Chai time

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Sybil Doroshow misses cooking for her husband and children.
So, she decided to join the newly formed cooking club at SeniorCHAI, a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) for Somerton and Bustleton residents age 60 and older. The club recently made chicken soup and challah for a Shabbat dinner and also prepares food for local shut-ins.
"I’m a widow and I live alone, so I don’t get to do it" Doroshow said. "I feel at least I’m doing something to help somebody. You can’t just sit at home all the time."
SeniorCHAI helps 230 local residents live independently in their homes instead of in retirement facilities. Chai is the Hebrew word for help, and the group does just that by linking the mostly Jewish residents — though any senior living in Bustleton or Somerton can join — to area services and activities. About half of the group’s membership falls between the ages of 80 and 85.
SeniorCHAI began in 2005 as an expansion of the STAR (Services to Area Residents) program run by Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS). Since May 2006, it has grown by about 150 members, who pay an annual fee of $36.
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia took over as the lead agency running the collaborative pilot program. Other partnering agencies include JFCS, Jewish Employment and Vocational Services (JEVS), Jewish Community Centers, and Federation Housing. Each agency provides management and supervisory personnel in addition to SeniorCHAI staff.
A separate, free NORC serves the Rhawnhurst area and collaborates with Federation, Catholic Human Services and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
"The idea of a NORC is basically changing the way that the elderly, as well as society, views aging in this country," said Amy Purdy, a volunteer development coordinator with the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, run through Jewish Federation. Purdy’s group helps encourage volunteerism within SeniorCHAI.
Member services representatives help seniors with everything from getting a home repair to finding a book club. They also man monthly luncheons and presentations at four local synagogues like Shaare Shamayim, where members met on June 5.
MSR Katie Dunphy enjoys her work with the program.
"It’s great to be able to provide services so they can remain in their homes," she said.
SeniorCHAI also tries to run trips and foster intergenerational relationships. As part of JFCS’ partnership with the German-based organization Action Reconciliation Service for Peace, Holocaust survivors get to meet non-Jewish youth from Germany.
SeniorCHAI also plans to facilitate more groups like the cooking club that can meet at members’ homes.
"All of the studies show that these are the positive things that keep people healthy," Purdy said.
Belle Rosner, who, along with her partner Daniel Lyons, is a member of the cooking club, has only positive things to say about SeniorCHAI.
"It’s a place for us to come and get together," she said. "I like all of the leaders, they’re just delightful to be around."
Dora Koffman joined SeniorCHAI after suffering an arm injury that made her realize how much she values her independence.
"I am so happy to be a member of SeniorCHAI," she said.
Sam Rosen, project manager for the program, has witnessed firsthand the benefits members get from the group.
He’s seen seniors, some of whom were formerly shut-ins, become more social and form relationships with one another.
"There are a lot of little things that we do that aren’t the meat and potatoes of our budget," he said. ••
For more information on how you can join SeniorCHAI, call 866-229-6672.
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com