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FamilyMatters Volume 27, No. 2 â€¢ MARCH/APRIL 2017

April 28 See page 4

A LIFELONG VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Spotlight page 7

COMMUNITY GARDENERS

Donor Spotlight page 8

reducing risk of isolation

Seniors Matter page 11

A PUBLICATION OF

From the CEO In honor of National Volunteer Week,

April 23â€“29, we want to celebrate and thank all of our dedicated volunteers. Your impact is immeasurable, for the agency and the entire community. Volunteers significantly extend our reach and made it possible for JFS to provide life-transforming services to 24,000 people in the last year. We could not begin to fulfill our mission without your invaluable contribution. It is impressive and inspiring to see how many volunteers support JFS and the impact you have. In the last fiscal year, 1,170 JFS volunteers generously contributed more than 30,000 hours of service. In monetary terms, our Shepard Nevel volunteers contributed $780,000 in value to JFS. The impact of your contribution to our mission and the people we serve is enormous. Our dedicated, talented volunteers distribute food to hungry children via Lunchbox Express, coach at-risk high school

Volunteers Make Our Mission Possible students, work in the Weinberg Food Pantry, translate for refugees, visit isolated seniors, perform family mitzvah projects at home, and support our fundraising efforts. These are some of the ways that individuals, families, and business groups help make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. However you chose to help JFS this past year, we are grateful! If you are interested in getting involved this year, JFS has a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit a wide range of interests and schedules. You can learn more and view the list of opportunities by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer, or by contacting Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org. Thank you.

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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FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

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CLIENT Spotlight Charlie Comstock, 37, is a people

person and loves to be around others. According to his mom, Diane, he doesn’t know an enemy. He has a developmental disability, but is highly functional. He has difficulty with numbers and sequencing. Because Charlie is so friendly and trusting of others, he doesn’t always recognize dangerous situations. He doesn’t understand joking or sarcasm and his feelings can be easily hurt. Holding a job has been hard for Charlie, mostly because he’s so friendly and can sometimes cross the line of appropriate workplace interactions. “He socializes a little too much and gets overly friendly, making some coworkers uncomfortable,” says Diane. Charlie came to SHALOM Denver in 2013 to improve his work skills. He was placed in the prevocational program, working on packaging, assembly, and mailing projects in a structured environment, which taught him how to interact with others and follow directions. SHALOM Denver worked with him on social skills, handling frustration, and accepting constructive criticism. Staff also worked with Charlie on developing good work habits like being on time. With a little one-on-one coaching, Charlie dramatically improved and was soon ready for more challenging work in a community setting. In 2015, SHALOM Denver contracted with Cardinal Health. The company distributes sanitary medical supplies using plastic totes, which must be carefully cleaned with an antimicrobial solution before they can be repackaged for shipment. SHALOM Denver provides a team of eight workers with intellectual or developmental disabilities to clean the totes at the company’s distribution facility. The “enclave” team is supervised by a SHALOM Denver manager who ensures production goals are met. Charlie was a great candidate for this team and has been a star employee.

Charlie Comstock: Succeeding at Work and in Life “Charlie has loved his “SHALOM experiences at SHALOM Denver Denver has and Cardinal Health,” says made such Diane. “He loves going to work an impact on and interacting with his peers Charlie.” and the staff. He’s earning an —Diane, Charlie’s mother income, but for Charlie it’s not about the money. Going to work gives him purpose, a social outlet, and a real sense of normalcy.” SHALOM Denver has helped Charlie learn new skills so eventually he will be able to work in the community. He has learned how to dress, how to act, and how to take responsibility for his actions. He is more attentive and focused and has more appropriate social interactions. “SHALOM Denver is an awesome program and it’s Charlie Comstock made such an impact on Charlie,” says Diane. “He struggled with work situations and he’s really improved.” According to Jessica Shouse, program manager at SHALOM Denver, Charlie has made great strides. “Our goal with Charlie is to train and support him so he can gain the skills he needs to get a competitive job in the community,” says Jessica. “Charlie has improved since he first joined us. He’s mastered interactions with others and has taken a leadership role at Cardinal Health by showing new employees how to do the job.” Cardinal Health has been extremely happy with Charlie’s job performance and he’s currently being considered for a competitive job at the company. For Charlie, that will be the ultimate achievement.

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

Join Us Courtside at JFS Executive Luncheon on April 28 About the Speakers Bill Walton Basketball Legend, Broadcaster, Humanitarian

Jewish Family Service welcomes

Basketball Hall of Famers Bill Walton and Bob Lanier for its 13th annual JFS Executive Luncheon fundraiser on Friday, April 28. Local sports broadcaster Jerry Schemmel will serve as emcee. Join us for a lively and engaging talk with these basketball legends as they discuss their fascinating life stories on and off the court. The luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th Street. The program will run from noon to 1:15 p.m. Sponsorship packages start at $2,000 and are available now. Tickets will go on sale March 27 at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon. For more information or for sponsorships, contact Lisa Benoit at 720.248.4633. All proceeds from the event will help support the programs of JFS, including mental health counseling, senior and adult in-home care, disability and employment services, and Bill Walton family safety net services. Founded in Denver in 1872, JFS is a nonprofit community agency serving people regardless of age, race, faith, or income.

