Family Matters V o lu m e 2 7 , N o. 5 • S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
NOURISHING YOUNG MINDS
Volunteer Spotlight page 4
Geraldine Hardy: Helping a Neighbor in Need
FIGHTING HUNGER
Client Spotlight, page 3
Lunchbox Express page 6
MOVING TOWARDS AUTHENTICITY Mental Health Matters page 9
A PUBLICATION OF
Serving people of all faiths, ages, incomes, and abilities
From the
CEO
On Literacy and Learning
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” —Margaret Fuller
Dear Friends,
As you will read in this issue of Family Matters, JFS is now in the book-distribution business. Thanks to the vision of JFS volunteer and board member John Keith, Jewish Family Service is promoting literacy by distributing books to low-income children through the Lunchbox Express free lunch program. This supplement to Lunchbox Express has virtually no cost, but it has the potential to transform the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children in our community. We know that children who read are more likely to succeed. According to the U.S. Department of Education, children who have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are three or four times more likely to drop out later. Low-income children are especially at risk of illiteracy because they tend not to have access to books. In middleincome neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1. In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 book for every 300 kids. It’s a stunning reality. JFS started offering a limited supply of books to via Lunchbox Express three years ago, as books were available. John noticed that the children responded as much to the books as the meals. They were hungry to read and relished the opportunity to take books to own and read at home.
John took the lead and sourced a steady supply of donated books so they could be offered to kids daily on every Lunchbox Express route. Our volunteer department built a team of knowledgeable and committed volunteers to acquire, stock, process, and categorize thousands of children’s books to ensure they are high-quality, suitable, and age-appropriate for the children Shepard Nevel we serve. JFS is now distributing books to children most at risk of illiteracy. This simple idea is making a big difference in the lives of so many kids by giving them the tools they need to succeed in school— and in life. We applaud John Keith for his vision, as well as his team of dedicated volunteers, including Karen Kelly, Marlin Barad, Susie Cook, and Janet Bronitsky. You are opening worlds of opportunity for children in our community.
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
Geraldine Hardy: Helping a Neighbor in Need
Geraldine Hardy, 67, has been through
some tough times. Thirteen years ago, she was physically abused in her home and finally left— with nothing but her car. With nowhere to go and no money, she was soon living on the street. For seven years, Geraldine lived in cheap motels and in her car. “It was a rough time,” she laments. “It’s scary when someone knocks on your car window and you don’t know who they are.” Geraldine was living on the edge until three years ago, when she rented an apartment across the street from Jewish Family Service. It didn’t take long for her to discover the many services available. Her sole source of income is her monthly social security check of $832. With her rent at $700, she’s left with very little to live on. Her monthly visits to the Weinberg Food Pantry are supplementing her limited food budget. Myrna Maldonado and Geraldine Hardy “Without Jewish Family Service, I couldn’t possibly make ends meet,” she confides. “JFS has literally Geraldine is also getting help with her job search. saved my life.” She is working with Heather Seiden, employment case A couple of years ago, Geraldine was facing homelessmanager, to spruce up her résumé and identify jobs that ness. She couldn’t make rent for a second month and was would fit her interests and skillset. She participated in the about to be evicted. “With medical bills and living expenses, Dress for Success class to help her fine-tune her professometimes it gets overwhelming,” she says. Desperate, sional look. “A little extra income would make life a lot more Geraldine came to JFS for help. That’s when she met Myrna livable,” she says. “I’m hopeful.” Maldonado, Family Safety Net program coordinator and “Myrna, Kathy, and Heather are my buds,” says Kathy Messer, case manager. They immediately went Geraldine. “Sometimes I feel a little lonely and I’ll come to work finding resources for Geraldine. The agency over and just talk to them. They always come up with good provided a month and a half in rent, which kept her in her advice or a resource to help me out. They always make me apartment. laugh and even give me chocolate! They let me know that “When I learned that JFS was going to cover my back everything will be okay.” rent, I was in tears,” she says. “I was shocked that JFS would