DOROT

We're thrilled to have had DOROT Executive Director, Mark Meridy, featured at the 2024 Global Loneliness Awareness Summit in Washington, D.C., held by The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness (CESIL), as a speaker on the panel, "Understanding Social Isolation & Loneliness Across Diverse Communities."   In this session, Meridy, alongside several other experts in the field of social isolation, shared valuable insights on individual and community experiences of social isolation, loneliness, and social connection.   Each June, DOROT and other CESIL members activate local communities, policymakers, and innovators for Global Loneliness Awareness Week.   This year, we were delighted to convene once again on June 11th in Washington, D.C. to speak directly with policymakers about the need to address social isolation and loneliness. To read more and view the recorded panel discussion, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ecf43SN3 #GlobalLonelinessAwarenessWeek

We're proud to share that Mark Meridy, DOROT's Executive Director, has been named a 2024 Nonprofit Trailblazer by City and State Magazine! The 2024 Nonprofit Trailblazers list recognizes a diverse group of visionary leaders who are carrying out critical work at nonprofit organizations across New York. City and State NY shared, "On Meridy’s watch, DOROT’s impact on enhancing the lives of older adults, activating thousands of volunteers, and bringing older adults and teens together has been recognized by community partners and government agencies." Congratulations to Mark on this well-deserved honor. To read and learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eev4x5WY #2024NonprofitTrailblazers #CityandStateMagazine #Congratulations

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, our own Anthony Rodriguez, DOROT's People & Culture Associate who also happens to be a Certified Yoga Instructor, guided us through a 30-minute Chair Yoga class today. What a great way to take a break, be in the moment, stretch our bodies, and center our minds. Namaste!

“Finally, both professionals and the public understand that addressing social isolation and loneliness is not only nice but necessary.” Read DOROT Executive Director, Mark Meridy’s full thoughts on the dramatic shift in attitude around social isolation and loneliness following the recent American Society on Aging Conference. Read the full piece here - https://lnkd.in/e_iq6_dj

Thank you to the valued partner agencies who joined us for our Community Partner Networking event — our first time fully in-person since 2019! We learned more about each organization, shared highlights from DOROT’s current programs, and identified new ways to work together across agencies. In the words of our Executive Director, Mark Meridy, "We are so much stronger working together in collaboration with other community agencies. There is a huge unmet need, and the only way we can come close to meeting it is by working together." Looking forward to more to come!

As Social Work Appreciation Month comes to a close, we'd like to wrap up our celebration of our own Social Workers with one final spotlight. Meet Linda Libow, our Social Work Supervisor for Kosher Meals at Home ("KMH"), a program that provides nutritional support and a warm connection for older adults who may have difficulty shopping and cooking for themselves. You can read more about Linda and her work on KMH on our website: https://lnkd.in/exh3jH-B

"I love being a social worker because it gives me a way to feel like I'm making a tangible difference in at least one person’s life every day." This was shared with us by Hilary Forrest when we spoke with her about her role as an Outreach Social Worker on our Synagogue Partnership team. Read more about what led Hilary to be a social worker and her thoughts on the importance and impact of her team's work: https://rb.gy/i2v0nz

We're proud to share that Charlie Markham, DOROT’s Manager of Onsite and Special Programs has been recognized by the American Society on Aging for his leadership and expertise in the field of aging. Not only did Charlie co-lead a session at this week’s ASA #OnAging2024 Conference, but he is also the recipient of a competitive and prestigious ASA RISE Fellowship!! ASA RISE is a launching pad for the next generation of BIPOC leaders in aging. The fellowship provides training and mentorship in the field of aging, advocacy, social justice, and leadership development, creating a cross-country network of BIPOC peers and thought leaders. Please join us in congratulating Charlie!

Our incredible DOROT team at the American Society on Aging #OnAging2024 Conference! Stay tuned for more updates through the week. Mark Meridy Charlie Markham Lorraine Novack Amy Wald, MSW Jane Blumenstein, LCSW Claire Solomon Nisen, LMSW, MPH, SIFI, Julia Kessler-Hollar, Amy Stein-Milford

We’re excited to send a cohort of staff to present and take part in panel discussions at the American Society on Aging's “On Aging” Conference on March 25-28, 2024 in San Francisco!   On Aging is the nation’s largest multidisciplinary conference on aging. The conference brings together thousands of professionals working in aging and related fields including experts, gerontologists, and thought leaders from diverse fields to drive innovative solutions in aging.   DOROT staff, including Executive Director, Mark Meridy, will present and take part in discussions on a wide range of topics, including the health impacts of #socialisolation and #loneliness, the transformative power of the #creativearts in #fosteringdiversity and #buildingcommunity, best practices around #soloaging, and innovative faith-based partnerships – to name a few!   We’re looking forward to the opportunity to share our program models and expertise in the field of aging, connecting with and learning from colleagues in other organizations, and growing new partnerships.   Read more about all of the DOROT presenters and session topics: https://lnkd.in/e8_9Semf Congratulations to all of our staff presenters, including: Charlie Markham, Lorraine Novack, Amy Wald, MSW, Jane Blumenstein, LCSW, Claire Solomon Nisen, LMSW, MPH, SIFI! #OnAging2024