On Tuesday, June 24, Jewish Senior Life (JSL) hosted its 16th Annual Meeting in the Hechtman Apartments Dining Room. The evening brought together staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to reflect on a year of meaningful accomplishments and to look ahead with optimism and shared purpose.

Jo Strausz Rosen, Executive Director of Development, welcomed guests and opened the evening with a compelling five-minute video, A Day in the Life of JSL, which captured the vibrant, engaging atmosphere of daily life on campus. A second video followed, offering a moving three-minute recap of this year’s Eight Over 80 Gala, highlighting cherished moments and honorees.

Steve Ingber, CEO of Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, brought greetings and shared heartfelt remarks about JSL’s impact on the community. “JSL is not just a home, but a family,” he said, emphasizing the significance of 100 Years of Volunteers at JSL, a true milestone that honors a century of service deeply rooted in the founding of the Federation and the Jewish communal fabric of Detroit.

Jason Fisher, Board President, presented highlights from the past year, recognizing key accomplishments in the buildings, facility upgrades, a revitalized marketing approach, enhancements to the dining program, strategic financial planning, and thoughtful talent acquisition. He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to these advancements.

Nancy Heinrich, CEO delivered a heartfelt message that reinforced JSL’s enduring mission: to provide safe, inclusive communities where Jewish traditions can thrive. “Just as many of us believe the State of Israel is essential to Jewish survival,” she said, “so too is having residences where our older adults feel safe, cared for, and at home. We can welcome the stranger into our homes and still feel at home.”

The evening also honored outstanding staff members and community partners for their dedication and excellence:

• Sandra and Alfred I. Sherman Award
  • Lisa Wolnie, Assistant Administrator, Hechtman Apartments
  • Debra Margolis, Resident Service Coordinator, Meer Apartments
• Michael Cloonan Employee Excellence Awards
  • Rick Napper, Maintenance Supervisor, Meer Apartments
  • Adam Balduzzi, Maintenance Department Team Member, Oak Park
• Award of Excellence
  • The Marcia Applebaum Jewish Older Adult Enrichment Fund for its support of the Live and Learn Community, transformative educational program at Meer Apartments

Accepting the Award of Excellence were Pamela Applebaum, CEO and President of Applebaum Ventures and Applebaum Family Philanthropy, and Andrew Echt, Director of Applebaum Family Philanthropy and COO of Applebaum Ventures who spoke in appreciation of JSL’s focus on improving the quality of life of the older adults it serves, applauding the “Live and Learn” program for its alignment with the fund’s mission to enrich the lives of older adults.

Treasurer Michael Banks then led the installation of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors. Jason Fisher assumed his continuing role as Board President and closed the meeting with a message of hope, gratitude, and excitement:

“Together, we continue to build a bright, compassionate future for the older adults we serve.”