Geraldine couldn’t be more grateful for the services she help me that much. I was able to go to the store for the first has received from JFS. “To me, the JFS staff members are time in weeks.” truly angels! The people who support JFS may not realize Geraldine gets more than food and financial aid from it, but their donations take a lot of stress off people like me JFS. She has a support system. She often visits with the who just need a little help. I really don’t know what I would staff, who listen to her day-to-day struggles and help do without JFS. Thank you.” by referring her to additional resources. “It makes me comfortable to know that JFS is right across the street. I Cover photo, clockwise from left: Heather Seiden, Myrna Maldonado, feel safer.” Kathy Messer, and Geraldine Hardy
FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
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volunteer
Spotlight
John Keith: How one volunteer’s efforts are helping JFS nourish kids’ bodies and minds
In middle-income neigh-
borhoods, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1. In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 book for every 300 kids. In fact, 81 percent of low-income families have no books at all in the home for children. Along with a committed group of volunteers, JFS board member and volunteer John Keith is trying to change these startling statistics. When John first volunteered with JFS’s Lunchbox Express program in 2014, he thought he would just be distributing lunches to low-income kids. At each stop on the bus routes on some of the days, there was a small cardboard box of books the children could take. “I was surprised to see how excited kids got about getting to take a free book home,” John says. “It was eye-opening that kids loved books that much.” This observation sparked an idea to give out books every day and make this component a bigger part of the free lunch program. John adds, “I thought we could make a concerted effort to acquire more books so we would have more to give out.” John took it upon himself to spearhead this project. Two years ago, he reached out to Denver Public Library and started forming a great relationship with the library’s foundation. We now receive thousands of books from their annual used book giveaway day and throughout the year, which has been the biggest source of the program’s books. Many community members have generously donated books as well. After John figured out how to source the books, the challenge became how to better distribute them to the kids. He met with Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, and told her his ideas to augment the book program. She then recruited a group of volunteers to help sort the donated books, which were stored on shelves
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Susie Cook, John Keith, and Karen Kelly
that John bought and assembled in the Lunchbox Express warehouse. A core group of volunteers—Marlin Barad, Janet Bronitsky, Susie Cook (a retired teacher), and Karen Kelly (a retired librarian)—have been instrumental to the program. Susie did a presentation at the volunteer training on how to help kids choose the right book for their reading level and interests. They organized the books by grade level and established a process for bus drivers and volunteers to get the right mix of books to each location. In addition to regularly keeping the books sorted and organized, these women each volunteer on a bus route. “It’s a work in progress and we’re still figuring out the best ways to organize and display the books,” says Karen.
Susie adds, “John has been a great leader and keeps us inspired. It’s been really fun and we’re doing good work!” John agrees that they are all having fun, but stresses there is a bigger problem they’re trying to solve. “I’ve been researching the importance of books for low-income children and the facts are alarming. Children who arrive at school from homes where many books have been available are the students who “If we can get do well in school, more books into often despite homes early on, other factors such as lower we will help give socioeconomic kids a better start status or parental and a better life.” educational level. —John Keith The bottom line is, if we can get more books into homes early on, we will help give kids a better start and a better life.” While there is always more progress to be made, this program has become quite successful in a short period of time. This summer, JFS has distributed more than 10,000 books through Lunchbox Express. We are also starting to A volunteer helps a child select a book at a Lunchbox Express stop. distribute children’s books in our office waiting areas. JFS has received many heartfelt notes from kids receiving lunches and books, including “Thank you for providing us with free books so we can read our hearts away” and “Thank you for the food and books. My favorite thing is the books.” www.facebook.com/jfscolorado
FOLLOW US!
