Appeal funds vital services

The money raised from Jewish Care’s annual community appeal is not an add-on or icing on the cake, but is used to deliver core services, the organisation’s president Robyne Schwarz told guests at the launch on 19 February at the home of Glenda and Joe Flinkier.

Explaining why she chose to also chair this year’s appeal, Robyne said Jewish Care relies on the community to fund the extra care the organisation provides in residential services which exceeds the government benchmark and costs more than the revenue received from government and [resident] fees.

“We also provide the Jewish component which costs us more, such as kosher food and a cultural and spiritual program.”

Similarly, the organisation’s community services provide care which is based on need, not on the levels of government or claims conference funding. The mental health, financial aid, [parts of] disability and First Call programs all rely on money from the community.

More than 3,000 people received a service from Jewish Care last year.

Robyne said Jewish Care is a worthy organisation which deserves the community’s support.

“We are committed to providing high-quality care and are always striving to improve, with our loyal and hard-working staff supported by a stable senior management team. The Board takes quality seriously and has set up measures that it monitors regularly,” Robyne said.

Jewish Care is also a responsible organisation by focusing on sustainability.

“We have a plan to ensure we reduce our deficit over time to sustain the organisation into the future. This involves a major investment in redeveloping our residential facilities and securing additional government funding in community services. We want the community to see the plan and will do it through a second White Paper.”

However the deficit will never disappear, Robyne said.

“We will always provide unfunded services if the need exists; we will always offer the Jewish component of care; and we will always exceed government benchmarks. So we will continue to look to the community for more than $2 million every year to allow us to continue to provide a significant component of our core services.”

Robyne acknowledged last year’s appeal chairs Jeanette and Morry Dvash for their untiring commitment to the community despite their own daily challenges. She described them as chassid, an extension of the Hebrew word chesed meaning wonderful acts of kindness beyond what we would expect or beyond the letter of the law.

Jewish Care’s Chief Executive Officer Bruce Salvin updated guests on the progress of capital works projects for aged care and adult disability housing and respite care.

Cultural and Spiritual Officer Rabbi Meir Kluwgant said support comes in many forms and the organisation was fortunate to have such a dedicated band of volunteers.

Healthy Ageing and Adopt a Bubba participant Jean Sarsby explained how the programs are enhancing her life, while Stuart Lew described the benefits he gained as a participant in last year’s Young Achiever Program.

Twin sisters Ilana and Shannyn Gelfand, who are 2007 Young Achievers, performed vocally and on guitar.