Help Families Celebrate Passover
Today, you can join us and practice
G’milut Hasadim, acts of loving kindness, and help 250 economically vulnerable Jewish families and older adults celebrate Passover!
Jewish economic vulnerability is rarely discussed and is pervasive in our communities—from individuals who cannot pay for an unexpected car repair to families who are unable to afford their monthly rent or mortgage payment. Jews around us are suffering, no matter their age, background, or situation.
Sometimes, these economic burdens cause Jews to lose their connection to the Jewish community, whether it’s by not being able to pay synagogue dues or participate in traditions like Passover— rituals that connect us to our faith and family and create a sense of belonging and stability.
Donate $150 to the JFS Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund, and you will provide everything needed for a kosher-for-Passover seder meal for a family of four or catered meals for homebound individuals, making the celebration truly special.
Your gift not only provides seder meals but also strengthens our Jewish community and helps combat hate and intolerance, which is critical now more than ever. Help connect families to their faith at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/passover
Dear Friends,
L’dorV’dor, “generation to generation,” emphasizes the concept of passing down values, traditions, and resources to future generations. This belief represents legacy and the lasting connection between past, present, and future, and is not just a Jewish value but rather something we can all practice. No matter your faith or what you believe, this principle is central to making our community a better place—and it’s fundamental to sustaining our mission for generations to come.
One of the most impactful ways to contribute is through a planned gift to a nonprofit organization, like JFS, that aligns with your personal values, priorities, and philanthropic goals. Financial donations are always needed and appreciated, yet including JFS in your estate plan is especially critical during times of uncertainty and unprecedented challenges. Our Legacy Society members support the agency’s long-term success and help us to maintain our comprehensive services when neighbors need a hand up.
Legacy giving is not just about financial support; it’s about building lasting relationships, creating meaningful partnerships, and investing in JFS while reinforcing the values that have sustained the agency for the past 154 years. It ensures a future of resiliency, adaptability, and sustainability by funding programs, preserving operations, and addressing unforeseen hurdles.
With more than 30 programs and services, we can make powerful changes throughout our community and change lives for the better, although we cannot do it without you. I invite you to read more about our Legacy Society in this issue and consider joining, so we can continue serving those who depend on us most.
With warm regards,
Linda P. Foster President and CEO
Why join our Legacy Society?
• Members help shape the future of JFS, strengthen connections to our mission, and ensure we continue to be here for those who need us.
• Without this type of support, JFS would not be the vital resource it is today, nor would we be able to adjust to the increasing needs we see.
• You contribute to JFS in a meaningful and lasting way.
• And so much more.
Strengthening the Boulder Community, One Soup Bowl at a Time
When you think about the ultimate comfort food, there’s a good possibility that soup pops into your mind. And when it’s paired with a biscuit and a cookie, you’ve got yourself a delicious meal that warms both body and soul—especially when you’re facing food insecurity or find yourself in a crisis. Thanks to our vibrant community partnerships, JFS Boulder is helping to bring nutritious goodness to our neighbors.
Making soup is more than creating a simple and satisfying meal. It’s an opportunity to create a sense of belonging, strengthen our community, and combat food insufficiency. For chefs Amy Cramer and Miche Bacher—who is now JFS Boulder’s Development and Community Engagement Manager—what began as a way to help those impacted by the Marshall Fire evolved into something quite powerful. Initially, Amy and Miche wondered how they could use their skills and help the community in the aftermath of the devastating fire. The two learned that while the need for food was high, it was even greater for those with alternative dietary needs, such as vegans and those following gluten-free diets.
When the Boulder JCC heard about the situation, they immediately asked, “How can we help?” and stepped in by offering the use of their kitchen and coordinating volunteers. And thanks to JEWISHcolorado, who initially funded the initiative for one year, once a week, the soup group created behind-the-scenes goodness, including gluten-free and vegan soup, cookies, and biscuits to help lessen the anxiety and hunger individuals and families faced.
As community needs decreased over the next four years, cooking frequency gradually shifted from weekly to biweekly, and now to once a month. The soup is available to all, whether someone is experiencing food insecurity, going through a crisis, or facing a temporary setback.
“We realized there are people beyond the Marshall Fire, with means or not, who could benefit from a warm meal,” shared Miche. Each month, approximately 225 bowls of delicious soups—such as tomato bisque, Italian vegetable bean, and sweet potato—plus biscuits and cookies, are enjoyed throughout the community and by JFS clients. All soups remain gluten-free and vegan so that everyone can enjoy them, thanks to a generous JFS donor who helps fund the project and JCC volunteers who contribute their culinary skills.
“Community partnerships work,” shared Miche. “Whether it’s coordinating volunteers, offering kitchen space, or providing financial support, joint efforts make solutions happen. We must be forward-thinking, acknowledge food insecurity, and be part of the solution.”
JFS Boulder continues to extend its reach, serving more in our community, and it’s exciting to see!
To enjoy a bowl of Chef Amy Cramer’s Creamy Tomato Soup, scan the QR code or visit jewishfamilyservice.org/creamy-tomato-soup.
Our Garden, Your Memories
Look no further for a unique location to host your next gathering! JFS Altius Farms, located in Denver’s popular RiNo district, offers a stunning outdoor garden space for one-of-a-kind experiences.
