PAGE 8Court Support When relationshipsare abusive for our friends
1
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49
A Message From Our Chairman
There are some wonderful new
developments taking place within
the Chevrah Kadisha Group and I’m
delighted to share some of them with
you. These developments are both
innovative and constructive.
For the first time in its history we are
introducing an exciting rental option
at Golden Acres. We believe that this
has the potential of filling a great need
within our community.
We constantly strive to host an
environment that attracts skilled and
professional staff. More recently we
have significantly invested into a
program of staff training and motivation
which we know will add value to
the Chevrah Kadisha’s multitude of
services.
Our cover story explains the power of
teamwork as an intrinsic Chev value.
With the objective of ever increasing
community support our Social Services
division is introducing a volunteer court
support programme to assist people –
particularly those trying to exit abusive
relationships – with legal matters such
as restraining orders and maintenance
agreements. This will be a great help to
those who feel trapped and alone.
The Chev in Numbers - Aged Care
average number of visits by residents to our
doctors each month
average number of visits made by our Hospital
Visitor each month
qualified nurses & care workers across our aged
facilities
average number of scriptsprocessed by our
pharmacy each month
NEWSGOOD SPORTS
TEAMWORK TRIUMPHS
We all know that a cohesive team is a
successful team. Common purpose
and shared objectives together
with the individual strengths and
responsibilities of each member,
is a winning formula. With almost
1,000 staff members throughout
the Group, the Chev is teaching the
power of teamwork in all settings –
including on the soccer and netball
fields.
That’s because sport provides
an all-encompassing environment
for staff teambuilding - the fresh
air, exercise and good health
aspects blend perfectly with many
of the Chev’s values, and the buy-
in from staff is rewarding on every
level. They learn much about co-
operation, leadership, effort
and trust. The pride and sense
of belonging they develop with
their colleagues translates
into happier more productive
workers.
In addition to our own efforts,
over the past 18 months our
Selwyn Segal residents have
received coveted attention
from both the Maccabi soccer
and rugby teams. They were
There’s a spirit of camaraderie, good sportsmanship and teamwork at the
Chev these days. The reasons are compelling and the results enthralling!
PAGE 5Mike Baum at SandringhamGardens
PAGE 10Solly Edelman103rd BirthdayCelebration
PAGE 12Golden Acres Rental OptionNow Available
261 3233 99755
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE
COLIN DATNOW
Sandringham Gardens just celebrated
the 103rd birthday of its oldest resident,
while another resident has written her
own warm, personal account of life in
the Home. And Selwyn Segal is in the
news with its remarkable soccer team
who played with the Maccabi U18s and
the exciting new toy store that has been
added as an extension to the ever-
popular gift shop.
May you and your families be blessed
with a good and sweet year. You
are an incredible and unique Jewish
community.
Shana tova u’metukah
visited at the Home, taken on outings
and their Selwyn’s Eagles soccer
team has had the joy and privilege
of playing with the Maccabi soccer
team. They even received a donation
of soccer attire from Fowardzone, in
orange like the Selwyn Segal logo,
which they wear with enormous pride
every chance they get.
Just before the teams left for the
Maccabi games in Israel, Selwyn’s
Eagles were invited to participate in
handing out their soccer kit at Arcadia
and a week or two later 8 Maccabi
rugby players visited Selwyn Segal to
join residents for an art project.
Maccabi SA performed brilliantly at the Games
and have returned home with 36 medals. The
soccer team made it through to the semi- finals
– the first one to get that far. Selwyn Segal’s
residents are beside themselves with pride – after
all, they have a personal connection with their
heroes. The Maccabi boys have been patient and
kind. It is a mark of their great sportsmanship and
generosity that they graciously shared the field with
our players. The special connection between them
reflects the true value of sport in our community.
Meanwhile, back at the Chev....as part of the Staff
Culture Campaign to build Chev values and improve
service to the community, a knockout soccer
tournament was held at Yeshiva College between
nine teams representative of staff in most sectors.
