Family Matters V o lu m e 2 8 , N o. 1 • J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2018
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING Faces of JFS page 4
SARA: FROM SURVIVNG TO THRIVING
DOUBLE DUTY Volunteer Spotlight page 6
Client Spotlight, page 3
STAYING ACTIVE IN WINTER
Senior Matters page 9
A PUBLICATION OF
Serving people of all faiths, ages, incomes, and abilities
From the
CEO
Dear Friends,
Jewish Family Service has a long tradition of advocating and caring for older adults in our community. From care management services, to nutritious food, to homemaker services and companionship, we are helping seniors remain active, socially connected, and living as independently as possible. As Baby Boomers continue to age and live longer, we are seeing a population explosion of older adults who will need vital services to keep them functioning at their full potential. Support for seniors is a priority for JFS, and we plan to significantly expand programming for seniors in the coming years. This issue of Family Matters Shepard Nevel is focused on the life-changing services that JFS is providing to seniors in need. You’ll read about Sara, a Holocaust survivor who is benefiting from a variety of services and advocacy. You’ll read about our specialized counseling services that are helping seniors
“We plan to significantly expand programming for seniors in the coming years.”
manage the challenges and loss that come with aging. And you’ll read about one of our Friendly Visitor volunteers who is doing double duty, taking on two isolated seniors at once, and making a big impact on their lives. Impact is the focus of our efforts at JFS. The programs we offer give people the tools they need to overcome personal challenges and reach their highest potential. I’m proud of our staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this transformational work possible every day. I hope you’ll join us at the upcoming JFS Executive Luncheon on Wednesday, April 18 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. We are welcoming Barbara Corcoran from ABC’s Shark Tank, who will offer her insights on business and philanthropy. With warm regards,
Shepard Nevel President & CEO
Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS)
believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to people in need. Founded in 1872, JFS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency serving metro Denver and Boulder. JFS helps seniors live independently at home, provides quality mental health counseling, offers training and job placement to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis.
Family Matters is published bimonthly by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver, CO 80231 / www.jewishfamilyservice.org
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CLIENT Spotlight
Sara: From Surviving to Thriving
Sara Moses had never seen a flower until she
was seven years old. She had never experienced the delight of ice cream. She had never heard music before or even seen her own reflection in a mirror. Sara had just turned seven when she was liberated from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on April 10, 1945. Suffering and hardship were all she knew. It’s a miracle that she survived. She was so ill and emaciated that the soldiers who liberated her thought she was an infant. In fact, Sara was one of the youngest children to make it out of the camps alive. Today Sara is 79 years old and—with a little help from Jewish Family Service—is thriving. She’s vibrant, active, and funny. She credits her good health to eating well, exercising regularly, and laughing. Humor is an important part of her life. The Holocaust experience has shaped her life and continues to haunt her. She lost more than 100 family members, including her beloved mother, whose loss she still feels to this day. She is an only child and her mother’s love was the only “JFS is helping bright spot in her childhood. me to remain Safety is an issue for Sara. She independent always locks her doors and can and enjoy my become uncomfortable when entering unfamiliar public new life in spaces. She still experiences Denver.” occasional nightmares and —Sara Moses night terrors that take her back to her childhood. Sara is working on a book documenting her unique childhood perspective of the Holocaust and its aftermath. “It’s been a healing process,” she says. Sara lives at Kavod Senior Living and is a favorite among the residents for her quick wit and warm nature. She is benefiting from the special services provided to Holocaust survivors by the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at Jewish Family Service. The services she gets help her live in comfort while ensuring she is cared for and not alone. JFS helps with case management, housekeeping services, and transportation so she can get to her doctor appointments and grocery shopping. Agency staff
Senior Solutions staff members Julie Hewson (L) and Mirella Schreiber (R) with Sara Moses
also help her translate important letters from the German and Polish governments regarding her pensions. Sara moved to Denver from St. Louis in 2015 to be closer to her youngest son and his family. She didn’t know another soul. She can no longer drive, which made her feel isolated in her new home. She was feeling anxiety and insecurity about her move to Denver. A friend suggested she reach out to Jewish Family Service for help. The instant she met the JFS staff, she loved them. “Mirella and Julie really care and bend over backward to help me however they can,” says Sara. “They’ve got my back. They see me often and have been very supportive. They are like having devoted family members in my corner. JFS is helping me to remain independent and enjoy my new life in Denver.”
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Thank You for Celebrating the Many Faces of JFS!
