A JFM GRANT HELPS BRING THE RADY JCC TO THE SIMKIN CENTRE
Throughout the year, Rady on the Road brings instructors, lecturers, and musicians into the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre to lead programming for the residents and staff.
"We've always had a strong feeling that just because our residents are living at Simkin Centre, it doesn't mean they shouldn't be a part of the community," says Laurie Cerqueti, CEO of the Simkin Centre. "How can we bring the community to them?"
Working alongside the Rady JCC and with the support of a Jewish Community Impact Grant from the JFM, they devised a program to bring the Rady JCC to the Simkin Centre, to benefit the residents, their families, and staff.
"One of the best aspects of the program is the sense of choice it provides our residents," explains Heather Blackman, Manager of Resident Experience. "They can enjoy so many different activities now. Some even joke that there are too many to choose from."
The programming is diverse and engaging, from high-calibre musical performances curated by Karla Berbrayer to speakers on topics as wide-ranging as the history of chocolate or Victorian women's lives.
"Attendance at these programs has been terrific. Everyone comes to the music programs, and often it ends up being standing-room only," says Blackman.
The program benefits more than just the residents. Simkin Centre staff had been asking for more health and wellness support, and through Rady on the Road, they can provide that via fitness programming for residents and staff.
"Chair yoga is a huge hit, and so is staff Zumba," says Blackman. It has gotten to the point where some residents have started to come to watch the classes just to be a part of it." The program brings so much joy and a great sense of community and choice."
She explains that the fitness programs, in addition to their physical benefits, connect the residents, staff, families, and anyone who joins.
"This initiative wouldn't be possible without grant support from the Jewish Foundation," says Cerqueti. "We're incredibly lucky to have the JFM. Their support allows us to offer programming that brings joy, community, and choice to everyone here. Without them, this wouldn't be possible."