FAMILYmatters IN THIS ISSUE
A LOOK BACK ON 2020 p. 2 JFS BOULDER: A FRIENDLY VISITOR WITH A FLAIR FOR FRENCH p. 3 PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: PROLOGIS FOUNDATION p. 4 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: KEEPING MARK IN HIS HOME p. 5
ABBY’S IS MAKING AN IMPACT Abby’s Impact: Realizing Resilience officially kicked off at the beginning of August. Due to COVID-19, programming was changed to a virtual format. The program is geared toward 18 to 26-yearolds and designed to help them build resiliency and self-stability.
These classes have impacted me by opening my eyes and redirecting me in a more profound and adult way. They have helped me feel like I’m being guided even if it’s not by my parents— someone is still motivating, guiding, and supporting me. AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR VOLUNTEERS p. 6
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— VERONICA, ABBY’S IMPACT PROGRAM PARTICIPANT
The team has received positive feedback on the classes and curriculum, and we already have a success story! Veronica, a program participant, shared, “Abby’s Impact has many programs and classes to be engaged or involved with, to better yourself and your life.” When asked how her life has been impacted since joining the classes, she said, “These classes have impacted me by opening my eyes and redirecting me in a more profound and adult way. They have helped me feel like I’m being guided even if it’s not by my parents—someone is still motivating, guiding, and supporting me.” In the two months since the program began, Keyauja, a mother of two, actively participated in five classes to further develop her skills and confidence: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Skills Training, Living in a Virtual World, Career Launchpad, Cornerstone: Foundations in Financial Health, and Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-by-World. (story continued on p. 3)
jewishfamilyservice.org
Jewish Family Service has always been guided by the deeply held Jewish value of Tikkun Olam and our obligation to make the world a better place. In today’s uncertain world, the need for the vital services that the agency provides has never been greater. Together we have become stronger, committed to providing services to anyone in the community— impacting more than 25,000 lives. Through your support, we have fed individuals who lost their jobs; kept families in their homes by assisting with rent and mortgage payments; and provided counseling for people of all ages struggling with social isolation and depression. Older adults have
Before the pandemic hit, JFS was serving an average of 35 households a day through the Weinberg Food Pantry. That number has risen to nearly 150 a day. Many of the clients and people served have lost their jobs or had their hours drastically reduced due to the pandemic. They are struggling to feed their family and keep a roof over their head. Please help us ensure that no family goes hungry or homeless by making a gift today.
received meal delivery, counseling, in-home services, and phone calls from staff and volunteers, keeping them engaged and connected. So, where do we go from here? We know that the need for increased services will continue into next year, and JFS will help the thousands of families that come to us recover from the pandemic and get them on the path toward self-sufficiency. To do this, we are expanding our employment services to help individuals who have lost their job, or have barriers to employment, gain stability.
This critical work is only possible because of your investment in JFS and our goal to make the world a better place. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to JFS and those we serve. With warm regards,
Linda P. Foster President and CEO
Monetary donations are preferred, so we can use the funds where most needed. To donate food items, diapers and wipes, or donate toys to our Bright Holiday program, please visit jewishfamilyservice.org/donate. Your gift will provide desperately needed resources to some of our community’s most at-risk members as we overcome these challenging times together. Donate today!
Family Matters is a quarterly publication of Jewish Family Service, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231
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After evaluating the needs in Boulder, we are now offering mental health counseling, employment support, and significantly expanded emergency financial assistance. With the alarming prediction of the youth suicide rate increasing in Colorado because of the pandemic, we need to continue to educate the community on the importance of mental health and ensure services are accessible to everyone, including the youths, immigrants, and refugees we are committed to serving. We are exploring ways to strengthen our disability programs and services, reaching more individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities to offer them innovative, integrated opportunities.
MAKE A YEAR-END GIFT
JANUARY Welcomed incredible Executive Luncheon co-chairs—Julie and Brent Morse and Jordan and David Feiner; honored the 25th anniversary of KidSuccess.
FEBRUARY Hosted census workshops on ways to encourage participation amongst older adults.
MARCH COVID-19 forced JFS to close all our offices; shifted the Weinberg Food Pantry to a drive-thru model, mental health to teletherapy, and in-person visits with older adults changed to phone calls and video chats.
2020 Launched a new program, Abby’s Impact: Realizing Resilience; JEWISHcolorado donated $147,500 for Jewish emergency assistance.
Launched Emergency Lunchbox Express to provide 24,000 meals to kids living in food deserts; invested in 50+ laptops so staff could work remotely.
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
APRIL
Reopened our on-site Arts and Community Exploration (ACE) program and restarted our Homemaker services for older adults.
