The Sky’s The Limit When Kids Have The Tools For School!
Consider this your hall pass to donate to our school supply drive and help kids start the school year focused on learning!
To be successful in school, kids need to learn, create, and dream. But for too many students, their caregivers struggle to afford school supplies, especially as the cost of living increases. Now is your time to put the “awe” in “awesome” and help JFS provide backpacks filled with essentials for the first day of school.
Your $50 donation provides local students with backpacks and school supplies, so they are ready to learn, feel confident, and motivated to succeed!
Inspire learning at jewishfamilyservice.org/school-supplies.
Any funds donated in excess of the need for school supplies will be used to support the Community Resources for Stability department throughout the year.
Dear Friends,
Mental health shapes how we think, feel, and interact with others. It directly impacts the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of ourselves, children, families, and communities. According to Mental Health America, nearly one in five American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.
I am proud of our mental health department, staffed with compassionate professionals, and the modalities we offer (in person and virtual) to help individuals, whether they are struggling with depression or anxiety, feeling isolated, looking for support with complicated relationships or parenting skills, or hoping to improve their coping abilities. It s so important that we prioritize our mental health.
We offer psychotherapy for adults, children, teens, couples, and families, as well as support and therapy groups.
Mental Health Specialists: Our therapists provide trauma-informed therapy to address various issues, including depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and family crises.
Refugee Mental Health program: Skilled, culturally competent therapists use trained medical interpreters to promote healthy work, school, and family relationships for resettled refugees adjusting to life in Colorado.
KidSuccess: Our therapists and case managers are at 24 Denver and Adams County schools, providing free, highquality counseling services to children and adolescents.
Medication Management: JFS clients who could benefit from seeing our psychiatric nurse practitioner, who can provide psychiatric medication management and prescriptions.
Invest in your mental health and become the best version of yourself. JFS is here to support you on your journey.
With warm regards,
Linda P. Foster President and CEO
JFS Receives Gift to Support Long-term Sustainability
JFS has received a $5 million gift to establish the Appel Family Foundation Strategic Growth and Sustainability Initiative, which will strengthen the organization’s impact, drive innovation, and increase financial investments. This significant gift will enable JFS to expand its capacity, enhance vital programs and services, and build a more sustainable foundation for serving individuals and families across Colorado.
The Appel Family Foundation Strategic Growth and Sustainability Initiative focuses on four complementary areas:
• Capacity building and sustainability to strengthen fundraising efforts, expand revenue opportunities, and ensure long-term program sustainability.
• Program innovation, optimization, and expansion to enhance existing programs, pilot new services, and scale high-impact initiatives that address emerging community needs.
• Infrastructure and technology upgrades to systems and software to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness.
• Investments to strengthen JFS’s financial position through increased reserves to safeguard the organization’s future and ensure long-term stability.
Each focus area reflects disciplined, growth-oriented investments designed to strengthen JFS’s longterm sustainability and embody the Appel family’s entrepreneurial spirit in building resilient organizations.
“This generous gift allows us to invest in the programs our community relies on and the infrastructure behind them and ensures we are well-positioned for the future,” said JFS President and CEO Linda P. Foster. “Max and Elaine Appel and the entire Appel family have been advocates of JFS and committed to supporting the most vulnerable for many years. We are deeply grateful to the Appel Family Foundation for their partnership in helping JFS continue to meet the needs of our community.”
JFS Helps to Find Purpose in Something Bigger
“Organizations like Jewish Family Service create pathways. They don’t just offer help—they offer possibilities. And when determination meets that kind of opportunity, transformation happens.” —DJ, JFS CLIENT
DJ is a domestic violence survivor with three young children, and when he decided to leave his situation, he found himself homeless with full custody of his kids. Everything felt uncertain for DJ, and the family found themselves in a shelter, trying to rebuild their lives. Safety, stability, and hope seemed out of reach, with DJ questioning his future and his worth, and wondering how to provide for the people who depended on him most. It was then that he learned about JFS.
JFS helped DJ with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) support, a program that provides income-qualified families with temporary monthly cash assistance and help with emergency expenses, food, and other needs. Perhaps most importantly, DJ found a path to his future by enrolling in our AutoCAD Drafting & Design course. “Sometimes your lowest point becomes the foundation for your greatest rebuild,” said DJ. “That experience gave me more than a certification—it gave me clarity. It gave me a skill I could build on. And soon after, I landed my first job in the AutoCAD field.”
For DJ, that moment changed everything because for the first time, he wasn’t just surviving, he was creating, and that job became more than a paycheck. It was the spark he needed to open his eyes to what was possible, and he began laying the foundation for his own business. Today, DJ is not just working in the AutoCAD field; he is actively building and pursuing something greater and is excited about his future, including being an advocate for single fathers.
