Guide to Jewish Life > Keeping Kosher

Guide to Jewish Life > Community Resources > Senior Services

  • SOCIAL SERVICES

  • Behrend Builders Shelter Repair and Construction Program - Washington DCJCC Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service
  • 1529 16th St., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20036
  • 202-777-3245
  • behrendbuilders@washingtondcjcc.org
  • www.washingtondcjcc.org/volunteer
  • Skilled and unskilled volunteers meet year-round to help repair, rebuild and renovate low-income housing, shelters, community centers and other nonprofit social service agencies. Ages 14 and older.

  • Capital Area Food Bank*
  • 645 Taylor St., NE
  • Washington DC 20017
  • 202-526-5344
  • 6833 Hill Park Dr.
  • Lorton VA 22079
  • 703-541-3063
  • www.capitalareafoodbank.org
  • cfoodbank@aol.com
  • *Paid advertiser

  • Charles E. Smith Life Communities
  • 6121 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-770-8448
  • fax 301-770-8309
  • www.smithlifecommunities.org
  • Pres./CEO: Warren R. Slavin
  • Provides full array of services and programs for seniors, including: assisted living at Landow House, independent living at Ring House and Revitz House, rehabilitation and recovery at the Rakusin Rehabilitation Center, nursing home services and specialized Alzheimer's care in the Wasserman and Smith-Kogod residences of the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, outpatient medical care at Hirsh Health Center and internationally recognized research at the Research Institute on Aging. Refer to listings in seniors section for Hebrew Home, Hirsh Health Center, Landow House, Revitz House and Ring House for more information.

  • Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation
  • 7700 Congress Ave., Suite 2201
  • Boca Raton, FL 33487
  • 1-800-9MARROW
  • www.giftoflife.org
  • Facilitates bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants for children and adults.

  • Hebrew Free Burial Society
  • Chesed Shel Emes
  • c/o Jewish Chaplaincy Service
  • 11821 Parklawn Dr., Suite 250
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • Chaplain: Rabbi Saul Koss
  • Pres.: Martin Kamerow
  • Vice Pres.: Philip Goldman
  • 301-230-7294
  • fax 301-230-7272
  • Free burial for the indigent Jew at the Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery

  • Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington
  • c/o Hebrew Home
  • 6121 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-770-4836 (Leave message)
  • www.freeloan.org
  • Small interest-free loans available to qualified Jewish residents of the area for education, medical emergencies, start-up for business or other personal expenses. Call for applications.

  • Hebrew Sheltering Society
  • 11524 Daffodil Ln.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • 301-649-3141
  • Pres.: Rabbi Herzel Kranz
  • House Manager: Chaya Kranz
  • Shelter for three days.
  • Jewish Chaplaincy Services of JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • See JSSA Counseling Services in this
  • section

  • Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)
  • 1010 Rockville Pk., Suite 500
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-315-8040
  • Hotline 888-883-2323
  • Helpline 301-529-0073
  • fax 301-351-8043
  • www.jcada.org
  • JCADA@jcada.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Gail Ravnitzky-Silberglied
  • Pres.: Barbara Zakheim
  • Provides a hot line and help line, counseling, a support group, job training, legal help and emergency food and shelter to all victims of abuse — women, men, teens and children — in the Greater Washington, D.C., area. JCADA also provides community education to break the myth that abuse does not occur in Jewish families. Educational programs may include training for religious leaders and speakers for sisterhoods, men's clubs and social action committees. Offers teen dating violence prevention programs at religious schools, youth groups, day schools and Hillels on topics such as healthy relationships, bullying, self-esteem, peer pressure, sexual harassment and dating violence.

  • Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4200
  • 703-425-0999
  • fax 301-231-9360
  • jca@jcagw.org
  • www.jcagw.org
  • Exec. Dir.: David Gamse
  • Provides programs to help elders remain in their own homes as long and as independently as possible. Agency that provides transportation, adult day care, employment services, information and referrals, home care information, computer learning, fitness and exercise center. Offers volunteer opportunities.
  • See Senior section for detailed information on the many services JCA offers.