If you would like to get involved as a JFS volunteer, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.
www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo www.instagram.com/jfscolorado
FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
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Lunchbox Express Volunteers
Helped Us Fight Hunger Throughout the Summer
How many people does it take to distribute
more than 30,000 lunches to low-income children in the summer? It turns out it takes a village … a village of dedicated individual and group volunteers. Three hundred people helped out in our Lunchbox Express program this summer, including a record 18 volunteer groups—triple the amount from last year! Many people worked multiple shifts and many individuals and groups were new to JFS. The Lunchbox Express program would not be possible without these dedicated volunteers. Our Volunteer Services department works hard to ensure Lunchbox Express and other JFS programs and services have the volunteers they need to get the work done.
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Dylan List of Boys Team Charity volunteers at a Lunchbox Express location. FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
Christine Gillow, Volunteer Services manager, joined JFS last year and was tasked with finding hundreds of volunteers to fill the Lunchbox Express shifts. She and JFS teammates strategized about how to reach beyond individual volunteers. “We thought it would be a good idea to work with groups with whom we had existing relationships, such as corporate sponsors of our fundraising events,” Christine explains. She contacted these sponsors, as well as many other community organizations. “I am thrilled with the response we got from numerous organizations in the community and the opportunity it provides to deepen relationships with these groups,” says Christine. “It was truly a team effort; our volunteer department worked closely with Doug Vega, Lunchbox Express coordinator, to ensure all of the volunteers had the best possible experiences.” We wish to thank these groups, which represented corporate, civic, education, government, medical, and retail organizations: Aimco, Boys Team Charity, Carreon Dental, Charles Schwab, CoBiz, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Health Foundation, Denver Business Journal, Emerging Leaders Council of Mile High United Way, Hillel of Colorado, Kroenke Sports Entertainment, Monroe Group Ltd., MorEvents, Red Robin, Regis Jesuit High School Boys Division, Ridgeview Dental, WOW! (WideOpenWest), and Xcel Energy. Both the organizations who sent volunteers and the individuals doing the work received countless benefits. Many companies offer paid volunteer days. For example, WOW! shares on its LinkedIn page, “WIN days give our employees an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve while demonstrating our core values of Servanthood and Ownership!” Showing the work they do in the community is a great way to garner more awareness of their business. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment recently brought a group of employees to volunteer on two bus routes for its annual Summer Day of Service. Peggi Miller, vice president of Risk Management, says, “The experience was amazing. The kids and their parents were so friendly and fun to talk to, and we learned a ton about the Lunchbox Express
program from our awesome bus driver, Ryan. We chose Lunchbox Express as our activity because we were curious about the program and wanted to help kids and their families during the summer season.” JFS receives many benefits from these partnerships as well. Large groups help us fill Lunchbox Express routes. The individuals who come as part of a group learn more about us, which often leads to future volunteer work, donations, and referrals for our services. We also appreciate when groups post on social media about their volunteer experiences, expanding our reach in the community. Dawn Richard, JFS Development director, says, “Many of the groups that volunteered this summer are JFS donors and this volunteer opportunity is enriching that relationship. We greatly value their financial support, and it’s such a meaningful experience for them to witness some of our work up close as they lend a hand.” Boys Team Charity, which provides volunteer opportunities for middle and high school boys and their parents, is a new partner this year. One of its members, Dylan List, held a food drive for JFS last year for his bar mitzvah. He then connected Boys Team with us to participate in Lunchbox Express and the Summer Youth Program in the food pantry. They plan to continue to work with JFS on projects throughout the year. Dylan’s mother, Bonnie, says, “I want my kids to realize how fortunate they are. They know where their next meal is coming from, but most of the kids receiving Lunchbox Express meals don’t.” Christine Gillow’s work behind the scenes to contact and schedule all the Lunchbox Express volunteers is rooted in a lifetime commitment to volunteerism. “I have incredible respect for volunteers. I believe there’s no greater gift than someone’s time and dedication to our mission. I am so appreciative.” If your workplace or organization is interested in learning more about group volunteer opportunities,
Volunteers from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment with Christine Gillow (center).
contact Christine at 720.248.4599 or cgillow@jewishfamilyservice.org. You might even get to meet Powell, the assistance puppy-in-training she is raising, who accompanies her to the office!