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Bill Walton is passionate—about his work, his family and friends, music, life, and greatness. His legendary basketball career and years as a successful sportscaster have made him among the most recognizable figures in sports. Walton has been a basketball icon since high school. At UCLA, Walton was a member of two NCAA championship teams compiling an NCAA record 88-consecutive-game winning streak. He was named NCAA Player of the Year in 1972, ’73, and ’74. Walton went on to have a Hall of Fame NBA career. He was the number-one pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers and was a member of their championship team in 1977. Nine years later, he earned another championship title, this time with the Boston Celtics. He retired in 1988. Walton received every award and accolade given in the sport of basketball. In 1993, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1997, he was selected as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of All Time. Walton’s extraordinary basketball career came with a price. He is the most injured player in NBA history and has endured 37 surgeries. In 2008 he suffered a catastrophic spinal collapse that left him unable to move for three years. With extraordinary determination, and sacrifice—and pioneering surgery—he recovered. After retiring from basketball, Walton went into broadcasting, working for CBS Sports and NBC. In 2001 he won an Emmy for Best Live Sports Television Broadcast. In 2009, Walton was named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all time by the American Sportscasters Association.

A devoted fan of the Grateful Dead, he has followed the band for decades. He authored Back from the Dead (2016) and Nothing But Net (1995). Walton is active with many organizations and charities in his hometown of San Diego and nationally. Bob Lanier NBA Hall of Famer and NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier is a legend both on and off the court. He is known for his 6’11” stature, size 22 shoes, and mastery of basketball. When Lanier was cut from his high school basketball team, he joined a Boys Club team and gave it his all. A year later, he was All City; two years later he was All-Western New York State, leading his team to successive city titles. He captured the attention of more than 100 college teams and settled on St. Bonaventure University. He led the team to a 22-0 regular season record and a No. 3 national ranking in only his sophomore year. In his last year in college, he suffered a knee injury that took the team from a sure spot in the NCAA Championship game to an upset in the final against Villanova. Despite his injury, the Detroit Pistons claimed Lanier with the first overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft. He played nine-plus seasons in Detroit and is the Piston’s all-time leader in scoring average, ranks second in rebounds, and third in points. He was traded

to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1980 and played for four more seasons. During his NBA career, Lanier amassed 19,248 points in 14 years, finishing with averages of 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Lanier was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. He has since become a successful businessman and philanthropist. He was involved in the launching of the NBA’s Stay in School program that encourages students to complete high school. He has visited hundreds of schools delivering inspirational messages to at-risk kids. As an NBA Cares Ambassador, he routinely works with youth programs that support education, health, and family. Lanier Bob Lanier co-authored a children’s book series entitled Hey L’il D! that promotes a positive attitude for children in the face of life’s challenges, as well as the value of education.

Thank you to our sponsors (as of February 3, 2017): Chief Operating Sponsors

Chief Financial Sponsors Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Jack and Celeste Grynberg Executive Vice Presidential Sponsors Colorado Real Estate Journal Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman

Vice Presidential Sponsors Stuart and Elise Zall Associate Sponsors Rob Kaufmann and Jen Gilbert-Kaufmann Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

My “Superpowers” Energize Service By Tamara L. Weil, AmeriCorps Member, JFS Refugee Mental Health

I think of serving in AmeriCorps

as my very own superpower. It evens comes with a uniform, the ubiquitous “A” that I always wear when serving, either as a small, elegant pin or a big, bold patch on a T-shirt or vest that announces I am an AmeriCorps member and I am here to help. And while I use my superpower to help my clients, my AmeriCorps service has given me back so much more than I have given. I work with a great team and the emotional satisfaction is huge. I know the goal is to fill unmet needs in the community. As a surprising side benefit, I have found that my AmeriCorps service has been incredibly rewarding and has made me a much happier and healthier person. I am currently in my third (but not last) AmeriCorps term with Boomers Leading Change, serving at Jewish Family Service (JFS) in the Refugee Mental Health department. I collaborate as part of a team of Refugee Mental Health therapists to provide services Tamara Weil meeting with a refugee to refugee clients. mental health client. The goal is to fill in the gap between what the therapists provide and other services that clients need to successfully adjust to their new home and culture. Our clients come from many places, including Iraq, Somalia, Burma, Ethiopia, and Bhutan. And while they come from very different cultures and backgrounds, they all have one thing in common: they are all refugees, forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution, 6

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

and cannot return, ever. Many have suffered trauma and long stretches of time in refugee camps before coming to the United States. Most did not know anyone in Colorado when they arrived. As if this were not tough enough, when they are referred “I have learned to Jewish Family Service’s Refugee to celebrate the Mental Health small victories.” department, they —Tamara Weil are also suffering from serious mental health issues, which makes adjustment to their new home even harder. With the help of skilled interpreters, I have helped clients navigate our health care and social service systems, taken them to medical and social service appointments, served as their advocate during appointments and follow-up, and I found and linked clients with community resources. While our clients’ needs are so very great, I have learned to celebrate the small victories: a client learning to ride the bus, getting into an ESL (English as a Second Language) class, or obtaining a car seat for a client family who couldn’t afford one. Recently, JFS received a grant from the Rose Women’s Organization to start an Iraqi Women’s Wellness Group, an eight-week program for 15 Iraqi women, which includes segments on cooking and nutrition, walking and other movement, and wellness and self-care coaching, with the goals of decreasing isolation, increasing social connection and knowledge of healthy cooking and diet, and ultimately increasing their overall health and well-being. Along with another JFS Refugee Mental Health staff member and our therapists, I developed the group and helped facilitate it. We saw great results! I am so grateful to Boomers Leading Change, AmeriCorps, and my host site, Jewish Family Service, for giving me this opportunity to serve. Thank you!