JOIN US FOR
More than 350 people came together to pay tribute
to Gay Curtiss-Lusher and Sam Zaitz at the “Faces of JFS” fundraiser. Everyone enjoyed the festive party, complete with cocktails, delicious international food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres, a photo opportunity from A Custom Look, and upbeat entertainment by Spinphony. After an hour of mingling, guests took their seats for a brief program. Co-chairs Ben Lusher and Stephanie Zaitz welcomed everyone and thanked event sponsors and the committee. JFS president and CEO Shepard Nevel shared more about the agency, who it serves, and what is planned for 2018. Board chair Charlie Gwirtsman and vice chair Leanna Harris then took the stage to present Sam Zaitz with the inaugural Yana Vishnitsky Leadership Award and Gay Curtiss-Lusher with the Joyce and Kal Zeff Humanitarian Award. The honorees graciously received their awards to much applause and standing ovations as they were recognized for their outstanding work in the community on behalf of JFS. The audience was moved and inspired by a live portrayal of three JFS clients by professional actors, who showed each person’s life before JFS and after. The actors were then joined on stage by the actual clients, who were met with tears, applause, and another standing ovation. Thanks to the hard work of the event committee and our honorees, the Faces of JFS netted nearly $375,000 to support our programs! A special thank-you to all the wonderful community-minded individuals, organizations, and corporations that supported the agency through this event. Please visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/events/event-photos to view more photos.
Gay Curtiss-Lusher and Sam Zaitz
Event co-chairs Jeremy Abelson, Stephanie Zaitz, Ben Lusher, and Barry Curtiss-Lusher 4
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The actors were joined on stage by the JFS clients they portrayed.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors: Chief Operating Sponsors—$25,000
Curtiss-Lusher, Lusher, and McQuade Families Chief Information Sponsors—$15,000 Kris Family Fund Brent and Julie Morse Joyce and Kal Zeff Foundation
Jonathan and Erin Marsico MorEvents—Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Ellen and Eric Pollock The Quiat Family Robinson Family and Argonaut Wine & Liquor Rose Medical Center Chet and Louise Schwartz Ellen Bleznak Wiss Gary and Terri Yourtz
Chief Financial Sponsors—$10,000
Marshall and Helene Abrahams Shell and Lisa Cook, Ashley and Phil Barkhorn, and Kacie and Daniel Sturman Peggy Goldman Kathy and Rob Klugman Mindy Levy Peckar and Steven Peckar The Perlmutter and Dansky Families Marty and Melissa Rosenbaum Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sam and Stephanie Zaitz Executive VP Sponsors—$5,000 All Packaging Co.— The Peppers and Heinses Centre Communities and Cooper Development Dresner Foundation Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman The Kaufmann and Sidell Families Legend Partners
VP Sponsors—$3,500 Jeremy and Mia Abelson Michael S. Asarch Collegiate Peaks Bank Feiner Family Foundation Will and Sheri Gold Marty and Marie Herzog Aaron and Niah Hyatt Julian Izbiky and Jennifer Rothschild Kraus Family Mindy and Rick Miller and Jaime Miller Altman and Seth Altman Kathy Neustadt Jim and Debbie Shpall Louis and Lori Sigman Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Associate Sponsors—$2,000 Richard Abrams M.D. and Mark Levandovsky M.D. Jonathan and Amanda Alpert Nancy Alterman David and Anna Asarch
Boardwalk Consulting Alan and Gayle Boxer Colorado Real Estate Journal Lee and Barbara Mellman Davis Dunkin Donuts Happy Canyon Lola Farber Grueskin and Mark Grueskin Ken and Sheryl Feiler Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce Foster Katherine Gold Debra Herz and Sheryl Goodman James and Meghan Iacino iBex Investors Ickovic & Co. PC Adam and Elise Kaplan Gary Kleiman and Elisa Moran Nosson Knobloch and Aviva Pearlman Ira Lang Glen and Cheryl Lewy Jimmy and Debbie Lustig Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Jordan and Erin Robbins Dick and Marcia Robinson and Eddie and Susan Robinson Daren Schmidt Scott and Andrea Stillman TMS Center of Colorado A new way to treat depression George Ann and Buzz Victor Ken and Tamara Weil The Weiss Family Mark and Carol Zaitz JoAnn Zell Photos by Photography by Avital
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VOLUNTEER
Spotlight
Barbara Garrett: A Volunteer So Nice, She’s Doing It Twice!
