Family Matter Spring 2023

FamilyMatters

JFS and Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver: Providing Hope and Home Furnishings

Thanks to our new relationship with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, JFS can more easily help make a house a home and fill it with essentials for our newly resettled neighbors.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores will take direct donations of high-quality new and gently loved furniture, kitchen supplies, home goods, and more. They’ll even accept appliances in working condition and those in need of repair. In return for donations, JFS will receive credit for those items to use when shopping for goods to set up homes for our refugee clients.

“Two organizations coming together to support each other equally is sometimes unheard of in my experience,” said Refugee Resettlement Manager Troy Cox. “It has been great to collaborate with such an amazing

organization like Habitat for Humanity, and they have made everything incredibly easy for us to provide almost all needed furniture items to set up homes for our newcomer refugees.”

Whether you have a resolution to practice the Marie Kondo method and simplify your life, or you’re redecorating, consider donating to our new partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. Not only will you make a difference in someone’s life, but you’ll also receive a tax write-off for your generosity.

Schedule an outdoor pick up by visiting habitatmetrodenver.org/restore/donate You can also bring donations to any of their four metro Denver ReStore locations. Learn more at jewishfamilyservice.org/ furniture-donation

Dear Friends,

When you receive this issue of Family Matters, we’ll be days away from the beginning of spring, but today, as I write this letter, we’re in the midst of a winter storm warning. Although, in Colorado, we know that we’re as likely to see heavy snow blanketing trees in March as we are in January. In the same way snow doesn’t discriminate between winter and spring, the needs we see at JFS aren’t seasonal.

We continue to experience unprecedented demand for our services, especially around food, mental health counseling, and housing for unhoused neighbors and refugees. To give you a glimpse of what we face:

• Due to inflation and rising costs for food, gas, energy bills, and other essential items, on average, we’re seeing 30 new households come through our Weinberg Food Pantry each day. On certain pantry days, we even exceed our COVID-19 peak of 180 families. The amount of food insecurity that we’re experiencing is daunting, and with the reduction of COVID-19 induced SNAP/WIC benefits at the end of February, the needs will increase.

• Our Mental Health team is working diligently to raise awareness about mental health challenges, fight stigma, and support the estimated one million Coloradans with mental health conditions. As you can imagine, our staff has seen an increase in those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and isolation, and we’re seeing this increase in both adults and children. Unfortunately, we have waiting lists for mental health services and are working hard to hire more therapists to serve those individuals.

• I’m sure, like me, you continue to be concerned about the global unrest. JFS has returned to our roots and is now a permanent Reception & Placement agency working in partnership with HIAS, the Global Jewish Organization for Refugees. Through our Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program, we are resettling refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Burma, Central America, Africa, and more.

In this issue, you’ll learn how JFS is doing more than filling immediate gaps for our refugee clients. We’re providing long-term solutions to help them transition, rebuild, and become empowered and self-sufficient in their new lives. We can’t do it alone, though. I hope you feel inspired to help when you read about the opportunities for you to support our refugees. Whether you donate to our spring appeal, gather furnishings to make a home, or volunteer, you will be making a tremendous difference to our newly arrived friends.

However you choose to support JFS, we are grateful for your continued dedication. You help make the greatest impact for the greater good.

With warm regards,

Linda P. Foster President and CEO

Diane Cushman Neal: Helping to Fight Food Insecurity and Period Poverty

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” –Dr. Jane Goodall

JFS donor Diane Cushman Neal chooses to live her life by following Dr. Goodall’s quote. “We all have a choice on how we interact with each other,” shared Cushman Neal. “What impact do you want to make?” For our clients and community, Cushman Neal’s impact is far-reaching.

In her early 20s and after being told she had six months to live, Cushman Neal moved to Colorado. While it took years to receive an official diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, Cushman Neal credits her doctors at National Jewish Hospital for giving her a second chance at life—a chance that turned six months into 30 years and counting.

