The Sephardic Foundation on Aging (SFOA) generously awarded the Jewish Family and Children Services (JFCS) of the Suncoast a $25,000 grant for their Aging Services program. “Our roots in caring for the older Jewish community began over 70 years ago, when we opened our doors as The Sephardic Home for the Aged in Brooklyn, NY,” according to SFOA. The Aging Services program at JFCS offers a wide array of senior-based programs, from caregiver support groups and counseling to Alzheimer’s support and education. SFOA fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of aging so older people and their communities have the support and resources they need to flourish. According to the National Council on Aging, more than half of caregivers work full-time, and it is estimated that approximately 15 million days of work are lost each year due to caregiving. This grant will help offer a crucial service for Sarasota's elderly by providing support and resources to overburdened caregivers, as well as provide other welcome support to the aging in our community. Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people, JFCS believes all people are to be treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity for physical and mental well-being, self-expression, and joy. The Sephardic Foundation on Aging emphasizes care and connection as hallmarks of the community they serve. Together both JFCS and SFOA will bring dignity and therapeutic assistance to support individuals and families living with dementia. Topics such as personal loss, family, relationships, wellness and isolation will be discussed in caregiver groups. JFCS is one of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, and delivers programs and services on a non-denominational basis with the goal of empowering individuals toward well-being and self-reliance.