Panel on planning for individuals with disabilities

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE of MetroWest NJ (JFS) will host a speaker panel showcasing Coordinated Care of MetroWest NJ (CCM) on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at JFS offices in Florham Park. Topics will include assessment, monitoring, coordination, advocacy, and financial and legal planning.

CCM assists families, individuals, and caregivers who are overseeing the lifetime care of individuals with developmental or acquired disabilities in planning for the future.

“Everyone’s needs are different,” said Danielle Weiss, JFS’s coordinator of services for individuals with special needs, “and this program is designed to meet you where your needs are.” It is also beneficial, she added, “that some of the other services JFS offers have worked in connection with this program (i.e., grief counseling, support groups, volunteering, etc.).”

Since the establishment of CCM, said its chair, Rita Yohalem, “JFS has been the heart and soul of the program. CCM is now able to address the critical question of who will manage the daily life of the person with special needs when the family is unable to be or are no longer here. We have a dedicated social worker at JFS who monitors the clients and maintains the records and contact with those families.”

The program, she said, “can give peace of mind to special-needs families and their loved ones for their future planning requirements.”

To register, contact Weiss at 973-765-9050 or dweiss@jfsmetrowest.org.