The JCHC is MetroWest’s central agency for the development, ownership, and management of housing with services for senior citizens 62 years of age or older. Amenities at the JCHC’s buildings include kosher meals, housekeeping, social services, personal care, transportation, and recreational and social activities.

The JCHC is responsible for five apartment buildings with more than 600 units of rental housing in Essex and Morris counties, including:

• Jewish Federation Plaza in West Orange,

• Jewish Federation Towers in Irvington,

• Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation in South Orange,

• The South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House,

• and the Lester Senior Housing Community, a 175-unit complex — including 120 independent living apartments and 55 assisted living units — located on the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany.

The Charles Bierman Home offers semi-independent housing for seniors looking to maintain their independence but in need of light assistance. Consisting of private studio apartments clustered around a common living space, the Charles Bierman Home is designed to integrate the individual into a group environment. The location is convenient to synagogues, shopping, library, and other community services.

The apartments are specially equipped for safety. Both long-term and short-term respite stays are available. Services include three kosher meals per day in the communal dining room, medication reminders, social activities, and Jewish cultural and holiday programs. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services are also available.

Applicants must be ambulatory, oriented, emotionally adjusted, and independent in most activities of daily living. An applicant must be over the age of 62, have a personal physician, and be approved, based on a personal interview. Younger applicants who may benefit from our support may also be considered.