Private chef dinners, showers (baby and bridal), game days, parties and receptions, book clubs, yoga classes, movie nights, corporate dinners, and team building activities—the possibilities are endless when you reserve our gardens for a gathering! Our beautiful, 8,000 square foot, secure, gated garden with raised beds and a full perimeter bed, consistently growing varieties of seasonal vegetables and herbs for our restaurant customers, is the place where memories are made. When you plan a gathering with us, we’ll work with you to customize a proposal and create an unforgettable celebration.
“The Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel is focused on missiondriven programming for our members. When considering social programs this year, we wanted to create an experience where we could gather and support our local community,” said Dana Lux with the Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel. “As a longtime supporter of JFS Food Pantry, choosing Altius Farms was an easy and natural choice. Our group was amazed by the beauty of the farm and fascinated by the expertise of Tommy and Morgan. We had a lovely meal in the outdoor garden, which featured some of the greenhouse greens. We were so pleased with our experience; we can’t wait to plan another event in 2026.”
Ready to host a gathering or schedule a tour? Reach out today at altius@jewishfamilyservice.org or call 720.248.4633 to start planning!
Donor Spotlight: WeeCycle
Partnerships are vital to JFS’s success. Through grants; donations of funds, food, and supplies; or volunteering their time, partners make a lasting impact.
Like other nonprofit agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw increased demand for access to everyday essentials, along with disparities throughout the community. It was during that time that JFS began a community partnership with WeeCycle, which remains as relevant today as ever.
WeeCycle began in 2007 when attorneys and new moms Sunny Heydorn and Jayme Ritchie saw others facing difficulties supporting their families. The two became especially concerned about other new mothers with babies who struggled to buy essentials like diapers, car seats, and cribs. WeeCycle grew quickly and established partnerships with other local nonprofit organizations to help meet requests for families in need.
It’s surprising for many to learn that baby diapers and wipes are not covered by federal programs like SNAP and WIC—necessities that we take for granted every day. For caregivers who struggle to access these essentials, it’s imperative that our Weinberg Food Pantry and Mobile Food and Hygiene Pantry have diapers and wipes.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with WeeCycle. Their consistent support, especially with the diapers and wipes they provide, plays a crucial role in helping us meet the needs of families facing challenging moments.”
DOUG VEGA, JFS FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMS MANAGER
WeeCycle is JFS’s primary source for diapers and wipes. In 2025, we placed 12 orders with the agency and received nearly 6,000 packages of diapers and wipes, valued at more than $28,000. For our clients, this partnership is vital to stretch their income and provide for their families. The JFS and WeeCycle partnership extends beyond products and overlaps with volunteers, which is a special experience for us!
“We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with WeeCycle. Their consistent support, especially with the diapers and wipes they provide, plays a crucial role in helping us meet the needs of families facing challenging moments,” shared JFS Food Security Programs Manager, Doug Vega. “Their reliability, thoughtfulness, and genuine care make a real difference in our work and in the lives of the families we serve. We are proud to partner with an organization that shows up with such heart and dependability.”
Together, JFS and WeeCycle are making a meaningful difference in our community, and we are thankful for their partnership. Learn more about WeeCycle at weecycle.org.
Discover the Power of Your Legacy
Thanks to you, and the vision of those who came before us, JFS has evolved to meet the needs of those who rely on us most for 154 years. Without this support and generosity, JFS would not be the vital resource it is today, including:
• Helping sustain the programs and services our clients rely on to succeed.
• Allowing us to invest in new responsive, impactful, and innovative programming for future generations.
• Enabling us to be more flexible and responsive to crises of every size and scope.
Do even more when you take 5 minutes to complete a short form to help JFS earn a financial incentive! Rose Community Foundation and the Life & Legacy program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation generously provide JFS with a contribution for every completed Letter of Intent—don’t delay and submit the form today.
TRUA Eviction Prevention Program Emergency Assistance Impact
The JFS Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) focuses on preventing homelessness by providing rental assistance and case management to individuals and families facing housing loss. EHAP ensures clients have access to other supportive services and community resources while developing longer-term plans for self-sufficiency.
One component of EHAP is the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program, offered through the City of Denver and in partnership with Denver Public Schools, which provides eligible households with rental, utility, and relocation assistance. This year, the TRUA program reached 94 households, creating stability and security for 403 individuals who call Denver home, households like the Brown family.
The Browns are a family with three young children under 8 who faced the frightening possibility of eviction. TRUA rental assistance helped them avoid displacement and stay safely housed during a critical period for their children. Alongside financial support, their case manager worked with them to create a personalized stability plan with concrete, manageable steps. Through regular check-ins, the case manager connected the family to legal resources, employment
Your Seat is Waiting for the Executive Luncheon
Throughout her career, Elizabeth Banks has redefined expectations. She is a successful producer and director, a celebrated actress, an accomplished businesswoman, a mother, and an avid supporter of many charities. This year, Ms. Banks is the Executive Luncheon’s speaker for a moderated conversation that you don’t want to miss! (To get a sneak peek about why we’re excited to have Ms. Banks join us, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/get-to-know-eb.)
Join us on May 7 at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel for an afternoon of networking, learning about JFS, enjoying lunch, and celebrating the State of Colorado as the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Community Leadership Award recipient.
During the event’s highlight, Ms. Banks will combine her signature humor with engaging stories, relevant insights, and meaningful perspectives.
By purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, you support JFS in reaching our neighbors where the need is greatest. Visit jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon to secure your seat!
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.
Enjoy the freedom this Passover brings as you come together with family, friends, and loved ones. Whether celebrating in person, online, or spiritually, we wish you a happy and healthy Pesach. Chag Sameach from our family to yours!