“When someone is given the right tools, the right support, and the chance to rise, they don’t just change their own life. They create something that can grow far beyond it,” said DJ.
Heather Seiden, Employment Services Senior Program Manager, pictured with DJ and his sister Maegan.
The JFS Executive Luncheon: Redefining Expectations
The days leading up to this year’s Executive Luncheon may have been cold and snowy, but the atmosphere inside the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on May 7 was overwhelmingly bright!
The Denver philanthropic community gathered for an afternoon of networking, learning about JFS, enjoying lunch, and celebrating the State of Colorado as the recipient of the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Community Leadership Award.
The event’s highlight was a moderated conversation between Denver7s chief meteorologist, Lisa Hidalgo, and actress, director, writer, producer, and businesswoman Elizabeth Banks. In their lively and far-reaching conversation, Ms. Banks shared:
• The acting role that meant the most to her was her character, Miri, in Zack and Miri Make a Porno, because she always believed she was made for romantic comedies. (Although, she said the greatest role she plays is “Jewish mother.”)
• She recognizes that she stands on the shoulders of all the women before her and that everything she has and can do is because someone fought for it—and she feels responsible to continue that legacy.
• Growing up, she was raised with a strong work ethic; you get up each day and are useful, and that’s what she wants her boys to see and do.
• She feels responsible for leaving a world she wants her kids to live in, one that is freer and safer.
• Rituals are a celebration of faith, family, and friends, and create a sense of community and belonging, which are very important to her.
• All of her business opportunities are extensions of who she is, and it’s essential to do things authentically.
As a bonus tidbit from Ms. Banks, when asked if she thought she could survive The Hunger Games, the answer was a resounding, “Yes! I do what needs to be done.”
Guests heard that JFS is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in need throughout Colorado, whether it’s helping individuals put meals on their tables, supporting families struggling to stay in their homes or experiencing homelessness, empowering job seekers to expand their skills for better employment opportunities, or strengthening mental health services for all ages. Our neighbors rely on JFS when they need a hand up, but it is increasingly challenging amid funding cuts or reductions in grants and entitlement programs, such as Medicaid.
JFS raised more than $1 million to support our critical programs and services. Thanks to our sponsors, ticket purchasers, and everyone who donated.
The JFS Executive Luncheon was an afternoon to remember in so many ways! Together, we can achieve great things and drive impactful changes that improve our community. “Organizations like JFS are so necessary, and if you don’t like the direction things are going, get out and vote,” said Ms. Banks.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
JFS Clients Benefit From a Revolutionary Care Facility in The Netherlands
Last fall, three of our JFS Aging Care and Connections (ACC) team members joined care managers from around the world in Amsterdam at Hogeweyk, an innovative care facility for those living with advanced dementia, to learn more about the condition, how we can shift the narrative on the way older adults are cared for, and incorporate these practices to help our clients.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a progressive decline in memory and other cognitive functions. At Hogeweyk, long-term care has been reinvented. The facility recreates a traditional Dutch village, with 27 homes, a town square, a restaurant, a market, a pub (with beer and bingo!), and a theatre. The intention that residents (not called “patients”) have choices in how they spend their daily lives, whether it’s going for a walk, joining in the many activities, or spending time with friends enjoying a meal. Trained staff, who wear regular clothes and are called by their first names, make sure residents feel safe, encourage them to participate in everyday chores, and help them live as independently as possible.
Anastasia Jones, ACC Holocaust care manager, Julie Hewson, ACC care manager, and Mollie Steward, ACC care manager, shared their experiences with our JFS
homemakers and ways to incorporate Hogeweyk’s philosophy into their roles. (JFS homemakers visit older care recipients every other week to provide housekeeping services, such as light house cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and grocery shopping.)
Even though our ACC team does not provide intensive home care like Hogeweyk does, we believe in the values of respect, dignity, and equality in all interactions with our clients, and these basic principles are always present throughout our programs. A few key reminders our ACC team brought back with them include:
• Let an individual lead, and don’t rush to help, even if the task takes more time. Support rather than take over, and wait until you’re asked to help.
• Empower clients to participate whenever possible, whether it’s dusting or making a cup of coffee. Come alongside people instead of doing things for them. (One of our homemakers shared that her client taught her to make military corners while making a bed.)
• Allow clients to be hosts in their homes and look for ways to include them in decision-making.
• Continue to find creative ways to support clients’ individual needs.
When the focus is on living, regardless of a person’s health, we can support human connection and enhance the feeling of freedom with dignity.
The trip was made possible with the help of Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) funding, and we are thankful for their support. The training and knowledge Anastasia, Julie, and Mollie gained at Hogeweyk are invaluable to our clients and our approach to care.
