Intern at JCCGCI

“As a former intern and current employee, I can confidently say that I am proud to be part of such a powerhouse! The staff is committed and love what they do, and they’re making an immense difference in the community and in the lives of the survivors. Interning here will teach you about the inner-workings of a non-profit organization and the role of the social worker within it, as well as give you the chance to provide support for a very vulnerable community.”

“As a grandchild of survivors, the work of the JCC holds a special place in my heart. My experience at JCCGCI was both fascinating and deeply meaningful; it was an honor and privilege to assist those who rebuilt our nation after enduring such unimaginable hardships. The staff at the JCC dedicates their time to step up and support them, ensuring they receive the assistance to better manage their daily living with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“Interning at JCC and seeing all the services offered to Holocaust survivors has been a very meaningful experience. I enjoyed working closely with my supervisor, social workers and fellow interns.”

“During my internship I had many opportunities to interact with and assist clients in diverse ways which provided me with a lot of exposure to social services available to older adults. I felt very supported during my time at JCCGCI. I cultivated transferable skills and gained knowledge that I truly will carry with me throughout my social work career. Best of all, I felt like I was really making a difference in many of my clients’ lives.”

“My first year internship was at the JCCGCI, visiting Holocaust survivors and homebound seniors. I learned so much from that experience; both from the clients themselves and from the supervisors. The knowledge I’ve gained goes far beyond the scope of the ‘social work’ curriculum. I was fortunate enough to have been hired at the JCCGCI working for their Holocaust Survivor Support department following graduation, and had the honor of serving these clients for 6 years.”

“As a Social Work intern on the Medicaid Advocacy team, I had the great honor and opportunity to work directly with Holocaust survivors and other elderly, low-income people to provide support and advocacy in times of immense need. The Medicaid Advocacy team provides critical services to vulnerable populations which help them gain access to much-needed resources so that they can continue to age in place with the dignity and care that they deserve. As a social work intern, I had the opportunity to provide critical case management services and work directly with clients and their care team to advocate on their behalf for government services that they are not only entitled to, but desperately need. The work of combatting broken systems can be challenging and often frustrating but is so incredibly important, meaningful, and worth it to serve our communities.”

“My internship at Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) as a Social Work Intern was a deeply meaningful experience that shaped how I understand responsibility, presence and human resilience. Through case work with Holocaust survivors, I encountered stories that required sensitivity, patience and respect, and this work strengthened my commitment to trauma-informed care. The staff were highly professional, supportive and genuinely dedicated to their mission, and the combination of individual and group supervision created a space for both skill development and personal reflection. I would strongly recommend this internship to anyone seeking thoughtful, hands-on experience in a purpose-driven environment.”

“During my internship in the Holocaust Survivor Support Services at the JCC of Greater Coney Island, I had the privilege of connecting with survivors through resource coordination and home visits. Each interaction was deeply moving, and witnessing their resilience taught me invaluable lessons about compassion and human strength. The staff’s warmth and mentorship fostered my growth as a professional. This experience shaped my commitment to serving others, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such meaningful work.”

Pessie Koplowitz – Daeman University

“I started out at JCCGCI as an intern while at my MSW program with Fordham. As an intern, I worked with Holocaust survivors in case management and Medicaid advocacy. That internship turned into a full-time role, and I am so grateful for the experience I have gained here! I am very fortunate to work with our amazing clients in a role that is deeply meaningful to me.

Emma Oberman – Forham University

“My internship at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) has been a rewarding and impactful experience. As a Social Work intern, I had the privilege of working alongside Holocaust survivors, which gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving history and helping others. It was truly an honor to be part of such meaningful work, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and support these survivors.”

Milli Cohen – Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University

“I was an intern at the JCC of Greater Coney Island from September 2020 to May 2021. This was during the height of the pandemic, and my internship could have gotten off track considering everything that was going on at the time. However, the experience was seamless despite the major adjustments that were being made in the social services industry as a whole at that time. I spoke to Holocaust survivors over the phone to check in while completing case management tasks that would give me valuable skills that I now use as a social worker. I gained an understanding on how to prioritize tasks and document progress notes. I am currently working full-time as a social worker and I plan to get my LCSW within the next year or two. I believe that my time at the JCC was foundational to my development in this profession.”

Hadassah Sunitsky – Long Island University

“During my time at the JCCGCI, I gained invaluable experience that significantly contributed to my growth while pursuing my LMSW degree. Working closely with Holocaust survivors, I had the opportunity to apply and enhance the skills I was learning in my coursework, such as active listening, empathy, and trauma-informed care. I also developed strong case management skills, including assessing client needs, coordinating resources, and advocating for individuals in need. These interactions not only deepened my understanding of the human experience but also helped me build a more holistic and client-centered approach to social work. The chance to hear survivors’ personal stories firsthand gave me profound insights into resilience, healing, and the power of human connection. My work at the JCCGCI has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey, allowing me to grow both as a social worker and as an individual.”

Chana Komar – Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University

“I have interned at JCCGCI for 2 years and have found it to be enormously beneficial for preparing me to enter social work. My first year, I was in the case management department and during my second year, I was in the home care department. I really appreciate the opportunities for growth that JCCGCI has provided me. I am now much more confident in assessment, coordinating resources for clients, and problem-solving in a clinical setting. Working with older adults is highly rewarding and I have truly felt appreciated during my time here by fellow staff and my supervisor, as well as my clients. If you’re looking for an engaging way to connect with people one-on-one and learn more about case management and applying therapeutic skills, I highly recommend JCCGCI.”

Tatiana Vladov – NYU Silver School of Social Work