Striking Event 2023

A STRIKING EVENT

The work that JCFS does is critical, and it’s my highest giving prioirity. JCFS DONOR

25,619 people were impacted by JCFS Chicago services

A non-profit social service agency, JCFS Chicago supports people of all ages and abilities as they strive to live successfully in their community. Children, teens, adults, and families benefit from the expertise and assistance that JCFS provides.

• Counseling and psychological evaluations

• Support for people with disabilities and their families

• Special education through grade 12+

• Pediatric speech-language and occupational therapies

• Immigration and citizenship services

• Education and support for issues that impact the Jewish community

• Career and employment services

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THE PROGRAM

5:00-6:00PM

music, special cocktails, mocktails, food and summer games

6:00-6:45PM

program and honoree remarks

6:45-7:30PM

the party continues!

Kosher dietary laws observed

NANCY ROTERING

Irving B. Harris Leadership Award

This year we are thrilled to honor Nancy Rotering, Highland Park Mayor. As the first woman elected mayor of Highland Park, Nancy reformed city government, prioritizing collaboration and ethics and led the city’s effort to ban assault weapons in 2013. An attorney for over 30 years, Nancy founded the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, which provides free legal services for thousands of vulnerable Illinois residents. In addition to serving as mayor, she teaches at Northwestern University and was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Instructor. Nancy and her husband Rob have four sons and live in Highland Park.

JODI NEWMARK

What’s Possible Award

This year we are honoring Jodi Newmark, the Director of Encompass, which is a Jewish United Fund initiative that works to expand community-based services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) so they can fully participate in our Jewish community. In 2013, knowing that more needed to be done to ensure a better future for adults with I/DD and their family members, Jodi and other community leaders formed Encompass. Actively engaged in community planning, advocacy and inclusion, Encompass has raised over $5 million for Jewish adults who cannot afford the services they need and deserve. Jodi and her husband, Gregg, have four children and live in Glencoe.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate JCFS Chicago. Congratulations to our extraordinary honorees, Nancy Rotering and Jodi Newmark, who exemplify what it means to be community leaders. Nancy’s leadership has guided the Highland Park community to a place of healing and strength. Jodi’s strong voice has been advocating much needed and deserved services for adults with disabilities, working toward an inclusive community for all.

From staff to volunteers, to our partners and donors—you each engage with JCFS in meaningful ways to help create an equitable, inclusive, and thriving community for over 25,000 people of all ages and abilities each year.

Our ongoing partnership with Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has helped JCFS lift up our neighbors. We appreciate each of you and your commitment to support the critical work of JCFS.

Stacey Shor President & Chief Executive Officer

We are so happy to bring our community together to celebrate the important work of JCFS. Thanks to the strength and commitment of our staff, donors and community partners, JCFS continues to be an inspiration for us all, redefining what’s possible in the lives of so many.

Special thanks to the Board of Directors for their many contributions to the agency’s success throughout this year and to all JCFS staff who dedicate so much to serving our mission. I also want to express my appreciation to Todd Grayson and Emily Keith, this year’s A Striking Event Co-Chairs. Their leadership has contributed immeasurably to the success of today’s event.

JCFS is honored to present the Irving B. Harris Leadership Award to Nancy Rotering and the What’s Possible Award to Jodi Newmark. Congratulations to everyone who contributes to the substantial impact that JCFS has on our community.

Michael Capone Chair, Board of Directors

Mayor Nancy Rotering,

On behalf of the Village of Glencoe, congratulations on receiving the Irving B. Harris Leadership Award from JCFS Chicago for your outstanding leadership in the Jewish community. In your role as Mayor of Highland Park, and particularly your leadership and advocacy following the tragic July 4, 2022 shooting, you showed that you are much deserving of this award.