  • Jewish Foundation for Group Homes
  • As of August 2007:
  • 1500 East Jefferson St.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-984-3839
  • TTY 301-984-3449
  • fax 301-770-4712
  • C.E.O.: Vivian Bass
  • A residential program providing training to enable adults with disabilities to be more independent and integrated members of the community through the provision of group home and apartment programs. The program serves individuals with disabilities including mental retardation, learning disabilities, mobility and hearing impairments and chronic mental illness. The agency currently operates 21 group homes, with live-in staff supervision, each serving 3-6 residents, 39 apartments with drop-in counseling and care management services, as well as several other living arrangements for adults with disabilities.

  • Jewish Information and Referral Service
  • 6101 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-770-4848
  • 703-978-3910
  • fax 301-230-7260
  • www.jirs.org
  • jirs@shalomdc.org
  • Dir.: Sharon M. Doner
  • Central agency for community information responding to telephone and e-mail inquiries covering Jewish and non-Jewish local, national and international questions. Other services include childcare referral service and furniture and household donations programs. JIRS maintains Jewish Community calendar and the Career Center for Jewish Jobs, both of which can be found at www.shalomdc.org. JIRS also offers ShalomBaby, a welcoming program for parents of newborn or newly adopted babies, and ShalomDC, a welcoming program for newcomers to the Greater Washington area.

  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • www.jssa.org
  • Main Office
  • 6123 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-881-3700
  • fax 301-770-0901
  • Exec. Dir.: Joan de Pontet

  • Gaithersburg Office
  • 11B Firstfield Rd.
  • Gaithersburg, MD 20878
  • 301-990-6880
  • TTY 301-990-7215
  • fax 301-990-0257

  • Fairfax Office
  • 3018 Javier Rd.
  • Fairfax, VA 22031
  • 703-204-9100
  • fax 703-204-9590

  • Assessments and Solutions
  • 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 325
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 301-652-8459
  • fax 301-652-8467
  • www.assessmentsandsolutions.com

  • Career and Employment Services
  • 9900 Georgia Ave.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • 301-587-9666
  • fax 301-587-1541
  • www.jssa.org/jvs

  • JSSA Counseling Services
  • JSSA has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social and physical challenges for more than 100 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. Our wide range of counseling, vocational, educational, in-home support, nursing care and social services assist more than 15,000 people a year. JSSA is particularly known for our comprehensive programs for children and adults with special needs and for hospice care. For whatever life issues a family may confront, JSSA offer many outstanding and effective services.

  • Adoption Options
  • 301-816-2700
  • fax 301-881-6156
  • 703-204-9100 (NOVA)
  • fax 703-204-9590
  • www.jssa.org
  • For families who wish to build or expand their families through adoption. Services include: pre-home study counseling; home studies and post-placement supervision for domestic, private and international adoption; counseling for adoptive families through all the life stages; counseling and searches for adult adoptees and birth parents.

  • Early Childhood Services
  • (Infant - 5 years)
  • 301-881-3700
  • www.jssa.org
  • Offers evaluation and treatment services for young children with emotional, social, behavioral, physical, psychological and cognitive challenges. Services include: individual and family counseling; case management services; parent and family counseling; support groups and workshops; psychological and educational testing; information and referrel services.

  • Assessments and Solutions Educational and Neuropsychological
  • Testing and Consultation
  • 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 325
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 301-652-8459
  • www.assessmentsandsolutions.com
  • Where children, teens and adults find the keys to social, academic and professional success. Through neuropsychological and educational testing and consultation, JSSA professionals provide individualized assessments, detailed recommendations and "next steps," follow-up and support for implementation of recommendations, as well as referrals to local community and professional resources. This is a full-fee service.

  • Children, Teens and Family
  • Rockville 301-881-3700
  • Gaithersburg 301-990-6880
  • Fairfax 703-204-9100
  • JSSA helps children, adolescents and their parents cope with behavioral and emotional challenges that affect their sense of well-being, relationships and school performance. Social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists can provide individual therapy, family therapy, emotional and psychological evaluations, educational and neuropsychological testing and assessments, social skills therapy groups, parenting skills workshops, medication management and other psychiatric services, information and referral.

  • Adults
  • JSSA's mental health specialists help adults with social and emotional challenges: individual therapy; premarital, marital and postmarital therapy; medication management; social skills therapy groups; workshops and support groups.

