10 JEWISH ASSOCIATION ON AGING OUR PEOPLE, OUR LEGACY WE ASKED OUR RESIDENTS, FAMILIES, VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF WHAT THEY WANTED THEIR JAA LEGACY TO BE. HERE’S WHAT WE HEARD. In choosing Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s caring communi- ty, Phyllis Kirshenbaum learned how to ask for, and receive, the help she needed. The fiercely independent Phyllis found herself in a position where she could no longer safely care for herself. “There is no failure in asking for help. We’re all here on this earth to help one another,” she said emphatically. Now a two-year resident at Charles Morris, Phyllis feels safe and supported by compassionate caregivers and is more engaged thanks to a wide variety of resident activities. When asked about her legacy, Phyllis said, “I hope that I have made a small contribution just by being kind.” PHYLLIS KIRSHENBAUM Resident Nora Morant quit after her first day on the job in JAA’s Housekeeping Depart- ment, but her mother talked her into staying on a bit longer. Sixty-nine years later, Nora is now known nationally as the longest tenured employee in long- term care. “JAA grew on me, I guess,” chuckled Nora. She calls her colleagues “one big family,” and firmly believes that JAA residents must always come first. Nicknamed “The Amazing Nora,” this 80+ year-old wishes to be remembered as “an independent, free spirit who loves life.” There is no need to look back on her legacy quite yet; she is just beginning to think about retirement. NORA MORANT Service Staff Member