VOLUNTEER Spotlight Not only is Tamara Weil serving

JFS as an AmeriCorps member, but she is also a dedicated volunteer. In fact, she and her husband, Ken, have supported the agency in various ways for three decades! Tamara’s most recent search for a JFS volunteer opportunity began in February 2014 when she met with Volunteer Services director Nancy Benyamin. It was immediately clear the Friendly Visitor program would be a perfect fit for Tamara, and she was paired with her first client, Roz. The women shared stories and formed a close relationship. Tamara found the experience to be immediately satisfying, and when the client passed away six months later, she signed on for another magical match, this time with Bess Brown. For the next two years, Tamara visited Bess weekly, when they would easily converse on a variety of topics. Tamara helped her with reading and sorting the mail. Because it was easier for Bess to communicate via email than to have long conversations on the phone, she dictated her responses to Tamara, who typed them into the computer. There are other ways, too, that Tamara aided Bess, such as helping to keep her calendar up-to-date and planning meals. Although the get-togethers are primarily for the benefit of the client, Tamara says their time

Tamara Weil: A Lifelong Volunteer together was mutually beneficial. “It has been unexpectedly rewarding,” she asserts, “to build a relationship with a stranger that, over time, has turned into a wonderful friendship.” Tamara’s visits with Bess have become more sporadic over the Bess Brown with Tamara Weil past several months, as Bess—now 101—has moved from Kavod Senior Living to Shalom Cares and Tamara has other family responsibilities to attend to. However, Tamara remains in touch with Bess’s son and visits Bess as often as she can. “Volunteering with JFS is an integral part of my life that I plan to continue as much as I can in the future,” says Tamara. “I’d like to serve a fourth term as an AmeriCorps member (that is the limit), and then I will have more time to commit as a Friendly Visitor volunteer.”

If you’re interested in becoming a Friendly Visitor, contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Support JFS While Shopping at King Soopers! Raising funds for JFS

is as easy as going grocery shopping. Simply purchase a reloadable King Soopers gift card from us for $20. Take your gift card to your King Soopers store and load more money on it before you start shopping, then swipe your gift card like you would a credit card to pay for your groceries. It’s that easy! Every time JFS supporters reach $5,000 or more in reloads (as a group, not just you individually), we will receive a rebate check for 5 percent of the total amount. Learn more and purchase a card by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/KingSoopers.

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

DONOR Spotlight

Community Gardeners: We Want Your Produce! Children harvesting vegetables for the Weinberg Food Pantry. (Photo by Aaron Ney)

At JFS, we are dedicated to

offering more fresh options to the 1,000 clients who use the Weinberg Food Pantry every month. What’s better than fresh produce? Locally grown fruits and vegetables! Did you know we receive produce donations from local farms, community gardens, and neighbors each summer? And we need more backyard gardeners to join them! We hope this article plants a seed and that after you learn a bit about each of these donors, you will be inspired to dig deep and give produce this spring and summer—whether you already have a garden, start one, or join a community plot. Ekar Farm Ekar Farm is an urban farm in southeast Denver dedicated to educating the community about sustainable agriculture practices and food justice, and to donating fresh, healthy organic produce to local food pantries. JFS received Ekar’s first harvest ever in 2009, and half of it every year since. In total, the farm has

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

donated 35,000 pounds of fresh produce to our food pantry! Executive Director Aaron Ney says, “Ekar is very proud to include the JFS food pantry as one of our distribution partners. We know the fresh vegetables we grow are appreciated and provided to our neighbors in need with dignity. We feel JFS shares our belief that healthy, nutritious, fresh vegetables should be available to everyone.” He adds, “Every single volunteer who comes to the farm either already knows of our relationship with JFS or hears about it while at the farm. The hard work done at the farm—the spreading of compost, the planting of seeds, the weeding and tending, and all the magnificent harvesting is done by the community with intention (kavanah) and awareness of hunger and malnutrition. The thousands of people who come to Ekar each season are enthusiastic about providing food for the Weinberg Food Pantry.” You can get involved at the farm by: • Attending “Days in the Dirt,” offered each Sunday morning, June 4 to October 1. Stop by for an hour or two to help with planting, tending, and harvesting. • Getting a plot at Ekar’s community garden— you’ll grow enough vegetables for yourself and to donate to those in need. It’s a great family experience. Aaron says, “Getting dirty together and bringing forth food is deeply spiritual, transformative, and healthy!” Learn more at ekarfarm.org.