Barbara Garrett
has been volunteering with Boulder JFS for the past year and a half, ever since she retired from her position as a tax advocate. She was looking for a meaningful way to volunteer and help others, and Boulder JFS offered precisely the opportunity she was looking for. “Volunteering with JFS was always in the back of my mind,” says Barbara. “When the time came, I knew who to call.” Barbara liked the idea of serving as a Friendly Visitor and establishing a meaningful and supportive relationship with someone elderly or someone living with a disabling condition. Ingrid Swords, Boulder JFS’s volunteer coordinator, worked to match Barbara with a client in need of companionship and to whom Barbara would relate well. It didn’t take her long to suggest Rebecca Gish, who is living with a brain injury and all the complications that come with it. It was a match made in heaven. Not only has the pair developed a lasting friendship, but Rebecca is thriving in ways no one thought possible. “I enjoy meeting with Rebecca,” says Barbara. “She’s highly educated and we share a lot of similar views.” When they first got together, Barbara learned that Rebecca enjoyed knitting before her injury. Barbara loves to knit, so she encouraged Rebecca to try it again. Rebecca picked it up quickly and now knitting is their shared pastime whenever they get together. “It’s rewarding for me to help her and see how much she can do in the creative process of knitting,” says Barbara. “Knitting offers so many benefits, including improved cognitive function, memory, and eye-hand coordination, as well as the opportunity to talk.” Beyond knitting, Barbara and Rebecca have been working on making positive lifestyle changes and enjoy improving their diets and walking outside. Barbara’s influences have had a positive impact on Rebecca. She is thriving when she used to be isolated and alone. She has confidence, long-term goals, and a sense of purpose she didn’t have before. Barbara has enjoyed her time with Rebecca so much that when an opportunity came up with second client in need, she was quick to accept. This time she was matched
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Chaplain Intern Rachel Amaru, Rebecca Gish, and Barbara Garrett
with Lorna Lund, a 95-year-old woman who lives in a local skilled nursing care community. Lorna has severe dementia, which has advanced significantly in the last year. In the beginning of the relationship, Barbara would bring activities to sharpen Lorna’s cognitive skills, including simple puzzles, word games, and crossword puzzles. Lorna can no longer do puzzles, but Barbara still visits her at least once a week and accompanies her to activities at her residence. Sometimes she sings to Lorna, who will often sing along. More recently, Lorna and Barbara enjoy simply sitting in the sun and being with each other. Barbara often just sits with Lorna and holds her hand. “I provide the extended personal contact that the nurses at the facility can’t give,” says Barbara. “I work to make my visits with Lorna as pleasant as possible, which reduces the anxiety and frustration she experiences with her dementia. Even though she doesn’t always remember who I am, we have developed a nice bond. Lorna definitely feels love, and that is special for me.” Barbara’s relationship with Lorna has been a big help to Lorna’s daughter and primary caregiver, Linda. By spending quality time with Lorna, Linda can take time for herself,
apart from her caregiver role. “She knows that I am giving Lorna the contact and comfort that she needs,” says Barbara. “She’s very grateful for my help.” Being a JFS Friendly Visitor for two people has been extremely rewarding for Barbara. “It’s my way of giving back and it’s very meaningful to me,” she says. “I’m gladdened and warmed by the difference I have been able to make in the lives of two people I care deeply about. I highly encourage anyone to consider exploring what JFS has to offer. I’ve enjoyed meeting wonderful people, from the staff to my new friends.” JFS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that can easily fit into your lifestyle and schedule. Consider being a Friendly Visitor for someone who is isolated and needs companionship. To learn more, contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org. In Boulder, please contact Ingrid Swords, at 720.749.3403, or iswords@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Barbara and Lorna
Senior Solutions Center’s Counseling Services
Make a Difference “The test of a people is how it behaves toward its old.” (Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel)
Counseling services
provided by JFS’s Senior Solutions Center in both the Denver and Boulder communities represent a vital aspect of the department’s work and commitment to helping people age with dignity and respect. At both offices, there is a licensed clinician on staff who counsels older adult clients in their homes— be that a private residence, retirement community, assisted living or skilled nursing facility— or in the JFS office. The goal is to help each individual seen work through the many challenges that may confront people as they age. While the presenting problems vary, many individuals served by this program have faced significant loss—loss of loved ones, independence, sense of identity, or physical ability. JFS counselors can help guide clients through coping with losses, adjusting to physical disability and conducting an overall life review that can provide positive perspective on all that has been achieved and/or overcome. While a counselor cannot give clients their youth or health back, they can make observations, listen, ask
questions, and validate an individual’s feelings with support, empathy, and compassion. Each counselor at JFS has great admiration for the individuals they serve and works to help them embrace what was, what is and what can be. Clients connect with JFS’s counseling services in a variety of ways. Many call on their own, while others are informed of the agency’s services by an adult child, medical care provider, a rabbi, or minister. As with all of our services for seniors, the first step is to determine if our counseling services are an appropriate way to respond to the need or if there are other services that would better address the presenting problem. JFS staff coordinate to ensure they are providing the services most appropriate and beneficial to each individual served. JFS serves anyone in the Denver and Boulder area who needs help, regardless of their faith, race, national origin, age, income, ability, gender ID, or sexual orientation. Counseling services for older adults are offered on a sliding-fee scale based on income and Medicare or other insurances can also be billed, when available and appropriate. For more information about these counseling services, visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org or call 303.597.5000 in Denver or 303.415.1025 in Boulder.