In some cases residents and protected employment
workers joined the teams. The winners were the
Selwyn Segal staff in their orange kit who called
themselves, predictably, Selwyn’s Eagles. Other
teams included the Arcadia staff as well as a few
of the Arcadia children; two Kadimah teams; Ops,
Catering and Maintenance; the Lodge and Stores.
Rabbi Jonathan Fox was the esteemed referee
throughout the two-
hour tournament.
Surprisingly the six
netball teams that
competed were not
exclusively women.
Revenue, Ops, Laundry,
Finance, OPH and
Protected Employment
had a great time on the
Continued from front page
2
Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49
3
A Message From Our CEOs
MICHAEL SIEFFJoint CEO
When I joined the Chev one of the areas that
immediately struck me as needing attention
was staff training and motivation. We have
a large staff - 1,000 people - but they were
lacking in loyalty, inspiration and unity and
didn’t feel like a cohesive team. We selected
an independent external company to conduct an anonymous staff
survey to measure levels of investment and allegiance to the Chev.
Those initial results showed that we had our work cut out for us.
We launched the Chev Culture Campaign, identified our 10 Chev
values, and began teambuilding, educational talks, skills training,
reward programmes, competitions and sporting events between
departments to raise awareness of our Chev values of respect,
professionalism, compassion, integrity, leadership, teamwork, etc.
It has been a remarkable journey to watch the teams come alive. As
you can see our staff are now energised, passionate, invested and
dedicated. They are more ambitious than they were - for themselves
and those they serve - and function on an elevated level of hope and
commitment, knowing they are seen and appreciated.
Since our first staff survey a further two have been carried out
at two-year intervals, the most recent being a few months ago.
It confirmed what is already obvious about the improved levels of
loyalty to the Chev and the residents.
It’s great to see how our sports events create teamwork across
the Group. Regardless of who gets the trophies in the end, the
winners are always our wonderful clients and community.
May you all be blessed with a Shana Tova u’Metukah.
I recently met with a beneficiary of the
Chev’s Education Support Services, a
young man who grew up in the most difficult
of circumstances, having lived through a
traumatic childhood. Today he is happily
married, fully independent and expecting
his first child. He attributes so much of his success to the Chev and
sees the help he received as a major turning point in his life. He is
deeply grateful and wants to contribute to the Chev as both a donor
and a volunteer so that we can help others, as we once helped him.
It is heart-warming to witness the level of sincerity and humility we
are privileged to see at the heart of communal welfare.
Of course we are acutely aware that we are merely the conduit
for the incredible generosity of our donors. You can feel justifiably
encouraged that your benevolence is enabling a better tomorrow
for thousands of Jewish people in our community.
In uncertain times one thing remains certain, and that is the
Chev’s unwavering commitment to those in need. The services
we provide offer the most basic necessities of sustenance,
shelter, education and health care and so we humbly request
your continued support. In that way we can ensure that we will
always be available, and able, to offer help to the full extent of our
capability.
May you and your families be richly blessed and rewarded for your
kindness to the Chev and its numerous recipients.
Shana Tova u’Metukah – best wishes for a good, sweet new year.
SAUL TOMSONJoint CEO
One of the wonderful outcomes of this partnership
with Maccabi has been the establishment of an
annual soccer tournament incorporating teams with
disabilities from different townships around Gauteng.
The tournaments are held in collaboration
with the Department of Social
Development and co-hosted by the Chev
and Discovery. The first took place in July
2016 and featured 14 teams, including
Selwyn Segal and Kadimah. This year’s
tournament, on 30th of August, will
again be held at Discovery Park.
field. “The really positive aspect of all the sporting events was the
incredible team spirit that was built up” said Michael Sieff. “The fact that
there was inclusion across
departmental, faith, racial
and gender boundaries was
e n o r m o u s l y
positive in that
no one felt left
out. It wasn’t
primarily about
winning, it was
about being the
best team”.
The tournaments
attracted enthusiastic supporters
from all departments including
residents from Selwyn Segal,
Protected Employment and,
because the soccer was held
during school holidays, even
Arcadia.
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE
4
“My office is a playroom! I love to spread
the joy of every exciting new toy,” said Andy
Gluckman, Manager of the new toy shop at
Selwyn Segal’s popular gift shop.
