Summer 2016 Boulder Matters

BOULDER Matters Volume 26, No. 2 • SUMMER 2016

SHABBAT SERVICES

Program Spotlight page 3

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW Client Spotlight page 5 THANK YOU FOR CARING Tribute Gifts page 6

A PUBLICATION OF

Joe Lukasik: In the Giving Is the Receiving Volunteer Spotlight, page 4

From the Boulder JFS

MANAGER

The big news, of course,

for Boulder Jewish Family Service is that by the time you receive this newsletter, we will be settled into our new offices at the brand new Boulder Jewish Community Center.

We couldn’t be more excited about the new building and all that it means for the greater community. With the move, our vision is not only to expand the number of people to whom we provide care management services, information and referrals, and match with Friendly Visitors, but also to deepen our connection with our clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

In this newsletter, we are adding a few more elements, including a regular letter from me as Boulder JFS manager. Our hope is that you—our volunteer, donor, friend, or client—will learn something new about Boulder JFS. We hope you will be inspired and moved by the stories of our volunteers and clients, and become better informed about the work we do and the amazing people who become part of our organization.

Boulder JFS, a program of Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS), provides Boulder-area Jewish seniors, their families, adults with disabilities, and individuals in crisis with services to enhance their quality of life and connect them to Jewish values, traditions, and community. JFS believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to people in need. Founded in 1872, JFS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency serving metro Denver and Boulder.

This edition of Boulder Matters highlights an incredible human being, Joe Lukasik. He has channeled his love of studying Torah and interest in older adults into a very meaningful volunteer position with Boulder JFS as a para-chaplain and a Shabbat and holiday service leader. We also share the story of how Rebecca Gish became a JFS client and how we have helped bring about positive change in her life.

For many years, Boulder JFS has brought Shabbat services to local independent and assisted living communities, and what we hear time and time again from the residents and their families is that these monthly or biweekly services help build community, strengthen and renew ties to Judaism, and uplift spirits.

As we enter this new chapter for Boulder JFS, we hope to get to know you better, and for you to know us better. We encourage you to stop by our booth at the Boulder Jewish Festival on Sunday, June 19, attend our new “Celebrate Boulder JFS!” event on July 26, and meet us during one of the JCC’s grand opening celebration events during the week of September 12.

With gratitude,

Cathy Summer

Stay Connected

To stay connected to everything that is happening with Boulder JFS, please “like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BoulderJFS and sign up for our e-newsletter by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org and clicking the “Subscribe to JFS Newsletters” link.

Boulder Matters is published quarterly by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver CO 80231, www.jewishfamilyservice.org

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PROGRAM

Spotlight

Meeting people where they are is

central to the work we do. Not only do our care managers and Friendly Visitor volunteers provide home visits to older adults, but we also host holiday celebrations and services at residential communities. This offering removes a major barrier to participation, mainly transportation. It also allows our clients to determine how much and how often they want to engage with Boulder JFS. Boulder does not have a specifically Jewish residential senior community. Over the years, we have found that the Shabbat services we coordinate in these local communities, held monthly or biweekly, are a highlight for the residents. Attending Shabbat services is one way they may feel more at home, comfortable, and connected with other residents and the Jewish community.

The services help form a community within a community. They provide an outlet for contemplation and study. Bonds are formed among the residents as well as with JFS service leaders and volunteers.

JFS Shabbat service leaders are gifted at working with older adults. They exude warmth, kindness, and patience to the people who attend

DONOR

Corner

Shabbat Services their services. Since the program’s inception, JFS has had a mix of leaders— some rabbinical, some not—but all of them share a passion for Torah study and Judaism as well as an openness to older adults.

Many have participated in the JFS para-chaplain training, which provides guidelines and support for Shabbat services at the leaders. JFS is fortunate Frasier Meadows. and honored to provide such a meaningful volunteer opportunity!

