Special Services for Holocaust Survivors and their Families

Social Workers throughout Baycrest have had special training to understand some of the unique challenges that aging Survivors may be facing as they cope with so many changes. They will work with the Care Team to understand the individual needs of each Survivor.

Clients and family members are invited to share their stories and their concerns and work with their social worker to make their time in Baycrest as positive as possible.

Some of the unique programs available at Baycrest are:

Aging Parents: Aging Children: for Adult Children of Holocaust Survivors

A mutual aid group allowing adult children of Holocaust survivors to examine commonalities and the impact of their parents' trauma on their own lives.
Contact: Paula David 416.785.2500 ext. 2271; Judi Cohen ext. 2322; Elaine Kohn

Community Survivors' Group

This group is for Survivors living on their own in the community. It meets every week for six weeks, then stops to allow new members to join. The group discusses topics that are of general interest to all. It is facilitated by a social worker who will also help participants access other services and programs.
Contact Paula David, 416 785 2500 ext. 2271

Second Generation Support Group

The Second Generation Support Group is for children of Holocaust survivors, the "second generation". This group meets bi-weekly on Monday evenings. The regular meetings of the support group allow participants to share their feelings and look at common issues. The group is facilitated by two social workers who will help participants identify their needs and what can be done for them and their aging parents.
Contact: Paula David, 416 785 2500, ext. 2271; Judi Cohen, 416 785 2500, ext. 2271

Child Survivor and Hidden Children's Group

This group is for survivors of the Holocaust who were under 18 years old by the end of the War. These groups bi-weekly meet during the day.
Contact: Paula David ext. 2271; Peggy Solomon, ext. 2731

Child Survivor Online Listserve Group

This is an online chat group for survivors of the Holocaust who were under 18 years old by the end of the War.
Contact: Paula David ext. 2271

Apotex Second Generation Group

Group for adult children of Apotex residents who are Holocaust survivors.
Contact: Ruth Goodman ext. 2208
Terrace Holocaust Survivors' Group Welcomes Terrace Residents who are Holocaust Survivors to join in discussions. This group presents the annual Yom HaShoah Ceremony and participates in special projects with school children in Holocaust Education.
Contact: Paula David ext. 2272; Shawn Fremeth ext. 2986

Holocaust Education Week

Each year during Toronto's Holocaust Education Week, Baycrest, in partnership with Jewish Federation offers a conference or workshop for survivor families. Concurrently, there are also special entertainment events, lectures or films for clients, staff and community members.

Holocaust Resource Project Under the direction of the Holocaust Survivor Outreach Advisory Committee, The Holocaust Resource Project provides education and training for community agencies and organizations on special needs of aging Holocaust survivors, and how health care providers and family members can help. It also works with all Baycrest personnel to provide knowledgeable and appropriate services and programs for survivors. Survivors and their families are welcome to call the project regarding any issue about aging and health care. The Project receives support from the Jewish Material War Claims against Germany Inc.

For further information on our Holocaust Survivor programs:
Contact Paula David, Coordinator of the Holocaust Resource Project at 416.785.2500 ext. 2271 .

Helpful Publications

The Social Work Department, with support from the Jewish Material War Claims Against Germany Inc. and the Baycrest Foundation, have produced Caring for Aging Holocaust Survivors: A Practice Manual to support families and health care providers in caring for older survivors. The manual provides invaluable advice and strategies that can be adapted to help victims of any war or genocide.

"Our aim is to help caregivers provide the most sensitive care possible and thus enhance the quality of life for survivors everywhere," says social worker Paula David, who spearheaded the project as Baycrest's Holocaust Resource Coordinator.

Baycrest also publishes If Not Now, an e-Journal dedicated to providing optimum care and understanding for aging survivors and their families. We are interested in opening communications with professionals and agencies working with survivors involved in health care, community agencies, social and recreational services, restitution and reparation. If Not Now has contributors and readers around the world.

Social Workers will also share their expertise with other facilities and services.