The Village of Glencoe is grateful for the collaborative and mutually supportive relationship that you have fostered between Glencoe and Highland Park. We truly appreciate all that you done Congratulations again

Sincerely,

Howard J. Roin

Ms. Jodi Newmark,

On behalf of the Village of Glencoe, congratulations on receiving the What’s Possible Award from JCFS Chicago for your outstanding leadership in the Jewish community. Your work with Encompass to ensure all individuals, regardless of cultural background and physical or intellectual ability, are welcome in the community, is more important than now than ever before. We truly appreciate all that you are doing

Thank you again, for your continued dedication to improving the lives of others. We are grateful to have residents like you in our community.

Sincerely,

Howard J. Roin

May 17th, 2023

Mayor Nancy Rotering

1707 St. Johns Ave

Highland Park, Illinois

Dear Mayor Rotering,

As Representative of Illinois’ 14th District, I wanted to take a moment to personally congratulate you on your outstanding leadership in the Jewish community Your dedication and hard work have been an inspiration to so many, and I am truly grateful for all that you have done.

Your commitment to promoting the values and traditions of our community has been truly remarkable. Your tireless efforts to bring people together and to build bridges between different groups have helped to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.

Your leadership has been particularly impactful through the courage shown after the mass shooting last summer Your efforts to ban assault weapons in Highland Park in 2013 and your work in reforming your city’s government will not go overlooked. The impact of your work in this area has been felt by so many, and I know that it will continue to make a difference for years to come.

Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your exceptional leadership.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

IL State Representative, 14th District

May 17th, 2023

Jodi Newmark

30 S. Wells Street Chicago, Illinois

Dear Director Newmark,

As Representative of Illinois’ 14th District, I wanted to take a moment to personally congratulate you on your outstanding leadership in the Jewish community Your dedication and hard work have been an inspiration to so many, and I am truly grateful for all that you have done.

Your commitment to promoting the values and traditions of our community has been truly remarkable. Your tireless efforts to bring people together and to build bridges between different groups have helped to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.

Your leadership has been particularly inspirational through your work in expanding community-based services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities so they can fully participate in our Jewish community The impact of your work in this area has been felt by so many, and I know that it will continue to make a difference for years to come.

Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your exceptional leadership.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

IL State Representative, 14th District

This year’s A Striking Event is a true testament to the courage and resilience of this community and demonstrates our commitment of lifting up our neighbors. The work of JCFS Chicago inspires us all to step up and provide support for those in need. From staff to volunteers, to community partners and donors, we appreciate everyone who continues to make JCFS an inspiration for all.

JCFS is proud to honor two exceptional and well-deserving individuals tonight.

Congratulations to Mayor Nancy Rotering, the recipient of the 2023 Irving B. Harris Leadership Award. Her remarkable leadership of the Highland Park community following the shooting last summer was a source of strength and healing for all.

And to Jodi Newmark as we honor her with the 2023 What’s Possible Award for her dedication and commitment to expanding community-based services for adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities so they can fully participate in our Jewish community and receive the services they need and deserve.

It has been our privilege to co-chair this year’s event with such a dedicated staff, an involved planning committee, and the support of the JCFS Board of Directors. The success of this event is a tribute to all of you.

We are proud to be part of JCFS, an organization that redefines what’s possible and offers support to anyone, regardless of their background or ability.

Thank you for joining us tonight, your support is invaluable. We hope you enjoy the program. With warmth and appreciation,

Emily Keith Todd Grayson Event Co-Chair Event Co-Chair

JCFS Chicago is grateful to the many donors who make it possible to provide much needed services for our community.

These lists include our donors who made a gift to support A Striking Event between 7/1/22 – 5/24/23. All gifts are needed and appreciated. Our apologies for any errors or omissions and our thanks to those whose support we received after going to print.

FOUNDER

($25,000 - $49,999)

The Aeder/Auerbach Family

PATRON

($10,000 - $24,999)

Rock and Beth Edwards

Jodi and Gregg Newmark

Nirit and Gil Raviv

Erich and Katie Sternberg

Milt and Laurie Wakschlag

BENEFACTOR

($5,000 - $9,999)

Dr. Nathan and Barbara Birnberg

CDI Construction Group, Inc.