Samuels Community Garden In partnership with Denver Urban Gardens, Samuels Elementary School started a community garden in 2012. About one-third is dedicated to the school to provide fresh produce for the cafeteria and the rest is set aside for community plots. In 2014, Kristy Sawyer, one of the garden’s cofounders, had the idea to donate produce from the school’s plot to the Weinberg Food Pantry at JFS when the school is closed during the summer. She quickly got other parents on board and they started gathering every Monday night (in the summer) to harvest the garden and then socialize and share dinner. “It has become something that we all look forward to,” says Pallas Quist, garden leader and cofounder. “Not only does it feel great to harvest produce for people in need, but it also builds community for Samuels’ families and neighbors.” Pallas explains that they harvest produce from the school garden and ask all the gardeners to consider donating from their personal plots, which many do. While none of the families are professional gardeners, they are learning more about gardening each year and getting more efficient with how they harvest. The amount they have given to JFS consistently increases; they contributed about 160 pounds the first summer and 440 pounds last year! As our neighbor down the street, Samuels Elementary has a longstanding, close relationship with JFS. One of our KidSuccess therapists works in the school, and families have turned to JFS on many occasions for help with a financial or emotional crisis. “We’re all so happy about the partnership with JFS and grateful for all the agency does for our community,” says Pallas. “Donating produce from our garden is a meaningful way for us to give back.” For more information about the Samuels Community Garden or to get involved, “like” their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SamuelsGarden, or send an email to samuelsgarden2011@gmail.com. The Monday night garden socials are open to the public.

Anonymous Backyard Gardeners We have several humble backyard gardeners who don’t want public recognition. One donor dropped off crops weekly last summer, totaling 365 pounds from June to October! He does not contribute money to JFS and says, “This is our way to be able to give back to our community.” Another community member started a garden last summer and brought in small amounts of produce to the pantry. “I Samuels students harvesting fruit am just getting my feet for the Weinberg Food Pantry. wet and was pleasantly surprised my garden yielded more than I was expecting,” she says. “My family can’t possibly eat it all and sharing it with those in need is so rewarding! I highly encourage other gardeners to join me—no matter the amount you contribute.” If you don’t have a green thumb, please “Donating continue to donate produce from canned foods and other our garden is a nonperishable items to meaningful way the pantry. Those contrifor us to give butions help us leverage our dollars to purchase back.” more fresh foods. If you —Pallas Quist have questions about what to donate, check out our Top 10 Needs at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/features/ donate-food, or contact Shelly Hines, Family Safety Net director, at 720.248.4654 or shines@jewishfamilyservice.org.

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VOLUNTEERS are at the heart of everything we do. In 2016,

1,170 volunteers gave 30,038 hours of their time. In 2016, the Independent Sector announced that the value of a volunteer in Colorado is

The dollar value of that time is

$779,786.

$25.96 per hour.

humanity

Friendly Visitor volunteers provided emotional support and community connection to isolated seniors in Denver and Boulder.

support

action

change inspire

friends

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celebrate

heart

community

impact

thanks

hope team mission engagement happy dedicated make a difference generosity commitment

thank you mitzvah

kindness

$$$ $$$ Para-chaplains provided holiday and Shabbat services and individual visits to

1,858

clients, giving them an important Jewish connection.

connections

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important

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167

441 volunteers distributed

Lunchbox Express volunteers

620,014

served

21,235

free lunches to low-income children during the summer.

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35 skilled professionals provided 4,486 hours of expertise to our staff.

pounds of food to the hungry in our community.

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National Volunteer Week is April 23-29. Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers! 10

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SENIORS

Matter

Reduce Your Risk of Isolation

By Christina Kellerman, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Intern

Isolation can happen faster than

you think, and the risk factors involved can impact one’s goal to age in place. Fortunately, isolation is also avoidable and reversible, and the activities involved can be tailored to any lifestyle or interest. Taking short walks, volunteering at a school or animal shelter, or learning something new can improve an individual’s well-being. People who engage in active lifestyles: • Are less likely to develop dementia. Because we are social beings, we need human interactions. If we do not meet this need for long periods of time, it can begin to affect us physically and neurologically. You don’t have to sit in the company of others for hours; you can simply enjoy a coffee in a public area like a park, shopping center, or pedestrian mall. • Have longer lifespans. Those with active lifestyles tend to have larger social groups whom they can call on for help. Activities such as taking a class, joining a club, or working part-time can ensure that people will notice your absence and want to inquire about your health. • Are happier and less depressed. Happiness and exercise boost your immune system and release the feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. If you don’t feel up for a long jog in the park, many community centers have low-impact classes like yoga or chair exercises. Or you can often find low-impact exercise or yoga DVDs at shopping centers, thrift stores, or libraries. You can even dance to your favorite music at home. • Are better prepared to cope with loss. Having support during times of loss is important at any age. Having access to emotional support can encourage a person not to feel alone during the grieving process.

Also, being a part of something outside the home can be an outlet to staying positive about the capabilities they possess. Because we are unique individuals, isolation does not look the same for everyone. Some people enjoy extended periods of time to themselves and would rather be alone. For these individuals, there are still safety nets that can be Christina Kellerman put in place. One may want to recruit a family member or friend to call regularly to see how things are going, or sign up for a JFS Friendly Visitor volunteer. Even integrating services like Meals on Wheels (if eligible) can provide a person with a friendly interaction and protect a more private lifestyle. The most important question to ask yourself is, “Do I feel lonely?” If the answer is yes, Isolation is you may want to make a list avoidable and of activities you enjoy and reversible. research what is available in your community. For help connecting with the resources mentioned in this article, please contact the JFS Senior Solutions department at 303.597.5000. Christina Kellerman is in her last semester of the Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate program at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Working as a caregiver in long-term care for several years motivated her to pursue a career in social work with a focus on aging. She graduated from Metropolitan State University in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and continued in the graduate program.

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THANK YOU for Caring!

Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from December 1, 2016 to January 31, 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 MARRIAGE Dennis Plato and Jessica Bloomfield Betty Bloomfield Margaret Neubauer

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARY Bob and Diane Hochstadt Allan and Helena Striker

IN HONOR OF Adam Agron Rose Lucas John and Kim Aleksivich Sandy Solove Ariel Amaru Louis Amaru Rachel Amaru Elise Fultonberg Talia Amaru-Kapantais Louis Amaru Deanie Andersen Floyd and Edythe Sunshine Diana Zeff Anderson The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Shepard Nevel Yana Vishnitsky Mark Wong and Jacqueline Sprinces Wong Jodi Ansell Robert and Sara Sturtz Max and Elaine Appel Arthur and Arlene Moss Leonid Baksht Anthony Gottlieb and Katherine Dealy Rabbi Eliot Baskin Janet Slate Morrie Baumgarten Stanley and Paula Gudder David Bernstein Elizabeth Rosen Carolyn Bleicher Deborah Topcik Libby Bortz Brad Schuster and Patricia Bortz The Boulder JFS Staff Jeffrey and Lois Linsky Barbara Steinmetz Alan Brandt William Feinberg Mara Broniwezkaya Leon and Alla Veremeychik Karen Carson W. Scott and Elizabeth Carson Zachary Chapman Scott and Sharon Sagel Sophie Cohen Daniel and Renee Cohen Willard Cooperstock Andrew Cooperstock Jennie Creasey Susan Cable Al and LaVaughn De Petro Thomas DePetro Polly Deutelbaum Roger and Jill Giller Sharon Feder Jennifer Pence The Feld Family Fred and Estelle Nadel

IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Ralph and Susan Barocas New Granddaughter Helene Hoffman Leland Huttnerâ€™s Great Grandson Laurence and Joan Rubenstein Jacob Motchan Karin Susskind IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Stuart Heller Alan Kris Daniel Hettleman Ivor and Tracey Douglas Irwin Hoffman Arthur and JoAnn Boss Gloria Husney Beth Lippa Jack Hyatt Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Roger Kempton Marvin Tyor Ron Kempton Marvin Tyor Cathy Kravitz Marvin Tyor Ethel Kutner Genie Reichman Jay Miller Paul and Barbara Stewart Lola Miller Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Brent Morse The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Essie Perlmutter Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Jim Sharon Ruth Sharon Donald Shwayder Patricia Millice Larry Siegel Allan and Alberta Sulzer Kal Zeppelin Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin IN HONOR OF A HAPPY HANNUKAH Jay and Barbara Chapman Jamie, Jon, Alec, and Daniel SarchĂŠ Barry and Shellie Hochstadt Jordan and Sue Hochstadt Bob and Robyn Loup Marc and Lisa Soicher

IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Harold Weinstein Helene Hoffman

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Debra Fine Scott Friedman Yehudis Fishman Anne Becher Arleen Gershen Wini Delon Noreen Stillman Toni Getz Mary Justice Barbara Goldburg Carol Goldburg Kristina Straub Asher Gordon Neff Richard and Valerie Neff Barbara Gould Judith Cogen Donor Advised Fund Laurie Greene Ari and Rachel Harrison Allison Greenstein Jeff Greenstein and Gail Krovitz Jeff and Gail Greenstein Allison Greenstein Mike and Harriet Greenstein Allison Greenstein Jack and Celeste Grynberg Miriam Grynberg Mark Harmati and MaryJo Duckworth Donna Hoefer Lotte Heimann Roberta Beach Jean Heller Bette Heller Jeff, Lora, and Brady Heller Jon and Betty Heller Marvin Hoffenberg Ed Hoffenberg Martin Hutt Mark and Susan Barter JFS Staff Barbara Miller Beth Karpf Rob Schware Ed Kass Rabbi Marc Soloway Marshal and Susan Krauthamer Joel and Frieda Levine Andrew Larson Steven and Doreen Larson Sophia Larson Steven and Doreen Larson Sara Leeper Alan and Anna Lazaroff Benjamin Lipson Neil and Rhonda Lipson Daniel Lipson Neil and Rhonda Lipson Melissa Mascarenas Alan and Anna Lazaroff Laura Michaels David and Ellin Keene Jay and Lois Miller Aaron Stambler and Elaine Miller Micky and Louann Miller Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Rita Minsky Michael and Roslyn Rudnick Brent Morse Timothy and MaryKate McCutcheon Maribeth Naughton

Arthur Moss Mark Goldberg Michael Moss Art and Arlene Moss Stanley and Liz Wolfson Lynn Nadel Elizabeth Rosen Shepard Nevel David and Cheryl Fellows Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld Our Children Andrew and Robyn Levy Jocelyn Pell Daniel and Renee Cohen Jonnie Pizer Nancy Benyamin Ingrid Swords Jill Moore Melissa Rosenbaum Marshall Aster and Shari Lutz Marty Rosenbaum Neil and Leeann Gardenswartz Marty and Melissa Rosenbaum Richard and Cathy Neistat Micah Rosenbaum Jon Barocas and Judy Graff Jane E. Rosenbaum Mickey and Nancy Gart Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld Elizabeth Lehman Micky and Louann Miller Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Laura Leach Robert Rottman Carol Goldburg Kristina Straub Jonathan Sagel Lisa Meltzer Harriet Saliman and Family Floyd and Edythe Sunshine Stella Schepis Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg Mirella Schreiber Henry Bourne and Alisa Schreiber- Bourne Ryan Shulman Robert Wolf Bud Slatkin and Family Jeff Dunn Steven and Joie Solove Sandy Solove Ernie Stone Mark and Jamie Idelberg Cathy Summer Judith Cogen Donor Advised Fund Jon and Sharon Thorson Barbara Reed-Polatty Marc Topelson Ian and Regina Topelson Max Topelson Ian and Regina Topelson Eden Turnbow Cynthia Chapman Pete Vaziri Consuelo Chavez Yana Vishnitsky Michael Asarch Bank of America Stan and Sandy Bauer David and Nancy Benyamin

