The Joseph

Joseph was married to his wife Sylvia for 62 years. When he saw her for the first time, he fell instantly in love. Joseph says that, “God must have loved me for bringing her into my life.” He was so taken with her that he got a D in one of his college classes, because he couldn’t concentrate. The secret to their long marriage is simple, he says: they just belonged together.

Joseph was born and raised in Brooklyn - where he still lives today at the age of 91. He was in the Navy for four years before going to college and getting his Master’s degree. Sylvia was a nurse and had a PhD. She ran two operating rooms in two different hospitals over the course of her career. Together, they had two children and four grandchildren.

Sylvia recently passed away. Joseph has been devastated. “Every nook and cranny” in the house reminds him of her. Joseph was connected to JASA’s Senior Community Connection (SCC) program. The pastoral counselor provided emotional support to help Joseph through the grieving process. Joseph says his conversations with the pastoral counselor have been very therapeutic and that her insights are unbelievable.

JASA’s Senior Community Connection Project (SCC) offers short-term intensive case management, including comprehensive in-home or in-office assessment, service planning and connection to assistance, benefits and entitlements, and other relevant interventions by social workers, case managers, a registered nurse, and a pastoral counselor.

These earrings are handmade with love and care by JASA seniors. Treat yourself today and support older New Yorkers!