Susan S. Duman

Dr. Betsy R. Gidwitz

Andrew Glick

Todd and Marcia Grayson

Ellen and Michael Gross

Julie Hamos

The Huntington National Bank

JRG Capital Partners, LLC/Charley and Harry Huzenis

The Jarvis Foundation

Bellene Kaish

Mitchell Kaufman

Barbara Kent

H. Debra Levin

Locke Lord, LLP

Jennifer and Andrew Lucas

Howard Shuman and Joelle Gabay

Howard S. Suskin

Barbara and Steven Wolf

THANK

YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

LEADER

($2,500 - $4,999)

Rachel and Leonard Ferber

Grant Thornton LLP

The Harris Family Foundation

Emily and Jason Keith

Marvin and Carol Lader

Mark and Francine Levy

Jon and Stacey Michelon

Much Shelist, P.C.

Joanne O’Brien and Hal Krider

Alan and Marla Patzik

Jody and Sandy Perl

Seyfarth Shaw, LLP

David and Susie Sherman

Kim and Perry Shwachman

Dr. Joseph and Renee Birnberg Silberman

Andi and Michael Srulovitz

Temple Am Shalom

Liz Roberts Turnipseed and Ian Turnipseed I Cresa

Dan Wander and Ruth Freedman

GUARDIAN

($1,000 - $2,499)

Anonymous

Elizabeth Ballis

Dr. Allan and Gita Berk

Dr. Avi and Nancy Bernstein

Jennifer Charles

Carey and Dr. Cheryl Cooper

Deborah and John Covington

June Finder

Dr. Stanley and Ruthie Friedell

Martha & Brad Glass

David and Carol Golder

David and Allyson Greenbaum

Linda Kellough

Michael and Kellie Klein

Nancy and Reid Liffman

David and Tammy Lorber

David and Erin Lowenthal

Robert Mann and Jaime Baum

Doug and Stacey Meyer

Andrew and Nancy Mills

Helen Newmark

Dr. Jay Newmark

Marshall Pred and Gayla Brockman

Resnick Family Foundation

Stephen L. and Miriam R. Ritchie

Louis and Jackie Robinson

Lisa and Jeff Rosenkranz

Hon. Nancy Rotering and Robert Rotering

Louise P. Saltzman

Roslyn Schwartz

Kathryn

Karmin Shafer and Thomas Shafer

David and Stacey Shor

David and Jill Sickle

Howard and Deborah Sitron

The Smerling Family

Abby Strauss and Leonard Gilbert

Lydia D. Stux

Emanuel Tabachnik and Debra Homer Levis

Marilyn and Dr. Michael Vender

PARTNER

($500 - $999)

Anonymous

Alan and Susan Alport

Laurie and Grant Bagan

Wendy Gleiser and Michael Slotky

Amy and Robert Greenebaum

Harriet Hausman

Carol Henriques

Jill and Douglas A. Hirsh

Brian and Janet G. Hoffman

Helen McSweeney

Leah and Larry Richman

Leonard and Diane Sherman Family Foundation

Steve and Toria Stender

Linda and Stanley Weissbrot

Jeanette and Alan Zemsky

I appreciate the work that you do supporting children and families. As a school social worker, I know how important it is to our community and I want to help support the work you do. Thank you!

ANONYMOUS

SUPPORTER

($250 - $499)

Anonymous (3)

Martin and Brenda Becker

Toby and Lynn Bernstein

Robert and Anna Brimm

Andrew and Gail Brown

Taylor and Josh Clearfield

Deborah and Michael Cogan

Michael and Debbie Cohen

Lois and Steve Eisen

Laura Elkayam and Rav Ezra Balser

Donna and Steven Elrod

Glenn and Barbara Ferencz

Susan and Michael Frank

Mark and Diane Gluskin

Martin and Iris Gradman

Marc and Sulie Grayson

Gail and Dr. Bruce Greenspahn

Bruce and Barbie Hecktman

Julie and Ben Hockenberg

Eydie Keith

Keshet

Dennis and Barbara Kessler

Lori Leavitt

Jessica and Aaron Lorber

Makom Solel Lakeside

Dr. Martin and Debra Marcus

Steven and Pamela Mischel

Robert and Diane Newbury

Sharona and David Palmer, MD

Cathy Lieberstein Schneider and Joel Schneider

Bradley and Susan Schulman

John and Evelyn Schweig

Dr. John and Dena Sonnenberg

Jerome H. Stone Family Foundation

Steve Wander

Zaslavsky Family

FRIEND

($1 - $249)

