Page 4 - TheBlueCardJournal2013

From the Executive Director’s Desk

The Blue Card, which focuses on improving the lives of Holocaust survivors, has in 2013 created the following innovative initiatives:

The implementation of the “Rita Berkowitz NutritionGuidanceProgram”whichprovides food stipends, nutritional supplements and customized education on proper nutrition. Dietary guidance is extremely important for this frail population who often lack the knowledge of daily requirements and healthful meal preparation. Our thanks to Lou and Amy Berkowitz who have been such ardent supporters of The Blue Card’s Mission.

The Blue Card/Lissner “Hospital Visitation Program” centers on bedside visits by carefully selected and trained volunteers who provide companionship and warmth to hospitalized survivors. With gratitude to Barbara and Michael Lissner for spearheading this project.

The Sonia and Max Lonstein “Bring-A-Smile” program fulflls a survivor's urgent wish and brings comfort to someone facing life-threatening illness. With heartfelt appreciation for the Lonstein family’s commitment to helping those in dire straits.

Larry and Jane Scheinfeld identifed an important defcit in the lives of today’s survivors—inadequate transportation. Many of our clients today live well into their 90s and beyond with extremely limited mobility; public systems are daunting and often inaccessible. With that in mind, we introduced a program which offers transportation alternatives to these survivors. Our thanks to the Scheinfelds for this essential undertaking.

The Siggi B. Wilzig “Fighting Cancer Together Program” offering support to survivors battling cancer by assisting with medical co-pays, nutrition, transportation and support group services. It was determined the need for this aid was particularly relevant now in the face of a continuing weak economy and drastic changes in healthcare. We are most grateful to Sherry Wilzig Izak for her vision in creating this program in memory of her father and his legacy of helping those less fortunate.

For 79 years we have been a lifeline to those who count on us and I am confdent that our established programs which provide fnancial assistance, medical, dental and emergency response programs, and our latest initiatives, will continue to evolve and meet the escalating needs of survivors.

Masha Pearl