For more than seven decades, Dorothy Wizer has lived by a simple belief: if you have the ability to help, you help.

Long before she became a respected Federation leader, community volunteer, and recipient of the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, she learned the value of giving from her parents. As a child, they handed her coins each Sunday to contribute to those in need. During World War II, her mother taught her to knit squares for blankets that would be sent overseas to children in Britain.

Those early lessons became the foundation of a lifetime of service.

“Giving back has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Wizer said. “My parents taught me that if we don’t help one another, no one else will.”

She made her first gift to Federation as a teenager. By her early twenties, she was already helping lead campaign efforts, beginning what would become more than seven decades of volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community.

Throughout her life, she has remained dedicated to strengthening Jewish life, supporting Israel, and helping build a stronger community for future generations.

“Federation brings people together from every part of our community so that, together, we can make a difference,” she said.

Today, she sees that impact every day as a resident of Sinai Residences. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best senior living communities, Sinai offers more than exceptional care. Located on the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus alongside schools, family service organizations, the Levis JCC, and other community institutions, it provides daily opportunities for connection, engagement, and belonging across generations.

“The people have made Sinai feel like home,” she said. “From the very beginning, we became like family. There’s a warmth and caring here that’s hard to describe.”

Living on Federation’s campus has brought another gift: peace of mind.

“I know firsthand the investment that’s been made in keeping this community safe,” Wizer said. “My children know I’m in one of the safest places I could be, and that gives them comfort, too.”

She believes one of the campus’s greatest strengths is its intergenerational environment. Throughout the day, older adults, children, students, and families share experiences and spaces, creating meaningful opportunities to learn from one another and build lasting connections.

Whether attending performances, welcoming student visitors, or simply watching young families grow alongside older adults, Wizer sees those everyday interactions as essential to the future of the community.

“It’s hope for the future, from both ends,” she said. “Young people see that you can live a long, active, meaningful life, and we see that the future is in good hands.”

Now 90, she remains as optimistic and committed as ever. While she is humbled by the recognition she has received over the years, she insists the greatest reward has always been the opportunity to serve.

“I’ve simply tried to do what my parents taught me,” she said. “If something I’ve done has made a difference in someone’s life, that’s enough.”

To Wizer, philanthropy has never been about one generation. It is about ensuring every generation has the opportunity and responsibility to strengthen the Jewish future. In many ways, the Federation campus reflects that same philosophy, bringing together people at every stage of life in a vibrant, interconnected community where support, learning, and Jewish life are shared across generations.

“I hope future generations understand that staying connected and giving back is how we secure our future,” she said. “We’ve faced difficult times throughout our history, but we’ve endured because people stepped forward. I hope they will do the same.”