FamilyMatters Volume 27, No. 3 • MAY/JUNE 2017
30 years in Boulder Boulder JFS page 5 ACT FOR YOUR LIFE
Mental Health Matters page 6
Breaking the Language Barrier Volunteer Spotlight, page 3
BAGS FULL OF HOPE A New Kind of Food Drive page 8
A PUBLICATION OF
Serving people of all faiths, ages, incomes, and abilities
From the CEO
Preventing Homelessness: The Very Special Work of JFS
Despite Colorado’s relative
prosperity, approximately 10,500 children and adults are homeless in Colorado on any given night. Of those, 7,600 are living in emergency shelters or transitional housing and 2,900 are on the streets. These numbers represent a staggering magnitude of human suffering and cost. Taxpayers spend an estimated $43,240 per homeless individual in Colorado each year for services such as emergency health care, police intervention, incarceration, emergency response, and legal issues. The social cost of related problems like mental illness, drug use, and physical abuse are equally devastating to our Shepard Nevel community. There are great organizations and dedicated individuals working to support those who are already homeless, and we applaud those efforts. At JFS, we complement those efforts in a very special and meaningful way: our work is dedicated to preventing homelessness before it happens. It is in prevention that we can finally get to the root of the homelessness problem. The goal of the JFS Family Safety Net program is to keep people in their homes. We work to get families through whatever crisis they are facing and back on the path to selfsufficiency. It might mean covering rent for
a couple of It is in prevention months while that we can finally staff work get to the root of with clients to the homelessness resolve root problem. problems. We help people better manage their finances. We help them find sustainable employment. We provide food and help them find housing they can afford. We help people access resources, such as food benefits and Medicaid. We’re seeing great results. Last year, the agency provided financial aid to 293 families to keep them in their homes. We helped 290 individuals with job counseling and job-search services. We referred 1,425 people in need to other resources. The average cost for our Family Safety Net program to work with a family in crisis and prevent them from losing their home is $6,000, including staff time. That’s 14 percent of $43,240 each homeless person is costing taxpayers. But the real benefit is giving people the tools they need to remain self-sufficient.
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 2
FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
VOLUNTEER
Spotlight
Many people are looking
for ways to lend a hand to refugees. One of our newest volunteers has found a great way to pair her skills and expertise with a fulfilling volunteer role at Jewish Family Service. Mireille Azzam moved to Denver from Lebanon nearly seven years ago and is fluent in Arabic, English, and French. She works as a contract medical and community interpreter in Denver. Through her work, she meets a lot of refugees, many of whom say that they worry constantly and feel a lot of stress. This led Mireille to seek out a volunteer opportunity with refugees that utilized her skills as an interpreter. She explains, “I wanted to help refugees in any way I could. While I was not a refugee myself, I know how difficult it is to move to another country and especially to communicate when there is a language barrier.” She continues, “I did an online search for volunteer opportunities and contacted JFS.” She met with Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, who told her about an Iraqi Women’s Wellness Group that the agency’s Refugee Mental Health (RMH) department was conducting. Mireille thought it sounded perfect! She served as a backup interpreter, helped with activities, and got to know the participants during the eight-week group. Kelli Hayes, RMH administrative assistant and cofacilitator of the wellness group, says, “Mireille was able to connect immediately with group members. She has a warm and gentle spirit and was able to clearly communicate with volunteers and participants. What is so wonderful about Mireille is that she has deep cultural knowledge and her desire to serve clients through quality interpretation is genuine.”
Mireille Azzam Mireille enjoyed that “People are experience so much that she always there wanted to explore other opfor each other, portunities within JFS and found no matter their several ways to get involved. backgrounds, She volunteers, as needed, in religions, or skin the Refugee Mental Health color.”—Mirielle Azzam department, mainly as an Arabic interpreter. She does some translating and interpreting in French, as well. In December, she helped sort toy donations for the Bright Holidays program and helped two Arabic-speaking families choose toys for their children before the holidays. In January, she still wanted to do more for JFS clients, so she started helping in the food pantry once a month on Wednesdays. She helps people shop and interprets for Arabic-speaking clients. Mireille Azzam “Even though it’s not often portrayed in the media, there are always good people who want to help others no matter what,” Mireille says passionately. “In my experience, people are always there for each other, no matter their backgrounds, religions, or skin color. I want to keep volunteering with JFS as much as possible and find other ways to help. I just want to give back in any way I can. I’m not looking for anything in return.” If you are inspired to make an immediate and positive impact on your community, check out the five ways you can assist our refugee clients: www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ features/refugee-assistance.
