Join the JFS Legacy Society and Leave Your
Mark
When you make a legacy gift to JFS, you help us meet the challenges facing Coloradans, honor our legacy, and pave the way for a stronger future. It’s a personal gift that will transform JFS’s work for generations to come. By making a planned gift, you invest in an organization that aligns with your passions and create a permanent testament to the values important to you. It’s your legacy.
Learn more and become part of a dedicated group of supporters who have made a special commitment to JFS by joining our Legacy Society at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/ leave-a-legacy
Thank you to our JFS Legacy Society members who had the vision to include JFS as a beneficiary in their estate plans. See the list of current Legacy Society members at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/ jfs-legacy-society
Dear Friends,
JFS’s fiscal year ended June 30, and during our annual meeting, we celebrated JFS’s accomplishments over the past 12 months, honored our retiring Board members, and welcomed our incoming members. It was an opportunity to acknowledge our work and the commitment of our staff, Board, volunteers, and donors and reaffirm that we can accomplish this critical work because of our partnerships.
It was also a time to get excited about the coming year. We are fortunate to have the dedication of so many who hold JFS’s and our community’s best interests at the forefront of their minds so that we can make an impact every day. I want to share two important initiatives that are in progress and expected to be in place over the next few months. We’ll be sharing more about each as new information is available.
The first is our new strategic plan. We surveyed staff, Board members, and stakeholders to identify the agency’s strategic priorities so that we can ensure that
Celebrate Sukkot
JFS remains one of our community’s premier human services organizations. Led by our Board Chair, Leanna Harris, and immediate Past Chair and Budget and Finance Chair, Aaron Hyatt, a committee of Board members and staff was created to understand and evaluate the agency’s strategic priorities over the next three years, focusing on program optimization and financial stability.
Next, I’m thrilled to share that JFS received an award through Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency to install 167.2 kW of solar panels on our Tamarac building. By the time you receive this issue, we expect to receive our permits, with installation beginning in November. This work will help Denver reach its goal of a 100% carbon-free electric grid by 2030 while positively impacting JFS financially.
When you read this letter and the entire issue of Family Matters, I hope you feel proud of your affiliation with JFS and your help in sharing our mission and commitment to making a difference in our community. I’m excited to see what we accomplish together over the next year.
With warm regards,
Linda P. Foster President and CEO
JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA), in partnership with Repair the World and Ohr HaOlam, will hold a Disability Justice Sukkot Celebration on Sunday, October 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
JDA leadership partner, the Hebrew Educational Alliance, will graciously host the event in their beautiful and accessible sukkah. Accommodations will include ASL interpretation, hearing assistance devices, visual aids, a quiet space, and virtual participation. The program will incorporate a brief service project, connection opportunities, and a meaningful and celebratory exploration of Sukkot, along with soup and salad in the sukkah.
The event is free and open to the whole community. For more information or to request additional accommodations, please scan the QR code.
Join Us at Faces of JFS
You are invited to join us at our Faces of JFS event and celebrate how JFS has been helping individuals in need expand their skills and opportunities by providing services that support them to be successful for more than 152 years. The highlight of the evening is the recognition of two incredible individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to Jewish Family Service and our community.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
The Cable Center, adjacent to the University of Denver campus, 2000 Buchtel Blvd S, Denver, CO 80210
The evening includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and a short program. This year’s award recipients are:
Dr. Richard Sanders
Yana Vishnitsky Leadership Award
Dr. Richard Sanders joined the JFS Board of Directors in 1969 and continues his service as a Lifetime Honorary Board member. For more than 55 years, he has been an active participant in the agency, lending context and first-hand perspectives of our history during meetings, helping with our 150th anniversary historical exhibit, and so much more.
Dr. Nancy Reichman
Joyce and Kal Zeff Humanitarian Award
Like our award namesakes, Dr. Nancy Reichman is a passionate JFS supporter and a longterm volunteer. Among her contributions, Nancy was instrumental in relaunching our refugee resettlement program when JFS served as the State Afghan Placement & Assistance Program and served Afghans arriving in Colorado in 2021. With your support, JFS can make impactful changes throughout our community for our neighbors who need a hand. Now, more than ever, we must come together to ensure our community continues to have a strong foundation.
Learn more about the event, including sponsor opportunities, at jewishfamilyservice.org/faces.