Boulder JFS currently hosts Shabbat services at Balfour Senior Living, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Frasier Meadows. We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful Shabbat service leaders—Joe Lukasik, David Berstein, and Lynn Nadel—and to the communities that offer the Shabbat services for their residents.

To learn more about becoming a JFS volunteer, please contact Ingrid Swords at 303.415.1025 or iswords@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Why I Give to Boulder JFS

By an Anonymous Boulder JFS Donor

I grew up in a strong, active Jewish family. It has always been important to me to give back

and help my community. Through my job, there is a program that allows us to have a designated portion of each paycheck pulled out automatically and sent to the charity of our choice. That is how I have become a consistent contributor to Boulder JFS. While my job does not always allow me to volunteer my time, at least I am fortunate enough to give some financially to the organizations that I care about. I choose to support JFS because of how it helps other Jewish families and the support it provides in the community.

Feel inspired to give to Boulder JFS? Please make a donation in the enclosed envelope or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder BOULDER MATTERS SUMMER 2016 3

VOLUNTEER

Spotlight

Joe Lukasik: In the Giving Is the Receiving

In 2010, Joe Lukasik’s friend Patrice

Spitz, a rabbinic pastor, invited him to join her as a volunteer Shabbat service leader at a local senior living community for Boulder Jewish Family Service. Little did he know at the time that one thing would lead to another and now in 2016, volunteering for Boulder JFS has become not only a mainstay in his life but a focal point. “Of all the volunteer work I’ve done, JFS is at the top of my list. I get so much out of every experience. It really is the biggest bang for my volunteer time, plus I feel completely supported by JFS,” he says.

From his initial commitment as a Shabbat service leader, Joe’s volunteer involvement has grown to include leading Shabbat services at Balfour Senior Living and MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care twice a month. Three times a year—Passover, Hanukkah, and High Holidays—he also facilitates holiday celebrations at Balfour. In addition, he serves as a para-chaplain, mainly for the Balfour and MorningStar communities. “It’s truly amazing work,” he says.

“They keep calling me rabbi,” he says, referring to the older adults who attend the

Joe Lukasik (center) leading a Shabbat service at MorningStar.

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services and cel“Of all the ebrations. “When I volunteer work remind them I am I’ve done, JFS not a rabbi, they tell is at the top of me, ‘For us, you are my list.” a rabbi,’ which is so —Joe Lukasik touching,” he says with a smile. Formerly a music professor at the University of Colorado, Joe has a background in music and teaching that helps him keep the services he leads lively and engaging. “I get so much out of it. It is my shul. I feel energized from every service.”

Joe sees his role as the leader to “find the universal themes at that stage of life, to bring into the service or celebration what people notice after lives full of experiences. It’s a matter of listening. Even though I am leading the services and celebrations, the participants are leading them, too,” Joe says. “It’s fun. They get excited about learning new things and reconnecting to their Judaism in very personal ways.”

Joe has a more than full-time job as the senior director of global clinical solutions at Lionbridge Life Sciences and has an adult son who is about to graduate from college. Music is still a focal point of his life and he plays both the saxophone and clarinet in local ensembles, as well as with the house band at Congregation Nevei Kodesh.

Spending time with older adults is something Joe has enjoyed his entire life. When he was a child, his grandparents and greatgrandmother lived with his family. He thought of himself as the kid who always liked to stay at the table with adults and hear their stories. In his eyes, “Older adults are just like us—kids at heart. I see new romance bloom. It’s life and it is beautiful to see.”

Boulder JFS volunteer coordinator, Ingrid Swords, shares, “It’s clear from observing Joe as he leads services how enthusiastic he is about

passing on his knowledge of Judaism to the residents. After the service is over, he spends time visiting with the residents one-on-one, which everyone enjoys. He is a light in their lives.”