Cushman Neal started volunteering with JFS 28 years ago, helping a family resettle from Russia. Coincidentally, she was in the process of adopting a child from that country. “The experience was eye-opening for me. I never really thought about the complexities around everything, like enrolling your child in school, for example,” she said.

Fast forward to 2021, with two grown children and lockdowns courtesy of COVID-19, Cushman Neal thought about children not receiving meals at school. She reached out to her local food pantry and was shocked to learn that items needed most were personal hygiene products—not food. In follow-up conversations with JFS, she learned that when women came to the food pantry, they only received six pieces of period products.

Believing that no one should have to decide between buying food or hygiene products, which are not covered by federal programs like SNAP and WIC, Cushman Neal worked with JFS to organize a virtual hygiene campaign. In a whirlwind of activity and determination, the drive was held 30 days later and raised $18,000 plus an $18,000 match from the Cushman Neal family,

representing an astounding 80,000 diapers and 6,000 months of period products—all organic and eco-friendly.

After hearing JFS Chief Advancement Officer Jessica Zeidman say, “You’re not finished,” Cushman Neal fully launched Donations for Dignity to fight the hidden crisis in our communities; the inability to afford or even access everyday hygiene products like soap, period products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, and wipes.

If a person is food insecure, they’re most likely experiencing hygiene insecurity, as well—both of which limit their ability to be present. They may miss work or school, which ultimately affects their mental health. Creating access to food and hygiene products is a collective effort. In addition to partnering with JFS, Donations for Dignity generously funded our stateof-the-art Mobile Food Pantry, which will travel to Denver neighborhoods and housing complexes with high percentages of food insecurity and to community and recreation centers and include necessities like soap, diapers, wipes, period products, and more.

47% of women currently menstruating report experiencing period poverty. 41% have worn the product longer than recommended to stretch the use, subjecting them to health risks.

57% of those with children in diapers struggle with diaper need. 53% report not having enough diapers for their children, needing to borrow from others or go without changing them.

60% of women with children struggled to purchase basic hygiene products.

Learn more at DonationsForDignity.org.

JFS Boulder Expands Mental Health Services

JFS headquarters has a robust Mental Health department providing services to the community for more than 40 years. JFS Boulder is building upon this infrastructure and has expanded its mental health services to provide ongoing, high-quality, out-patient mental health services for adults who need therapy, including those impacted by the Marshall Fire or Straight-Line Wind Event in Boulder County. The Red Cross and Boulder County Housing and Human Services generously supported this expanded service.

Therapists help individuals with mental health treatment for loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, and veteran and older adult issues. The team of skilled mental health professionals is committed to supporting, improving, and making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.

JFS Boulder accepts Medicaid, most major insurance providers, self-pay, sliding scale, and has funding for uninsured individuals and families. JFS staff is not available to provide services for high-needs residents who require a greater level of psychological/psychiatric care. Sessions are offered virtually and in a private practice setting in central Boulder. For more information about services and to register, call 720.722.4496.

Visit jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder-mental-health to learn more. Remember, JFS serves everyone regardless of race, faith, gender, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Create a Legacy Today

When you make a legacy gift to JFS, you leave your mark on our community. It’s a personal gift that will continue to deliver the values important to you long after you’re gone. It’s your legacy. As a planned giving donor, you can help ensure that the life-transforming work of JFS endures for generations to come. There will always be needs from vulnerable members of our community, and your gift will provide a safety net of hope. Please visit jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/jfs-legacy-society to learn how you can make a lasting difference.

Between the Lines: A Conversation With Author

Michael Lewis

Mark your calendar and join us for the 2023 JFS Executive Luncheon, chaired by Cintra Pollack, on Friday, April 28 at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel and help JFS, one of Colorado’s largest and most impactful human services agencies, continue to make the greatest impact for the greater good throughout our community.