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Thank You to the JFS Executive Luncheon Sponsors! Thank you
to the sponsors (as of April 3, 2017) who generously supported the 13th annual JFS Executive Luncheon featuring Bill Walton and Bob Lanier, held April 28. View a complete event recap, including photos and video, at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon. Chief Operating Sponsors—$25,000
Chief Information Sponsors—$15,000 Brent and Julie Morse Chief Financial Sponsors—$10,000
Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Harold Foonberg Jack and Celeste Grynberg Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman Aaron and Niah Hyatt The Ernest S. Madison Family Foundation
Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman ROI Equities—Jamie and Leanna Harris Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum The Saltzman and Topelson Families
Executive Vice Presidential Sponsors—$5,000 Anonymous Jonathan and Amanda Alpert David and Anna Asarch Berkeley Homes/Harvard Communities Colorado Real Estate Journal Colorado State Bank and Trust & BOK Financial Advisors Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Dependable Cleaners Feiner Family Foundation FirstBank Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Lynda M. Goldstein Kris Family Fund MidFirst Bank Milender White Monroe Group Ltd. Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC Mindy Levy Peckar and Steven Peckar Pluss Family Foundation Ellen and Eric Pollock Chet and Louise Schwartz Tschetter Hamrick Sulzer, P.C., and Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association Western Centers, Inc. Vice Presidential Sponsors—$3,500 Andrew Feinstein—EXDO Management Citywide Banks Dresner Foundation Izbiky & Associates PLLC John Keith Richard and Michele Right The Siegel Family Fund Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC
UMB Bank Colorado Sam and Stephanie Zaitz Stuart and Elise Zall Associate Sponsors—$2,000 Andy and Ginny Ades All Packaging Company Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management Dan and Carla Bartell CBIZ Seff Fred and Susan Duboc Feldman Mortuary, Inc. Stuart and Judy Heller Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert Hermann Leland Huttner Hud and Carol Karshmer Rob Kaufmann and Jen Gilbert-Kaufmann Katie Kettle—Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking Don and Mary Lou Kortz Stuart and Janet Kritzer Family Foundation Lazarus Behavioral Finance Fund LP Jimmy and Debbie Lustig McConnell Fleischner Houghtaling, LLC MediLogix Laura Michaels and Jeff Olson Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Perlmutter Family Foundation The Rifkin Foundation Smile Generation Soicher Benefits Group Springwood Retirement Campus Mel and Anne Wernimont, Julie Goldberg, and David Goldberg WideFoc.us Corp
NBA Hall of Famers Bill Walton and Bob Lanier
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Did You Know Jewish Family Service has a
BOULDER OFFICE?
In operation for more than 30 years,
Boulder JFS has a mission to restore and enhance well-being to older adults and people with physical disabilities throughout Boulder County by delivering services based on Jewish values. In Boulder we offer a range of services that include care management, homemaker services, counseling, companionship, socialization, and holiday celebrations that help older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged. In 2016 we served 475 clients, provided 205 care management visits, and responded to 388 calls for information and referral. Our counseling services are available on a limited basis to older adults on an affordable sliding-fee The new Boulder JCC, home to Boulder JFS. scale, based on income. In addition, we offer support groups. Our grief group runs for eight weeks twice per year and provides support for bereaved individuals. Our caregiver support group is an open group that meets on a monthly basis to provide support for adult children who serve as caretakers for their parents. Boulder JFS reduces social isolation through visits and programs conducted by volunteers and para-chaplains. In 2016, our volunteers contributed more than 2,550 hours to our clients. Our Friendly Visitor program engages volunteers who visit older adults weekly, providing companionship and friendship. Our holiday celebrations and Shabbat services strengthen the Jewish connection for Jewish residents living in non-Jewish residential communities. Last year, hundreds of older adults attended one or more of the 20 holiday celebrations offered. Boulder JFS also provides limited case management, emergency financial assistance, and support to people in crisis, as funds are available. We help people in need access benefits and additional community resources. Our goal is to prevent homelessness and help people succeed. In May 2016 we moved into our beautiful offices at the new Boulder JFS client, Gloria. Boulder JCC. This convenient location has allowed us to foster and expand our collaboration with the JCC, as well as local synagogues, City and County of Boulder entities, and other agencies. Visit our booth at the Boulder Jewish Festival on June 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Pearl Street Mall! You can also learn more about Boulder JFS by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder or calling 303.415.1025.