Anyone who knows anything about toys
can testify to the fact that it is a vibrant,
innovative market. “Andy’s excitement over
each new ‘find’ is infectious,” says Joan
Block, Manager of the gift shop for 40 years.
“She has brought a new and exciting energy
and is passionate about her toys”.
Andy started off as a gift shop volunteer
where her mother, Irene Schraibman, has
volunteered for close to 30 years. In many
ways Andy grew up in the Selwyn Segal gift
shop. Her extensive knowledge of toys and
unbridled enthusiasm about discovering
and researching the latest offerings, soon
made her the obvious choice to head the toy
section and she joined the staff in April 2016.
The community is delighted to be able to add
toys to their baby, birthday and yomtov gifts
The Rabbi’s ReportLove of Israel is widespread at Sandringham Gardens and Our Parents Home
It is no wonder that when freelance reporter, Rolene Marks, came to speak to the residents about current affairs in Israel, the hall was packed. Rolene, whose parents reside at Sandringham Gardens, was blown away by the level of questions the residents asked.
Without doubt the best-attended events are ones that are connected to Israel. Such is the love that our residents have for the Land of Israel.
Most of the residents vividly remember the birth of the State of Israel, the
6-day war and the Yom Kippur War. A number of them even fought in the wars and recently residents who had served in the IDF were invited as special guests to the Israeli Embassy. Benny Puterman, David Friedlander, Arnie Sher, Harry Israel, Jeff Myers from Sandringham Gardens and Ron David from Our Parents Home all served. Without exception they feel it was an enormous privilege that still fills them with pride. They are all also avid shul-goers.
Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalyim are important days in the calendar and are celebrated with entertainment, prayer, the singing of Hatikvah and, of course, Israeli-style meals.
All our residents pray for peace and prosperity in our beloved Israel.
Harry Israel Arnie Sher Benny Puterman
David Friedlander Ron David Jeff Myers
TOY JOYAt the Selwyn Segal Gift Shop
– especially since
deliveries, even to
birthday parties,
are offered. The
shop boasts a
wide range of
popular brands at
very competitive
prices (Andy
keeps a close
watch on Price-
Point). Melissa
& Doug, Tiny
Love, Bright Starts, Barbie,
Fisher Price, Top Model, Our Generation and
of course the ever in-demand Lego, are just
a few worth mentioning. Andy had to jump
through a few hoops to become a Lego
stockist, but she achieved it. Educational toys,
puzzles, board games and books are also in
plentiful supply.
What’s wonderful is that the toy shop has
attracted many younger customers, adding
a youthful energy and resulting in improved
The Rosh Hashana shop opens on Sunday the 27th August with a stunning range
of excellently priced gifts. Visit us at 113 George Avenue Sandringham –
late night shopping until 8pm on the 6th and 13th of September
Call on 011 640 7173 Shop online at www.selwynsegalgifts.co.za
turnover. Toys range in price
from R35 – R1600 for the
large items and can also be
ordered online via the website:
www.selwynsegalgifts.co.za
Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49
5
SANDRINGHAM GARDENS EMBRACES MIKE BAUM
Whoever said, “If you love your job
you’ll never have to work another
day in your life”, might have been
talking about Mike.
After more than 20 years at Selwyn Segal
where Mike was part of the management
team and acted as family liaison, father
and friend to the residents and promoter
of Jewish values and practices, he was
asked to share his talents with Sandringham
Gardens three months ago. This doesn’t
mean he will be surrendering his connection
with Selwyn Segal, but rather adding to his
responsibilities.
The new Chev Ambassador says he loves
his work. ”It’s exciting, interesting and
challenging and I feel that I have learned
more in the past three months than in all my
previous years”. He explains that it’s because
working with elderly people - listening to
their life experiences and their journeys
through success and tragedy, hearing about
their families, businesses, triumphs and
failures, has given him a fresh respect and
admiration for them. On a daily basis he is
privy to stories of wisdom and resilience.
Many of those who are not well, who may be
immobilised, frail or ill have positive attitudes
despite challenging circumstances. People
in wheel-chairs so often greet him with a
smiling face and share a joke or a story.