“I believe there’s no greater gift than someone’s time and dedication to our mission.” —Christine Gillow
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW
for Reel Hope Boulder Featuring Bruce Vilanch!
Join us for Boulder JFS’s fifth annual Reel Hope Boulder featuring award-winning
writer, comedian, songwriter, and actor Bruce Vilanch on Saturday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. (sponsor reception begins at 6:30 p.m.) at the Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Avenue. This fundraising event will include a wine-and-beer reception with substantial hors d’oeuvres and a behind-the-screen account of Bruce’s storied decades-long career. All proceeds support the life-transforming work of Boulder JFS, which provides older adults, adults with disabilities, their families, and individuals in crisis with services to enhance their quality of life. Learn more and buy tickets at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/reelhopeboulder. Sponsorships are still available. For more details, please contact Bonni Raderman, Boulder JFS development associate, at 720. 749.3404 or braderman@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Bruce Vilanch
Thank you to our event sponsors (as of July 31, 2017): Producers—$10,000
Casting Directors—$2,500 Colorado Capital Management Associate Directors—$1,500 Anonymous Rhonda, Bruce, and Rochelle Wildman Cinematographers—$1,000 Carolyn Bleicher—RE/MAX of Boulder Frasier Rabbi Tirzah Firestone and David Friedman
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Margery Goldman Carolyn Grant Deb Grojean Robert and Dodi Klutznick Roberta Levin Linda and Mark Loewenstein Andrew and Terri Miro The Jared Polis Foundation Michael and Jane Stein Bradley Reiff and Caryn Summer Ellen and Josh Taxman Gaffers—$540 Anonymous Mark J. Birnbach, DMD—BOULDERSMILES
FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
Ron Bostwick—Event Announcer and Producer Jim and Susan Edelman Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Matthew S. Finberg Andy and Audrey Franklin Gillian Goodman and Jimmy Calano Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman Bruce and Ruth Henderson Susan Litt Rachel and Eric Rattner Paula and Amit Pollachek Spine West Cathy Summer and Steve Ellis
MENTAL HEALTH Matters
Movements Toward Authenticity
By Lindsay Cade, LPC, Refugee Mental Health Therapist “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” —The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
One of my favorite childhood books was The
Lorax by Dr. Seuss. The Lorax is this creature running around begging big business to stop hurting the Truffula trees: “The trees! The trees! The Truffula trees!” Last fall, I was driving to work through a predominantly refugee neighborhood. I was passing by refugee families dressed in colorful ethnic clothes mixed with westernstyle jackets on their walk to school. On that morning I remember thinking, “Who will advocate for them? Who will be there with them if they become bullied and threatened?” I felt much like the Lorax in that moment, running around in my head, my voice full of panic. “The refugees! The refugees! Who will speak for the refugees?!” As I drove to this community for work, I began to realize how much I valued compassion and hospitality for immigrants, those who had survived and escaped war, torture, and oppression. Each morning I also wrestled with different thoughts within myself, thoughts of apathy— “There’s not really much I can do”—to thoughts of hope—“I realized I have a voice and a skill set that would be helpful for those who have survived.” The Lorax valued the Truffula trees and acted authentically by moving toward this value: he cared for them by using his voice. Since last fall, I have looked for ways to move out of apathy and toward my values. When I move toward my values, I begin to relate to myself and the world differently by living authentically. For my life, I have found that authenticity looks like extending care, kindness, and compassion to those fleeing war, torture, and political oppression. Below are some ways to move out of apathy and into authenticity. If you would like help exploring values and living authentically, Jewish Family Service has licensed
When we care deeply and live authentically, the world gets better.
