Association of Jewish Aging Services
The Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) was founded in 1960 as the North American Association of Jewish Homes and Housing for the Aging (NAJHHA). It was created and continues to function as the central coordinator for homes and residential facilities for Jewish elderly in North America. Dr. Herbert Shore was the driving force behind the establishment of AJAS and was the organization's first president and its founding executive vice president. AJAS members organizations administer to the needs of the aging through residential health care; assisted living and group homes; independent and congregate housing ; and living-at-home service programs. It promotes the unique role and mission of Jewish-sponsored not-for-profit organizations serving the aging by arranging educational meetings for the mutual exchange of information and ideas, and promotes advocacy for all elderly. Overview. AJAS is a non-profit that promotes and supports elder services in the context of Jewish values through education, professional development, advocacy and community relationships. It is governed by a voluntary board of directors, representing Jewish aging services organizations throughout North America. Professional staff manage day-to-day operations at the Washington, D.C., office. Membership programs. The AJAS  membership consists of over 125 organizations: Jewish-sponsored nursing homes, housing communities, and outreach programs throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. They help Jewish elderly stay in their homes and communities of choice and live with dignity and adequate support. Donations support regional and local Jewish centers for applied research, advocacy and resource development. Member organizations serve nearly 1.5 million elderly Jews. Education and programs. In its continued effort to provide turn-key information to its membership, AJAS hosts a number of education events each year. These programs include: Controversy. They fired their president/CEO when, for medical reasons , she wanted to work from home for a number of months following a serious surgery. External links.