Many aged people in the Home are highly
intelligent, have wonderful qualifications
and have worked as professionals or run
their own successful businesses.
“I am meant to be an inspiration to them,
but so often the roles are reversed and they
inspire me with their positive attitudes and
courage”. His role is to befriend the residents
and act as a liaison between them and their
families and the Chev. “I am a problem-
elevator rather than a problem-solver and
can ensure their
concerns reach the
right ears.”
Mike does a rotation
of visits, hoping to
meet with every
resident at least once
within each 3-month
period. “Most people
are deeply grateful
to have a place
like Sandringham
Gardens.” They are
aware and appreciative
of the constant
improvements being
made to the physical
structure. Right now, a complete
renovation of the dining room, Nosh Bar and
gardens is underway. He spends time with
residents in the dining-room, in shul and
he knocks on doors when he knows they
are not resting. In the Lifestyle Centre he
joins them for crosswords and Sudoku and
helps them in the Skype room. Friendships
between residents thrive. They play cards
and Bingo, go shopping and on walks, or do
art, knitting and crocheting. The Resident’s
Committee arranges special
events and invites speakers
to address them. There is an
open forum once a month for
people to meet with the GM
to express their opinions and
catch up on news.
Mike has been
impressed with the
staff who he describes
as, “Amazing – patient
and kind. All the
residents have to do is
speak politely to them
and there is nothing
they won’t do to help.
Decency and respect
is a two-way street –
between themselves and between residents
and staff. Common courtesy, good manners
and appreciation go a long, long way”.
Every day Mike meets people who teach
him about life.
“I literally can’t
wait to get to
work in the
mornings”.
The Group Facilitators
at Selwyn Segal hosted
a talent show for the
residents in July. All staff
and residents were invited
to attend. Everyone had
a great time and put on a
wonderful show,
singing and
dancing. In the
end, the judges
couldn’t decide
on one winner
because all the
performers were
outstanding. It
was decided that
a braai party
would be held for
everyone at Selwyn
Segal.
Lara Milner, Head Social
Worker and Head of Life
Enrichment at Selwyn
TALENT ON DISPLAY AT SELWYN SEGAL
Segal said, “It really was
a morning of fun and
laughter. The pride that
each resident had in
their performance was
heartwarming to see.
The rehab staff put in a
huge amount of time and
effort to ensure that each
and every performer got a
chance to showcase their
talent and feel special”.
CARE OF THE AGED
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE
6
7
Rosh Hashanah • September 2017 • Volume 49
8
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE
COURT SUPPORTWhen relationships are abusive
Volunteers were required to attend in-
depth training over five sessions of three-
hours each on:
1. Understanding Abuse
2. Skills Development – learning
empathy, empowerment and
appropriate responses
3. Safety Plans and Places of
Safety
4. Understanding Protection
Orders… how to complete forms
5. Maintenance Schedules and the
Domestic Violence Act
A tour of the Magistrates Court completed the course, and Senior Magistrate, Marlene
Lamprecht, spoke of the importance and value of the project and how it is badly needed.
Besides being alone and afraid, victims are often forced to sit alongside their abusive ex-
partners for many hours in a court room – an intimidating experience. Having someone at
their side offers them relief and provides much-needed support.
An intake process is in place for both existing Chev clients and for new clients. Social
workers will consult with other experts regarding the exact nature of the help required.
Mediation is a service already on offer at Chev Social Services but if abuse is a factor there
may be a need for urgent relocation to our safe house and legal assistance. When that is the
case, once the client is safe, social workers will pair the client
with a court support volunteer.
A graduation ceremony was held for volunteers who
qualified. Social Services Manager, Glynne Zackon, in her
address to them said, “I am proud that we have been able
to expand the abuse services we offer to our community by
providing practical and emotional support to people, mainly
women, who require assistance in obtaining protection
orders, reviewing maintenance orders and securing safe
house accommodation. The work going forward will be
challenging, heart-wrenching, arduous and heart-warming
all at the same time but we know the value and difference
you will be making and bringing to the lives of those who
need this service”.