Volunteers donated more than 1,300 hours in the food pantry, delivering meals to older adults, and with Lunchbox Express.
Offered virtual mental health groups and workshops for teens and adults; transitioned employment service workshops, Career Launchpad and Job Club, to virtual format.
This year has been about responding, adapting, and evolving. There have been challenges and obstacles, but with those came successes and accomplishments each month. As we look back on 2020, we are incredibly grateful to our donors and partners for your continued support, which enables us to keep moving forward, providing vital services to those in need and helping them recover.
SEPTEMBER Record breaking month for the food pantry, serving more people than ever before; virtual High Holiday services; distributed 120 High Holiday goodie boxes in Boulder; raised $78,000 for Holocaust survivors.
OCTOBER Launched new website; implemented voter initiative campaign; renamed Chaplain program; in 6 months distributed $650,000 in EAP to keep 420 families housed.
NOVEMBER Hosted Faces of JFS virtually; provided Thanksgiving meals to more than 500 families.
DECEMBER Distributed holiday gifts for families through our Bright Holidays program; raised vital funds for JFS through Colorado Gives Day.
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My time in Career Launchpad and the other virtual classes have been good practice for speaking and being on camera before interviewing for jobs.
ABBY’S IS MAKING AN IMPACT (continued from cover)
Even with topics that Keyauja previously felt confident in, she said she learned new things from the classes. For example, in Career Launchpad, she received tips on how to interview virtually.
— KEYAUJA, ABBY’S IMPACT PROGRAM PARTICIPANT
She explains, “I have to be ready for an interview on the computer. If I get interviewed, I have to think about what my background needs to look like, if they can hear me, and to put my notes on the screen so it doesn’t look like I’m looking away.” She adds, “My time in Career Launchpad and the other virtual classes have been good practice for speaking and being on camera before interviewing for jobs.”
Shortly after Keyauja completed the Career Launchpad series, she received a job offer for a customer service representative position! It is a permanent job she can do remotely with a flexible schedule, so she can still be home with her children while they do remote learning. The job pays well and provides the equipment she will need. She ultimately wants to work in administration for a medical company and this job will help prepare her for that type of career. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about Abby’s Impact, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/ services/abbys-impact. We are thankful to our partners The Colorado Health Foundation and The Lewkowitz and Meisterplass Families for their investment.
JFS BOULDER: A FRIENDLY VISITOR WITH A FLAIR FOR FRENCH In June, Anne Dixon received an email from Sue Mackey, a JFS Boulder volunteer, who was collecting used iPads to help isolated, older adults stay connected to their families. Anne asked Sue if she knew of any opportunities to volunteer providing companionship to older adults and Sue recommended JFS. Anne thought that she would simply be making phone calls and possibly participating in video chats. She was matched with Nicole, who lives in an apartment in Boulder. After talking on the phone, they both decided they were comfortable meeting in person if it was outside and socially distanced. They have lunch together every week and take walks.
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Our volunteer coordinator works hard to ensure compatibility between Friendly Visitors and the older adults they visit. This was a great match; both Anne and Nicole have studied abroad, speak French, and enjoy singing. “In fact, the first time we met, Nicole broke out into song!” recalls Anne and said it was a sweet moment they shared. “I love this volunteer experience and the opportunity to spend time with Nicole one-on-one, share life experiences, and provide companionship,” says Anne. To learn more about our Friendly Visitor volunteer opportunities, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder or contact Mary Pierce at 720.248.4685.
I love this volunteer experience and the opportunity to spend time with Nicole one-on-one, share life experiences, and provide companionship. —ANNE DIXON
FACES OF JFS: RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY CRISIS Thank you to everyone who attended and donated to the Faces of JFS virtual event on November 18. Even though we could not be together, it was such a wonderful evening. We hope you enjoyed hearing stories of impact and seeing how your support changes lives.
FAMILY $5,000
Julie and Brent Morse Dr. Nancy Reichman and Charlie Gwirtsman Zeff Kesher Foundation
The Alterman Family Jordan and David Feiner Niah and Aaron Hyatt Kris Family Fund Michele and Richard Right/Katzson Brothers Inc. Jane E. and Stanton Rosenbaum z”l Louise and Chet Schwartz Andrea and Scott Stillman Strear Family Foundation
COMMUNITY $10,000
FRIEND $3,500
Helene and Marshall Abrahams Sunny and Norm Brownstein Mindy Levy Peckar and Steven Peckar Stage 2 Studios
Barbara and Herschel Cravitz Linda and Bill Foster & Family Lee and Burt Levy Ruth Malman and Dr. Michael Opatowski Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC
A special thank you to our sponsors (as of November 6): LEADER $15,000
ONDING TO
MUNITY CRISIS
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: PROLOGIS FOUNDATION The Prologis Foundation recently established a $5 million global fund to provide financial support to nonprofits and community-based organizations assisting in COVID-19 relief efforts. Its focus has been on feeding those in need and assisting medical organizations.
has hired several employees who have been great additions to the team.