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DONOR Spotlight
David Asarch: From Generation to Generation
By Laurie Loweecey, Volunteer Writer
David Asarch carries on his family’s history of phi-
lanthropy with his ongoing support of Jewish Family Service (JFS). He serves on the Board and has been active with the Executive, Budget and Finance, Development, and Executive Luncheon Committees. He shares more of his story with us: How the Door Opened “I love that the “Yana (JFS past organization’s president and CEO) and mission is based Dawn (development on Jewish values, director) gave me my but it doesn’t serve first tour of the building. exclusively Jewish I discovered the depth of people. It serves what the organization does when I walked through the entire Denver the building and saw the community.” different departments at —David Asarch work. I love that the organization’s mission is based on Jewish values, but it doesn’t serve exclusively Jewish people. It serves the entire Denver community.” The JFS Choice “My wife, Anna, and I make decisions every year about what organizations we’re going to support and JFS is always at the top of the list. It’s a family decision. What distinguishes JFS from other organizations is that it really is a social services organization. I love two things about JFS… it directly impacts people’s lives and it serves people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic levels.” It’s All in the Family “My family has been involved in the Jewish community through the Allied Jewish Federation (now JEWISHcolorado). My mom and brother, Chad, were very engaged for many years and my mom served as a campaign chair. I looked at their philanthropic example and tried to follow it by supporting JFS. “I was JFS treasurer, and currently serve on the Budget and Finance Committee, so I understand how important fundraising is for the organization. I was on the ‘Honoring 8
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Yana’ event committee last year and several JFS Executive Luncheon committees. Yana is great; she’s a larger-than-life person. She’s certainly missed, but Shepard Nevel is a great leader who has stepped into the president and CEO role. “In addition, my mom has taken my son to the Weinberg Food Pantry to volunteer and we participate in the Bright Holidays gift program as a family.”
David Asarch
Workplace Giving “My company, Monroe Group Ltd., organized a volunteer day with JFS’s summer lunch program, Lunchbox Express. Through this program, you can distribute lunches to kids who depend on free or reduced-fee lunches during the school year when they’re on summer break. You get to feel that direct impact the organization has on people’s lives. “We also did a program at our office where we select two charities. Employees can elect to donate a small portion per paycheck to either charity, and the company matches that gift. Employees who gave through this program were allowed to wear jeans for the whole year, not just on Friday, which was a great incentive.” Inspired by this story? Learn more about ways to give and make an online donation at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ donate, or contact Julie Alcorn, chief development officer, at 720.248.4663 about helping with our fundraising efforts. Laurie Loweecey is a volunteer writer for JFS. She is a national award–winning creative marketing/communications strategist experienced in developing and executing marketing, branding, and promotional communications for global entertainment and content companies.
seniors Matter
Staying Active and Healthy in the Winter
By Susan Harlor, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Intern
During the winter, many of us want to stay
indoors, relax, and enjoy some comfort food that is sure to put us on the couch for a long nap. However, it is important to keep in mind the importance of staying healthy during the winter months. Participating in simple exercises, knowing how to navigate health and safety in the winter, and staying engaged can make marked improvements on health and well-being. Aging does not mean keeping a healthy lifestyle is impossible. Exercise: • Boosts cardiovascular health, which helps prevent or delay many chronic illnesses and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking a walk around the home, following an exercise video, or swimming can boost heart rate. Even doing 10-minute seated exercises with light hand weights will suffice, especially if you are new to exercise, as weights benefit bone density and prevent osteoporosis. • Helps maintain a healthy weight. Metabolism declines with age, but exercise can help reverse an unhealthy weight and keep body fat and blood sugar in check. • Strengthens muscles and flexibility. Combining Pilates and yoga can help build both strength and flexibility. Focusing on isolating a specific muscle group, like the core, can improve balance and help prevent falls. • Improves brain function. Exercise reduces many cognitive declines present in older adults. You can also stay inside and keep the brain active via crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word search, and books, which help with multitasking. Don’t Make Wintertime Exercise and Health a Chore… Make It Fun! • Exercise is more successful with the help of a buddy. Finding supports such as family members, friends, community centers, and caretakers can help keep your goals on track, and may even inspire others to stay healthy.
