Jane Terker Perelman & Bruce Terker: Supporting Adults Struggling with Mental Illness and/or Disabilities

For siblings Jane Terker Perelman and Bruce Terker, Ferd & Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) is family. The two, who both live in the Northeast, first came in contact with Alpert JFS through their sister Beth, who has been a resident at Melvin J. & Claire Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service (Levine JRFS) in West Palm Beach for almost 25 years. The cutting-edge program provides a continuum of services for adults struggling with mental illness as well as those who are learning and/or developmentally disabled. Its goal is to optimize residents’ potential, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives in a less restrictive environment.

While Beth lived in the residences at Alpert JFS, her parents always lived nearby and regularly visited her, ensuring Beth was watched over and cared for. However, after both parents passed away within weeks of each other five years ago, Beth was seemingly alone in South Florida. According to Jane, that is exactly when the staff at Alpert JFS became family.

“The staff, and especially Chief Clinical and Impact Officer Dr. Elaine Rotenberg, were so lovely and kind, and inclusive,” she said. “They even came to my parents’ funeral services. And since their passing, the team at Alpert JFS has become truly an extended family, to my sister and my brother and me. That has made all the difference in the world.”

In honor of their parents, Jane and Bruce made a significant donation to the Center of Belonging and Wellbeing, which officially opened in the Fall of 2023. The center has created an inclusive and supportive environment where all individuals can thrive and achieve their full potential. It is also the hub of social interaction for adults with disabilities in the Levine JRFS Supportive Living program, while also serving the broader community of those with disabilities and/or chronic mental illness through the launch of its new Day Socialization program.

Jane and Bruce believe the Center truly embodies the exceptional care that their sister, Beth, who is now 67, has received. “The work they are doing is really important,” added Jane. “They are taking adults with disabilities and giving them a life that is fuller, richer, more involved, more community based. Between all the activities – the Kravis Center, trip to Orlando, bowling, movies, festivals, cooking, nutrition, exercise, yoga – they are living a fuller life. Having the ability to offer this to adults who can’t live on their own is very special and we are truly grateful.”

Without Alpert JFS, Jane and Bruce acknowledge they would have had to relocate Beth to the northeast to be closer to them. Instead, thanks to Alpert JFS and its programming, Beth is able to stay in her home and her siblings have tremendous piece of mind. “It’s not just that she’s safe and cared for, she is enjoying herself,” Jane adds. “It’s priceless. Now with the new expansion, it can only get better and more fulfilling.”

Jane and Bruce are now encouraging others to consider donating to the Alpert JFS 50^th Anniversary Campaign, having personally and spiritually benefitted from the experience. “In terms of philanthropy, if you can make a difference that is immediate and sustained in someone’s life and provide them with a life that they would otherwise not have – to me that is a beautiful thing. You don’t always see the direct benefits of philanthropy, but in this case we really are. We are seeing the difference it makes in real time. And that’s compelling.”

Like so many others, Jane and Bruce look forward to the years ahead and Alpert JFS’ continued growth. “The last 50 years have provided comfort and joy and solace and refuge and safety to so many people,” added Jane.” Here’s to the next 50 and exponentially growing the number people who have benefitted.”

To participate or learn more about the Alpert Jewish Family Service 50^thAnniversary Campaign, please contact Kelley Whiter, J.D., Chief Development Officer, at (561) 713-1886 or Kelley[email protected], or by visiting https://www.alpertjfs.org/50th/.

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