There are so many ways to volunteer for Boulder JFS. To find out more about the para-

chaplain training, the Friendly Visitor program, or volunteering at Shabbat services or holiday celebrations, contact Ingrid Swords, volunteer coordinator, at 303.415.1025 or iswords@jewishfamilyservice.org.

CLIENT Spotlight

Rebecca Gish: I Can See Clearly Now

By Rachel Keane, Boulder JFS MSW intern

Rebecca Gish was referred to Boulder Jewish Family Service through

her ophthalmologist in December 2015. Rebecca is a bright and charismatic 64-year-old woman who has suffered from a severe brain injury for most of her adult life. As a result of the injury and numerous medications, Rebecca has faced many physical, mental, and social challenges. Only recently has she seen some improvement in her health. Because of her brain injury, Rebecca requires specialized prescription glasses that she is unable to afford.

During a home visit by JFS care manager Jodi Ansell, it became clear that Rebecca could benefit from more than just financial assistance for her glasses.

Rebecca says, “Your services hit me at just the right time and it’s been a quantum change!” Since the initial visit, JFS has helped Rebecca acquire new glasses and Rebecca Gish connected her with services to help her socially, mentally, and financially.

She has received counseling from two community programs, City of Boulder Peer Counseling and Boulder County Senior Reach. Rebecca says that these services have allowed her to “bring some closure in her life” and have given her “many wonderful and practical strategies to help her deal with her brain injury.” Rebecca is more than thankful that JFS has come into her life. She says, “I’m rockin’ and you guys are the catalyst for all the positive change that has happened. Your services prove that lives are valuable at every stage of life. With your support I believe I can do so many more things in my life!”

Feel inspired to give to Boulder JFS? Please make a donation in the enclosed envelope or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder

WE’VE MOVED! We have a new office at the brand new Boulder JCC! Please note our new address: 6007 Oreg Avenue Boulder, CO 80303 Our phone number remains the same: 303.415.1025.

We hope you’ll visit us in this beautiful new space!

BOULDER MATTERS SUMMER 2016 5

THANK YOU for Caring!

Did you know

you can make tribute gifts in honor of a loved one’s birthday, anniversary, or other occasion; in memory of a loved one; or with wishes for a speedy recovery? Please include a tribute gift in the enclosed envelope or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder. Your support makes our lifetransforming work possible!

Thank you for the following tribute gifts received from December 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016. Please accept our apologies for any omissions or errors.

IN HONOR OF A BIRTHDAY Lisa Taussig The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAHS Braden Mayer The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Alyssa Zimmerman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENT Avi Loewenstein and Sydney Snyder Linda and Mark Loewenstein IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN AWARD CJ Chapman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jessica Shouse The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe IN HONOR OF Ellen Beller The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Lisa Benoit Jamie and Leanna Harris Sylvie Bloch Jeannine And Claude Sherman Philanthropic Fund Ron Bostwick Judith Dack Michael Swirnow Boulder JFS Staff Barbara Steinmetz Josh and Ellen Taxman Maximilian Crawford Boris Peisahodin Natalia Katerina Crawford Boris Peisahodin Tatiana Crawford Boris Peisahodin

Cathy Summer Tim and Gale Boonstra Josh and Ellen Taxman Wendy Zerin Mark and Kathy Kralj Joel and Michelle Kralj Mo Levine Doris Fasbender Linda and Mark Loewenstein Larry Cohn Avi Loewenstein Lisa Farber Miller The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Miller Wendy Dinner Kati Pressman Joe Friedman and Mary Biondolillo Daniel and Meg Quiat Melinda Quiat Karyn Schad Sydell Pannor Micah and Katie Schwalb’s Children Micah and Katie Schwalb Julie Shaffer Leslie Kimerling Daniel Spector Boris Peisahodin Elena Spector Boris Peisahodin Sophia Spector Boris Peisahodin Barbara Steinmetz Bruce and Julie Shaffer Horty Youngelman David Simon and Andi Jason IN MEMORY OF Ernest Abramson The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Mary Altman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Mitch Andrews Brian Ross and Emily Andrews