Meghan and Brian Andalman

Anonymous ( 7 )

Josh and Mindy Balonick

Sheldon and Joan Banoff

Gary and Janet Barron

Allen Berger

Donna and Daniel Berman

Lauren and Aaron Berndt

Natalie and Matt Brenner

Jordan Brown

Gwennette Burns

Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim

Joanne Dobrzanski

Dr. Shana and Steven Erenberg

Lance Friedmann and Sari Gluckin

Zinaida Guz

Arden Handler and Robert Carlton

Michael and Susan Hartman

Sari Hirsch

Alyssa and Jeremy Knobel

Scott and Jerri Krantz

Alan and Karyn Lev

Norman Levin

Henry Lorsch

Stephanie and Craig Malk

Trish Gilbert and Jeff Meyer

Robert and Nancy Miller

Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

Patty and Ken Pell

Doug and Yumi Ross

Charles and Marni Rotblut

Alison Salzman

Zoe Seder

Susan Shulman and Avery Cohen

Amy Sunshine

Walter E. and Janet B. Swartz

Dana Shepard Treister and Dr. Michael Roy Treister

Margaret Vimont

Carol and Mike Winfrey

After the Highland Park shooting, community leaders, residents, and surrounding neighbors immediately sprang into action, organizing public vigils, prayer services, and mental health support. JCFS Chicago also took immediate action. Within hours, our staff came together to determine how we could best help the community during this time. The offerings of expertise, time, and compassion were a genuine reflection of the caring spirit of JCFS. Collaboration and assistance between programs—sharing insight, pairing abilities, and volunteering extra time—were the foundation of our commitment to help. We mobilized in a way that exceeded any expectations—offering drop-in sessions for anyone affected by the shooting, leading workshops, and opening our warm line for anyone looking to talk to about their emotional distress. Several social workers and trauma counselors traveled to camps and synagogues to provide grief support and counseling services. The nature of the work was devastating, but it was meaningful for our staff to be able to support the community during this time.

I recently learned about JCFS and the services they provide and wanted to help them continue their important work. Each one of their services betters the community in an invaluable way.

IN-KIND DONORS

Jason Hecker

Kameka Love

Marshall Pred

Louis Robinson

Toria Stender

Adam Tarantur

EVENT LEADERSHIP

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Todd Grayson & Emily Keith

EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Jordan Brown

Simon Fleischmann

Liz Roberts Turnipseed

Toria Stender

Abby Strauss

HONORARY COMMITTEE

Dr. Allan and Gita Berk

Rachel and Len Ferber

Kellie and Michael Klein

Marv and Carol Lader

Rabbi Steven Lowenstein and Julie Stark Lowenstein

Alan and Marla Patzik

Jody and Sandy Perl

Mimi and Stephen Ritchie

Lisa and Jeff Rosenkranz

Kathy and Tom Shafer

Susie and David Sherman

Howard and Deb Sitron

Ellen Sternweiler

Emanuel Tabachnik and Debra Homer Levis

Laurie and Milt Wakschlag

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Michael Capone Chairman

Todd Grayson Secretary

Marshall Pred Treasurer

Vice Chairs

Simon Fleischmann

Todd Grayson

Cheri Grossman

David Lowenthal

Marshall Pred

Toria Stender

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Neil Berg

Robert Brimm

Hillary Coustan

Susan Rubin Elfant

Laura Elkayam

Rachel Ferber

Glenn Ferencz

Robert Ferencz

Stanley Friedell, M.D.