• Make sure to eat healthy, in-season foods. Not only do our bodies burn more calories in the winter to stay warm, but the cold can mean an increased chance of getting sick. Food rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep you healthy. Alert caretakers, family, or friends if you need cooking assistance. Enjoying a meal with someone can also help Susan Harlor fight winter blues. • Drink plenty of water. Water is especially important during winter since it’s a dry season. Not drinking enough water can cause confusion and dehydration. • Stay warm. Be sure to set your thermostat properly, dress in layers, and keep your head, hands, and neck warm to maintain body heat and reduce risk factors associated with being too cold Resources are available that may help you achieve a warm, happy, and healthy winter. Care managers and our intake coordinator at JFS can help connect you with resources such as LEAP applications to help keep your home heated, the Jewish Community Center for increased social opportunities and access to meals, Kosher Meals on Wheels (if eligible), and other community centers that offer modified exercise classes. Call us at 303.597.5000. Susan Harlor is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Luther College in 2013. Susan spent part of her time in college in Chicago for three months working with inpatient older adults. She hopes to continue her work with geriatrics in an effort to provide them hope, dignity, and support throughout the aging process.
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Community First Foundation Supports Colorado Senior Connections
Recent
GRANTS
Community First Foundation recently awarded Jewish Family Service’s Colorado Senior
Connections (CSC) program a $25,000 grant to work to expand its impact in Jefferson County. This program provides care management to ensure seniors have access to individualized services that allow them to age in place and helps alleviate isolation through recreational and educational activities. This grant will enable JFS to provide community engagement activities to more older adults in Edgewater and Wheat Ridge, provide intensive and individualized care management services, connect seniors to important community resources, and engage community residents in a bimonthly Senior Advisory Committee to assist in development and improvement of programs and services. “The goal of Colorado Senior Connections is to help create communities where older adults are engaged, valued, and receive the support they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life,” says Shepard Nevel, JFS president and CEO. “Thanks to support from Community First Foundation, JFS can work to expand this vital program.”
JFS Receives Grants to Support School-Based
Mental Health Programs JFS recently received two grants to support
its KidSuccess and International KidSuccess school-based mental health programs. The goal of these programs is to eliminate barriers to behavioral health care, enabling those who experience difficulties accessing care in typical health settings to receive needed services, as well as to provide high quality culturally relevant trauma-informed care. JFS therapists help teachers and staff link the behaviors that can be challenging in the classroom and hinder academic performance to mental health concerns within a traumainformed framework. The Colorado Health Foundation awarded a $100,000 two-year grant to support initial staffing of a bilingual school-based case manager to provide assistance to Spanish-speaking clients in at least three southwest Denver elementary schools. JFS also will train teachers, administrators, para-professionals, and school mental health staff in trauma-informed therapeutic interventions. Thanks to this grant, JFS will serve nearly 800 students, school staff, and parents through its school-based mental health programs, increasing access to culturally competent mental health services. The Piton Foundation, which is part of Gary Community Investments, provided JFS with a $90,000 grant to support improvements in attention, anxiety, depression,
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interpersonal skills, and overall functioning, helping students resolve trauma and decrease feelings of isolation. With this grant, JFS will train additional therapists and teachers to facilitate early childhood education (ECE) programs, including Incredible Years and Conscious Discipline, at more schools. Through these ECE programs, JFS hopes to strengthen parenting competencies and foster parental involvement in their children’s school experiences, which promotes academic, social, and emotional skills, and reduces behavior problems. The grant also will help International KidSuccess therapists support refugee and immigrant students and their families through cultural adjustment groups and individual mental health sessions. Shepard Nevel, JFS president and CEO says, “Thank you to the Colorado Health Foundation and The Piton Foundation for these substantial grants. By increasing access to mental health services while decreasing stigma around mental health treatment, parents, students, teachers, and staff are able to address mental health and social-emotional development in a positive and proactive manner. We anticipate that adding a bilingual case manager will significantly increase access to services for monolingual Spanish speakers (particularly parents and caregivers), strengthen integration of care through individualized support, and improve our cultural competency of services.”
