Cummings Jewish Centre For Seniors

Mission Statement

Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the 50 plus community. The Agency acknowledges the dignity and self worth of the individual and promotes positive attitudes about aging. It emphasizes volunteer involvement in all aspects of Agency life.

About Us

The Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors (CJCS) is a 6,000 member, non-profit, volunteer association that provides services and programs to individuals 50 years of age and over. CJCS was established on February 7, 2000 following the merger of Golden Age Association (GAA) and Jewish Support Services for the Elderly (JSSE).

CJCS, a full service agency, brought together the expertise and experience of GAA and JSSE, and offers a full continuum of programs and services to the 50-plus community, from those who function autonomously to those who have become frail. Seniors can take advantage of educational, social, recreational and cultural programs and professional support services. CJCS is an all-encompassing seniors agency located at 5700 Westbury Avenue, Montreal, Quebec.

The Centre offers classes, such as aerobics, bridge, computers, culture, fitness, international studies, languages, liberal arts, literature, recreation and leisure. CJCS also houses a Fine Arts Department, Craft Centre and Wellness Centre. Jewish traditions are celebrated, day trips are organized and French language activities are offered through Chai Sépharade, the Sephardic Outreach program.

Seniors can access an extensive array of individual support services and information on a variety of personal needs. Support Services assist seniors and their families and caregivers to access the resources and services needed to maximize independent living and enhance their quality of life. More specifically CJCS offers hot and frozen Kosher Meals on Wheels, services to Holocaust Survivors and their families, home care, transportation / accompaniment. Crisis intervention and short-term counselling are also available, along with specialized group programs. Low cost kosher meals are available for all seniors in the Centre’s cafeteria. Financial subsidies are available to eligible seniors.

CJCS is committed to providing high quality services, programs, courses and volunteer opportunities. The Centre is able to offer programs aimed at enhancing the lifestyles of its members and clients and, where needed, to provide assistance in maintaining a dignified, independent place in society.

President: Freda Rashkovan
Executive Director: Herb Finkelberg
Communication Supervisor: Michael Beigleman
Finance and Administration Director: Roberta Ross
Foundation Director: Cathy Simons
Program Services Director: Elaine Shapiro
Support Services Director: Harriet Tobman

Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors
5700 Westbury Avenue
Montreal,Quebec, Canada
H3W 3E8
Tel: (514) 342-1234
Fax: (514) 739-6899

info@cummingscentre.org

History

1949	National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) conducts a survey and establishes a need for the first senior citizens’ club.
1951 - 1961	A budget of $75 is made available for the first seniors’ club. Over a 10-year period, clubs continue to expand in synagogues throughout Montreal.
1963 - 1964	The name Golden Age Association (GAA) is adopted and the agency is recognized as a constituent agency of Allied Jewish Community Services (AJCS), now known as Federation CJA.
1965	GAA, funded by AJCS, opens its doors in a rented duplex on Cote St. Catherine Road and Victoria Avenue.
1973	GAA relocates to occupy half a floor in the AJCS building.
1978	A donation from the Cummings family makes it possible to construct a separate structure for the GAA on Westbury Avenue.
1983 - 1984	The Community Development Department is created to establish Mini- Centres in communities such as Cote St. Luc, Chomedey, Saint-Laurent and Dollard-des-Ormeaux. The main building undergoes a major expansion to double its floor space.
1988	Jewish Support Services for the Elderly (JSSE), a constituent agency of Federation CJA, begins to provide services to frail seniors and their families.
1989	The Centre for Creative Lifestyles opens its doors to challenge the 50+ community of Montreal to become involved in programs and seminars designed to enhance their lifestyles. The Home Care Team is relocated from Baron de Hirsch to JSSE to provide a full range of services to seniors living at home.
1994	The Maurice Gross Family Foundation makes it possible to expand and enhance the Wellness Centre programs which were launched in 1992 to promote the role of fitness for a healthy lifestyle.
1995	The Maurice Pollack Family Foundation makes it possible to expand and enhance the Craft Centre. The Westmount Mini-Centre is launched at Temple Emanuel Beth Sholom.
1999	JSSE marks its 10th anniversary – what began as an intake, home care, and transportation service had grown into a social service agency which provides a wide spectrum of support services in the community.
2000	JSSE and GAA merge to become one - the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors (CJCS), an agency at work for all seniors age 50 and over. CJCS is one of 20 organizations presented with the Hommage bénévolat Québec prize awarded by the provincial government to honor volunteer involvement.
2001	The Chaplaincy Program, providing a wide range of spiritual and religious services for the community, joins the agency.
2002	CJCS begins a major renovation project to continue to be able to best serve its ever-growing membership. A Survivor's Assistance Office, the first of its kind in Canada, is established to provide Holocaust survivors and their families with information and access to compensation and restitution programs.
2003	CJCS launches its first annual Mini-Med School, for individuals interested in learning more about medicine. CJCS launches a new Governor's campaign, offering another way of supporting the Centre.
2004	CJCS announces the creation of its Foundation to oversee all aspects of fundraising for the Centre.