About Us

For Jewish Federations, supporting Holocaust survivors has always been a core part of our mission. Holocaust survivors, in turn, have become our guides and teachers inspiring our work around the person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) approach and enabling us to better serve all older adults with a history of trauma.

Our Work

The Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care (Center) serves Holocaust survivors, older adults with a history of trauma, and their family caregivers.
We fund and train organizations across the United States in providing PCTI care. Our goal is to make the PCTI approach the universal strategy for serving all older adults.

Our Approach

The PCTI approach infuses knowledge about trauma into organization programs, policies, and procedures to promote the safety and well-being of clients, visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Education

Explore our library of resources to support PCTI work.

Grants

Learn about our grant programs and the nonprofit organizations innovating in PCTI care.

Our Partners

We work in tandem with partners to enhance PCTI services.

Our Team

Meet the team behind the Center.

Leadership

  • Staci Barber

    Co-Chair of JFNA's Holocaust Survivor Initiative

  • Todd Morgan

    Co-Chair of JFNA's Holocaust Survivor Initiative

  • Shelley Rood Wernick

    Associate Vice President

Programs

  • Leah Bergen Miller

    Director, Programs and Training

  • Karen Edell Yoskowitz

    Director, Partnerships and Grants

  • Carly Bruski, LMSW

    Assistant Director, Strategic Partnerships

  • Amanda Jarvis

    Assistant Director, Programs and Training

  • Alana Knoppow

    Project Manager

  • Bradley Heller

    Project Manager

  • Liliana Wisniewski

    Assistant Manager, Partnerships and Grants

  • Abby Neft

    Project Assistant

Research and Evaluation

  • Carmel Rabin

    Director, Research and Evaluation

  • Vanessa Rubenstein

    Assistant Manager, Research and Evaluation

  • Hayley Bunting-Herzog

    Assistant Manager, Research and Evaluation

Finance

  • Elissa Mittman

    Financial Oversight Advisor

  • Jake Scott

    Assistant Manager, Finance and Grants

Press

See the latest updates about our work.

How to host empowering and safe commemorations with Oct. 7 survivors

October 2, 2024
eJewishPhilanthropy

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Wars in Israel, Ukraine trigger painful memories for Holocaust survivors in US

May 1, 2024
VOA News

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Двойной удар. Как пережившие Холокост украинцы еврейского происхождения живут на две войны (Double punch, How Ukrainian Jewish Holocaust survivors live through two wars)

March, 21 2024
Voice of America

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JFNA to distribute $6.9 million in grants in 2024 to groups caring for survivors of the Holocaust, other traumas

March, 15 2024
eJewish Philanthropy

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10 years on, the impact of Biden’s Holocaust survivor initiative is still growing

December 18, 2023
eJewish Philanthropy

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Nonprofits stepping up services to Holocaust survivors in Israel after Oct. 7

November 13, 2023
eJewish Philanthropy

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Holocaust survivors thank Biden for support for Israel

October, 31 2023
The Jerusalem Post

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870 Holocaust Survivors thank Biden for standing with Israel

October, 31 2023
FedBeat

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Lessons in Aging Learned From Survivors

July 2023
Hadassah Magazine

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Dallas conference teaches new approach to care for Holocaust survivors, elderly trauma victims

May 10, 2023
eJewish Philanthropy

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For Holocaust survivors in the U.S., more than remembrance is needed

April 22, 2023
The Washington Post

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A third of US Holocaust survivors live in poverty, Jewish orgs try to help

April 17, 2023
The Jerusalem Post

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Holocaust survivor races time to share her story of surviving Nazi genocide

January 26, 2023
The Washington Times

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New free program to offer support for family caregivers in Michigan

October 12, 2022
The Oakland Press

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Second Annual Holocaust Survivor Day Embraces ‘the Spirit of Celebrating Life’

June 29, 2022
The Algemeiner
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Jewish communities around the world observe Holocaust Survivor Day

June 28, 2022
Jerusalem Post
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Holocaust Survivor Day: ‘Human tendency to survive at all cost’

June 28, 2022
All Israel News
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Second annual Holocaust Survivor Day aims to show appreciation for a dwindling population

June 27, 2022
eJewish Philanthropy
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Combatting Loneliness, Poverty, and Trauma in the Lives of Holocaust Survivors

April 25, 2022
Union for Reform Judiasm
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For Holocaust survivors from Ukraine, Russian invasion stirs painful memories

March 16, 2022
The Washington Post
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Ukraine invasion retraumatizes US Holocaust survivors

March 15, 2022
The Jerusalem Post
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Senior White House officials share stories of family who survived the Holocaust

January 28, 2022
Jewish Insider
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Politicizing the Holocaust dehumanizes us all

January 27, 2022
CNN
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Holocaust survivors in the US still struggling to survive

January 26, 2022
The Jerusalem Post
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Innovating Care for Holocaust Survivors

October 27, 2021
Haartez
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Israeli startup Uniper eases loneliness among homebound seniors

July 22, 2021
e-Jewish Philanthropy
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New Technology Connects Holocaust Survivors

April 8, 2021
Jewish Journal
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In Honor of National Family Caregivers Month: A Note on Caring for Older Adults with a History of Trauma

November 5, 2020
U.S. Administration for Community Living Bulletin
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Jewish Federations group gets $5M grant to help Holocaust survivors

August 6, 2020
Forward
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Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Holocaust Survivors at Special Risk -- and Getting Extra Help

April 21, 2020
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
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Yom HaShoah: A Day to Remember, A Day to Make a Difference

April 20, 2020
eJewishPhilanthropy
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Liberation of Auschwitz a Reminder of our Sacred Work

January 23, 2020
Jewish Journal
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Here's How We Can Preserve the Dignity of Aging Holocaust Survivors

June 23, 2017
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
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