Spiritual Healing Bereavement Group Begins January 24 Rafael Spiritual Healing Services, a program of Jewish
Rafael
Family Service, will offer a weekly bereavement group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will meet on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., beginning on January 24 and running through March 14. This unique eight-session group not only supports people through Spiritual the process of grieving but also fosters connections with self, faith, and community by integrating Jewish traditions and rituals. The group will be cofacilitated by Rabbi Eliot Baskin, D.Min, Jewish community chaplain, and Arleen Gershen, LCSW, a JFS psychotherapist. The cost for the eight sessions is $200; arrangements can be made for those who may have difficulty paying. For more information or to sign up for the group, contact Arleen Gershen at 720.248.4598 or agershen@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Healing
Heather Seiden Accepted into Prestigious Governor’s Coaching Corps Congratulations to Heather Seiden, JFS employment case manager,
who was recently accepted into the Governor’s Coaching Corps, a first-in-thenation investment in frontline career coaching professionals! Skillful and the State of Colorado designed the Corps with the belief that bringing together Colorado’s most talented and dedicated career coaches to learn and ideate together would not only empower career coaches to serve their clients better, but also bring about new ideas and practices that will benefit job seekers across the state. Heather is one of 25 career coaches from around the state participating in this prestigious program. Her action team is tasked with helping middle-skilled job seekers with multiple barriers find new, innovative paths to employment.
FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo
Heather Seiden with Governor Hickenlooper
www.instagram.com/jfscolorado
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Refugee Mental Health Department Finalist for Organization of the Year
Congratulations to JFS’s Refugee Mental Health team, which was honored as one of three finalists for Organization of the Year at Mental Health Colorado’s Tribute Gala 2017! Pictured at the gala are: front row: Stacey Weisberg and Rotem Brayer; back row (L to R): Caroline McEaddy, Megan Rafferty, Yana Vishnitsky, Kelli Hayes, Amanda Doll, Lindsay Cade, Janet Vierling, Elena Pernitz, and Tamara Weil. Not pictured, but also in attendance: Shepard Nevel, Anna Alejo, Laura Michaels, Jeff Olson, and Dr. Dan Savin.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Begins February 7
“ACT for your life,” an eight-week group that introduces the main concepts of
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, begins February 7. ACT is an effective therapy for anxiety, depression, anger, chronic pain, and more. The group will meet on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., from February 7 to March 28, at Jewish Family Service. Discussion topics will include decreasing avoidance, empowerment to make meaningful goals and life changes, mindfulness and living in the present, self-compassion, and personal values. The cost is $15 per session. JFS accepts many insurance plans and will work with those who have difficulty with payment. Co-facilitated by Deborah Goodman, LCSW, and Rebecca Grushkin. For more information or to register, please contact Deborah Goodman at 720.248.4594.
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FEBRUARY
is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
In celebration of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month in February,
Jewish Disabilities Advocates and its supporting agencies are offering several activities and events that highlight disability awareness and inclusion throughout our community. The kick-off event is: Breakfast and Tu B’Shvat Seder sponsored by BMH-BJ and Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) on Sunday, January 28, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at BMH-BJ, 560 South Monaco Parkway in Denver. Join us for a light breakfast, followed by a Tu B’Shvat Seder and parsley-planting for Passover. Cost: $8 suggested donation. RSVP to Bernice Dinner at 720.717.9792. Check www.jewishfamilyservice.org/events for a description of all programs or contact Lynn Rubenstein, Jewish Disabilities Advocates coordinator, at 303.623.0251 or lrubenstein@jewishfamilyservice.org for more details.
Art Piece Installed in Memory of Sheila Bugdanowitz
Rick Bugdanowitz recently commissioned a painting for the JFS offices in memory of his wife, Sheila, a former JFS Board chair and Rose Community Foundation CEO. Local artist Mary Lou Blackledge created the painting, entitled Light the Earth, which now adorns a wall in the JFS Boardroom. Pictured L to R: Rick Bugdanowitz, Mary Lou Blackledge, and JFS president and CEO Shepard Nevel.
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THANK YOU
for Caring!
The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from October 1 to November 30, 2017. Due to space limitations, we are only able to list tribute gifts received during this time, but all contributions are greatly appreciated. Please accept our apologies for any omissions or errors. IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Art and Anita Garfein Jim and Bobbi Seff Jamie and Leanna Harris Allan and Alberta Sulzer Ray and Alicia Smith Anonymous IN HONOR OF BAT MITZVAH Mia Schiff Celeste Grynberg and Miriam Grynberg IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Molly Immerman Jon and Jamie SarchĂŠ IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Harold Cohen Paul and Zelda Goldstein Lillian Cohen Larry and Jodi Ansell Roz Kaufman Walter and Iverne Treidel Norma Kurtz David and Peggy Marks Robyn Loup Rich and Lisa Cohn Florence Melnick Larry and Jodi Ansell Rikki Mor Marilyn Warren Cathy Summer Rick and Shelli Angel Danny and Karli Sherwinter IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Jeff and Joan Kessler Michael and Lani Kessler IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN AWARD Ruth Malman Richard and Karen Yolles
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Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.
