Bikur Cholim of Cleveland
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Mission Statement
Bikur Cholim was founded in 1988 by a group of volunteers who recognized the need for a communal structure to serve the needs of Jewish sick patients and their families. In 1994 Bikur Cholim was incorporated as a non-profit organization.
About This Cause
Programs and Activities Background Since its founding in 1988, Bikur Cholim of Cleveland (BCC) has provided support services to members of the Jewish community facing health issues. Whether through its visitation and hot meal program, or through its educational and recreational activities, BCC extends a helping hand to those in need with unparalleled care and warmth. Support from the Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation has enabled BCC to build its organizational capacity and to develop its Hospital Hospitality Room Program, which now has a presence in four leading hospitals in the Cleveland area. BCC works hand-in- hand with caregivers and health care professionals to help improve patients’ quality of life and to support their families. BCC has always relied on its strong contingent of volunteers to help with visitation, deliveries, transportation, cooking, etc. The coordination between staff and volunteers is as strong as ever and greatly contributes to Bikur Cholim’s continued effectiveness in reaching out to all those in need of its services. Care and Support Visitation-BCC volunteers visit patients and seniors in their homes, in the hospital, or any other facility, as needed. Kosher Hot Meals-Freshly cooked hot meals are prepared and delivered to homebound patients andcaregivers by BCC staff and volunteers. Loan of Medical Equipment-BCC stocks a supply of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds walkers, canes, crutches, etc. These items are available for pick-up or delivery,on a loan basis, to any community member in need. Bikur Cholim Houses-BCC offers housing for out-of- town patients and caregivers who seek medical treatment in any of the renowned Cleveland medical centers. Bikur Cholim lodging is used for retreats for mothers with newborn babies and for children with special needs as well. Mekimi Multimedia Library-This is an extensive collection of DVDs that BCC loans to patients of all ages fortheir enjoyment and entertainment. Transportation-Upon request, BCC volunteers accompany patients or homebound communitymembers to medical appointments and to BCC programs. Interpreters-BCC volunteers accompany non-English speaking patients to medical appointments to serve as interpreters upon request. Financial Assistance-In dire emergencies, BCC assists families who have difficulty covering medical expenses or insurance bills. Emergency Child Care-When necessary, BCC offers assistance with child care for a parent who has toattend to health issues or needs time to recuperate during an illness. Respite and Healing Hospital Hospitality Room Program BCC hospitality rooms are located at the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Main Campus, Hillcrest Hospitals, and UH Ahuja Medical Center. They are stocked with kosher snacks and meals for family members and are accessible at all times. They also provide a quiet and private space within the hospitals for prayer and relaxation. Kosher Food Cabinets BCC maintains kosher cabinets at some hospitals. These are located in the Emergency Department and on the Labor & Delivery floor at UH Case Medical Center, and the Labor & Delivery Floor at Hillcrest Hospital. They allow quick access to kosher items in situations where the caregiver must remain close to the patient. Shabbat Food Packages BCC makes sure that packages with non-perishable special items for Shabbat and Jewish holidays are on hand at some area hospitals which do not have kosher hospitality rooms or cabinets. Eim Ve’yeled Respite Program After a birth, mothers sometimes need a quiet place where they can recuperate. BCC provides that opportunity by inviting mother and baby to stay for a few days at one of the Bikur Cholim Houses and have all their needs attended to. Social and Educational Health Fairs and Screenings BCC organizes annual health fairs, which bring together community members and health care professionals, to provide information on health related issues and prevention along with basic screenings. Gila Program for Seniors A monthly social event for senior women, where they can enjoy a guest speaker, music, a hands-on activity, refreshments, and most importantly, get together with friends. Activities for Children with Special Needs BCC runs a weekly after-school program as well as Shabbat retreats for children with special needs. These programs are a wonderful opportunity for the children to socialize and learn and for their caregivers to get some respite.