tuesday, November 19th, the JCC of Staten Island announced that it will operate the island’s first ever NORC—Naturally Occurring Retirement Community—in Stapleton. Stapleton was designated as a NORC based on the large population of seniors who live in the area.

This NORC has been named GO KOSSAH, which stands for Keeping Our Seniors Safe and Healthy—a priority for us here at the J! The social services offered in this community, such as health assessments and transportation to medical appointments, will help seniors live safely and independently in their homes. This newest endeavor will support the JCC’s other initiatives to enhance the well-being of our seniors.           
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This project, announced today in a press conference at the Carter Center in Stapleton, was made possible through funding from the Department for the Aging (DFTA), allocated by Councilwoman Debi Rose. The JCC is proud to play a continuing role in serving Staten Islanders at all stages of life. 

Seven years ago, following Superstorm Sandy, our Food Pantry continued to operate despite the fact that we had no electricity and no elevator service. The blackout didn't stop us from doing what we do best—taking care of our community. Staff from many departments pitched in with flashlights, carrying boxes of food up the stairs to help make sure that no one went hungry.

Even in a crisis, the JCC is always ready to help those in need! Click here to learn more about our food pantry.