Holocaust Survivors

Psychosocial and Emotional Support to Holocaust Survivors and their Families

The Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families is a dynamic, multifaceted program developed to meet the psychosocial and emotional needs of aging Jewish Holocaust survivors and their families. Charles Silow, PhD, a clinical psychologist, provides individual and family psychotherapy sessions for survivors as well as for children of survivors. Dr. Silow specializes in working with Holocaust survivors as they age.
 A child of survivors, and fluent in Yiddish, Dr. Silow is accepted by the survivor community as someone who understands what they have suffered and how it 
continues to affect them. Dr. Silow is available to meet with individual survivors,
including those who are homebound or living in health care facilities.

Counseling for adult children of survivors (second generation) is also an area of specialty for Dr. Silow. To arrange a time to meet with Dr. Silow, call 248-592-5030.

Consultation, Workshops and Training

Ongoing Inservices for health care providers and facilities are conducted regarding the psychological needs of Holocaust survivors in their care. Educational
Outreach Programs guide professionals regarding the unique psychological issues and needs of survivors and their families.

The Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families serves as a liaison to multiple community agencies serving
the Holocaust survivor
population. Our staff and volunteers have been trained in the Art of Jewish Caregiving.

Together with

  • Shaarit Haplaytah – 
Survivors of 1945
  • United Social Club
  • Hidden Children/Child Survivors of Michigan
  • C.H.A.I.M. Children of Holocaust –
Survivors Association in Michigan
  • Claims Conference
  • Jewish Community Centers; D. Dan and Betty Kahn
Building & Jimmy Morris Prentis Building
  • Jewish Family Service
  • Private Donors

Services We Provide

For Holocaust survivors, aging presents an enormous challenge. Although they have survived Hitler and the Nazis, they are now struggling with a new obstacle: the
aging process. Many are now widows and widowers;
 they feel isolated, depressed, alone and anxious. Each individual’s ability to cope with the challenges of illness
and aging is complicated by the life-altering suffering, loss and deprivation they experienced during the Holocaust.

As a result of the tragedies they suffered, survivors typically struggle with anxiety and
depression more than the general population. Current political turbulence may serve to
trigger anxieties and fears about the future.
The Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families is designed to address and support the psychosocial and emotional needs of survivors using traditional and innovative methods. Each program is designed to create a safe haven where survivors can relax, share fears and anxieties, be counseled by a psychotherapist and provide encouragement to one another.

Individual & Family Counseling

Charles Silow, PhD, provides individual and family psychotherapy sessions for survivors and their families.

Support Groups

The small group setting is a safe, sheltered place for survivors to share fears, concerns and painful memories as well as celebrate their strengths and resiliency. The ravages of aging and political turmoil often trigger survivors’ feelings of anxiety, isolation and stress.

Café Europa

This upbeat café provides a festive, freilich, Jewish atmosphere where survivors meet
monthly, listen to Jewish music, enjoy a nosh, sing and even dance.

Yad B’ Yad “Hand in Hand”

This program, together with Jewish Family Service, provides trained volunteers for visits to isolated Holocaust survivors who are living in private homes, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.

Mishpoch-Chai

Mishpoch-Chai is a family program which connects young Jewish American families with
Holocaust survivors for the purpose of enriching one another’s lives.

The 3G’s & 4G’s

Third and fourth generation (ages 13-18) Holocaust survivors plan social events that benefit all generations of survivors, educate their peers about the Holocaust, carry on the
legacy of survivors, maintain a voice in the community, and interact with each other.

Ruth Kent Memorial Jewish/ Yiddish Film Series

This monthly community program provides an opportunity for Holocaust survivors to view
rarely screened Jewish and Yiddish films.