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MENTAL HEALTH ACT for Your Life: Acceptance
Matters
and Commitment Therapy
By Nicole Whitman, Mental Health Specialists social work intern
Psychotherapist
Deborah Goodman, LCSW, and I recently led an eight-week group, ACT for Your Life, a new therapeutic group based on the teachings of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT. This innovative, creative, and science-based therapy teaches mindfulness skills in the context of values and committed action. It has been proven effective with a diverse range of clinical and everyday conditions, including anxiety, Nicole Whitman depression, anger, and chronic pain. ACT is about taking effective action that is guided by our deepest values while being present and engaged with our experiences. The goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility so that you can create a rich, full, and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably comes with it. ACT helps you achieve this goal through six core principles: 1. Cognitive defusion is the ability to look at your thoughts rather than from your thoughts. 2. Acceptance is making room for unpleasant feelings, sensations, urges, and other private experiences. 3. Contact with the present moment is bringing full awareness to your hereand-now experiences, sometimes called “mindfulness.” 4. The observing self is the stable and unchanging perspective from which you think and feel that transcends the changing emotions, thoughts, judgments, and labels of the self. 5. Values help clarify what is most important, deep in your heart, and what you want to stand for in life. 6
FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
6. Committed action incorporates setting goals guided by your values, and taking effective action to achieve them. How Can I Practice Mindfulness? Try This Mindfulness Breathing Exercise! In this exercise, find a comfortable and stable position, either sitting or lying on your back. Allow your back to be straight but not rigid. Let your arms and hands rest in a relaxed position. Close your eyes, if it feels comfortable. If not, soften your gaze. Be still and focus on your breath for one minute. Start by breathing in and out slowly. One cycle should last for approximately six ACT teaches mindfulness skills seconds. Breathe in the context in through your of values and nose and out through your committed action. mouth, letting your breath flow effortlessly in and out of your body. Let go of your thoughts and pending projects that need your attention. Simply let yourself be still for one minute. Purposefully feel your breath, focusing your senses on its pathway as it enters your body and fills you with life, and then feel it work its way up and out of your mouth as its energy dissipates into the world. To learn more about ACT and when the next group is starting, contact JFS Mental Health Specialists at 303.597.7777. Nicole Whitman, BA, is a social work intern for the Jewish Family Service Mental Health Specialists program. She is pursuing a master’s degree in social work and will continue her practice in the field of mental health. Nicole has most recently provided case management for job development participants at Mi Casa Resource Center.
