Scarsdale Women Lead Initiative to Fund Senior Center

Two Scarsdale women, Linda Plattus and Cynthia Samwick are helping the UJA-Federation of New York’s Scarsdale Women’s Philanthropy to raise funds for the WJCS Senior Program, a day program that provides 250 older adults with a critical lifeline: an opportunity to connect to others and their community. The women have committed to raising $50,000 as part of UJA-Federation’s Share a Mitzvah, with an additional $25,000 available from a challenge grant if the goal is met.

The senior program, which is run by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), a UJA-Federation beneficiary agency, offers Yiddish and art classes, a current events club, card games, exercise classes, holiday celebrations, and a hot lunch program, among other programs. For some clients, it is their only hot meal of the day.

Most of the people who come to the senior center, which is housed at the Sinai Free Synagogue in Mount Vernon, are widows and widowers in their 80s and 90s. Many have lost their closest friends. Some have outlived their children. Others have spent years caring for a frail spouse. Nearly all of them must now build new lives — alone. The WJCS senior program provides services to allow them to continue to live independently.

Cynthia Samwick told Scarsdale10583 why she was moved to get involved in this important project:

“With the population of the elderly growing so rapidly in the US, it is vital that we address their growing needs – especially right in our own community. Currently, I am an intern with Dorot, an organization that provides companionship for isolated seniors, while I’m getting my masters in social work. Therefore, when Tammy Brass, from the UJA, told me about the problems that the WJCS Senior Program at Sinai Free Synagogue was facing, I knew I had to get involved. Many of my clients at Dorot attend the programs at Sinai Free. It is such an important part of their lives and an incredible resource that is their lifeline. It’s a privilege to be involved with the “Share-a-mitzvah” initiative. I just hope we can raise these vital funds and help our neighboring seniors.

Cynthia Samwick and Linda Plattus, both of Scarsdale, serve as chairs of the WJCS Senior Program Share a Mitzvah project. For more information, please contact Tammy Brass at 1.914.761.5100, ext. 133 or brasst@ujafedny.org .