At the ceremony, Steve Gerber, president of the JFS board of directors, expressed the emotions shared by the students, staff, and volunteers. He talked about the hopes and dreams that graduation represents and how JFS is so proud of the students' accomplishments in the program. Efrion Smith, the director of the Caregiving Academy, thanked the students for all that he and the other staff and volunteers have learned from them. One of the students shared how she came into the Caregiving Academy program at a difficult time in her life and that the program, and her fellow students, helped her re-gain self-confidence. She now has a part-time job and is eager to start the CNA program at WCC.
JFS Executive Director Anya Abramzon told the audience that the Caregiving Academy was a dream come true, because it combines several JFS assets: assisting clients who want to change careers, helping older adults, both in their homes and at senior living facilities, and providing unique and rewarding experiences for JFS volunteers.
The Caregiving Academy is funded by a grant from Washtenaw County ETCS. The funding ends in September, so if you would like to support this program so that it can continue, contact JFS Executive Director Anya Abramzon at 769-0209 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To learn more about the JFS Caregiving Academy or to enroll in the next class, contact Efrion Smith, the director, at 769-0209 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information about Jewish Family Services, visit the JFS website at: www.jfsannarbor.com.