Steve and Sandy Berkowitz Joe and Tsai Bilett Cary and Stacey Chapman Rich and Lisa Cohn Shmuel Deitel and Janet Sherman Henry Dubroff Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Jeff and Therese Ellery Ruth Epstein Ken and Sheryl Feiler Brian and Cathy Fleischmann Daniel Foss and Carole Kornreich Rabbi Bernard Gerson and Sue Parker Gerson Lezlie Goldberg Stephen and Natalie Goldman Jeffrey Goldstein Adele Gordon Peter and Gabriela Gottlieb Michael Gray Susy Grazi Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld Ron and Gale Kahn Harvey and Carol Karsh Rabbi Jeffrey and Rhonda Kaye Michael and Wendy Klein Arthur and Joanne Kleinstein Matt and Ilana Larson Sara Leeper and Cindy Wells Shirley Leff Jonathan and Lindsay Lev Scott and Laure Levin Burt and Lee Levy Bob and Robyn Loup Arthur Mahoney and Pamela Baron Mahoney Audrey Friedman Marcus Stan and Sharon Marks Nneka McPhee Ray Merenstein and Ilana Steinberg Jay and Lois Miller Vladimir and Alla Milstein Perry and Susie Moss Eileen Naiman Shepard Nevel and Anna Alejo Marcee Newman Cintra Pollack Rabbi Richard and Rabbi Susan Rheins David and Myra Rieger Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Paul Rosenthal Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Jerry and Terry Rubin Yevigeny and Lyubov Rubinchik Lewis Sapiro and Estelle Meskin Jon and Jamie Sarché Chet and Louise Schwartz Claire Seiden Josh and Heather Seiden Andrew and Ellen Selig Tim and Stacey Sepp Douglas and Susan Seserman Mark and Jill Spitzer Philip Stahl Brian and Amy Stein Gerardo and Amy Topelson Donald and Julie Turken Elly Valas Dan and Ann Veenstra Jim Wilson and Cathy Sunshine Martha White Sandy Solove Margurite Williams Scott and Trina Reisch

IN MEMORY OF Margot Aal Deborah Aal Udasya Ablin Yury and Corinne Ablin Sharlene Ancell Kark Joe and Tsai Bilett Stephen Axelrath Daniel Cassano Agnes Badion Steven Goldstein and Amy Wright Rosa Baltser Matt and Ilana Larson Jessica Milstein Arthur Bartell Jerry and Kathy Berenstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Shepard Nevel Joan Baskin Mike, Harriet, Jeff, and Allison Greenstein Morris Baumgarten Gary Baumgarten and Kathy Brauer Sylvia Baumgarten Gary Baumgarten and Kathy Brauer Jack Berlin Mark and Patrice Berry Erin Binford The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Harold Blitt Lois Blitt Ross Bolt Cynthia Chapman Laurence Boxer Joe and Tsai Bilett Michael Boxer Elaine Bromberg David and Marilyn Bromberg Lisa Burns Joe and Janis Pennington William Bromberg David and Marilyn Bromberg Lisa Burns Joe and Janis Pennington Sheila Bugdanowitz Michael Asarch David and Cindy Bershof Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Bennie and Joan Bub Rick Bugdanowitz Cynthia Chapman and Al Montano Ruth Epstein Steven and Cindy Farber Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Ben and Robyn Friedman Norman Friedman and Stephanie Feuer Jon and Sheryl Goodman Gary and Joyce Lozow Pam Naiman Shepard Nevel Roots and Branches Foundation Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Artis Silverman Alan and Karen Stein Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Peter Wycoff and Lori Dresner Donald Yale and Jody Epstein Sylvia Buros Norma Kurtz Avery Clayton Richard and Bonnie Horwitz Joseph Cogen Judith Cogen Donor Advised Fund

Lee Cogen Judith Cogen Donor Advised Fund Mildred Cohen Max Silverman Claire Cohen Sara Cohen Jake Cohen Max Silverman Phil Cohen Sara Cohen Helen Dansky Ronald Colson and Karen Paul Donald Dishell Leonard and Nancie Velick Maurice Drechsler Richard and Doreen Nadler Walter Essinger Lundbeck Mid-America Region Wayne and Jackie Seltzer Claire Felsenburg Jerome Mark and Dorothy Gotlieb Walter Felsenburg Jerome Mark and Dorothy Gotlieb Marie Fenhaus Victor Fenhaus Tillie Fischer S. Paul and Paulette Wasserstein Barbara Fishkin Gary and Joyce Lozow Victor Fishman Bruce and Judy Geller Daisy Flynn David and Diana Mueller Stanley Freedman Michael and Elizabeth Freedman Joyce Freeman David and Ellin Keene Samuel Freeman David and Ellin Keene Ronald Freund Irene Freund Mark Friedman’s Mom Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Darrick Furer Bobbi Furer and Linda Scherrer Anne Gilbert James and Joy Hoffman Ian Gilbert James and Joy Hoffman Helen Glazer Bruce and Wendy Glazer Miriam Goldberg Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Bennie and Joan Bub David and Vicki Goldman Henny Kaufmann Lawrence and Joann Litvak Gary and Joyce Lozow Arthur and Dorothy Malman Bud and Jane Romberg Greg and Laurie Romberg Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Gail Sigman David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Osias Goren Douglas and Marion Nutt Ozzie Goren Rondi Frieder Dale Lyneis Mary Graham Michael and Elizabeth Freedman Norman Gray Jordan and Michele Scharg Cathy Grimm Chester and Debra Luby