SENIORS
Matter
By De Andra Sharp, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Intern
While attending the Graduate School
of Social Work at the University of Denver, I had the unique opportunity to enroll in a travel course and brief internship in Cape Town, South Africa. I had the pleasure of interning at The Haven Night Shelter (The Haven), an organization that provides transitional housing for adults ages 21 to 60. Through this experience, I identified two strong principles that now help guide my work at Jewish Family Service. The first is Ubuntu, which means “I am what I am because of who we all are.” During my time in South Africa, it became apparent to me that more than anything, people depend on their loved ones and community to help them thrive. In America, many older adults experience a diminishing social network and may face social isolation, which can contribute to chronic disease, a higher risk of dementia, and in some cases, depression. As a social worker, I have the unique ability to help seniors find and maintain connections to loved ones and community members. Building and maintaining close relationships is one way to combat the ill effects of social isolation. The second principle I discovered was the importance of maintaining a person’s dignity and self-worth. I witnessed poverty on many levels, and regardless of the circumstances each individual faced, the volunteers and employees within The Haven held no judgment and were patient, understanding, and knowledgeable with each resident. Through one-on-one conversations, they worked to uncover each individual’s strengths and helped them find self-worth and dignity. As people age, they step away from their careers and their children grow into adults. Seniors may begin to feel as though they are without a purpose. However, regardless of age, they are fully capable of participating in
Reflections of a Social Work Intern meaningful experiences. Though not widely discussed, self-worth, dignity, and autonomy are very important aspects of life and are directly connected to mental and physical well-being. It is vital to boost self-worth and dignity whenever possible, which can be done by engaging in meaningful conversation, taking a walk, or allowing them to maintain their autonomy whenever possible. De Andra Sharp Letting an individual make decisions about their living arrangements, health care, or even when and what they eat can make a huge difference in their life. No matter where you live, aging is a process that we all face, but aging well looks different for everyone. Aging well refers to an individual’s mental, physical, and social health. One common thread I have seen both at Jewish Family Service and in South Africa is that aging requires a stable support network of loved ones, friends, community members, and service organizations. The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” can also apply to helping an individual age well. At Jewish Family Service we offer homemaker services, Kosher Meals on Wheels, care management, and many more services to help seniors do just that. If you need support in caring for your loved one, please feel free to call us at 303.597.5000. De Andra Sharp is a second-year intern with the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at Jewish Family Service. She earned a bachelor’s degree in law and society from the Colorado Women’s College at the University of Denver. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Denver. De Andra is a Denver native who has a passion for advocacy, improving the quality of life for seniors, and creating change through social justice. FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
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BAGS FULL OF HOPE A New Kind of Food Drive The Weinberg Food Pantry
at Jewish Family Service has launched a new program that makes it simple to donate food to help the hungry in our community. The “Hope is in the Bag” program provides reusable shopping bags to businesses, churches/synagogues, and other organizations that in turn distribute them A fun, simple to employees, congregants, way to engage and students. Those who want companies, to participate can take a bag schools, churches, to fill with nonperishable food and synagogues items that are most needed in in the fight the pantry. Donors can fill their against hunger food donation bag when they do regular grocery shopping and simply return their full bag. JFS picks up the donated food from the sponsoring organization at the end of the drive. Each bright green bag includes a label with simple instructions, a list of needed food items, and the deadline for returning full bags. Donating food has never been easier!
Some of the many bags collected at Hebrew Educational Alliance.
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FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
