Earlier this month, Connie Wasserman, the Sid Jacobson JCC’s associate executive director, was honored in front of a sold-out crowd of 430 people at the JCC’s 12th annual Friendship Circle Luncheon at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club.
Wasserman was recognized for her leadership and as the creator of the JCC’s adult day programs. The event was led by Bravo’s Andy Cohen and raised funds for the JCC’s services to more than 120 individuals afflicted with dementia and other chronic conditions, while also offering support and education to their families and loved ones.
“Did you know that there is a health risk to being a caregiver?” Wasserman said. “The fact is caregivers have an increased risk of developing a chronic illness themselves, as well as developing significant symptoms of depression. There are organizations that raise money for research and finding a cure. We need these organizations and we support them. Until a cure is found, we will be here and wherever we are needed.”
Under Wasserman’s supervision, the JCC tailors programs to the full spectrum of individuals with dementia, from cognitive exercises and support groups for those in the early stages to structured day programs for frail individuals suffering from more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.
For more information about the Alzheimer’s programs, contact Taylor Herbert at 516-484-1545, ext. 114, or at therbert@sjjcc.org.