People in need of assistance should contact Tova Goldstein
on: [email protected] or call 011 532 9616
Chev Social Services has launched a volunteer Court Support
programme to assist people in the process of escaping abusive
relationships as well as post-divorce when abuse has been, or
remains, an issue. Volunteers have been trained in court-related
procedures and are able to help with the completion of forms
applying for Protection Orders and Maintenance. They will
accompany applicants to the Magistrates Court and stay with
them during extended waiting periods to provide company and
reassurance. As an added benefit, the volunteer programme will
sometimes save lawyers hours of time at the court.
Tova Goldstein (L) Chev Abuse Services
Coordinator with a group of volunteers on
a visit to the Magistrate’s court: Shayne
Wolovitz, Anthea Glocer, Marlene Lamprecht
(Senior Magistrate), Eleanor Lowatz, Michelle
Blumenau, Avigail Sacks
Tova, Glynne & Amy Grodziki, social work student
Volunteers, trainers and staff
9
Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49
Keeping Our Community Well
Common Cents
Healthcare is one of the most important services that the Chev provides
to both residents in our facilities and to people in the community unable
to afford the costs of care.
Within the residential facilities we spend an average of R70 million per
year looking after the healthcare needs of residents in our various homes:
Selwyn Segal, Arcadia, Sandringham Gardens and Our Parents Home.
Outside of these facilities healthcare is taken no less seriously and our
Financial Welfare department considers medical assistance a vital and
basic necessity and assists members of the community with a range of
medical needs:
• R2.5 million per annum pays for medical aid plans for people who
cannot afford them on their own. The type of plan is dependent upon
the individual needs of the recipients.
• R1 million per annum is paid out for medical expenses (including
psychiatric care) not covered by medical aid and for those not on
medical aid.
• An average of R350,000 per annum, which can vary dramatically from
year to year and case to case, pays for once-off expenses like hearing
aids and emergency, life-saving surgeries.
Golden Acres is more than a beautiful, well-appointed
retirement home. Its residents are a family of friends
who celebrate life together. They observe Jewish
festivals, hold birthday parties, play cards, have
movie nights and embark on group charity ventures
like knitting baby blankets for impoverished moms.
But more than all that, there is always something
enjoyable and entertaining on offer for Golden
Acres residents. Recent happenings have included:
• A Spa Day – manis and massages for all!
• An illusionist who performed in a half hour show
• Yael Benjamin came to sing - followed by a tea-tasting
with pots of different flavoured teas
• Herzlia school vocal ensemble
• Yom Ha’atzmaut – a delicious Israeli lunch with not one,
but two Israeli singers!
• Zumba Gold - a Zumba class designed for older
people
• 11 year-old Sam Hertz, a gifted young pianist, touted
as the Most Promising Player in his age group, came with
his sister Rachel to play at a joint event with Sandringham
Gardens residents.
If you are interested in joining the Golden Acres family,
call Lynette Yach for more information and to arrange a
viewing: 011 532 9639 or email [email protected]
The Golden Acres Family
Sam is 11 years old and is in Grade 6 at King David Linksfield Primary School. Sam started playing the piano at the age of 7 and learns with Dr Jean
Pierre Calitz. He has passed his piano exams, all with distinction, through
the Royal Schools in London. In July 2017, he performed at the Linder Auditorium as a soloist with the
Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra. He has recently been selected as one of
50 musicians country-wide to participate in the Hubert Van Der Spuy National
music competition in Cape Town which is taking place later this year. Sam has won numerous awards at music eisteddfods, including winning the trophy
for the Most Promising Player in his age group at the SASMT, over the past two
years. Sam also loves the theatre and has performed in numerous productions at
the National Children’s Theatre, most recently playing “Oliver” in “Oliver Twist”, “James”
in “James and the Giant Peach” and “George” in “ George’s Marvellous Medicine”.
