Mirella Schreiber, care manager and Holocaust services coordinator, is retiring on April 15 after nearly 24 years with JFS. While many aspects of her job, the agency, and the clients she serves have changed in that time, Mirella’s compassion, dedication, and love of helping others has not.

In her role, she ensures that Holocaust survivors have the resources they need to live in peace and comfort. She advocates on their behalf and assists with applications and re-certifications for financial restitution from the German government; arranges in-home care services, meal deliveries, emergency financial assistance for dental expenses and medications; and helps them stay connected to the community. Mirella consults with an eight-person advisory committee comprised of Holocaust survivors and children of survivors and works with a local psychiatrist who facilitates an adult children of survivors’ support group.

Mirella has formed long-term relationships with scores of survivors and their children, and they know they can count on JFS. Just as every survivor’s story is unique, so are their needs. Mirella patiently listens to their challenges—directly from the survivor and/or their adult children—and works with them to find the best solution with the resources available.

“I never judge clients or their children because I haven’t walked in their shoes.” Mirella says thoughtfully. “I encounter such a variety of circumstances and enjoy problem-solving. I have helped facilitate peace between family members, advocated for funds, provided stair lifts so clients can stay in their homes, and so much more. It’s very rewarding.”

Mirella checks in with her clients regularly, especially during the last year when she couldn’t visit them. She arranges for interns and volunteers to call or visit with the survivors to ensure they are socially connected. “It’s been very difficult not being able to see my clients in person this past year,” Mirella says. “I have assisted several new clients in other cities whom I’ve never met, which is unusual, but I’m glad I can help them over the phone or through video.” Only in recent weeks, as Mirella and many of her clients have received the COVID-19 vaccine, has she begun to see clients again in person if they are comfortable with it.

Social Services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust are supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. Each year, JFS must raise money from the community to receive this funding.

If you are interested in supporting this program, Mirella says, “We can’t abandon this population! They already feel forgotten and abandoned. While a lot of survivors have passed away, there are still many survivors who need our support; we currently serve about 80 survivors and their families. Some were children during the Holocaust and are now in their 70s. They will need help as they age and become frailer.”

As she retires, Mirella says she will miss the clients with whom she built strong relationships, and the great teamwork and collaboration with her colleagues. She is looking forward to gardening, catching up with friends and family, taking educational classes, and traveling back to her home country of Switzerland when it’s safe. But for now, “I don’t want to fill up my calendar. I can’t wait for some very slow mornings without responsibilities!” Mirella says with a smile.

Thank you, Mirella, for your service and unwavering devotion to your clients and JFS. You will be missed!

Please consider making a donation in Mirella’s honor to help us continue to serve Holocaust survivors.