Family
For Marcia Applebaum, family was always the central definition of life. From a young age, Marcia learned that caring for family was a generational experience. Summers were spent with her large extended family. Family was the catalyst for her moving from her childhood home in Rochester, New York to Detroit as her mother wanted to live close to her sister.
To Marcia, l’dor v d’or (from generation to generation in Hebrew) was more than just a saying or value, it was the essence of what home and family truly embodied. Above all, Marcia Applebaum believed that family = never being alone.
Compassion and Quiet Philanthropy
Marcia’s family experiences shaped her compassion and care. She believed in enhancing the well-being of others and had a special affection for enriching the lives of vulnerable Jewish older adults. This compassion was an extension of Marcia’s definition of family as she firmly believed the elderly should not be alone.
In the public sphere, it was her husband, Gene, who took center stage. Marcia preferred to be behind the scenes. When she and Gene had the means to give back, she most often did so anonymously. Ensuring maximum independence and dignity drove her quiet and private philanthropy.
“Our Mom simply knew what was right, and how to always do right with dignity and grace. With unconditional commitment to family, she taught us what caring was truly about.” – Lisa Applebaum
The Marcia Applebaum Jewish Older Adult Enrichment Fund
To carry forward and honor Marcia Applebaum’s compassionate legacy, Applebaum Family Philanthropy has established the Marcia Applebaum Jewish Older Enrichment Fund (the Fund). The purpose of the Fund is to enrich the lives of Jewish older adults in the Detroit Metropolitan Community and Israel with the principal aim of promoting well-being, dignity, and advancing initiatives and programs that maximize life quality and overall enrichment. In its inaugural year, the Fund has supported a range of initiatives that make a significant difference in the well-being of Jewish older adults.
“Working to positively impact the lives of Jewish older adults, follows our mom’s great example of care and compassion. It is our honor to extend her definition of family – that our Jewish parents and grandparents should never be alone.” – Pamela Applebaum
2024 Funding Highlights
We are pleased to spotlight several of the organizations and programs and their impact:
- JARC to support transportation for their older adult residents, ensuring access to essential doctor’s appointments and social outings. JARC was able to provide 6,402 unique trips and visits with funding.
- Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit (JFS) to expand its ability to provide essential services to non-Holocaust survivor older adults, focusing on subsidized homecare and transportation. Support enabled JFS to provide 3,432 unique transportation rides and subsidize 950 home care hours.
- Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network (JHCN):
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- To deliver salon services including manicures and haircuts to individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and who are homebound. Funding enabled JHCN to provide 198 salon visits, enhancing comfort and dignity for recipients.
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- To provide respite for families managing 24-hour caregiving. Funding supported 456 hours of home care, giving family caregivers essential relief and support.
- Jewish Senior Life to pilot the Live and Learn Community at Meer Apartments. This initiative brings university-level educational offerings to the residents on-site. During the inaugural semester in Summer 2024, 130 residents attended 21 Live and Learn sessions.
- National Council for Jewish Women | Michigan in support of Kosher Meals on Wheels. Funding supported the delivery of 2,677 Kosher meals to homebound older adults.
A Special Afternoon at the Opera
This Fall, Jewish Senior Life’s (JSL) Live and Learn Community offered residents an engaging course on the opera La Traviata. Facilitated by Drake Dentzler, Opera Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Music and Voice at Oakland University, several Meer residents participated in a comprehensive exploration of the opera genre using La Traviata as a lens to study its musical, textual, and theatrical elements. Residents learned about operatic vocalism, voice classifications, musical forms, and theatrical idioms, gaining a deeper appreciation for this art form.
After completing the course, 12 residents, along with Live and Learn Coordinator Wendy Handler and Professor Dentzler, had the opportunity to experience La Traviata live at the Detroit Opera House. Adding to the excitement, Lisa Applebaum generously hosted a pre-opera reception to welcome the group. They had the honor of being joined by members of Detroit Opera’s leadership, including Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director, Yuval Sharon, President and CEO of the Detroit Opera, Patty Isacson Sabee, and Board Vice Chair, Mary Kramer. The afternoon at the opera was an unforgettable experience for all.
“Seniors in our world are often forgotten. The Live and Learn Program gives us the opportunity to enjoy our lives and continue learning. Your message of caring and that seniors matter resonates with all of us and fosters a sense of community.” Ron R., Meer Resident
Closing
Applebaum Family Philanthropy looks forward to the special contribution the Marcia Applebaum Jewish Older Adult Enrichment Fund will continue to make in the future building upon current partners and creating new pathways to strengthen collaborations and community synergy.