Monday 7 August 2017 | 2:30pm | Gerald Horwitz Lounge
Join us for an Afternoon Piano Performance by Sam Hertz
To whom it may concern,
As you know we have a severe spastic Quadra paresis cerebral palsy daughter complicated by epilepsy scoliosis upper airway obstruction and osteoporosis. As you can imagine it is an ongoing journey of grief, hope, extreme stress, frustration, adjustments and even sometimes joy. We have learnt and been humbled by the valuable lessons of faith and surrendering to Hashem’s will.However, we couldn’t have come so far and continued to maintain and help make our child’s life as comfortable as possible without all the help and unconditional kindness from Shirley Resnick and the Chevrah Kadisha. It is always very hard to come for our consultation to see Shirley but from the second we arrive she has always made us feel so comfortable and the interest, compassion and sensitivity that she displays is phenomenal. We have only left the consultation with raised spirits.
Therefore we thank Shirley and the Chevrah Kadisha for their ongoing chesed and helping us care for this very special blessing…
10
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE
A LIFE TOUCHED BY
Sandringham Gardens
A Personal Meander through Sandringham Gardens
by Gwynneth Howe-Watson, resident
It is a Wednesday morning and my day begins early. I
wake up in my pleasantly decorated room. It reminds
me of a caravan because it serves so many purposes:
bedroom, kitchen with a fridge and kettle, study with a
desk and computer - and best of all three easy chairs
to entertain my friends to tea or coffee.
I peer out of my West facing window overlooking the
garden next to the Nosh Bar, and I spot one or two early risers smoking
and chatting.
My walk usually begins at 7.15 am; my first stop being the fishpond
where about sixteen well-fed red and gold fish dart about. My route
then takes me around Golden Acres where a few staff members park
their cars to begin an early start in what I call the "White House" as the
goings-on seem to be private and one can only enter Reception with
a specific purpose.
I listen to the discordant sound made by the Hadedas and watch a few
doves on the roof. The gardens are lovely and not too neat. Orange
Strelitzias and numerous Bottlebrush trees all bloom according to the
season.
When I continue to walk round the bend and reach the main entrance,
it is satisfying to greet the guards and watch the African staff arriving
in numbers for their early shifts, chatting, singing...
Breakfast is a community affair.
"How did you sleep? Have you heard what happened in Israel? Please
pass the jam ... omelettes today..."
The morning is busy. I have my hair done and my nails manicured
by a capable young lady on the 'World of Work'
programme. Tres chic. On my way to the Lifestyle
Centre, I see some residents whom I know well,
sitting at the crowded Out Patients Department
waiting to see the Doctor. In the large airy
Lifestyle Centre, others are busy with 'beading' or
crosswords or drinking tea or knitting...
I join a popular Mosaic class facilitated by a
friendly and talented volunteer named Lisa. She
encourages me with my fish mosaic.
Before lunch, I attend a fascinating Shiur in our well-attended
Sandringham Gardens Shul. There is a knock on my door whilst
I am resting. Two friendly King David pupils present me with a
doughnut and sweets, and we have an inter-generational chat.
After supper, I may spend a few quiet moments watching the
sunset from my window. No one interrupts me, it's my private
time. Meanwhile 'winding down' is taking place in the residential
section. I like to take part in a little gossip.
"So and so no longer needs her walking stick”
“Someone else had a fall - - I visited her in the Hospital Section and
she's doing fine."
I, Gwynneth, am personally so grateful for the Medical/Hospital
facilities....
I am aware of my neighbours watching their favourite 'soapies',
the news, and walking along the passage having completed their
shower.
The lights go out in the passage at 10 pm. In their rooms, residents
connect with their families. My day finally winds down as I listen to
music or read a book. Then I fall asleep in my comfortable safe bed
in Sandringham Gardens....
The Torah considers old age a virtue and
a blessing. Throughout the Torah, “old”
(zakein) is synonymous with “wise”. The Torah
commands us to respect all elderly, regardless
of their scholarship and piety, because
the many trials and experiences that each
additional year of life brings yield a wisdom
which the most accomplished young prodigy
cannot equal. It describes Abraham as one
who “grew old and came along in days”
(Genesis 24:1) - his accumulated days, each
replete with learning and achievement,
meant that with each passing day his worth
increased. Thus, a ripe old age is regarded as
one of the greatest blessings to be bestowed
upon man.
