FAMILYmatters IN THIS ISSUE
JFS EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON CANCELLED p. 2 PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: ROSE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION p. 5 LEAVE A LEGACY OF HOPE p. 6 FACEBOOK FUNDRAISERS: A FUN AND EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR JFS p. 6
COUNSELING SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS Older adults and their family members can often benefit from compassionate counseling to assist with life transitions that come with aging, which may include grief, loss, social isolation, sadness, depression, and anxiety. Our therapists are licensed clinical social workers with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They collaborate closely with families, physicians, and other community resources, including the large range of other JFS services, as appropriate. Counseling services are currently offered by phone and HIPAA-approved video conferencing through our Denver and Boulder offices. In-person sessions in clients’ homes or at the JFS office will resume when it is safe. In some cases, arrangements can be made for in-person sessions now.
THE OVERWHELMING COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 p. 3
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When needed, counseling services are available on an affordable sliding fee scale, based on income. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information about services for older adults or to schedule an appointment, call 720.248.4701.
A BUSY YEAR FOR THE ACC TEAM Program Manager, Stacey Pottish, spearheaded a Winter Survival Kit project with support from DRCOG and distributed 70 kits to low-income ACC clients. Stacey purchased winter gear (mittens, hats, scarves, socks, sweaters); food items; activity books and puzzles; and personal hygiene items, soap, and masks from small, Denver businesses who were grateful for our business during the pandemic. This past election cycle, the team and volunteers called older adults to discuss their voting plan, help them register to vote, and offer to safely pick up their ballots and drop them off at ballot boxes. Among those we helped were older adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which made reading and completing their ballots in the safety of their own home difficult; and an 83-year-old woman who uses American Sign Language who registered and voted for the first time in her life. ACC care managers and student interns are helping more than 70 clients navigate the COVID-19 vaccine process to ensure they can get their vaccines as quickly as possible.
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have systemic barriers to work gain employment stability and economic mobility. We are dedicated to confronting poverty in our community, including Jewish poverty, and look forward to sharing more with you soon.
The last year has been about adjusting, transforming, and responding to the significant increases in need for JFS programs and services. As an incredible team, we have learned to be adaptable, flexible, and resilient. During this time, my experience leading JFS has been one of awe of and amazement in our thoroughly knowledgeable, collaborative, and caring staff. I have felt incredible pride that our staff have been in COVID-19 response mode for more than a year, and still continue to help our community in a multitude of ways to navigate the challenges that they are facing during this pandemic and beyond.
We are excited to share that we will be reimagining our disability programs and services to be more responsive to the community and clients’ needs and strengthen the services for the disabled community. We will be looking for a new location with easy access to transportation that integrates clients into the community; launching a new model of disability employment programs; and finally, expanding the Jewish Disabilities Advocates program with a new buddy program and more formal inclusion sites within our Jewish community. The ongoing support that has come from our donors, volunteers, and partners has been tremendous. Thank you for your friendship and partnership as we help our community rebuild and recover during this crisis. Warmly,
With high unemployment rates across Colorado caused by the pandemic and ensuing economic recession, we continue to expand our employment services. In May, we will launch our new Job Search Accelerator program, an employment bootcamp, to help those who are newly unemployed or
WILDFIRE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Linda P. Foster President and CEO
In response to the October 2020 Cal-Wood and Lefthand Canyon wildfires, JFS Boulder, Boulder County Community Services, and Community Foundation Boulder County launched the Wildfire Mental Health Program (WMHP) to assist fire-impacted individuals and families seeking crisis support. The two fires last October burned almost 11,000 acres, destroyed properties, and caused the evacuation of thousands of Boulder County residents. The WMHP offers mental health services to individuals and families directly impacted by these fires
and connects them to licensed mental health providers in Boulder County. Wildfires can have a significant impact on an individual’s emotional well-being. Adults and children across the community who were impacted by the fires may experience normal stress response symptoms like mood swings, sleep disruption, and other stress reactions. To learn more about the program, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder.
Family Matters is a quarterly publication of Jewish Family Service, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231
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JFS EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON WITH JACK NICKLAUS CANCELLED Jewish Family Service has made the thoughtful decision to cancel the 2021 Executive Luncheon that had been rescheduled for April 29, 2021, from April 2020. There are broad and complex issues around hosting a world-class Executive Luncheon during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the drastic limits on in-person gatherings defeats the intent of the luncheon, which is to bring 1,000+ supporters together to network, schmooze, and support JFS. We appreciate all your support while we navigate these uncertain times together. A special thank you to our co-chairs, Jordan and David Feiner and Julie and Brent Morse, and to our sponsors who continued their support through the date change and cancellation.
JFS is honored to recognize our top sponsors’ commitment and continued support after the event was cancelled. Your contributions help our COVID response efforts, serving thousands of Coloradans in need.
Kris Family Fund
Michael S. Asarch
Linda and Bill Foster
Mindy Levy Peckar and Steven Peckar
Denver Business Journal
Dr. Nancy Reichman and Charlie Gwirtsman
David & Jordan Feiner, Feiner Family Foundation
The Ernest S. Madison Family Foundation
Michele and Richard Right/ Katzson Brothers Inc.