Enjoy lunch, a short program, a presentation of the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Community Leadership Award that will be presented to Rose Community Foundation, and a moderated conversation with author Michael Lewis.

A sharp observer of politics, finance, and the evolution of American culture, Michael Lewis combines keen insight with his signature wit, making him one of today’s leading social commentators. Lewis takes a fresh, hard look at the ever-changing value systems that drive our economic markets, political landscapes, and cultural norms, and how organizations can adapt their thought strategies to facilitate growth among all three.

He is a financial journalist and New York Times bestselling author who has published 16 books on subjects ranging from politics to Wall Street. Some of his most well-known books include:

• “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story,” which is his latest and follows three central characters as they confront the pandemic and try to avert a catastrophe.

• “Moneyball” (a book ostensibly about baseball but also about the way markets value people) and “The Blind Side” (the story of NFL Offensive Tackle Michael Oher and how his life is transformed from being a teen living on the streets of Memphis after he is adopted by white Evangelical Christians), which became Oscarnominated films.

• “The Big Short” and “Boomerang,” which are narratives set in the global financial crisis.

• “Liar’s Poker,” a Wall Street story based in part on his own experience working as a bond salesman for Salomon Brothers.

Learn more about the event at jewishfamilyservice.org/ luncheon, including sponsor opportunities, or contact Kate Shephard at kshephard@jewishfamilyservice.org or 720.248.4633. Tickets will go on sale April 3.

How Can You Help Rebuild Lives?

Dreams of a better life, enough food, and safety are universal. Far too many living in places with political unrest are faced with the unimaginable decision to flee their home and country in search of a better life. Thanks to generous supporters like you, JFS can provide long-term solutions to help refugees transition, rebuild, and become self-sufficient in their new lives.

When you donate to our Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program, you help JFS do even more to support resettled refugees with cultural orientation; support with benefits; housing, employment, and food; school enrollment; referrals to language classes; mental health counseling; and so much more.

Donate today at jewishfamilyservice.org/resettle and provide the promise of possibilities, which is a remarkable gift for our newly resettled neighbors.

A New Life in Colorado

“I feel like I’m a little over a year old,” said 35-yearold Saif, “because that’s when I came to the United States, and my new life began.”

For JFS Case Manager Assistant Saif, the road that led to beginning his new life in Colorado was paved with unimaginable horrors—the types of stories read about in the news that are difficult to comprehend and yet are so important to share. Stories like Saif’s remind us of the atrocities others endure and why we must welcome the stranger.

In Afghanistan, Saif grew up surrounded by fighting. When he was a young child, playing in a field with other children, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded in the area, killing five friends and causing Saif to lose several fingers on his right hand. Shockingly, it wouldn’t be the last time Saif and his family were victims of Taliban violence.

Over his career, Saif was a broadcaster on television and radio, a journalist, and an interpreter for the U.S. Marines—jobs that made him a target for the Taliban. While working with the U.S. Marines, Saif’s convoy struck a road mine, and he endured severe shrapnel injuries to his body. Years later, and two days before his wedding, Saif was covering a political story when a bomber disguised as a cameraman detonated himself. Eight of Saif’s colleagues were killed, and he spent two months in India receiving treatment, recovering, and marrying his wife.

Knowing Afghanistan would never be safe for him and his family, Saif, his wife, their son, and his brother’s family tried to flee before the Taliban stopped letting people leave. Sadly, Saif’s brother and his wife were unable to get out of the country, so Saif took his nephew on their journey United States—a trek that included stays in Qatar, Philadelphia, New Mexico, and finally, Colorado, where they met up with Saif’s other brother and his family.

Despite the hardships Saif endured, or maybe because of them, he is eternally grateful for every day and experience in Colorado. “I am living in paradise,” he shared. “We are in the best country. There’s real humanity here. And, I now have a newborn daughter, who was born here and is a U.S. citizen.”

