(JUNE 20, 2024 – ROCHESTER, NY) Jewish Home was recently honored with an Elmer Louis Award by Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester at their combined annual meeting held at the Louis S. Wolk JCC of Rochester. The Elmer Louis Award recognizes outstanding programming in the Rochester Jewish community and Jewish Home’s Project Kesher program was one of two recipients.
Project Kesher is a 4-week internship program for Jewish teens that launched in August 2023. It provides the interns hands-on training and classroom studies to explore career opportunities in aging services, and also allows them to gain knowledge about the aging process. Other program goals include meaningful intergenerational engagement between students and residents, and challenging aging stereotypes.
“Project Kesher has had a profound impact on both the interns and the older adults we serve,” says Silvana Bacman, Jewish Life and Learning Coordinator at Jewish Home. Bacman leads the Project Kesher program with support from key personnel in each department. She continues, “Overall, the program contributes to the personal and professional growth of the interns, and enhances the quality of life for our older adults. This creates a more supportive and interconnected community.”
This was first time the Elmer Louis Award has been presented since the COVID-19 pandemic. Jewish Home received a framed original piece of art created by Elmer Louis—a gift from his daughter. Elmer Louis served as Executive Director of Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester many years ago.
Project Kesher will commence again in August. For more information, contact Silvana Bacman at sbacman@jewishhomeroc.org or apply here.
About Jewish Home:
Established in 1920 and serving people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, Jewish Home is Rochester’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Guided by the values of honoring family and aging in place, Jewish Home offers all levels of care on a single campus—from independent living to skilled nursing care. Recognized for high quality and customer satisfaction, Jewish Home has CARF International accreditation and has been certified as a Great Place to Work® since 2020. For more information, visit www.jewishhomeroc.org or on social media at @jewishhomeroc.
