Jewish Family Services,JFS Care at Home Obtain LGBT Certification

From Jewish Family Services and JFS Care at Home: Jewish Family Services (JFS) and JFS Care at Home today announced they have become the state’s first organizations to earn the Getting it Right LGBT Inclusivity-Advanced level certification. This integrated program includes actions and resources to help organizations adopt practices of intentional inclusion for LGBT elders. The event was attended by State Senator Beth Bye and State Representative Andrew Fleischmann.

"I want to congratulate JFS and JFS Care at Home for going the extra mile to ensure that everyone in Connecticut - everyone, regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation - has access to the health care they may need," said state Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). "True to their tradition of care and compassion, JFS has chosen to focus on an often-overlooked segment of our population."

State Representative Andrew Fleischmann added, “Connecticut Community Care’s recognition of Jewish Family Services for its inclusivity is terrific and well-deserved. Jewish Family Services and JFS Care At Home (JFS) train all their staff to understand the importance of being open and inclusive to the LGBT community and all people. JFS ensures that every person in their world – employees, clients, partner organizations, community members – understands the importance of inclusivity. And they work to make sure that this open, welcoming culture is sustained day-in and day-out, for every person whom they touch. JFS provides a great model of caring and inclusivity for all of our homes and workplaces – congratulations!”

Certification is achieved by adopting proactive and ongoing practices that go beyond current standards and policies of non-discrimination. Participating organizations embrace intentional inclusivity, defined as a collection of specific practices, such as cultural sensitivity training for staff, adoption of public messaging about inclusivity, and program sustainability measures.

“Many LGBT people do not know where to turn when they are in need of care at home or counseling services,” said Patricia Kiely, Director, JFS Care at Home. “LGBT seniors may feel they have to hide their sexual or gender identities to feel safe when a caregiver comes into their home.”

“When our clients reach out for help, whether with JFS Care at Home or Jewish Family Services, they are often feeling vulnerable enough, without having to concern themselves with LGBT stigma,” said Anne Danaher, Executive Director Jewish Family Services. By becoming certified in “Getting It Right”, and demonstrating LGBT competence through trainings and visibility, people in the LGBT community will know they are safe and welcome in our agencies.”

About JFS Care At Home, LLC

JFS Care at Home serves older adults and their families in the Greater Hartford area working through the Jewish tradition of care and compassion. JFS works with families to create personalized homecare services designed for living life comfortably and independently at home. JFS Care At Home can provide part-time and full-time Hourly Care, Live-In Care, Companionship, Homemaking, Personal Care, and Geriatric Care Management services.

About Jewish Family Services

Jewish Family Services (est. 1912) is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation. The nonprofit organization is licensed by the CT Department of Children and Families and the CT Department of Public Health. In addition to its comprehensive mental health services, JFS offers other community based programs. Over 4,000 families are served annually. In all programs, JFS promotes the strength of each individual served so that all can “embrace possibility” in their lives.

About Connecticut Community Care

Connecticut Community Care (est. 1980), a statewide and nationally accredited (NCQA*), nonprofit care management organization, helps more than 17,000 individuals of all ages, abilities and incomes to receive the care they need at home, in their own communities, and offers health and wellness programs, corporate and community education initiatives. *NCQA (National Association for Quality Assurance)

Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Services, JFS Care at Home (From Left to Right: West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor; Patricia Kiely, Director of JFS Care At Home; Nancy Lichtenberg, LCSW with Senator Beth Bye.Jewish Family Services Care at Home and Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford were recently awarded the highest-level LGBT certification from Getting it Right.)