DID YOU KNOW? You can donate new household items for individuals and families in our Resettlement program. jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/new-home-supply-baskets

As a JFS Case Manager Assistant, Saif, who speaks five languages, helps other resettling refugees transition to life in Colorado, and he connects with refugees based on shared experiences. “JFS is the top agency,” Saif said. “Everyone works hard to help individuals and families adjust. Everything is done in the framework of love.”

In addition to working at JFS, Saif has a second job so he can send money to his family, including his mother, who is still stuck in Afghanistan. “They have no internet service or electricity, and food is scarce. They can’t work because of the Taliban,” said Saif.

Saif is currently attending Emily Griffith Technical College where he is enrolled in the Multimedia and Video Production program. He dreams of being reunited with his family, buying a home, returning to journalism, and opening a restaurant for his wife. The couple also wants to grow their family and open a food pantry for disabled people. Saif’s biggest dream, however, is to have his family granted asylum. “Our life is here,” shared Saif. “We cannot go back.”

“ I AM LIVING IN PARADISE, WE ARE IN THE BEST COUNTRY. THERE’S REAL HUMANITY HERE. AND, I NOW HAVE A NEWBORN DAUGHTER, WHO WAS BORN HERE AND IS A U.S. CITIZEN.”

Calling All Landlords and Property Owners

The Rapid Re-housing program is funded by various grants that ensure rent support to participants and rent payments to participating landlords. Other benefits to landlords include:

• Fill vacancies quickly: We have pre-screened households ready to move in!

• Resident support: Program participants receive support from our housing stabilization team, which monitors housing stability and serves as the landlord’s immediate point of contact.

• Experienced partner: For more than 25 years, JFS has cultivated our relationship with landlords throughout our community and provided services.

Are you a landlord or property owner looking for prescreened tenants to fill vacancies quickly? If so, we can help!

The JFS Rapid Re-Housing program reduces homelessness in the Denver metro area by quickly moving individuals and families into permanent housing by providing housing identification, financial and supportive services, and ongoing personal support and success planning. Our housing navigators help clients choose homes to meet their lifestyles and ensure they don’t become homeless again.

Perhaps the most significant benefit to landlords and property owners is knowing that participation in our Rapid Re-housing program means supporting our community. You can help make dreams come true and memories made for those who need the stability of a new home.

Learn more today at jewishfamilyservice.org/services/ rapid-rehousing.

JFS Expands Our HIAS Relationship

In November 2022, JFS shared that the agency returned to its roots and became a permanent Reception & Placement (R&P) agency working in partnership with HIAS, the Global Jewish Organization for Refugees. HIAS is a nonprofit that provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers while advocating for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

As a permanent R&P agency, JFS will serve hundreds of refugees from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Sudan, and Latin America.

For Ukrainians trying to flee atrocities and come to Colorado to rebuild their lives, their process is different than those resettling from other countries. Ukrainians must first be sponsored before coming to the United States. Now, JFS will help five sponsored families as part of the HIAS Preferred Communities program.

As a Preferred Community Partner, JFS will provide case management services for these Ukrainians, who are sponsored by a local attorney whose family was resettled by HIAS many years ago.

JFS case managers will lead and help guide the sponsor group with support around initiating travel to Colorado, searching for housing, providing legal documents, assisting with core services like getting Social Security cards and identification, and more. Sponsored individuals and families will also have access to JFS’s Employment Services team.

As an R&P agency, JFS provides a full suite of programs and services to resettled refugees. As a Preferred Community Partner, JFS will take more of a hybrid approach to helping, alongside one sponsor group, to integrate relocated families and individuals to our state—and that’s exciting news to share.

Jewish Family Service of Colorado

Joyce and Kal Zeff Building

3201 South Tamarac Drive

Denver CO 80231-4360

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

Step up to the plate!

This Passover, you can make something remarkable happen when you help JFS provide a festive and lling Seder to 160 families.

To donate, scan the QR code or visit jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/passover