Habif Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
The Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home recognized Sherry Habif for her decades of volunteer service.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Bonnie Kwatnez and Elizabeth Glass welcomed a crowd of 160 to the Spring Luncheon and Board Installation for the Auxiliary of the William Breman Jewish Home.
On Tuesday, April 29, volunteers and staff were thanked for “giving their hearts and selves with sensitivity and joy leading to personal touches for residents.”
The “star” of the luncheon was longtime volunteer Sherry Habif who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sheryl Eisenberg, outgoing chair, spoke of the Auxiliary’s focus on engagement for residents, touting a list of past activities like Game Day, Chanukah party, baking cookies, improved gift shop, concerts and farm animal visits. She spoke of new AI technology to treat cognition issues, preserve memories and help find purpose and stimulation. As she exits her role, Eisenberg will head the nominating committee. She concluded, “We give, we help, we smile.”
Incoming senior chair Mindy Sard thanked Beth Friedman for advancements with the gift shop. She thanked those “rolling off” the board for their willingness to serve. Sard thanked Eisenberg for her quiet strength, deep sense of purpose, and providing direction with compassion.
New junior chair Cheryl Schwartz related that she was excited for the next chapter and praised the service of Cindy Cassano, Auxiliary manager, for friendship and service. She labeled the Auxiliary as “vital” for residents.
Jewish HomeLife (JHL) President and CEO Jeffrey Gopen began by complimenting Habif as the best possible honoree. He gave an update on the progress at Jewish HomeLife, including renovating campuses and technology that made JHL’s workforce more efficient as part of the organization’s $17.5 million capital campaign. He added that The Balser Tower finished a multiyear project including infrastructure.
He stated, “We have the nicest low-income senior housing in the country. We don’t pick and choose between the haves and have-nots. Everyone is a priority.”
He recalled that JHL was picked as a top workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and US News and World Report metrics. He concluded, “We may have gotten off to a rocky start, but we are where we want to be today. He mentioned a vendor technology expo with Israeli upstarts; and Georgia Tech exploring communication technology. He dazzled with futuristic talk of AI smart beds that could help with falls, UTIs, and the like. He also touted JHL’s low staff turnover rate.
Next, charismatic Rodney Leverette, head JHL Chef, with formal training and 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, shared how Habif mentored him in cuisine and keeping kosher.
He said, “We cook kosher and amazing food. I don’t get complaints because I don’t say ‘no,’ and give a lot of options. I can spend hours with Sherry and get great advice. She’s so creative, we make the food to match her room décor.”
Shari Bayer, JHL CMO, introduced Habif, “Sherry shows up early, gives great advice, works all day, changes clothes, and attends the event, then stays to clean up. She’s a force!”
Habif approached the podium to accept a Frabel glass heart. She stated that her late husband was a “poster boy” for JHL food while in rehab. She explained how 18 (Chai) years ago she got involved, first starting with a Chanukah party, which led to Sweetheart’s Day where women came down in cocktail dresses. She thanked super volunteers Nancy Banks, Sylvia Friedman, and Shirley Rich. She recalled that then-President Cheryl Kramer convinced her to be president in 2011 to 2013.
She said, “We have the place for golden years, the last stop. They need sunshine and cheer. It is very enriching to see a smile on their faces.”
Thanking friends who traveled, Habif ended, “Keep me on speed dial to help.”
Susan Frumin (in from Miami) told the AJT, “Sherry has been a volunteer her whole life and never changed.”
Linda Rosh echoed, “Sherry even brought food trucks to Alabama for my family occasion.”
In from Louisville, Harriett Behr said, “I met Sherry in 1991 when she was trying on her wedding suit.”
Habif’s son, Adam, stated, “Mom’s passion in life is making others happy.”
Cheryl Schwartz closed the program by announcing the raffle winners for Botox injections, jewelry, wine, and tickets to see, “Beautiful,” with dinner at The Select.
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