JCC MetroWest dedicates Littman Memory Center

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WEST ORANGE, NJ — JCC MetroWest celebrated the dedication of its memory center on Monday, Nov. 20. The newly named Jonathan and Nancy Littman Memory Center is an innovative program serving adults who have mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. The program is uniquely designed to enhance the physical, cognitive and social well-being of each participant while providing a safe and stimulating environment in a community setting.

The Jonathan and Nancy Littman Memory Center is open to all individuals and their families. In collaboration with Jewish Family Services of Metrowest, the center provides needed services for the caregivers including respite, guidance, a monthly support group and assurance that they are not alone.

For Jonathan Littman, support came from a direct need for the Littman family and the community at large. A Hollywood producer, best known for his work on the hit television series “CSI” and “The Amazing Race,” Littman said: “We went looking for a place where my dad could go for a few hours only to learn there was none.”

Proud of their West Orange roots, Littman and his wife Nancy wanted to give back. The Littmans were connected to Reuben Rotman, former executive director of JFS, and Sharon Gordon, chief program officer of JCC Metrowest, and agreed there was a dire need for this type of program. Contact was made with Marsha Atkind, executive director and CEO of the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, who also recognized the need for these services. As a result of the Littmans’ commitment and support from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, the JCC Memory Center, as it was formerly called, opened Sept. 15, 2016.

The program opened as a three-year pilot project hoping to attract up to 16 participants in the first year. With 28 active participants, it became apparent that the need was even greater than imagined. As a result, the Littmans committed another naming gift to provide ongoing support for years to come. Simultaneously the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey provided an additional grant to renovate the current space to double in size, allowing for more participants.

“It is becoming more and more important to address the needs of seniors as they age,” Atkind said.

According to the center’s director, Bonnie Schechter, “Our focus is on education with the opportunity to think and share in a safe, secure setting while providing family and caregivers a respite. The goal is to challenge our participants mentally and physically while maximizing their comfort and confidence.”

The program meets three times a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information on the Jonathan and Nancy Littman Memory Center, contact bschechter@jccmetrowest.org or 973-530-3491.

Photos Courtesy of Christine Strassman

  Health Care, JCC, JFS