Holocaust Survivor Services
Guiding you through
Jewish Care is committed to supporting first generation Holocaust survivors living in Victoria. Melbourne has the largest number of survivors per capita outside of Israel, and consideration for their specific needs is embedded in all we do.
From time to time, restitution grants are made available to Holocaust survivors, their spouses and children. Each of these grants has varying eligibility criteria which can make the application process confusing. Jewish Care provides vital assistance in this area.
Personal support and home care
Jewish Care offers a range of personal support and home care services for people who require assistance to live independently in their own homes, including case management services and respite for carers. Ask for a fact sheet about our Kesher and BlueStar programs for further information about Jewish Care in-home support services. Sensitive to the needs of Holocaust survivors, staff will listen to you, seek to understand your needs and assist you to maintain maximum independence.
Types of services available include:
- Assessment
- Household cleaning
- Meal preparation
- Personal care
- Accompaniment on outings
- Transport to appointments and shopping
- Social support and community access
- In-home respite
Healthy Ageing Program
The Healthy Ageing Program offers a range of therapeutic services, social groups and recreational activities to meet the needs of Holocaust survivors. Our staff facilitate culturally sensitive activities with a wide range of therapeutic services and social support groups including:
- Dedicated Russian, Yiddish and English speaking groups
- Art therapy group
- Narrative group
- Widow/widower Russian speaking group
- Volunteer friendly visitors
Funding provided through Claims Conference also enables us to purchase essential equipment for Holocaust survivors to enhance their independence, and install minor home modifications to improve safety in their own home.
Counselling
Jewish Care provides a professional and caring counselling service that supports Holocaust survivors and their families. Personalised to your unique needs and delivered with compassion and confidentiality, counselling services can help you with a wide range of personal and family issues as well as addressing cultural considerations including migration, religious observances and the impact of Holocaust trauma.
Jewish Care counsellors speak a range of community languages and are qualified in counselling, psychology, social work and family therapy.Pastoral care
Jewish Care’s Cultural and Spiritual Centre, with its team of Rabbis, provides supportive and sensitive pastoral care to Holocaust survivors and their families, regardless of religious affiliation or personal belief. Attention is given to experiences such as grief and loss, trauma, honouring significant life events, and exploring faith and beliefs.
Restitution Advisory Service
Holocaust survivors, their spouses and descendents may be eligible to receive a Holocaust restitution payment. Jewish Care staff can guide you and your family through the often complex and emotional process of applying for pensions and payments for Holocaust survivors.
We provide:
- Information about the various types of compensation programs, funds, pensions and grants available (including Claims Conference)
- Information about eligibility criteria
- Practical assistance to complete applications and follow up correspondence
*This service is available by appointment and fees may apply.
Claims Conference Assistance
The Claims Conference provides funding to Jewish Care to support services to Holocaust Survivors. The funding enables us to provide over 15 different services to eligible Holocaust survivors. The Claims Conference is dedicated to providing a 'measure of justice' for Holocaust survivors through negotiation, compensation, restitution and advocacy.Limited funding is available for some of the following services:
- Home care, personal care and respite care
- Meals
- Medical aids and equipment
- Medicine
- Minor home modifications
- Home maintenance costs
- Housing Support
- Case management
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
Services for Holocaust Survivors are supported by grants from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference).
If you would like to receive a free weekly email bulletin from The Claims Conference you can subscribe directly on their website at www.claimscon.org