  • Older Adults and
  • Independent Living
  • 301-881-3700
  • 703-204-9100
  • www.jssa.org
  • Supports older adults and their families, as they encounter the challenges of aging,with the goal of preserving dignity, ensuring safety and promoting independence. Offers: comprehensive geriatric assessment; long-term care planning; case management; counseling and support; in-home support and services; caregiver support and education; program for Holocaust survivors.

  • Special Needs Counseling and Case Management
  • Rockville 301-881-3700
  • Gaithersburg 301-990-6880
  • Fairfax 703-204-9100
  • Offers supportive services to adults and children with learning disabilities, autism, Asperger's syndrome, developmental disabilities, physical impairments and mobility impairments. Offers: individual and family therapy; social skill, educational and support groups; supported employment program; case management and long-term advocacy; services for deaf and hard of hearing;educational and neuropsychological testing and assessment; early childhood intervention services (ages 0-5); support groups for parents and siblings.

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Services
  • 6123 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-881-3700
  • fax 301-770-0901
  • www.jssa.org

  • 11B Firstfield Rd.
  • Gaithersburg, MD 20878
  • 301-990-6880
  • TTY 301-990-7215
  • fax 301-990-0257

  • 3018 Javier Rd.
  • Fairfax, VA 22031
  • 703-204-9100
  • fax 703-204-9590

  • 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 325
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 301-652-8459
  • fax 301-652-8467
  • www.assessmentsandsolutions.com
  • Offers supportive services to adults and children with learning disabilities, autism, Asperger's syndrome, developmental disabilities, physical impairments and mobility impairments.

  • Hospice and Transitions Care
  • Hospice 301-816-2676
  • Transitions Care 301-881-3700
  • (Hospice and Transitions available to individuals living in Montgomery County.)
  • Hospice provides professional and volunteer support that allows terminally ill individuals to spend their final days in the comfort of their homes, senior residences or nursing homes. Offers: skilled nursing care and personal assistance; 24-hour/7-day availability; weekend admissions; emotional/spiritual support for patient and family; bereavement support. Transitions is an all-volunteer program that provides companionship and support to patients and their families coping with serious illness.

  • Jewish Chaplaincy Services
  • 11821 Parklawn Ave., Suite 250
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-230-7294
  • fax 301-230-7272
  • www.jssa.org
  • Chaplain: Rabbi Saul Koss
  • The mission of the Jewish Chaplaincy Services (JCS), a JSSA program, is to provide pastoral care, counseling and crisis intervention of a spiritual nature to Jews in institutions in Greater Washington. Many people in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons and hospices do not have an ongoing affiliation with a synagogue and therefore have no direct access to a rabbi. JCS also provides pastoral care and rabbinic counseling in any setting to HIV-positive individuals, people living with AIDS and their families. Also, JCS provides administrative services for Chesed Shel Emes (Hebrew Free Burial Society) and the Washington Board of Rabbis.

  • JSSA's Career Services for Professionals (JVS)
  • 9900 Georgia Ave.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • 301-587-9666
  • fax 301-587-1541
  • JSSA's Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) career and employment specialists help those who are changing jobs or careers, entering or reentering the workforce or looking for a new career direction. JVS services available at JSSA's Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Fairfax offices. Services offered include testing to identify abilities, skills and personality traits, development of effective job-search strategies and employment leads, creation of effective resumes and preparation for interviews.

  • Newcomer Resettlement
  • 11821 Parklawn Dr., Suite 250
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-770-5120
  • fax 301-230-2064
  • JSSA's resettlement program provides support and integration of newly arrived Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union and Iran into the Greater Washington community. Volunteers are utilized in many different ways. Household items are always needed and can be donated at the resettlement office.

  • Educational Scholarship and Loan Program
  • 301-881-3700
  • www.jssa.org
  • Scholarships and loans are available for study in accredited schools in the U.S. for residents of the Washington metro area. There is one scholarship available for study in Israel. Based primarily on financial need. For fourth grade through post-graduate study.
  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) Hospice
  • 6123 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-816-2627
  • See listing under JSSA Senior Service

  • Jews for Judaism
  • 410-602-0276
  • fax 410-602-0578
  • www.jewsforjudaism.org
  • baltimore@jewsforjudaism.org
  • Dir.: Scott Hillman
  • Local contact for national full-time countermissionary and counter-cult organization. Provides proactive education, speakers bureau, counseling and family support.

  • Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service at the Washington DCJCC
  • 1529 16th St., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20036
  • 202-777-3246
  • fax 202-518-9240
  • www.washingtondcjcc.org
  • Dir.: Erica Steen
  • ericas@washingtondcjcc.org
  • Provides volunteer opportunities for adults, students and families. Options include: tutoring or mentoring, working with the elderly and homeless and/or low-income children and adults, preparing food, gleaning, shelter repair and construction, and communitywide volunteer days. Onetime projects for groups or ongoing individual opportunities.

  • National Capital Tay-Sachs Foundation
  • 301-897-9722
  • Provides information about Tay-Sachs and places for screening.
  • Screening:
  • Children's Hospital
  • 202-884-4168
  • By appointment
  • John Hopkins Hospital
  • 410-955-3091
  • By appointment
  • University of MD
  • Medical School-Baltimore
  • 410-706-2810
  • Can do test with blood drawn in other doctors' offices.

  • National Gaucher Foundation
  • 2227 Idlewood Rd., Suite 12
  • Tucker, GA 30084
  • 800-925-8885
  • fax 304-725-6429
  • www.gaucherdisease.org
  • Provides information and assistance for those affected by Gaucher Disease; also provides educational programs and outreach to the community.

  • Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning
  • Special Needs and Disability Services
  • 12230 Wilkins Ave.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 240-283-6233
  • fax 240-283-6201
  • www.pjll.org
  • Dir.: Lenore Layman
  • llayman@pjll.org
  • Provides information, resources, consultation and professional development to parents, teachers and school administrators. The department works with area synagogues to increase inclusion opportunities in the Jewish community. Opportunities for teens are also offered, including the S.N.A.P. training program and the Friendship Circle.

  • Project Pride-Chabad
  • 11621 Seven Locks Rd.
  • Potomac, MD 20854
  • 301-983-4200, ext. 19
  • www.his.com/chabad
  • chabad@his.com
  • Educational outreach center on alcohol- and substance-abuse prevention; free information, seminars, workshops and the loan of videos; support group for parents of alcohol and substance abusers; speakers on elderly and the misuse of medications.

  • Raphael House
  • 7715 Alaska Ave., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20012
  • 202-829-6105
  • Contact: Rabbi Nathan Bogner
  • Offers assistance for people with emotional problems. Research into the causes of emotional disorders and preventive measures.

  • Stars of David
  • 800-782-7349
  • www.starsofdavid.org
  • Social group for Jewish adoptive families, meeting several times a year to celebrate Jewish holidays. Check Web site for DC Metro area chapter.

  • Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases/ Kaiserman Jewish Genetic Disease Screening Program
  • Albert Einstein Medical Center
  • 5501 Old York Rd., Levy 2-West
  • Philadelphia, PA 19141
  • 215-456-8722
  • 800-EINSTEIN
  • www.einstein.edu/jewishgenetics/
  • Provides genetic counseling and screening for eight Jewish genetic diseases, as well as information and resources. Screening available at a discount rate, and is offered free to students and engaged or newly married couples.

  • Washington Jewish Healing Network
  • 4707 Connecticut Ave., N.W.,
  • Suite 104
  • Washington, DC 20008
  • 202-966-7851
  • fax 202-966-5422
  • washheal@comcast.net
  • Coordinators: Dr. Carol Hausman
  • Rabbi Robert Saks
  • Organization dedicated to providing spiritual and emotional care to Washington area Jews living with illness, to those caring for the ill, to those who are bereaved, to families experiencing estrangement and others. Offers short-term groups led by a psychologist and a rabbi, combining psychological and spiritual aspects. An ongoing drop-in bereavement group is also offered. Communitywide healing service held at local synagogues; healing courses and synagogue programming, public speaking.

  • Yachad - Jewish Housing and Community Development Corp.
  • 1776 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.,
  • Suite 810
  • Washington, DC 20036
  • 202-296-8563
  • fax 202-296-8565
  • www.yachad-dc.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Audrey Lyon
  • Mobilizes resources of Jewish community to restore urban neighborhoods. Sponsors Sukkot in April; Faith to Faith, an interracial program working with churches in the metropolitan area; and Ramp It Up, a summer construction program for teenagers.

  • ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GROUPS

  • Washington Hebrew Congregation
  • 3935 Macomb St., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20016
  • 202-362-7100
  • Mondays at 8 p.m.

  • Beth El Hebrew Congregation
  • 3830 Seminary Rd.
  • Alexandria, VA 22304
  • 703-370-9400
  • Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

  • AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

  • Chabad Lubavitch Center of Upper Montgomery County
  • 301-926-3632
  • Accepts all used cars.

  • Hadassah-Greater Washington Chapter
  • 301-585-7772
  • Accepts all used cars.

  • Hebrew Home Development Office
  • 301-770-8329
  • Contact: Nichole Swinson
  • Accepts driveable used cars. Will tow if car is in otherwise good condition.

  • Jewish Council for the Aging
  • 301-255-4235
  • Contact: Bruce Kipnis
  • bkipnis@jcagw.org
  • Accepts used cars; must be driveable.

  • Jewish Foundation for Group Homes
  • 301-984-3839
  • Contact: Vanessa Ripps
  • Accepts all used cars.

  • Jewish Heritage for the Blind
  • 800-2-DONATE
  • Accepts all used cars.

  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • 301-585-CARS (2277)
  • www.jssa.org
  • Accepts all used cars. Cars must be in good running condition and made in 1993 or later.

  • Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy
  • 301-962-9400 ext. 5163
  • Accepts all used cars.

  • Raphael House
  • Jewish Psychiatric Home
  • 202-829-6105
  • Accepts all used cars.

  • Yeshiva of Greater Washington
  • 301-332-8167
  • Accepts used cars. Cars
  • must be driveable.

  • CLOTHING & RESALE/ THRIFT SHOPS/ HOUSEHOLD ITEMS/ FURNITURE/ COMPUTERS

  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) Bombe Chest
  • 2629 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20008
  • 202-387-7293
  • www.jssa.org
  • An eclectic shop full of gently used household treasures. Accepts vintage jewelry, china, crystal figures, etc.

  • JIRS - Furniture Donation Program
  • 6101 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville MD 20852
  • 301-770-4848
  • 703-978-3910
  • fax 301-230-7260
  • www.jirs.org
  • jirs@shalomdc.org
  • Dir.: Sharon M. Doner
  • Coordinates a furniture donation listserv to provide furniture and household items to needy individuals. E-mail phone numbers and indicate items you wish to donate.

  • Montgomery County Thrift Shop
  • National Council of Jewish Women
  • 7125 Wisconsin Ave.
  • Bethesda, MD 20815
  • 301-654-0063
  • Clothing, housewares, books and jewelry. Consignment merchandise on Tuesday by appointment.

  • Washington Hebrew Congregation Carrie Simon House
  • Judy Protas
  • 301-294-0260
  • Accepts baby equipment: furniture, household items and clothing as needed.

  • Yesterday's Rose
  • 9960 Main St.
  • Fairfax, VA 22030
  • 703-385-9517
  • www.yesterdaysrose.org
  • We accept clothing, shoes, books, small appliances, housewares, toys and linens. Proceeds benefit the National Council of Jewish Women - Northern Virginia Section, the American Red Cross, Service Source and the Association for Retarded Children of Northern Virginia. Open Sunday 10-5; Monday-Wednesday 10-6; Thursday 10-7; Friday-Saturday 10-6.

  • YOUTH COUNSELING

  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • 6123 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-881-3700
  • TTY 301-984-5662
  • fax 301-770-0901
  • www.jssa.org
  • Gaithersburg
  • 11B Firstfield Rd.
  • Gaithersburg, MD 20878
  • 301-990-6880
  • TTY 301-990-7215
  • fax 301-990-0257
  • Fairfax
  • 3018 Javier Rd.
  • Fairfax, VA 22030
  • 703-204-9100
  • fax 703-204-9590
  • Assessments and Solutions (Neuropsychological and Educational Testing and Consultation)
  • 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 325
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 301-652-8459
  • fax 301-652-846
  • www.assessmentsandsolutions.com
  • **ITALIC** See Social Services section