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Eve Bat Shalom The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Bruce Cohen Harold Becher The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sylvia Berry The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Emma Bilbey Rita Streim Sal Bilbey Rita Streim Tamar Bronstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Blanche Caspar Mila Kalish Marty Castelbaum The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Aaron Cohen The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Claire Cohen Sara Cohen Phil Cohen Sara Cohen Diane Dinner Wendy Dinner Laura Fischer The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ruth Struik Daisy Flynn The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Marcie Smith Cathy Grimm The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Rick Rohr and Ingrid Swords Roslyn Grueskin Dan and Candace Hepner Sassi Ben haim Hayoun Sylvain Hayoun Hinton Herman Mina Herman

Lee Horowitz Terry Cohen Susan Kodish Richard Kalish Mila Kalish Bernard Karshmer The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Aileen Kassen The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Donald Kaufmann The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Patty Ann Kreis The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sophia L’vovna Peysakhodina Boris Peisahodin Barbara Margolis Don Margolis Sara Tanner Leonard and Nancie Velick Susan Mason The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Randy Sachter Barry Melnick Mike and Marcia Licht Harold Miller Barbara Miller Shirley Miller Barbara Miller Dorothy Milzer The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Frances Miran The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yosef Moiseevich Peysakhodin Boris Peisahodin Jordon Perlmutter The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Stephen and Debra Rosen Cindy Polger The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Elias Reisman Leorita Reisman

Winnie Rose Michael and Elizabeth Freedman Mary Saragoussi Daisy Saragoussi Reb Zalman Schacter-Shalomi Kati Pressman Erv Shulkin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sondra Siegel Turkins The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Marjorie Stein Gilad Gordon and Cathy Cohn Linda and Mark Loewenstein Naomi Strear Agnes Davis Rod and Linda Tuenge

Thomas Taggart The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Joyce Weiss Mark Johnson and Jill Lester Ethel Wolfson The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Vita Wouk Arthur Wouk Marcia Yoches Gary and Joy Pulitzer WITH GRATITUDE FOR Cathy Summer Sarah Bracha Gershuny JFS Staff Bruce and Julie Shaffer

WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Steven Chotin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Shira Merenstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Gareth Heyman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Meyer Saltzman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Steve Sander The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Lewis Sapiro The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service

Save the Date for UPCOMING EVENTS Celebrate Boulder JFS on July 26 Join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on Tuesday, July 26, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the new Boulder JCC lobby as we toast Boulder JFS’s success and celebrate YOU for your role in making it happen. Whether you are a volunteer or supporter, this is our opportunity to celebrate you as a valued member of the Boulder JFS family! This is not a fundraiser; it’s not a volunteer recruitment event. It’s a celebration!

Reel Hope Boulder on November 6 Please save the date and plan to join us for Boulder JFS’s fourth annual fundraising event, Reel Hope Boulder, on Sunday, November 6. This event will feature Nicole Perlman, a television and film writer, who will share behind-the-scenes insights into the world of screenwriting.

A native of Boulder, Perlman is best known for cowriting the 2014 blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy. She is currently writing the sequel to the 1986 cult classic Labyrinth for the Jim Henson Company and TriStar features, and a five-issue run of the Gamora comic book series for Marvel, due out this fall.

For more information about event sponsorships and tickets, please contact Emily Andrews at 303.415.1025 or eandrews@jewishfamilyservice.org.

REEL H

PE

Boulder

Nicole Perlman

View the full list of upcoming events at: www.jewishfamilyservice.org/services/boulder-jfs-events.

BOULDER MATTERS SUMMER 2016 7

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

Boulder JFS Jewish Family Service of Colorado 6007 Oreg Avenue Boulder, CO 80303 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.415.1025 www.jewishfamilyservice.org /boulder Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado and Mile High United Way

PAID DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217