Dear friends,
As the war in Ukraine continues to unfold, we wanted to provide an update on how CJE SeniorLife’s staff, volunteers, residents, and clients have been impacted and are actively responding. Our thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people, and with those in our local community who are concerned about the safety of their loved ones.
As many of our residents and clients have expressed their anxieties over watching the news and trying to stay connected with friends and family in Ukraine, CJE is providing ongoing support by addressing their concerns and creating opportunities for them to help.
Here are some of the inspiring ways our staff and volunteers are assisting and uplifting our residents and clients:
- In addition to fostering discussions with residents who participate in programs, CJE’s Community Engagement team is creating a Post-it Note art project in our independent housing communities. Residents and staff will be encouraged to share their intentions and prayers on color-coded sticky notes on a bulletin board, which will resemble the Ukrainian flag. The team will also be offering a balance of both news and meditative programs in community spaces for residents to interact with their peers.
- CJE’s Volunteer Services and Community Engagement teams are collaborating on a new project to give residents the opportunity to write supportive letters and help assemble welcome bags with items donated by CJE staff, residents, and community members for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees.
- Through a fundraising initiative spearheaded by a resident, Tamarisk NorthShore residents and staff are meeting weekly to make yellow and blue bracelets in support of Ukraine. Several Highland Park retailers will be selling them for $5 each—with all proceeds benefiting those in Ukraine.
- CJE’s Holocaust Community Services team continues to reach out to support the hundreds of Holocaust survivors we serve during this difficult time. Many worry about their family and friends who still live in Ukraine, and some are re-traumatized by these hostilities as they have experienced, first-hand, the terrible impact of war.
As a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community, CJE SeniorLife supports JUF’s response to assist Ukraine's Jewish community, who are especially vulnerable.
Please consider contributing to their emergency response efforts by donating to JUF’s Ukraine Relief Fund today.
We continue to wish for the safety and well-being of all those in harm’s way and hope for a swift resolution. Please know that CJE is here to help. For additional support and information, please call our CJE SeniorLine, available Monday through Friday, at 773.508.1000.
Dan Fagin
President & CEO, CJE SeniorLife