Lindsay Cade
therapists and clinical social workers to walk with you through the process. Find what you value—your own Truffula trees—and care “a whole awful lot.” Because when we care deeply and live authentically, the world gets better. Movements Toward 1. Values: What do you value? What is important to you? Here’s an excellent resource to start the process of identifying your values: https://thehappinesstrap. com/upimages/complete_worksheets_for_The_ Confidence_Gap.pdf 2. Movements Toward: What is one way you can move toward this value this week? Lindsay Cade joined Jewish Family Service in 2017 as a Refugee Mental Health therapist. She specializes in post-trauma therapy, cultural transitions, depression, and anxiety and is LGBTQI-friendly.
FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
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seniors Matter
Serving a Growing Demographic
By Chandra Matthews, MSW, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Director
I have spent my career dedicated to
improving the lives of older adults. For me, there is nothing more important than honoring our elders by ensuring they have dignity, respect, choice, and autonomy as they age. As I entered my role at Jewish Family Service nearly a year ago, I did so with great excitement—knowing that the array of services we offer to older adults improves their quality of life. However, I also knew I would face a great challenge presented by the anticipated growth in the population we serve. Nationwide, the number of individuals aged 60 and greater is expected to nearly double by the year 2050. Locally, one in four Coloradans will be over the age of 60 by 2030. In addition, thanks to many factors, including medical advances and healthy lifestyles, people are living longer. The Denver metro region will see a 94 percent increase in the number of individuals aged 75 or greater and a 34 percent increase in those over the age of 90 by the year 2030. The challenge this presents is fairly simple: how do we ensure sufficient resources to serve this growing demographic? While some have the means to cover the costs of care and/or have family members available (and willing) to help them, many require assistance covering these costs. For those individuals, it isn’t always a lack of ability or attempt to save for their retirement, but rather a reality that care in our later years can be quite expensive.
One in four Coloradans will be over the age of 60 by 2030.
Many simply did not plan on living as long as they have and have outlived their savings/retirement funds. At JFS we have faced these challenges head on as we work to be proactive and innovative in how we care for older adults. We provide consultation and care management services that address current needs and can also help individuals Chandra Matthews prepare and plan for future needs. We provide homemaker assistance that can help people avoid more costly care. And we offer educational programs designed to keep older adults engaged in their community and offer tips for aging well. We are fortunate to have support from a variety of foundations, donors, and government entities that help us provide these vital services at reduced rates and/or at no charge. However, we must continue to pursue partnerships that will allow us to expand services to keep up with demand and achieve our mission of serving those in need. Contact the JFS Senior Solutions department at 303.597.5000 for more information on how we can help you or a loved one. Chandra Matthews, MSW, is director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center, where she is responsible for providing leadership, vision, strategic direction, and program development to all JFS programs serving seniors.
Are you an Amazon aficionado? You can benefit JFS with
your online shopping. Just go to www.smile.amazon.com and choose Jewish Family Service of Colorado as your charity. From then on, any eligible purchase from Amazon will result in 0.5% going to JFS. To be eligible, you must start all future Amazon shopping from the smile.amazon page, so bookmark it and support JFS!
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FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
Before the Mourning:
Sacred Conversations About End-of-Life Concerns
October 18 through November 8 Join Feldman Mortuary, Jewish Family Service, and Brookdale University Park for a free four-session series on Wednesdays, October 18 through November 8, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. This series is hosted at Brookdale University Park, 2020 South Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80210. RSVP to Jamie Sarché at 720.404.6772 or jamie@feldmanmortuary.com by October 13. Each session is separate; come to one or all. October 18: “Sharing Personal Belongings with Family and Friends,” presented by Rachel Kodanaz, international speaker, best-selling author, and corporate consultant October 25: “Protecting Survivors Through Planning: Avoiding the WORST Scavenger Hunt Ever,” presented by Wendi Strom, financial advisor November 1: “Avoiding Crisis: Aging Well, Making Informed Decisions, and Being Prepared,” presented by Chandra Matthews, MSW, director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at Jewish Family Service of Colorado November 8: “Love Always and Best Wishes: A Gift to Loved Ones as a Celebration of Your Life,” presented by Kristy Adams, marketing and communications professional, widowed at age 40
HELP RAISE FUNDS
for JFS Just by Shopping!