ACC Care Managers Julie Hewson, Anastasia Jones, and Mollie Steward at Hogeweyk
ACC Care Managers with their group and instructors
Find The Right JFS Therapist For You
Choosing a therapist is not just about who is available. It’s about finding the right match for your needs. JFS Director of Mental Health Services, Todd Merendino, shares some practical tips to help you make that decision:
1. Start with your needs, not the therapist’s profile. Be clear about what you’re looking for help with—depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or life changes. Different concerns often require different approaches. For instance, trauma work might need specialized training like EMDR or trauma-focused CBT, while anxiety or depression may respond well to CBT, ACT, or other evidence-based methods.
2. Look for evidence-based practice but avoid jargon. Therapists might use terms like CBT, DBT, EMDR, or psychodynamic therapy. What matters is whether they can explain how their approach addresses your specific issues. A good therapist should be able to explain their method in simple terms and relate it to your goals.
3. Check credentials and scope of practice. Licensure is important. Psychologists (PhD/PsyD), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), and marriage and family therapists (LMFT) all have training, but their areas of focus differ. If you need medication, you will need a prescriber, such as a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, along with therapy.
4. Prioritize the therapeutic relationship. Research shows that the quality of the relationship—trust, rapport, and feeling understood—is one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes. If you don’t feel comfortable after a few sessions, it’s reasonable to reconsider.
5. Ask about structure and goals early on. Good therapy should involve some goal setting and a clear understanding of what progress looks like. Ask: How will we know if this is working? What is the expected frequency and duration? Therapy should not feel aimless over time.
6. Consider cultural and personal fit. This goes beyond demographics, although those can be important. It includes values, communication style, and whether the therapist understands your experiences. Feeling seen and respected is vital, not just a “nice to have.”
7. Be mindful of logistics that affect consistency. Availability, insurance, cost, and location (or telehealth) all influence your ability to attend sessions regularly, which is crucial for progress. The “best” therapist on paper won’t be helpful if you can’t realistically go to sessions.
Don’t expect perfection; expect responsiveness. Therapy is a process. A strong clinician will adapt based on your feedback, revisit goals, and be open to discussing what’s working and what’s not. That flexibility is a sign of good practice. In the end, choosing a therapist involves both science and personal fit. The clinical foundation is important, but so is whether you feel comfortable enough to engage in real, sometimes tough, work with this person. If you have both, you’re on the right track.
Finding a therapist doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With in-person and virtual sessions available for youth, adults, couples, and families, JFS is your resource for quality therapy. Our skilled and compassionate therapists are ready to help you take the first step in your counseling journey. Learn more about our therapists today at jewishfamilyservice.org/mental-health
Delivering Healthy Goodness in Boulder
Before a need can be met, it first must be acknowledged. Hunger exists in the lives of thousands of our neighbors— from children who can’t focus on school, to older adults who are forced to choose between medications and food, to families who are struggling to stretch their paychecks to afford utilities and rent and put meals on their tables. The amount of food insecurity we’re seeing is staggering and continues to grow, which is why we’re excited about our new community food share program.
In April, JFS Boulder began addressing food insecurity in Boulder County in partnership with Community Food Share and the Boulder JCC, with the first distribution of our community food share boxes. (Community Food Share provides the food, and the Boulder JCC offers space for volunteers to pick up the boxes.) Once a month, 50 households, comprised of existing and new JFS clients, will receive boxes filled with a variety of fresh, local produce, frozen and nonperishable foods, and dairy products, based on availability. (New clients can sign up to receive a food box at jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder-food-program.)
“JFS Boulder continues to extend its reach, providing additional services to our clients in the Boulder community, which is incredibly important when our neighbors are grappling with the reduction in SNAP benefits, the increase in inflation, and the rising costs for food, gas, and other essential items,” shared Director of JFS Boulder, Melissa Mascareñas. “There is an unprecedented demand for food, and it’s vital that JFS is available to help where our community needs us most.”
If you would like to volunteer to deliver essential nutrition to community members, learn more about the opportunity at jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer/volunteer-csadelivery-driver. You can help us bridge the gap that prevents individuals from accessing healthy food.
“ There is an unprecedented demand for food, and it’s vital that JFS is available to help where our community needs us most.”
—MELISSA MASCAREÑAS, DIRECTOR OF JFS BOULDER
Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Joyce and Kal Zeff Building
3201 South Tamarac Drive
Denver CO 80231-4360
Social services for Jewish Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2026
5:30 – 9 P.M. AT MISSION BALLROOM 4242 WYNKOOP STREET, DENVER, CO 80216
Stay tuned for our event entertainment announcement. We’re excited to share a memorable evening with you! SAVE THE DATE FOR