The idea for the program came from Peggy Bernstein, who recently moved to Denver from Greensboro, North Carolina. “I participated in a similar food drive in Greensboro and I thought it was such a great idea that I wanted to share it with JFS,” explains Peggy. The pantry staff loved the idea and went to work making it a reality. “I think everyone understands that hunger is a basic need,” says Peggy. “This project is so easy. There’s a bag with a tag that tells you what to buy. You take the bag with you on your next trip to the grocery store and fill it up. It’s so easy to pick up a few items for people in need.” There was no cost to JFS for the bags, which were underwritten by J&B Building Company. Mindy Levy Peckar, an executive with J&B, is a JFS Board member and a longtime pantry volunteer. “When JFS Development director Dawn Richard called me about it, I said absolutely yes!” exclaims Mindy. “It’s such a brilliant idea and I like that it now becomes a no-cost program. From my experience in the pantry, I know JFS can use the food.” The Hope is in the Bag program is a fun, simple way to engage companies, schools, and churches and synagogues in the fight against hunger. Organizations and schools can turn it into a fun competition to see which department or class can generate the most food donations. The program provides a great learning opportunity for children, making them aware of how fortunate they are and teaching them empathy for others. They can help pick out food they think other children would like to eat. This program is helping to stock the pantry with a steady supply of nonperishable food while freeing up resources to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meats. The pantry is trying to provide more high-quality fresh foods. It also gives the pantry some flexibility to get exactly what is needed at any given time. JFS thanks Hebrew Educational Alliance
(HEA), Denver Jewish Day School, Temple Sinai, and Calvary Baptist Church for helping to pilot the program. HEA held a very successful drive for Purim in March and collected more than 3,000 pounds of food. We are very grateful for their efforts and encourage other congregations and businesses to follow their lead! If you’re interested in hosting a Hope is in the Bag food drive at your organization, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Hop Aboard a
Lunchbox Express Bus to Serve Summer Lunches to Kids in Need
Lunchbox Express is gearing up for
another successful summer of feeding kids in need. This simple mobile food-delivery system targets areas of underserved children and brings free lunch to them when school is out for the summer and children don’t have access to free or reduced lunches in their schools. Utilizing repurposed school buses as the delivery vehicles, an enthusiastic group of dedicated volunteers will serve thousands of meals this summer on five different delivery routes throughout metro Denver. We need volunteers to help distribute these lunches from May 30 to August 18! Whether you A family who was grateful to receive lunches last summer. can help weekly or just once, we’d love your help with this fun and meaningful volunteer experience. Kids 10 and up are welcome with a parent, too. Contact Christine Gillow, Volunteer Services manager, at 720.248.4599 or cgillow@jewishfamilyservice.org for more details or apply online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/features/lunchbox-express. JFS is also collecting new or gently used books for children ages 1 to 13 to distribute with the lunches. Donations can be dropped off at JFS, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231.
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THank you to Participants of Spring Community Food Drive! Jewish Family Service recently held its
fourth annual Spring Community Food Drive to benefit the JFS Weinberg Food Pantry. JFS partnered with various synagogues, churches, and businesses on this interfaith effort. The food drive ran from March 1 to 24 at locations throughout the Denver metro area. Thanks to everyone who donated food to help us feed the hungry at a time of year when food donations are traditionally low. This was our most successful spring food drive! Several groups were still collecting until after Passover, but as of the end of March when we went to print, we had collected more than 12,000 The JFS staff collection bins. pounds of food. JFS staff also participated and held a competition among the departments. Together, staff donated 1,984 pounds of food—200 pounds more than last year! We are overwhelmed by the support of our community and agency staff. Thanks to all participating partners:
AIMCO Boulder JCC Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Congregation Rodef Shalom Doubletree by Hilton DTC
Hillel of Colorado–CU Boulder Holland & Hart LLP JCC Denver JEWISHcolorado MassMutual Colorado PCL Construction
Quiat Companies Rose Medical Center South Denver Fencing Academy Temple Micah
Spaces Still Available for
Summer Magic Camp! There are still spaces available for Jewish
Disabilities Advocates’ Summer Magic Camp! Children and young adults with special needs (ages 8 to 30) 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 adults to serve as camp buddies. Training is provided and no experience is necessary. For information/registration, contact Rita Singer at rocky2323@aol.com.
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FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
DONOR Spotlight
Monthly Recurring Gifts
There are so many ways you can give to Jewish Family Service! One easy way is to set up a monthly recurring gift. We spoke with Jay and Kim Morse who support JFS this way to find out why they chose that method of giving. Jay is an inside sales representative for Haynes Mechanical Systems and Kim is a senior account manager with Ready Talk.
Family Matters (FM): How long have you been supporting JFS? Jay Morse (JM): My wife, Kim, and I first started donating nearly 10 years ago, but not on a regular basis. We’ve also donated some household items and volunteered to deliver Passover boxes to homebound clients in past years.
Kim and Jay Morse
FM: Why did you choose to start supporting JFS?
a recurring gift once and it automatically gets charged to my account each month.
JM: We appreciate that JFS provides critical services and support to our community and it does so without restrictions on an individual’s religious affiliation.
FM: Why do you continue to support JFS?
