When you hear the phrase Tikkun Olam—healing the world—you might picture simple acts of kindness: delivering meals, visiting the sick, or donating clothes. That’s what I imagined too when I joined the Jewish Family Service board in 2020. But I quickly realized I had only seen the surface. The work at JFS isn’t just about handing out support—it’s about standing up for people who are totally alone, people who could fall through the cracks if no one stepped in. That realization hit me hard—and showed me what it really means to heal the world… one person at a time.
Through the Personal Affairs Management program, JFS met Frances. Frances loved three things deeply: her country, her health, and chocolate.
Born at the start of the 20th century, Frances lived through eras most of us only read about. During World War II, she proudly served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps—a voluntary military support unit that paved the way for women in the U.S. armed forces. She never married and had no children, but she lived an independent, determined life for as long as she possibly could.
When age and illness eventually made that independence impossible, Jewish Family Service was called in to help. Frances, now suffering from severe dementia, was placed in a care facility where she could be safe—but she could no longer speak or express herself clearly. Even her strong, beautiful past was, in many ways, locked away.
Still, her PAM guardian visited regularly, and even when words failed, they searched for something—anything—that could spark joy or connection. Then, one day, it happened.
Frances was handed a Hershey’s chocolate bar.
Her face softened. Her eyes lit up. For a moment, something familiar returned. From then on, every visit included a chocolate bar—sometimes two. It became a quiet ritual, a bridge between her past and the present.
Years passed. Frances’s 100th birthday was approaching—an extraordinary milestone. Her care team planned a joyful celebration: cake, party hats, decorations, music, and guests. But Frances didn’t understand the party was for her. She sat quietly at the table, distant and still, her party hat slightly askew.
Then her guardian placed several Hershey’s bars in front of her.
Slowly, carefully, Frances reached out. She began to move the chocolate bars across the table, one by one. She didn’t say a word—but her hands told the story. In that small act of engagement, surrounded by sweet reminders of something she still loved, Frances celebrated a century of life in her own unique way.
At JFS, we are reminded time and again: connection doesn’t always come through conversation, sometimes it comes through patience, attention—and a little bit of chocolate.
This is how we honor dignity. This is how we heal the world… one person at a time.
Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Jewish Family Service is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. With your help, we can continue healing the world, one person at a time.
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Every gift made to JFS goes back into the community and helps PAM clients such as Francis. Tax-deductible donations to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater may be made at jfshamptonroads.org.
We also accept nonperishable food items for our Food Pantry and new clothing items for our PAM clients, as well as hygiene items, that can be dropped in the donation bin outside of the Sandler Family Campus entrance.
Every act of kindness matters. Stand with us in bringing hope, dignity, and care to those who need it most. As we say at JFS, you never know when you’ll need help, but you’ll always know where to find it.
Meril Amdursky is a Jewish Family Service of Tidewater board member.