IN HONOR OF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS AT JFS Joan Wallis Millicent Fieman Doris Robbins Thelma Zisser IN HONOR OF Jim Angell and Shannon Connery Camellia Interior Design Jodi Ansell Terri Furman Sanford and Sara Goldberg Rabbi Eliot Baskin Alan and Peggy Mayer Eleanor Blitz Jude Blitz Arthur Boss Bruce and Susan Madison Boulder JFS Staff Cathy Summer and Steven Ellis Cynthia Weinger Rabbi Deborah Bronstein Stuart Feinhor Barbara Rosenthal Lillian Cohen Terry Cohen Gay Curtiss-Lusher James and Deborah Frank Andrew and Lynne Greene Clyde and Harriet McKenzie Marvin and Arlene Nathan Stuart and Robin Pack Roberta Quiat Diane Saslow Cliff and Gail Schechter Howard Sherwood Sheldon and Janice Steinhauser Ken and Tamara Weil Eileen Donner Anonymous Alan and Beverley Edel Gary and Lydia Kris Susan Edelman Prudence Carter Barbara Fishkin Maia Trumbull Carole Kornreich Anonymous Gary and Jan Friedland Libby Marcus Marion Goldstein Nicole Blessinger Barbara Gould Prudence Carter
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Samuel Jaffe Oscar and Selma Sladek The Weinberg Food Pantry Anonymous Della Jultak Anonymous Lonny Leonard Jonathan Singer and Linda Leonard Roberta Levin Gary and Janet Jacobs Justin and Cari Levy Rob and Pam Potter Gayna Warren Mark Loewenstein Gary and Janet Jacobs Joe Lukasik Elizabeth Becker Rabbi and Mrs. Meyer Ron and Andy Linkow Jay Miller Wind Crest Jewish Community Miriam Pensack Robert and Abbe Pensack Aidan Leo Perlstein Karin Susskind Bonni Raderman Shepard Nevel and Anna Alejo Rebecca & Barbara Jack Garrett Ingrid Swords Elizabeth Becker Dr. Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn The Santa Rosa Fire Victims Robert Hobbs and Joan Glasser Ruth Seagull Susan Chase Jon Singer and Linda Leonard Sonya Singer Sonya Singer Jonathan Singer and Linda Leonard Jim and Linda Stein Joel and Michelle Kralj Henry Strauss Eric and Ellen Pollock Cathy Summer Sarah Bracha Gershuny Peter and Diane Michel Shepard Nevel and Anna Alejo Elizabeth Otto and Doris Fasbender Dori Shiovitz David Spiro and Robin Youngelman Julie Thomas Roger Vossler and Roberta Reinfeld Shirley Swartz Peter and Diane Michel
Temple Sinai Rabbi Richard and Rabbi Susan Rheins Bruce Vilanch Kit Hollingshead Joshua Weinstein The Jackson Family Sam Zaitz Daniel and Kathy Conn Elevation Development Group, LLC Stephen and Jane Fletchner Andrew and Lynne Greene Ken and Tamara Weil IN MEMORY OF Alfonso Alejo The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dan and Ann Veenstra Shirley Angrisani Leba Munishor Ann Bachmann Andy Bachmann Bruce Bachmann Andy Bachmann Hilda Baum Carol Baum Peg Blank Steve Glick Tari Blank Steve Glick Harold Blitt Lois Blitt Ruth Bograd Dan and Kadra Levin Michael and Susan Morton Bess Brown James and Debra Mayworm Ken and Tamara Weil Marie Cedars Jeff and Dani Sussman Nathan Cedars Jeff and Dani Sussman Adam Scott Cohen Gail Cohen Zachary Cohn Cathy Cohn and Gilad Gordon Ralph Constantini’s Mother Ed and Marlin Barad Davida Danish Raini Spatziani Arthur Diamond Sidney and Susan Greenwald Goldie Ellensweig Nancy Alterman Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel
Tom Ellis Divine-Triggs Joy Fund Allen Taggart and Barbara Gould Nathan Flanagan Marion Goldstein Mortimer Fleishhacker Sandra Randall Sonia Forman Jeanine Forman Ham Rose Foster Barbara Huff Ira Fultonberg Elise Fultonberg Frances Gersch Stan and Sandy Bauer John Getz Don and Linda Neuman Lester Gold Cookie Gold Selma Gordon Cheryl Kaufman Lou Gottlieb Shirley Leff Stanley Gottlieb’s Son Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Dyna Harris Paul and Zelda Goldstein Sheila Hyatt Mark and Susan Barter Jon and Jamie Sarché Edna Jacobson Cindy Jacobson Adele Karsh Phyllis Lann Harvey Karsh Aaron and Ellen Bregman Ronald Colson and Karen Paul David and Michelle Friedman Libby Marcus Seymour Kass Bruce and Susan Madison Norman Kaye Marion Goldstein Audrey Friedman Marcus Jon and Jamie Sarché Trevor Kling Larry and Jodi Ansell Ben Krone Karen Richards Gloria Kubel Eileen Eller Miguel Laufer Robert and Arlene Leder Dalton Levine Don and Linda Neuman Gary Levine Don and Linda Neuman Abe Levine Don and Linda Neuman Barry Levine Don and Linda Neuman Mollie Levine Don and Linda Neuman
