In a recent Atlanta Jewish Times article, the needs of Holocaust Survivors during this COVID-19 pandemic were highlighted along with the response efforts from within the community.

With about 210 survivors in its database, JF&CS has been at the forefront of the community's effort to support the Holocaust Survivor community. Amy Neuman, JF&CS’s Holocaust services program manager, believes that there are upwards of 300 survivors in Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia.

Of 136 survivors currently receiving essential services and case management from JF&CS, 75 percent are from the former Soviet Union. They generally are in their late 70s and early 80s, on average several years younger than those from Eastern Europe. When added to survivors that JF&CS helps through a national program providing home care services and those who access social programming or reparations assistance, the agency has served more than 200 Holocaust survivors in its current fiscal year, Neuman said.

JF&CS describes the services it provides survivors as “person-centered and trauma- informed,” recognizing that every survivor’s experience was different. “We treat each of them individually. We look at what they need,” said Anat Granath, a licensed master social worker with 15 years of experience at JF&CS aiding Holocaust survivors.

Since JF&CS halted in-person work in mid-March, Granath has stayed in touch with her clients by phone, email, and for those able, video conferencing.

In addition, Case managers Granath and Emily Papera check on their clients’ access to food, medication and personal supplies, as well as their capability to access programming that JF&CS makes available online.

We encourage you to read the complete article in the AJT about this critical community need.

You can support these efforts by donating to JF&CS.