From Puppy Love to Proclamations, Jasa Gala Brings Out Supporters

Imagine walking into a gala and randomly picking people to tell you why the organization benefiting matters. It can take a while to get a decent answer. But not last night at the buffet supper for the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged, most often referred to as Jasa.

The first person we spoke to turned out to be a trustee, Eric Greenhut, who put it this way: “Jasa helps provide a social safety net especially in these economically tough times. In many cases people get services from us they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Then we found the organization’s chief executive, Aileen Gitelson, who had but a moment to speak before an enthusiastic supporter greeted and diverted her. She told us that in the first quarter, Jasa served an additional 4,000 meals to meet the increasing need of the elderly in New York City. And more adult children are calling in wanting to get help for their parents. “We get phone calls from people living in London with a mother living in Queens, asking ‘What can I do’”?” Ms. Gitelson said. “We make sure the parents get the services that are available to them. The association has case managers to help people get through all the paper work. And it works to tie its services to others in the community so seniors are tied to the community.

Wanting to speak to a volunteer, we were introduced to Shirley Feder, who brings puppies — beautiful labs and golden retrievers -- to visit with the elderly on the weekends. “It’s a mitzvah to make someone happy, to see them smile when a puppy licks them,” she said. Ms. Feder’s visits are through Jasa’s Paws and Reflect program, a partnership with Puppies Behind Bars.

And Ms. Feder introduced us to her daughter, Jessica Feder, a trustee, who got right to the point about why she supports Jasa: Everyone is interested in children and babies, but dealing with the elderly is an enormous issue for society, and in many cases it is underserved by volunteers.

And Ms. Feder led us to her husband, Alan Mentle, who told us about his grandmother Jean Shiner, a vibrant woman who lived until the age of 94 in a Jasa residence in Far Rockaway. Shiner threw her energy into advocating for elderly rights, often visiting lawmakers in Albany and hosting them at the residence.

“At first my grandmother was coming up with every excuse not to move there, but I think it really extended their lives,” Mr. Mentle said. “When they lived on their own, they used to just stay in their apartment. At the residence, there was a sense of community. My grandfather helped found the synagogue and was active in the chess club.”

We also spoke to the playwright Tina Howe, who has examined life in a nursing home in her play “Chasing Manet,” which is having a sold-out run at 59E59. The Jasa gala guests were headed to see the play after their buffet supper at the Plaza.

“I really wrote the play to console myself about ending up in a home,” Ms. Howe said. “I was interested in the amazing far-flung journey of the departing soul. Many people in homes have fantasies of escape. My characters pull it off.”

The last word on the evening came to us by way of a proclamation from the Mayor’s Office. We took the time to read it because it was printed on a card that fit in our purse.

It begins, “WHEREAS: New York City’s seniors serve as leaders, mentors, and volunteers—making invaluable contributions to our society.”

And continues, “WHEREAS: As a trusted community resource, it offers delicious meals, safe and affordable housing, and home care for homebound elderly. Jasa’s 24 senior centers also provide a wide array of social activities, college-based courses and lectures, as well as legal and financial assistance.”

And it ends thus: “By working to ensure that every New Yorker can live with dignity and respect, organizations like the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged help build a better city and brighter future for us all.”

We couldn’t have said it better.