Did you know you could support JFS every time you shop at King Soopers? It’s easy: Purchase a reloadable King Soopers gift card from us for $20. Add money to it before you buy your groceries. 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. That’s $250 for every $5,000! Learn more at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/features/kingsoopers-gift-cards or contact Erica Cruz at 720.248.4618.
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SAVE the Date
for “The Faces of JFS” Our New Winter Soirée
We are hard at work planning a fabulous internationally themed party that
showcases the work we do to provide hope and transform lives for all people in need. Save the date and plan to join us for “The Faces of JFS” on Thursday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt, 1750 Welton Street. Join us as we celebrate and honor two individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, support, and dedication to JFS and the community. Gay Curtis-Lusher will receive the inaugural Joyce and Kal Zeff Humanitarian Award and Sam Zaitz will be recognized with the inaugural Yana Vishnitsky Leadership Award. Sponsorship packages start at $2,000 and are available now. Please contact Dawn Richard, development director, at 720.248.4605 or drichard@jewishfamilyservice.org for more details. Tickets will be on sale in November. Stay tuned for more event details in the November/December issue of Family Matters, on our website, and on Facebook and Instagram.
JFS BRINGS HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES
to Senior Living Communities
Thanks to Jewish Family Service volunteers, hundreds
of Jewish residents in more than 30 senior living communities in Denver and Boulder will celebrate the High Holy Days this year. JFS volunteer para-chaplains strive to meet the spiritual needs of Jewish residents by providing religious services to residents who might not otherwise celebrate the holidays. Thank you to all our para-chaplains who lead Shabbat and holiday services throughout the year at long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, retirement communities, and correctional facilities in metro Denver: Paula Breese, Deborah Fowler, Marvin Goldman, Leland Huttner, Allan Kantrowitz, Mike Korn, Allan Markman, Jay Miller, Robert Rottman, Sheldon Spector, Michelle Stern, Andy Thangasamy, Leslie Tjarks, Joan Wallis, and Mark Zalkin.
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FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
UPCOMING
Events
Babi Yar Remembrance Ceremony
Sunday, September 24, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Babi Yar Memorial Park, 10451 East Yale Avenue, Denver Mizel Museum, Jewish Family Service, and other community partners will gather to commemorate the anniversary of the Babi Yar massacre. This annual ceremony honors the more than 100,000 people lost during the massacre at the Babi Yar ravine in Ukraine, as well as all victims and survivors of the Holocaust. The program encourages the community to reflect upon the ongoing violence throughout the world and to become educated about the destructive forces of hatred and bigotry through the lessons of the Holocaust. For more information, please contact Georgina Kolber at 303.749.5014 or gkolber@mizelmuseum.org.
High Holy Days Food Drive When you attend services during the High Holy Days, please drop off food at your synagogue or bring food to Jewish Family Service, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231. Our most-needed healthy option items are canned fruit (100% juice packed), protein (canned tuna, chicken, dried beans, peanut butter, and salmon), oatmeal/whole grain cereal, canned soup (low sodium), juice (100% juice), tomato/pasta sauces, carbohydrates (whole wheat pastas, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, brown rice, etc.), canned vegetables, toilet paper, and diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6). If you have any questions, please contact Myrna Maldonado, Family Safety Net coordinator, at 720.248.4620 or mmaldonado@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Plan Ahead: Dates to Remember for Holiday Donations In addition to donating food for the High Holy Days Food Drive, there are several ways you can help families who are struggling this holiday season: • Contribute food or funds for Thanksgiving meals by November 13. • Volunteer to distribute Thanksgiving meals on November 21–22. • Buy holiday gifts for individuals and families. Sign up to sponsor by November 15. • Buy extra toys for families who use our food pantry and bring them by December 11. Watch our print newsletter, e-newsletter, and Facebook page for more details in the coming months. FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
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THANK YOU
for Caring!
