What Irma has taught us
We are all starting to get our lives back in order after the wrath of Hurricane Irma. Over the past week, Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) and many, many other non-profit groups and volunteers have been on the ground in large senior communities such as Century Village and King’s Point, walking the halls, knocking on doors making welfare checks and bringing people much needed food and water.
It’s been understandably frustrating for anyone having to live without air conditioning for long periods of time. I personally have been walking the hallways of these communities and have stayed in close contact with the property managers, city and county government officials and the Emergency Response Team to coordinate services while people have been without power.
JFS is not a first responder agency, yet we take our responsibility to our clients, many of whom are elderly seniors living alone with no family to take care of them, very seriously. Before and immediately after the storm, JFS case managers were checking in on clients and helping families and individuals make a plan on whether to shelter in place, move to a shelter or relocate to be close to family. I personally made some of these phone calls and could hear and see the relief in their voices and on their faces just knowing that someone was there to watch out for them.
I cannot stress the importance of those in our community living alone to make a connection to a social service agency like JFS prior to any major weather event or other extraordinary situation.
One of the biggest challenges we faced post-Irma was that we knew people needed help but we didn’t know specifically where they lived or what they needed. As a result, I saw many, many good intended volunteers and organizations walking the halls and knocking on the same doors, bringing water and food. Most of the time, people had water, albeit warm, and non-perishable food, but what they really wanted was some ice, a prepared meal, and to know that someone cared and that they were not alone.
Individuals and families often do not reach out to JFS until there is an emergency or crisis. I contend by then it’s too late. I strongly encourage individuals and families to reach out to JFS far in advance of any crisis and to become connected to the agency to whatever extent they feel comfortable, so that we can help ensure their safety before and after times of crisis. Connecting to an agency like JFS will greatly ensure you get what you need.
As I was walking the hallways of Century Village, I stopped in to visit many JFS clients but I also met many, many seniors living alone with no connection to JFS or anyone else. They were scared and lonely and needed someone to reassure them things will be OK.
We live in a very generous community full of people who want to give of their time and able to help check in. Please consider connecting with JFS now that Irma is gone, so that when the next catastrophe strikes, JFS can be here for you, just like we are for over 15,000 members of our community each year.
Danielle N. Hartman is president and CEO of the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services.