David Greenbaum

Carol Henriques

Mitchell Kaufman

Emily Keith

David Lowenthal

Gayle Miller

Rabbi Elisha M. Prero

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Pamela K. Adelman

Stephen R. Ballis z”l

David Bardach

Patricia Cantor z”l

John C. Colman z”l

Robert Don

Judith Feldman

June S. Finder

Bruce Goldman

Marla Gordon

Alan S. Gratch

Ted R. Jadwin

James B. Klutznick

Thomas A. Korman

H. Debra Levin

Leonard Levine

Fran Levy

Mark Levy

Stanley L. Pollock

Stephen L. Schar

Susan Schulman

At-large Executive Committee Members

Alan Alport

Andrew Glick

Linda Kellough

Neil Posner

Jennifer Lucas

Immediate Past Chair

Liz Roberts Turnipseed

Louis Robinson

Randee Romanoff

Erich Sternberg

Abby Strauss

Adam Tarantur

Barbara Wolf

Jeanette Zemsky

Midge Perlman

Shafton

David Smerling

Andi Srulovitz

Jeffrey E. Stone

Don C. Trossman

Daniel J. Wander

Marc R. Wilkow

Gregg F. Witt

Brenda J. Wolf

Milton Zimmerman

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Stacey Shor

JCFS kindly assisted our family with respite services when we needed it the most. We wish to honor our respite worker with this gift and provide support for another family who needs respite care.

Thank you, JCFS!

My husband was a client of yours many years ago, when he was a teenager, and he said your organization saved his life. ANONYMOUS

Since the beginning of 2022, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship has resettled over 150 people from 10 countries. With community support, we can uplift more people like Mohammad,* who was separated from his family when he fled Afghanistan. The funding he received from the U.S. government when he first arrived in Chicago was not enough to cover his housing, but with the financial support provided by HIAS, Mohammad was able to focus on securing meaningful employment and care for his wife and children who remain in Afghanistan. Viktor* came to the United States on humanitarian grounds and needed to apply for asylum in order to remain in the country. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, HIAS was able to partner with an immigration attorney who filed the asylum application and will also represent Viktor through the lengthy and complicated process.

Shortly after arriving in the U.S., Solomon* and Martha* both found jobs. However, due to health issues, they were unable to maintain their employment. Worried about how they would support their family, they came to HIAS for rental assistance while they addressed their health needs. Solomon is working again, and Martha is awaiting the arrival of their fifth child—the first to be a U.S. citizen.

*Names changed for confidentiality

HIAS found my family many years ago when they escaped to Israel. ANONYMOUS

JCFS is very helpful to all people in the community.

These numbers represent our fiscal year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) unless otherwise noted:

89% of people participating in Jewish Community Services support and educational groups, chaplaincy visits, and community presentations felt an increased connection to others with similar circumstances

150 people from 10 countries were helped through our HIAS Resettlement program

JVS Career and Employment clients received career counseling, access to career or self-employment focused workshops, skills training, employment support, entrepreneurship education and mentoring

86% of people using Career Services and Duman Opportunity Center services retained employment for at least 90 days, exceeding our benchmark by 23%

53 families caring for an individual with special needs benefited from meaningful support and engagement thanks to a range of individual and group respite programs, such as Sibshops and Group Respite Our clinical child welfare team helped

136 children and their caregivers improve emotional well-being and their relationships

84% of youth accessing outpatient behavioral health services made clinical improvements

114 children with developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities benefited from comprehensive services through Integrated Pediatric Therapies, including speech, occupational, and physical therapies

You helped me when I was out of a job. I want to help others who are out of jobs.

This is your summit.

The Grant Thornton team is proud to support the annual fundraiser to benefit JCFS Chicago.