Mariam Gruber Robert and Jodi Eisen Robert Guttsmann Gary and Sheri Gray Randall and Susan Karsh Arnold and Karen Stein Ernest Hamburger Marjorie Hamburger Per Hedly Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Gil Hersh Lila Crank Marilyn Huttner Donn and Eileen Spector Della Jultak David Carl and Gaye Harris Jodi Cooper Wendy Pomeranz Elly Valas Robert Juran Richard and Valerie Neff Benjamin Kaplan Marvin Tyor Paul Karet Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Henry Karsh Larry and Irit Karsh Heidi Kaufman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Judith Kay’s Dad Kathryn Beck Anna Kernis Gerald and Linda Kernis David Keusch Leah Peer Steve Kolber Elsa Bailey Basia Kononov Dmitry Kononov and Olga Titova Gloria Kris The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard David and Michelle Friedman Shepard Nevel David and Toni Roitman Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Charles Van Gundy and Debbie Zimmerman Marcia Wolf Cherry Kruse’s Father Harriet Greenstein Alan Laff Lisa Laff Jack Latkin Garry Latkin Kim Leeper The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dawn Richard Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Emilie Lellouche Mireille Key Adele Lerman Michael Smilie Stan Lerner Arthur and Joanne Kleinstein Dalton Levine Marlene Adam The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dawn Richard Don and Linda Neuman Shepard Nevel Dee Trasen Charles Van Gundy and Debbie Zimmerman

Continued on page 14

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

THANK YOU for Caring! IN MEMORY OF Paul Levine Alison Yeh Rich Levine’s Dad Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Norma Jean Levinson Jaques Marjorie Kathmann Dorinda Levy Justin and Cari Levy Donna Licht Howard and Susan Licht Anita Lifter Robert and Jodi Eisen Leonard Litvak Elaina Block Bobbie Loevy’s Sister, Jackie Cynthia Chapman Bud Lubatty Barton and Marci Rivkin Elsa Lurie Arlen Ambrose and Ruth Lurie Erik Madison Dale Lyneis Thomas and Judy Oxman Arnold and Karen Stein Mr. and Mrs. A. Malina Sy and Horty Youngelman Herman Mallinoff Lynda Goldstein Paul Marcus Zelda Friednash Phyllis Marcus Andre Mark Sharyl Barron and Family The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Brian and Brandon Green Marvin Harmatz Dorothy Rosenblatt Oscar and Selma Sladek Sam and Marty Sloven Susan Mason Richard Wedgle Greg Massey Cynthia Chapman Paul May Anonymous Donations Paje McKenna Melody Soell Abby Meisterplass Eudice Lewkowitz Sherry Mendelsberg Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Cynthia Chapman Daniel Mordecai Janet Mordecai Joseph Morrisey The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Eileen Eller Vivian Mosko Kilstrup Robert and Jodi Eisen Jon and Sheryl Goodman Eric and Ellen Pollock Bernard Munishor Stephen and Celeste Gorden Mark and Michelle Hellerstein Leba Munishor Gerhard Nebel Linda Moery The Oakland Fire Victims Roslyn Begun Romik Oganesyan Marlene Adam Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard

Janie Leiser Shepard Nevel Charles Van Gundy and Debbie Zimmerman Dorothy Parris Helene Hoffman Kevin and Marleen Konieczny Leba Munishor Adolf Pernitz The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dawn Richard Shepard Nevel Sheldon Perotin Marvin Tyor David Pollock Steve Blank and Ellen Gray Robert Schwartz and Beth Levy Hanna and Jerry Posner Joanne Posner-Mayer Jean Radam Ruth Ann Quick Sol Radam Ruth Ann Quick Leonid Reyf Matt and Ilana Larson Steve Rineberg Marcee Newman Don Rosen Warren and Ruth Toltz Lloyd Rosen Morris and Barbara Askenazi Alan and Deborah Titelbaum Mary Rosen Elizabeth Rosen Lloyd Rosenthal Emily Andreano Patti Ross David and Cindy Bershof Harvey and Judith Cohen Ben and Robyn Friedman Don and Janie Friedman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Dan Kirschner and Susan Kahn Gary and Joyce Lozow Arthur and Dorothy Malman Lee and Barbara Mendel Eric and Ellen Pollock Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Barry and Nancy Wayne Marsha Rubinowitz Donn and Eileen Spector James Ruby Leonard and Nancie Velick Mary Saragoussi Rick and Vicki Phillips Rhea Satren Jessica Pivar Irene Schaffer Illona Weiman Irving Schaffer Illona Weiman Jane Schapiro Stephen and Sandra Goodman Michael Schatz David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Rose Schein Taylor and Kimberly Schollmaier Katie Schindler Steven Glick Alan Schoen Dorothy Schoen Randi Schoen Dorothy Schoen