FM: When and why did you choose to start giving to JFS on a monthly basis? JM: Last year, Kim and I looked at which organizations we wanted to support regularly. We felt that JFS was an unsung hero in the community that we don’t hear about enough. We wanted to be able to contribute a meaningful amount “We felt and realized it would that JFS was be much easier on our an unsung budget to give smaller amounts monthly that hero in the community quickly add up by the that we don’t end of the year. I’m a systematic person and it hear about made sense to me to “set enough.” it and forget it”; I set up
JM: JFS is a great organization that is always helping people every day, even in ways we don’t hear about. I also enjoy getting monthly thank-you calls. I’ve never experienced that with other organizations and it’s a nice touch. Sometimes I can’t answer the phone and get a lovely message and other times I spend a few minutes talking to Eileen, the volunteer who calls me. She feels like a friend, even though we’ve never met! It’s not what keeps me giving, but it’s an added bonus. Follow Jay and Kim’s example by setting up a monthly recurring gift today! Contact Erica Cruz, development database manager, at 720.248.4618 or ecruz@jewishfamilyservice.org, or visit our website at www.jewishfamilyservice. org/recurring.
—Jay Morse
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Join Us
to Celebrate JFS—and YOU—on June 26 Please join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate YOU—our dedicated and
devoted JFS staff, volunteers, and board members. Celebrate JFS will take place on Monday, June 26, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Palazzo Verdi Event Center, 6363 South Fiddler’s Green Circle, in Greenwood Village. We will present the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year Award to Tamara Weil and install new board members. This is not a fundraising event and there is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. RSVP to Lisa Benoit at 720.248.4633 or lbenoit@jewishfamilyservice.org by June 16, or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/CelebrateJFS.
Partygoers at Celebrate JFS 2016.
Join the JFS Summer Teen Volunteer Program! Teens ages 12-18 are invited to join our summer volunteer program June 8,
July 13, and August 3 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Weinberg Food Pantry. Volunteer opportunities for students can be a life-changing experience, one that allows teens to expand their horizons, build their skill sets and résumés, and foster meaningful relationships. Be involved in all the behind-the-scenes tasks of opening the pantry to clients. Attend one session or come to all three! For more information and to register, please contact Christine Gillow, Volunteer Services manager, at 720.248.4599 or cgillow@jewishfamilyservice.org.
FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado
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www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo
FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
www.instagram.com/jfscolorado
We Need You! Upcoming Volunteer Needs Looking for fun, meaningful ways to get involved with JFS
and give back to the community? View all of our volunteer opportunities at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer. • Refugee Assistance: Are you inspired to make an immediate and positive impact on your community? Please contact Christine Gillow for specific project details. • 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. Families with children age 10+ are welcome to volunteer together! For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Christine Gillow, Volunteer Services Manager, at 720.248.4599 or cgillow@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% of the total amount. Learn more and purchase a card by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/KingSoopers!
STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in May and June: 5 years: Erica Cruz, Development database manager; Norma Hernandez, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center homemaker; Jillian Kelly, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center care manager; Lynn Rubenstein, Jewish Disabilities Advocates coordinator; Lillian Shaw, JFS at the JCC meal site coordinator/ administrative assistant; and Buffy Sophinos, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center care manager. FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
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THANK YOU for Caring! The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from February 1 to March 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 ANNIVERSARIES Alan and Daryle Schneider Myra Schneider
Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.
IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAH Morrie Baumgarten Robert & Samantha Baumgarten Charitable Fund Geddy Jackson Adam and Malena Jackson David Zane King Mel Brody Shelby Rose King Mel Brody
IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE
IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Rob Gold and Sandy Wolf Nancy Alterman Morton Pepper’s Twin Great Dennis Plato and Jessica Bloomfield Grandchildren Ned and Suzanne Bloomfield Mimi Karsh IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Linda Neuman Peggy Bernstein Toni Getz Stephanie Wagner Jon and Sheryl Goodman Milton Brandwein Mirella Schreiber Robert and Diane Cohn Dean Prina Marie Cardin David and Toni Roitman Sanford Cardin Cookie Gold IN HONOR OF VALENTINE’S DAY Arnold and Karen Stein Paul Goldstein Marie Cardin Shirley Leff Sanford Cardin Stuart Heller Zelda Friednash IN HONOR OF THE WORK YOU DO Lawrence and Carol Levin Jay Miller Jennie Creasey The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Barbara Winters Service Robert and Diane Cohn IN HONOR OF Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Lita Katz Jonathan Alpert Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Michael and Iris Smith Barbara Likoff Morrie Baumgarten Rick Mishkin Neil and Sarah Goldblatt Arnold and Terri Simon Michelle Catalan Alon Mor Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Martin and Marilyn Warren Nili Feingold Linda Neuman Phillip and Gail Raznick Toni Getz Dawn Richard Don Neuman Lisa Herschli Toni Getz Mitch and Victoria Lazar Irvin Rubin Steven and Leslie Levine Shirley Leff Beatrice Ruth Greenfield Larry Siegel Larry and Sheila Margolis Lawrence and Carol Levin Burton and Carol Hoffman David Weinstein David and Ann Hoffman William and Roberta Fishman Les Levitt Naomi Wisott Jon and Sheryl Goodman Lawrence and Carol Levin Jay Miller Morton Zeppelin David Solomon and Gratia Meyer Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Mr. and Mrs. Charles Plotkin Bruce Plotkin and Debra Schnaider
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Rabbi Susan Rheins Nancy Benyamin Dee Trasen Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Patti Sandler Nancy Alterman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Yana Vishnitsky Jon and Sheryl Goodman
FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
Sharlene Ancell Kark Bruce and Bernice Dinner Moneta Axler-Bailey Gary Baumgarten and Kathy Brauer Brenda Banker David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Marvin Baskin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Jim Harris and Lisa Eller Davis Robert and Suzi Malman Shepard Nevel Eric and Ellen Pollock Jill Wildenberg Phillip and Fran Yeddis Al Bieber Eileen Eller Celia Cohn Iris Bockar Agnes Davis Joe and Tsai Bilett Cynthia Chapman Zelda Friednash Rhonda Levitt Helene Dreifuss Poser Richard and Judith Epstein Yishai Dweck Michael Dweck Murray Falk Joe and Tsai Bilett Virginia Farber Nancy Alterman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Albert and Janice Dinner Eileen Eller Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Lawrence and Carol Levin Bruce and Susan Madison Shepard Nevel and Anna Alejo Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Carol Sobel Grace Fleischman Grace’s Table Daisy Flynn Tracey Kraus
Dorothy Gibbons Joe and Tsai Bilett Betty Vean Olga Gilles Kevin and Marleen Konieczny Harvey Goldbaum Lillian Shaw Jay Goldberg Dr. Joy & Michael Ballentine Jerry and Peggy Goldberg Miriam Goldberg Penny Berenbaum Ben and Robyn Friedman Barbara Goldburg Samuel Goldblatt Hank and Sherrie Brandon Sam Goldblatt Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Miralee Goldstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ruth Epstein Neil and Laurie Segall Homer Goodman Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Betty Vean Berta Goodman Marvin and Jackie Cooper Mimi Karsh Norma Kurtz Lawrence and Joann Litvak Leba Munishor Barton and Marci Rivkin Gladys Gordon Mike Moses Norman Gray Michael and Shereen Pollak Irwin Grossman Mel Brody Edward Haligman Steve and Sandy Goodman Shirley Leff Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Oscar and Selma Sladek Cynthia Hazelrigg Seth Ward and Carol Kozak Ward Per Hedly Jordan and Sue Hochstadt Bruce and Susan Madison Randy Heller Robert and Diane Cohn Norma Kurtz Martin Hutt Joe and Tsai Bilett Jack Hyatt Nancy Benyamin Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Mel Brody Marvin and Jackie Cooper
