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The JFS Soviet Jewish Resettlement Program has been active for well over a decade, responding to the unique cultural and economic needs of over 370 Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union. Working in conjunction with the United Jewish Federation, and with volunteers from local synagogues and other local Jewish organizations, these "new Americans" were welcomed, housed, fed and guided through the socialization and acculturation process in their new country. Assistance was provided to lead them through the bureaucracy of red tape that goes with obtaining social services, language lessons, doctorıs appointments, employment, etc. Today, the program has shifted towards the acculturation needs of the Russian senior adult. Over the last 10 years, JFS has provided citizenship classes for seniors and proudly shared in the excitement of each "new citizen" being sworn in. As of the Fall of 2003, 100% of the resettled senior adult population has become U.S. citizens. Familiarization outings to the voting polls, and transportation to the polls on election day has encouraged each of these "new citizens" to exercise their rights and vote in local, state and national elections. The agencyıs staff provides outreach to many of the seniors in their residence communities, advocating for them with physicians, social security and other bureaucratic organizations, and recruits volunteers, when possible, to help with transportation or translation services. Some of the former refugees utilize the home care, case management and counseling services provided by JFS to all members of our community. The agency sponsors a movie and snack time for the seniors twice a month, and has supported and helped organize some community "field trips." Through the generosity of a private donor, a Russian language library, was opened in the Temple Israel facility on Granby Street in Norfolk. There, the senior adults have access to Russian language t.v. programming, computer software that is language compatible for them, as well as Russian language literature. With the support of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), who provides grant funding, JFS is also able to provide support services to those Russian senior adults who are Holocaust survivors. The Claims Conference distributes a weekly e-mail bulletin on current restitution developments and Claims Conference activities. Those who are interested may subscribe to this free service through the homepage of the Claims Conference website, www.claimscon.org, or by sending an e-mail to news@claimscon.org.
For more information about JFS Resettlement and Acculturation services, please contact Jewish Family Service.
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