Caring for Holocaust Survivors
JFS remains dedicated to providing financial assistance and resources to Holocaust survivors. For many, the struggle to afford basic needs such as food, rent, caregiver assistance, and mental health support is challenging. In our last fiscal year, 109 survivors received essential services through JFS to stay healthy and remain in their residence of choice. They also participated in social programs to help maintain community connection and engagement.
You can support our Holocaust survivors when you donate at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/ holocaust
What is a CSA program?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects you with farmfresh greens through a monthly subscriptionbased purchase.
Our Greens, Your Table:
Join Our JFS Altius Farms CSA
At JFS Altius Farms, we grow more than 35,000 pounds of fresh produce each year in our 7,300 sq. ft. rooftop greenhouse, which houses 355 Tower Gardens™. Our rooftop farm provides healthy, locally and sustainably grown non-GMO and chemical pesticide-free produce.
Now is your opportunity to join our CSA program and enjoy Denver’s most delicious greens!
What you need to know:
• There are limited shares available. Once spots are filled, we’ll start a waitlist.
• The cost is $15/week, billed monthly.
• The primary pick-up location is JFS Altius Farms at 2500 Lawrence St., Denver every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pick up at the JFS office at 3201 S. Tamarac Dr. is available upon request.
JFS Altius Farms delivers healthier food, reduces environmental impact, and elevates our local economy. We serve people, planet, and profit, and we’re excited for you to join our CSA family.
Questions? Send us an email at csa@jfsaltiusfarms. com or visit jewishfamilyservice.org/altiusfarms to learn more.
Denver Candidate Forum on Aging sessions
JFS, AARP Colorado, Alliance for Retired Americans, Bell Policy Center, Changing the Narrative, the Colorado Center on Aging, the Colorado Commission on Aging, Next50, and others are hosting a series of forums for candidates running for state legislature. These candidate forums will focus solely on aging in Colorado.
Join aging advocates in your community to hear from candidates running for the state legislature about their priorities related to older Coloradans. These events will give you and your neighbors the opportunity to learn more about the priorities and solutions supported by your future representatives.
There will be two events in the Denver metro area. You can sign up using the links below.
• Denver Metro - East: Wednesday, September 25, from 4:30 - 6 p.m. actionnetwork.org/events/denver-metro-eastcandidate-forum-on-aging
• Denver Metro - West: Tuesday, October 8, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. actionnetwork.org/events/denver-metro-westcandidate-forum-on-aging
Board Updates
Our JFS Board of Directors guides JFS today and into the future. They use their passion, experience, and wisdom to help us fulfill our mission of making the world a better place and improving the lives of individuals and families throughout Colorado.
We’re excited for our new Board members who joined our incredible team, and we look forward to them sharing their strengths and talents with the agency and our community.
John Keith is a retired home building industry executive who previously served nine years on the JFS Board. We’re thrilled that he is returning. Over the last 15 years, he has added value to numerous not-for-profit organizations as a Board member, volunteer, and supporter.
José Madrid is an associate attorney in the Denver office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Litigation Department. He also keeps an active pro bono practice representing victims of sexual assault in immigration cases and asylum petitions, working with Afghan unaccompanied minors and Venezuelans, and running employment clinics for refugees and migrants.
Karyn Huberman has more than 20 years of consumer marketing and brand management experience across various industries in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Currently, she serves as the director of marketing and communications at Graland Country Day School in Denver. Karyn served on the JFS Family Concert Experience committee and the JFS Board’s marketing subcommittee.
DeJon Thompson and Ron Sherman are joining the Board as our client representatives. They both have received JFS services and bring unique perspectives and a passion for community engagement to serve and create meaningful change in their roles.
You can read the full biographies of all our Board members at jewishfamilyservice.org/about/board-of-directors.
The Power of Community
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August Community Resource Fair at JFS! More than 120 attendees learned about JFS services, and our younger visitors received books and backpacks. Thirteen of our community partners were on hand to share helpful information and resources to benefit individuals and families, such as Energy Outreach Colorado/Xcel Energy, Mi Casa, DRMAC, Denver Preschool Program, and Kavod Senior Life.
Volunteer and Become Part of Our JFS Altius Farms Crew
When you think about volunteering at JFS Altius Farms, do visions of being outside, working in the dirt, and leisurely checking the plants come to mind? If so, you’d be wrong. Let us explain.
At JFS Altius Farms, we grow more than 35,000 pounds of fresh produce yearly in our 7,300 sq. ft. rooftop greenhouse, which houses 345 Tower Gardens™. So, let’s go back to the first sentence, and replace:
• “Being outside” with “in our greenhouse.”