Michael and Debbie Feiner Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Elliott and Gloria Husney Mimi Karsh Shepard Nevel Richard and Michele Right Barton and Marci Rivkin David and Toni Roitman Justin and Sharon Roth Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Barbara Sidon Carol Sobel Morey Idelberg Hayes Davis Idelberg CPA LLC Della Jultak Bruce and Bernice Dinner Paul Karet Joe and Tsai Bilett Elaine Katz Renee Brilliant Donald and Janet Frank Morey Katz Joe and Tsai Bilett Marvin and Jackie Cooper Richard and Rae Negreann Don and Linda Neuman Sherman and Lois Rich Barton and Marci Rivkin Morton Korn Michael Korn Gloria Kris Peter and Cathy Culshaw David and Vicki Dansky Ben and Robyn Friedman Wayne and Faye Gardenswartz Sanford and Rosemary Hertz Michael and Wendy Klein Sol and Patti Leftin Lawrence and Carol Levin Robert Loup Larry and Carol Mizel Mario and Beverly Moranetz Brent and Julie Morse Gail Pennington Eric and Ellen Pollock Richard and Michele Right Rose Community Foundation Jim and Bobbi Seff Michael and Traci Sidon Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC USI Colorado Sue Lapin Shirley Bemel The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Marilyn Cartwright Helen Rae Cohan Eileen Eller JFS Development Staff JFS Senior Solutions Staff
JFS Volunteer Staff Robert and Suzi Malman Leba Munishor Robert Loup Mark and Susan Barter Wesley and Lisa Benoit The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Michael and Debbie Feiner Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Elliott and Gloria Husney Lawrence and Joann Litvak Bruce and Susan Madison Shepard Nevel Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Claire Seiden Irving Manassee Cynthia Chapman Eileen Eller Andre Mark Sherman and Lois Rich Sande Markman Carolyn Steele Larry Mathew’s Father Arthur and Dorothy Malman Sylvia Milzer Nancy Alterman Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Michael and Debbie Feiner William and Roberta Fishman Jeanne Lerner Don and Linda Neuman Hinda Pester Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Bonnie Shore Carol Sobel Gary Milzer Bonnie Shore Harvey Mizel Cynthia Chapman Pam Naiman Esther Morris Maxine Shpall David Naiman Eileen Naiman Sister Gertrude Nemirow Marvin Berkowitz Rabbi Dr. Joseph Neustein Mark and Susan Barter Joe and Tsai Bilett Dorothy Parris Sherman and Lois Rich Helen Prior Cynthia Chapman and Al Montano Susan Redden Don and Janie Friedman
Alice Ruback Ralph and Susan Barocas Nancy Benyamin A.J. and Jann Gest John and Margaret Gest Eleanor Golub James and Barbara Weiss Mandell and Patricia Winter David Sapper Richard and Rae Negreann Ellen Schaeffer Helen Bernstein Jay and Kim Morse Ruth Wolff Hector Shedro Cynthia Chapman Morey Stein Melvin Coffee Gloria Weiss Devon Strauss Bruce and Sandi Ogin Janice Strauss Stan and Yvonne Stahl Lyn Taylor Mark Pogrebin Marjorie Tepper The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ben and Robyn Friedman Henny Kaufmann Jeffery Tessler Susan Tessler Freda Tessler Joe and Tsai Bilett Phillip Tyor Marvin Tyor Andrew Volin Elliott and Gloria Husney Pam Naiman Sam Wagonfeld Sanford and Rosemary Hertz Harriet Wandell Norma Kurtz Robert Weinstein Albert Banker Pat Werner Alan and Peggy Mayer Sylvia Williamson Sidney and Susan Greenwald Philip Winn Jon and Sheryl Goodman Arnold and Karen Stein Victor Wiseman John MacLeod Angela Wolf Lawrence and Carol Levin Robert Wright David and Nancy Benyamin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard
WITH GRATITUDE FOR Rabbi Susan Rheins Ted and Dorothea Brooks WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Irv Ash Claire Seiden Sheila Brachfeld Zelda Friednash Sandy Broude Fred and Maxine Davine Evelyn Cohen Robert and Diane Cohn Les Levitt Zelda Friednash Andrea Meyers Fred and Maxine Davine Myra Rieger Shirley Leff Patti Sandler Richard and Michele Right IN-KIND DONORS Boy Scouts of America Troop 717 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Bishops Storehouse Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Denver Academy of Torah Denver Business Journal George Washington High School Image Audiovisuals, Inc. JEWISHcolorado King Soopers – Castle Rock King Soopers Reclamation Rocky Mountain PBS Rocky Mountain Spice Sprouts Farmers Market Stewart S and L Group Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac
FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2017
15
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 of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217