This attitude is at odds with the youth-fixated
culture in which we live where, as they age,
people become invisible and the lifetime
of experience and accomplishment they
have acquired is often discounted. It’s not
AGE = WISDOMSolly Edelman’s 103rd Birthday
the Jewish way and that’s why when we are
blessed to celebrate a wonderful occasion like
Solly Edelman’s 103rd birthday at the Chev, the
joy is deeply felt and widely shared between
family, friends and staff.
Solly is the oldest, treasured resident at
Sandringham Gardens. Though he and his late
wife never had children of their own, his nieces
and nephews and their families are not only
present in his life, they are loving and devoted.
Solly’s friends and Chev management, doctors
and staff who care for him all celebrated this
wonderful milestone with him and look forward,
please G-d, to his 104th birthday.
11
Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49
According to the latest reports by UNAIDS (UN Programme on HIV/Aids) released in July 2017, for the first time in world history more than half the people living with HIV are on treatment. This is welcome news. HIV remains the biggest killer of South Africans and although we have the largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in the world, still only 56% of people living with HIV are receiving treatment.
Like many socially responsible companies and organisations in the country, with the support and encouragement of Government, the Chev is involved in an active AIDS awareness programme to educate and protect our 1,000 staff members across the Group, including 400 outsourced workers.
A Committee of HIV peer educators was formed in 2015 and 14 staff were given a 5-day course of SETA-accredited training. SETA is the Sector Education Training Authority. The Chev falls under Health and Welfare SETA and discretionary grants are allocated for different kinds of accredited training, especially HIV.
In the past 2 years the Committee has run quarterly Awareness Days to address stigma and discrimination, treatment compliance, workplace HIV policy, circumcision, TB (HIV-related) and to offer general information and updates like evolving medical treatment and medication. Staff are always encouraged to know their status and on Awareness Days free, private HIV testing is provided by Mobile Testing Stations / Clinics funded by the Department of Health; literature and condoms are distributed and guest speakers are invited to address the attendees. Speakers can be medical professionals, activists or HIV positive people. Our own Dr Moshe Singer spoke on circumcision (seen as a protective measure) which is provided free by Govt. Between Awareness Days, the names of peer educators are publicised so that staff can contact them confidentially to get information.
Chairperson of the HIV Committee, Buhle Buthelezi, physiotherapist and Rehab Manager at Sandringham Gardens, said,
HIV/AIDS - EDUCATING TO PROTECTSOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“The HIV workplace programme started as an initiative to educate our peers on the prevention of HIV; instead what has resulted is that a small group of passionate individuals has started to break down the stigma associated with HIV and in turn motivate their peers to face the realities of HIV, whether affected or infected, with courage and informed decision-making”.
Last year 277 people of mixed race and gender attended campaign events. Halfway through 2017, with two campaign events and World AIDS Day still to come, that number has already been exceeded. 240 staff members have come forward to be tested to find out their status Judging by these stats, the Committee’s strategy is working. Awareness Days are attracting larger crowds and more people are getting tested. Chev employees were asked to participate in researching self-test kits, which will be available in pharmacies if approved. They are overcoming their reluctance to
be associated with the topic of AIDS and are appreciative of the support they receive – not only for themselves but for their family members too.
Editor: Tzivia Grauman, Head of Group Communications. [email protected]
NUMBERS TO KNOW:
• Main Switchboard 011 532 9600
Accommodation 011 532 9669
Community Social Services 011 532 9616
After Hours Helpline 082 499 1010
• Donations 011 532 9758 / 9674
e-Cards and Gift Certificates
• Burial Services 011 673 2057/8
Emergency 24-hour standby
011 321 0000 code 4284 or
083 704 3994
WEBSITE
www.jhbchev.co.za
www.helpinghands.co.za
BANK DETAILS
Chevrah Kadisha
Standard Bank - Johannesburg
Account Number - 000 154 253
Branch Code - 00 02 05
Use your full name as a reference
Send proof to [email protected]
Our Details
AT THE HEART OF COMMUNITY WELFARE Rosh Hashana • September 2017 • Volume 49
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