J F S V I R T U A L E V“When EN T we heard about JFS’s food pantry
JFS and Prologis have had a long partnership in working to strengthen the metro Denver region. Through JFS’s SHALOM Denver program that provides job development and coaching for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Prologis Denver office
and the organization’s commitment to ensuring that the community stays healthy during this pandemic, we wanted to contribute in addressing this need,” says Edward S. Nekritz, Prologis chief legal officer and ESG head. “We recognize that now, more than ever, the metro Denver region needs organizations like Jewish Family Service. Having seen firsthand the meaningful impact that JFS can have on the community through the SHALOM Denver program, we are proud to expand our partnership and support the work JFS is doing to help those facing food insecurity.”
Having seen firsthand the meaningful impact that JFS can have on the community through the SHALOM Denver program, we are proud to expand our partnership and support the work JFS is doing to help those facing food insecurity. — EDWARD S. NEKRITZ CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, PROLOGIS
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EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: KEEPING MARK IN HIS HOME Our emergency assistance program focuses on preventing homelessness by providing individuals and families living on very low incomes or no income with rent assistance, case management, and access to other supportive services. This vital program works to keep people in their homes. Each day, we receive more calls for help with rent, mortgage, and utilities.
The staff is so professional, and there is no judgement. — MARK, JFS CLIENT
When Mark lost his job earlier this year and needed assistance paying his rent, he knew exactly where to go for help. As a JFS client who had utilized the Weinberg Food Pantry and our chaplaincy services when he needed spiritual guidance, he reached out to his case manager. JFS was able to work with Mark and his landlord to provide rental assistance, keeping him in his home. “Jewish Family Service has been there through everything and helped me survive. If it were not for JFS, I would be homeless,” said Mark. “The staff is so professional, and there is no judgement.” We anticipate continued financial stress on our community members and increased demand for our services in the coming months. Make a gift now to support our emergency assistance efforts (or any of our programs) at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate.
JFS EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON The 2021 Executive Luncheon will take place online, and/or in person if it is safe, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center on Thursday, April 29, 2021 and feature Jack Nicklaus, The Golden Bear and golf’s greatest champion. This event is our largest annual fundraiser and one of the primary ways we raise funds to serve the most vulnerable in our community. To sponsor the event or purchase tickets, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.
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You’re invited to an in-person and/or online event! APRIL 8, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M. With so many delicious restaurants and a thriving food scene in Boulder, this event will focus on food and its deep and varied connections to Jewish culture and traditions. Featuring Chef Daniel Asher from Ash’Kara and River and Woods! For more details visit jewishfamilyservice.org/experiencejfs
AN OPEN LETTER OUR VOLUNTEERS Dear volunteers, As I reflect on the past several months since the COVID-19 crisis began, I am overwhelmed by your generosity in responding to our call for action. To all the volunteers who selflessly gave of their time for one shift or for many, “thank you� seems like an insignificant way to acknowledge your dedication. Jewish Family Service could not have impacted so many people affected by this crisis without your assistance. You have delivered meals to children and older adults; packed food boxes; sorted, organized, and accepted donations; delivered food to those who could not travel to our pantry; made check-in phone calls and grocery shopped for homebound clients; and performed so many other needed tasks that unexpectedly arose day after day. We deeply appreciate all your efforts.
As the effects of the COVID-19 crisis continue to devastate people in our community, we rely on volunteer support to help bring relief to those who are suffering. Current volunteer needs can be found at jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer. Please share the link with friends, family, and on social media. Throughout these challenging times, our volunteer services team is here working with you. Please feel free to contact me, Christine Gillow, or Hannah Katz, if you would like to share thoughts, experiences, ideas, or feedback about your volunteer experience. Wishing you peace and good health in the new year. Regards, Nancy Benyamin Director of Volunteer Services
This holiday season, we are pleased to be part of the Light the World campaign, in partnership with The City of Denver and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Light the World is an invitation to transform the holidays into a season of service, especially for those most vulnerable and in need. We invite you to help Light the World this season by volunteering or making a donation. Learn more about the campaign at JustServe.org/lighttheworlddenver.
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NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID
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.
HAPPY HANUKKAH E V E N W HE N W E ’RE D I STANC ED FROM OUR LOVED ONES, W E FEEL T HE GL OW O F T HE COMMUNITY SH INING B RIG H TLY AROUND US.
WINT ER 2020
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