FirstBank
The Alpert Family
Harvard Communities and Berkeley Homes
The Grynberg Family
Key Private Bank
Leanna and Jamie Harris
Stuart and Janet Kritzer Family Foundation
Jane E. Rosenbaum
MorEvents—Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC Melissa and Marty Rosenbaum Stephanie and Sam Zaitz
We look forward to a bigger and better in-person Executive Luncheon in 2022 when we celebrate the 150th anniversary of JFS!
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THE OVERWHELMING COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 It is hard to believe that it has been one year since JFS had to close its doors to the public and adapt services and programs to keep clients, volunteers, and staff healthy and safe. We could not be prouder to be part of this dedicated, thoughtful, and compassionate community. The outpouring of support this last year has come from individuals of all ages and backgrounds and organizations of all sizes. Thank you for your continued support. We could not do this vital work without you!
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Partnerships play a significant role in the work that we do and the success of the organization. Whether it be through grants; donations of funds, food, and supplies; or volunteering their time— partners make a lasting impact. Rose Community Foundation has supported JFS for many years, expanding their initial funding of programs for older adults to all areas of the organization. They have not only supported client-based programs, but also awarded a capacity-building grant to improve client database software, IT security, the staffing necessary to comply with HIPAA, and to purchase a refrigerated Weinberg Food Pantry delivery truck to increase access to fresh, high-quality food for low-income individuals. This type of support strengthens our operations and enables us to better serve our clients. When the pandemic started, Rose Community Foundation awarded JFS with a COVID-19 Rapid Response grant to address increased demand for services related to the food pantry, meal delivery, mental health services, and emergency financial assistance. In addition to grant funding, they work to strengthen the Greater Denver/Boulder Jewish communities by encouraging endowment building and legacy giving thorough Live On: Build Your Jewish Legacy, an initiative of Rose Community Foundation, and LIFE & LEGACY, a partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Rose Community Foundation recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous burdens on local Jewish nonprofits and those they serve. Jewish Family Service quickly and effectively pivoted its programs and services to provide adapted, online, and virtual services, enabling them to serve a growing number of people who desperately need them. As JFS saw an increased demand for nearly every service it provided in 2020, we were committed to helping sustain the essential services JFS provides—both as a means to directly support Jewish neighbors in need and to buoy the Jewish community’s response to our community at large. — VANESSA BERNIER PROGRAM OFFICER FOR JEWISH LIFE
A SPECIAL “HOUSE CALL” FOR JFS VOLUNTEERS To thank our volunteers for their remarkable support throughout 2020, the Volunteer Services team has delivered a video message of new year cheer from Dr. Brad Nieder, the Healthy Humorist®! The short video was created especially for JFS volunteers by Dr. Brad, a professional keynote speaker and long-time member of the JFS community. Described as “Jerry Seinfeld with an MD,” Dr. Brad delivers his unique brand of happy, healthful, and inspirational humor to audiences around the country. Everyone can benefit from Dr. Brad’s expertise, just visit bit.ly/healthy-humorist to view this special message. Need an extra dose of joy? Experience more of Dr. Brad’s humor at healthyhumorist.com.
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LEAVE A LEGACY OF HOPE When you make a legacy gift to JFS, you are leaving your mark on our community. It is a personal gift that will continue to deliver the values that are important to you, long after you are gone. It is your legacy. As a planned giving donor, you can help ensure that the life-transforming work of Jewish Family Service will endure for generations to come. Vulnerable members of our community will always have needs, and your gift will provide a safety net of hope. We are so thankful to our Legacy Society members who have made the commitment of a planned gift. To learn more about making a legacy gift, contact Melanie at mfoster@jewishfamilyservice.org or visit jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/leave-a-legacy.
The year 2020 taught us to prepare for the unexpected. By including JFS in my estate planning, I’m assured my funds will support essential human services in our community in perpetuity. I also believe I’m fulfilling my part in Tikkun Olam—being a conduit between HaShem and JFS as a volunteer and donor. — JOSCELYN BLUMENTHAL LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER
FACEBOOK FUNDRAISERS: A FUN AND EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR JFS A Facebook fundraiser is a great way to celebrate your birthday, anniversary, bar/bat mitzvah, or other milestone while helping JFS. To set up a Facebook fundraiser, simply go to facebook.com/ fund/jfscolorado/, fill in the fundraiser details, choose a cover photo, and click “create.” Facebook pays all the processing fees, so 100% of your donation goes directly to JFS! Not only can you raise money to help JFS continue to provide desperately needed resources to some of the most at-risk members of our community, but you can also educate your friends about an organization you care about. If you need help setting up your fundraiser or have additional questions, please contact Alaina Green at 720.248.4590 or agreen@jewishfamilyservice.org.
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Jewish Family Service of Colorado Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4360 303.597.5000
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado
Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Fill the Seder Plate! Please give generously to the Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund and help bring Passover to 140 Jewish households in our area.
DONATE NOW jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/passover
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