After working 15 years at the same company, Natalie decided to change jobs. Unsure of her next steps and lacking self-confidence, she turned to JVS Career Services. Natalie was partnered with a career counselor to establish her employment goals and job search strategies. She attended career counseling sessions to learn how to successfully transition to a new job, attended multiple workshops to build her knowledge and skills, and participated in a group session to receive guided support and stay focused. With her career counselor’s help, Natalie selectively sent out resumes and expanded her professional network. Within two months, she was offered a new position in her chosen field. Now Natalie is equipped and excited to begin this new chapter in her life.

We are proud to serve our community.

Thank you to JCFS for continuing their initiatives in embracing diversity, inclusivity and giving back to the community in the Chicagoland area.

Align your real estate with your organization’s goals.

Cresa is proud to sponsor JCFS Chicago

Jonathan was looking for a part-time job but was having trouble finding the right position. Jonathan, who is deaf, had proven in the past that he is adept at cleaning and straightening up work areas. He also obtained his food handler’s certificate, so he could help with food prep. The owner of Angie’s Pantry, a small catering company, had been looking for a reliable employee. When she reached out to JCFS Chicago for help, Jonathan was immediately mentioned. After learning some of the best practices for communicating with a deaf person, she arranged an American Sign Language interpreter and and set up an interview with Jonathan, who was hired and quickly became an indespensable member of the team.

Much is proud to support JCFS Chicago.

The attorneys and staff at Much salute JCFS Chicago for another year of outstanding work caring for people in our community.

Congratulations to Mayor Nancy Rotering and Jodi Newmark. Your leadership and commitment to excellence is inspiring.

When Amanda* lost her husband to an illness, she became a single parent to a very young child quite suddenly. Amanda returned to work and enrolled in a part-time nursing program. Her income was not enough to cover the family’s expenses and her school tuition. A JCFS Financial Counselor worked with Amanda to get a better sense of her monthly expenses. Tuition for her nursing program was the one expense that she struggled to keep up with. Amanda was connected with multiple resources, such as subsidized childcare, a zero-interest payment plan for her credit cards, and applying for SNAP. All of this, along with Amanda’s hard work allowed her to continue her education and establish a path to financial stability.

*Name changed for confidentiality

To begin training students in practical employment skills in an easy and useful way, Carrie Patterson, Work Development and Transition Specialist at Knapp School & Yeshiva, created School Grounds, a makeshift coffee shop within the school where students serve as volunteer baristas. One student suggested they take their skills further and work outside of school. In response, Carrie reached out to local fast-food restaurants and was delighted to find a partnership with Culver’s. Kelvin Warner, a Knapp School job coach, takes two students to Culver’s five days a week. The students have excelled at their new responsibilities and one student is being considered for a promotion and permanent hire. The students’ restaurant was chosen as one of the country’s top five Culver’s locations out of 899 restaurants. To celebrate, they attended the “Culver’s Prom,” a fully paid night out on a party bus and dinner at Smith & Wollensky’s.

ver the last two years, JCFS Chicago offered financial assistance to help people pay for food, utility bills and rent. In certain situations, our caseworkers went above and beyond to make sure everyone’s needs were met. For example, Juanita*, a young mother, and her two little girls were fleeing an abusive home in Mexico. Juanita’s caseworker, Marizela, worked tirelessly to help her find trusted resources and security. Marizela soon realized that JCFS was her only option for help and that she desperately needed advocacy in addition to financial support. Marizela connected Juanita with an immigration lawyer who explained her legal status and the necessary next steps needed to grant her asylum. JCFS helped Juanita rent a hotel room and find a domestic violence shelter so she could secure long-term housing, support, and counseling. JCFS also provided additional funds for food and transportation so Juanita could focus on the health, safety, and stability of her family.

*Name changed for confidentiality.

I have volunteered with JCFS in the past and have seen how hard everyone works to better the lives of children and their families.

MICHELE BUTTERMORE

ELIZABETH BERKE

You are a vital organization in our community—thank you!

People are at the heart of what we do.

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JUNE 25, 2023

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JCFS Chicago is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. We embrace diversity. Our commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout our services, programs and welcoming workplace.