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

Continued from page 13 Dorothy Schwab Norman Schwab Betty Schware Beth Karpf Rachel Pollack Rob Schware Jacques Simons Monique Simons Marianne Simons Monique Simons Anita Steiglitz Cynthia Curth Nancy Steiner Eileen Eller Peter and Sally Nadel Sarah Stern Fox Joe and Tsai Bilett Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Evelyn Sunshine David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Isadore Sunshine David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Gilda Tanne Gary and Jennifer Zucker Joseph Tyor Marvin Tyor Irwin Vinnik Stephen and Lisa Vinnik Sandra Vinnik Stephen and Lisa Vinnik Sam Wagonfeld Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Sandra Waldman Allan and Helena Striker Robert Waxman Selma Waxman Adele Weiner Nancy Benyamin Bart and Jill Miller Robert Weinstein David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Michael Wingert and Joy Weinstein Rowena Weinstein David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Michael Wingert and Joy Weinstein Sam Weinstein David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Michael Wingert and Joy Weinstein Marshall West Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Jack Williams Scott and Trina Reisch Philip Winn Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Bernard Witkin Arnold and Karen Stein Joseph Witkow Leba Munishor Ivan Woolf Maxine Woolf Mr. and Mrs. M. Youngelman Sy and Horty Youngelman Gregory Zalevsky Lilly Zalevsky Richard Zallen Bill Schoeberlein Joyce Zeff Diana Zeff Anderson Margo and Vilmos Zuckerman Joel and Goldie Cohen

WITH GRATITUDE FOR Erica Cruz Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Anna Dobrushin Steve Cohen JFS Staff Jessica Milstein Yana Vishnitsky Jordan and Michele Scharg WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Laurie Bernstein Boulder JFS Staff and Advisory Committee Sylvia Cohen Mel Brody Steve Frumkin Martin and Jane Frumkin Ilse Goldberg Mel Brody Sheryl Goodman Pam Naiman Jack Grynberg Miriam Grynberg Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg David Levin Boulder JFS Staff and Advisory Committee Lilly Putziger Linda Fredricks Susan Robinson Fred and Maxine Davine Myrna Tyson Cynthia Chapman Randie Winograd Jerry Wilson and Jill Waxman-Wilson In-Kind Donors AIMCO B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Colorado Ballet Colorado Real Estate Journal Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Rodef Shalom Dolls for Daughters Hebrew Educational Alliance Preschool Holland & Hart LLP JEWISHcolorado King Soopers Reclamation Lockheed Martin - Operation Santa Claus MassMutual Colorado Moishe House Samuels Elementary Sisterhood of Congregation Rodef Shalom Sprouts Farmers Market Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac

We Need You! Upcoming Volunteer Needs Looking for fun, meaningful ways to get involved with JFS and give

back to the community? Below are a few of our upcoming volunteer needs. View all of our volunteer opportunities at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer. â€˘ Refugee Assistance: Are you inspired to make an immediate and positive impact on your community? There are several ways you can assist our refugee clients. Please contact Nancy Benyamin for specific project details. â€˘ Lunchbox Express: Looking for a fun and flexible summer volunteer opportunity? Ride our Lunchbox Express school buses and distribute free lunches to low-income children in the Denver metro area. Families with children age 10+ are welcome to volunteer together! For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Save the Date for Summer Magic CAMP! Jewish Disabilities Advocates is planning Summer Magic camp again this year! Children and young adults with special needs (ages 8 to 35) are invited on exciting day trips to JCC Ranch Camp on Thursday, July 6, and to Shwayder Camp on Wednesday, July 26. Cost is $20 per day. Summer Magic is also seeking fun, responsible teens and young-at-heart adults to serve as camp buddies. Training is provided and no experience is necessary. For information/registration, contact Rita Singer at rocky2323@aol.com.

STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in March and April: 5 years: Margaret Perez, Homemaker

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2017

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID

Jewish Family Service of Colorado Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4360

DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217

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 of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

Give a “Chai Five” for Passover!

Donations and Volunteers Needed

As you prepare to celebrate Passover, please help us ensure that

people who are struggling in our community have what they need for a Seder. Jewish Family Service will provide families in need with a kosher chicken and other necessary kosher-forPassover items. We will also deliver catered meals for homebound seniors who have trouble cooking a full Seder. You can help by giving the community a “chai five” by donating at least $90 to the Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund, the cost to purchase food and nonperishable items needed to make the Seder complete for a family of four. This year, we expect to serve approximately 70 families, which means we need to raise at least $6,300. Please donate online today at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/passover, or mail your check in the enclosed envelope with “Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund” in the memo line. If you would prefer to donate nonperishable kosher-for-Passover food items, including matzo, matzo meal, grape juice, borscht, gefilte fish, macaroons, cake mix, and candles, please drop them off at JFS by Thursday, March 30. Volunteers are an essential part of this project and are needed to distribute food in the pantry on Thursday, April 6, and to deliver catered meals to homebound clients on Monday, April 10. For more information, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org. With your help, we can ensure that every family in our community can celebrate Passover this year!