JGS Lifecare Celebrates Volunteers at 2026 Annual Community Meeting “Our Hearts Behind the Stars” Honors Those Who Make a Difference Dr. Stuart A. Anfang Receives Chair’s Service Award

LONGMEADOW, Mass. – JGS Lifecare, a leading health care system serving seniors and their families, celebrated its 2026 Annual Community Meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. More than 100 supporters gathered for an evening celebrating the dedicated volunteers who are truly “Our Hearts Behind the Stars.” Through their generosity of time, talent, and compassion, these individuals strengthen the organization, support staff, and enrich the lives of those cared for at JGS Lifecare.  

Throughout the evening, JGS Lifecare leaders shared heartfelt stories and personal reflections illustrating the meaningful impact volunteers have on residents, staff, and the organization's culture of caring.
 
“A smile, a kind word, a listening ear, these are just some of the ways our volunteers touch the lives of our residents,” shared Cheryl Gumlaw, Director of Life Enrichment at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. “What I hear most often from our volunteers is, ‘I want to give back.’ Many are family members who are so grateful for the care their loved ones have received that they choose to show their appreciation by helping others. Their generosity makes so much of what we do possible.”
 
Jane Albert, Chair of JGS Lifecare, presented Dr. Stuart A. Anfang with the 2026 Chair’s Service Award, recognizing his 25 years of dedicated service and continued involvement. “Dr. Anfang’s legacy at JGS Lifecare is one of tireless commitment, insightful leadership, and a profound impact on the lives of our community’s elders,” remarked Albert. “His expertise in geriatric psychiatry brings a breadth and depth of understanding to residents, families, and the team members.”

Also recognized was Rudy D’Agostino, for his 13 years of service as the Treasurer of JGS Lifecare. 

Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, an affiliate of JGS Lifecare, shared an inspiring video and update on plans to transform the Leavitt Family Jewish Home into smaller, more homelike residential households featuring private rooms, welcoming shared living spaces, and innovative technologies, to support highly personalized care and enhanced resident quality of life.  “It’s not simply about renovating a building, it’s about enhancing resident care and creating a home,” Berman emphasized. 

The program also featured remarks by Cantor Elise Barber, Director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare and Robert Whitten, President of JGS Lifecare.
 
The evening concluded with a dessert reception, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and celebrate the volunteers whose dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served at JGS Lifecare.
 
About JGS Lifecare
JGS Lifecare is a leading health care system serving seniors and their families. JGS Lifecare has a 23-acre campus of care located in Longmeadow, MA.  Their family of services include nursing home care (The Leavitt Family Jewish Nursing Home), rehabilitation services (Sosin Center for Rehabilitation), assisted living (Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence), adult day health care (Wernick Adult Day Health Care),  home health and hospice care (Legacy VNA & Hospice, formerly Spectrum Home Health & Hospice), palliative care (Francis B. Cohen Palliative Care Program), and independent living (Genesis Lifecare). For more information, call JGS Lifecare at 413-567-6211 or visit JGSLifecare.org
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