• “Working in the dirt” with “working with aeroponic farming growing towers.”
• “Leisurely checking plants” with “actively assisting staff with seeding, transplanting, and general cleaning activities.”
Once tweaked, the sentence reads, “When you think about volunteering at JFS Altius Farms, do visions of being in a greenhouse, working with aeroponic farming growing towers, and actively assisting staff with seeding, transplanting, and general cleaning activities come to mind?” And if that sounds intriguing, we have just the opportunity for you!
What you bring to the table, . . . err, farm:
• You’re over 18.
• You approach the opportunity with energy, hard work, and enthusiasm.
• You like to exercise your muscles with long periods of standing, bending, reaching, and periodic lifting and your brain when weighing packaging on a scale and using math.
• You love being in a fast-paced environment with some distractions.
• You don’t mind working in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90+ degrees, depending on the season.
• You can commit to volunteering weekly or every other week on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m.
Benefits and perks:
• On-the-job training that includes food safety compliance and general training on plant and tower health.
• Learning from a committed, professional, and collaborative Operations team.
• If you’re lucky (based on harvest and timing), you’ll take home leafy greens.
• Ending each shift knowing you’re helping to provide healthy, locally and sustainably grown non-GMO and chemical pesticide-free produce for restaurants, local grocers, the community, and the JFS Weinberg Food Pantry for our clients.
“I volunteer not only because I believe in lifelong learning, and I find tower gardens fascinating, but also because working at JFS Altius Farms puts me in a very Zen state of mind when many other parts of my life feel chaotic! I also fully support the mission of JFS to care for our global community, and food security is among the most critical issues many in our community face. I am proud to be a small part of the effort to address this critical issue,” shared Dana, one of our JFS Altius Farms volunteers.
Join Dana and the remarkable JFS Altius Farms crew and make a difference in our community. Learn more at jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer-altius-farms-crew
When Unexpected Things Happen, JFS is Here to Help
Abraham has a strong work ethic and leads a healthy lifestyle. When things started to unravel, he found himself in an unfamiliar situation and didn’t know where to turn. Through word of mouth, Abraham learned about JFS Boulder’s programs and services, and once he connected with our team, he found the help he needed.
But let’s take a step back.
As the cost of living continues to increase, many people struggle to save extra money to prepare for unexpected situations. And when multiple incidents converge, the possibility of facing an uncertain financial future becomes a reality for far too many. For Abraham, he received a hefty mechanic bill to fix some car problems, and then he experienced a health scare that led him to the emergency room after feeling lightheaded, weak, and unable to eat. After spending a day receiving care in the hospital, Abraham was not able to function or work while he recovered.
Abraham’s financial situation was tight. “It was hard for me to ask for help,” shared Abraham. “I am full of pride.” When he reached out to JFS, he received help with rent and utility bills for a few months. “The staff was very helpful, professional, compassionate, understanding, and not judgmental. It was an awesome experience,” said Abraham.
“The staff was very helpful, professional, compassionate, understanding, and not judgmental. It was an awesome experience”
When asked what he wanted people to know about JFS, Abraham shared, “At the end of the day, there are people out there who care and want to help those in need. The JFS staff are very kind, and I appreciate their efforts.”
Increase Your Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Our Jewish Disability Advocates (JDA) support groups are accepting new participants. Learn more about opportunities to achieve emotional wellness and stability.
The Mental Health Jewish Spiritual Support Group provides a supportive place for those experiencing mental health challenges and their loved ones. Sessions focus on Jewish spirituality and teachings, and participants find meaning in their shared experiences with mental health struggles and identify pathways for moving forward.
For those of the Jewish faith who are experiencing chronic health conditions, pain, and disability, the JDA Chronic Health Conditions Support Group is a safe forum where you can find emotional support, share personal experiences and feelings, learn coping strategies, and experience a sense of connection and community.
Help people like Abraham at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/make-a-donation
Learn more about the JFS support groups at jewishfamilyservice.org/services/jewishdisabilities-advocates.
Jewish Family Service of Colorado Joyce and Kal Zeff Building
3201 South Tamarac Drive
Denver CO 80231-4360
Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
If you participated in a program or service and benefited from the experience, we want to hear from you! Stories and experiences inspire and encourage others to get involved with the organization. Stories can be written anonymously with identifying details changed, so your privacy is as protected as you want. There is power in storytelling, and your story can make a difference.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY AT jewishfamilyservice.org/media-news/share-story