Recently, we turned to the staff of Arab American Family Services to ask them questions on what makes their jobs so meaningful and worth while. The answers that were given were so heart-warming, it left no shadow of a doubt that he job we are doing in the community, the tireless hours and the unselfish desire to give back, is worth every second of our time.
The elderly department of AAFS sees numerous senior citizen clients, day in and day out, who come to us when they need assistance seeking medical benefits, health assistance or help with their utility bills.
Many times, are seniors are so overwhelmed with a fear that things are not going to be OK, that they are going to be put through various government systems and just be forgotten. At AAFS, we try to ensure them that they will not be forgotten, not be overlooked, that their needs are important and their voices will be heard. Assistance is as simple as making a phone call.
Recently, a 73-year-old client came to AAFS with a major problem. For the past four months, she has had a difficult time refilling her expensive medications, due to a coding error she encountered with the state and federal system. This resulted in the client not taking her medication on time, and even skipping doses to preserve what little medication she had left.
Wafa Zegar, our elderly department caseworker spent hours and days on the phone, reaching out to various federal and state organizations, demanding answers and a solution to this issue.
Realizing that this issue could not be solved during normal business hours, Zegar decided to make a home visit with the client, going to her residence and spending her time and countless hours on the phone, until a solution was made.
“I try to put myself in the place of all my clients,” said Zegar. “I try to think, if my parents were in their shoes, how would I handle it and how would I want to see them treated,” she said.
She adds that her clients inspire her and effect her in so many ways.
“Listening to them, I find peace, wisdom and see my future and how I want to live it,” Zegar said. “Many of their stories touch my heart and soul and to listen to them and hear the journey of their lives makes me feel ever so fortunate for what I have,” she said.
Zegar says what sets AAFS aside from all other organizations is their persistence.
“We are honest, straight to the point and do not lead our clientele in the wrong direction. We educate them on their rights, responsibilities and what is right from wrong,” she said.
She adds that she always makes sure to relay her motto to her clients: we are here to help you, not hurt you.
“Making progress and reaching a solution that helps our seniors is what makes my job worth while and rewarding,” Zegar said.
If you or someone you know can benefit from the assistance of our elderly department, please give us a call at (708) 599-2237.
(708) 599-2237