Les Levitt The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Eileen Eller Shirley Epstein Leba Munishor Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Dorinda Levy Ted and Lana Friedman Barbara Goldburg Carol Goldburg Bob Rottman Selma Lewis Bruce and Susan Madison Alan Lee Mandel Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Allan Mandel Richard and Rae Negreann Sande Markman Carolyn Steele Sherman Markman Carolyn Steele Nathan Mendelsberg Evelyn Mendelsberg Maureen Morley Cindy Jacobson Emma Naiman Cynthia Chapman Mark Neuman Don and Linda Neuman Peg Neuman Don and Linda Neuman Victoria Noerdlinger Lane Marc Goldburg and Elizabeth Noerdlinger Sam Pluss The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Stephen and Sandra Goodman Gary and Joyce Lozow David and Peggy Marks Jerry and Julie Pluss Susan Pressel Paul and Zelda Goldstein Jon and Jamie Sarché Jean Radam Ruth Ann Quick Sol Radam Ruth Ann Quick Nessie Rappaport David and Michelle Friedman Marlene Ray Lynn Cohen Byron Raznick Gerald and Sheila Rogers Amelia Rittenbaum Albert and Janice Dinner Adrian Rose Joe and Tsai Bilett Leo Saidel Cynthia Chapman
Shirley Saliman Baer Gary and Joyce Lozow Esther Schachet Rosann Tixier Ruth Schwamm Jim and Bobbi Seff Smadar Scuitto Amir and Nikki Cohen Eleonora Semonovna Lef Irina Lef Nanci Shaprio Joe and Tsai Bilett Elizabeth Silver Clausen Joe and Tsai Bilett Betty Silverman Jeff and Dani Sussman Leo Silvers The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Gary and Joyce Lozow Dennis and Melba Niernberg Lisa Snyder’s Mom Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Edna Staskin Laurie Cohen-Ringler and Robin Margolin Julie Stein Marcee Newman Albert Sussman Jeff and Dani Sussman Beatrice Sussman Jeff and Dani Sussman Manny Talkovsky Divine-Triggs Joy Fund Allen Taggart and Barbara Gould Rabbi Gerald Turk Anonymous Judy Urman Audrey Friedman Marcus Anna Verba Mike and Olga Sagalovich Rosella Wandel Pam Naiman Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Robyn, Stacey Weisberg’s Sister The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Arleen Gershen Shepard Nevel and Anna Alejo Charles Van Gundy and Debbie Zimmerman Marshall West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Linda Winokur Linda Boelter Dora Winterfeld Phil Winterfeld and Amy Printz Winterfeld
Sumner Wolfson Anonymous Beverly Kates Zagon Rori Mattson Reb Zalman Schacter Jude Blitz Robert and Ru Wing WITH GRATITUDE FOR Ted Brooks Dee Brooks WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Stephen Cohen Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dawn Richard Melvin Dinner Celeste Grynberg and Family Stuart Velick David and Cheryl Fellows IN-KIND DONATIONS Allegro Coffee Company Bentley Denver Beth Shalom Synagogue B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Congregation B’nai Chaim Coldwell Banker Congregation Beth Evergreen Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Animal Shelter Denver Jewish Day School Ekar Farm Girl Scouts of Colorado - Dandelion Service Unit Grand Hyatt Denver JEWISHcolorado King Soopers Reclamation MorEvents—Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC Rose Community Foundation Rose Medical Center Rose Women’s Organization-Donor Advised Fund Sprouts Farmers Market Temple Emanuel Temple Micah Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac
FA M I LY M AT T E R S J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2018
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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 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 www.jewishfamilyservice.org
Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado and Mile High United Way
Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
SAVE THE DATE
2018 JFS Executive Luncheon
BARBARA CORCORAN April 18, 2018 • 11:30 a.m. Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center For sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217