The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from June 1 to July 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 Mike and GeeGee Brunschwig Robert and Diane Cohn Richard and Bobbe Cook Marcee Newman Michael and Debbie Feiner Herb and Jill Lee Bruce and Bernice Dinner Mel, Wendy, and Kristi Dinner and Phil Krinsky Norman and Beverly Francis Joseph and Marian Mason IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Melvin Dinner Michael and Cynthia Lowinger Toni Getz Don and Linda Neuman Bobbi Goldblatt Stephen and Sandra Goodman Estelle Gottesfeld Eileen Eller Barry Hirschfeld Eric and Ellen Pollock Leland Huttner Melvin Dinner Judith Kippur Robert and Diane Cohn Dona Mandell Deanna Sue Simon Michael Mandell Deanna Sue Simon Suzan Markman Carolyn Steele Pam Naiman Eileen Naiman Elaine Rosen Elaine Phillip Robert and Ronnie Stone Jeffrey Robbins Helene Hoffman Harold Rosen Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Mark Rosenblum and Laurie Sher
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Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.
Stanton Rosenbaum Warren and Ruth Toltz Janet Shiroff Eileen Eller Judith Spratlen Herb and Jill Lee Gary and Joyce Lozow Jorge Topelson Gary and Marsha Blum Barry and Karen Goldberg Ken and Judy Robins Larry and Roberta Sanders Tom and Sally Stich Barbara Tasky Lynn and Lisa Taussig Randie Winograd Carolyn Steele Elaine Wolf Lorayne Rosenfeldt IN HONOR OF GRADUATION Rachel Fishman Joe and Tsai Bilett IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Brad and Carly Edward Sanditen IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Linda Rising The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service IN HONOR OF THE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Tamara Weil Steven and Susan Berson Randall Rich and Patricia Miller Ken Weil IN HONOR OF Audrey Ahrendt Henny Kaufmann Marilyn Safran Halene Weisbart Cinnie Auer Henny Kaufmann Jennie Creasey Barbara Winters
FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
Rebecca Levin and Joseph Dubroff Mark Suprenand and Janet Bronitsky Margery Fridstein Sarah Tallian Ida Garnek Howard and Tilly Rollin Marion Goldstein Nicole Blessinger Hannah Green Edward and Dianne Green Isabella Green Edward and Dianne Green Karen Hagler Henny Kaufmann Marilyn Safran Halene Weisbart Jordan Hochstadt Steve Hochstadt and Steve Sass Florrie Katchen Henny Kaufmann Marilyn Safran Halene Weisbart Hannah Kutnick Kate Goldstein Susan Lackner Samuel and Benita Idelberg Florrie Katchen Henny Kaufmann Donna Paul Gail Lester Ted and Dorothea Brooks Lorraine Lipson’s Granddaughter, Rebecca Helene Hoffman Patricia Lorie Henny Kaufmann Marilyn Safran Halene Weisbart Audrey Friedman Marcus Rachel Pollack Bobbi Miller Samuel and Benita Idelberg Florrie Katchen Henny Kaufmann Donna Paul Natalie Gart and Tim Mohan Mark Suprenand and Janet Bronitsky Donna Paul Henny Kaufmann Marilyn Safran Halene Weisbart Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Plotkin Bruce Plotkin and Debra Schnaider Helene Pollock Herbert Simons
Dawn Richard Roberta Ritvo Susan Robinson Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Jane E. Rosenbaum Mark Greenberg and Robin Fleischmann Andrew and Robyn Levy Ken and Tamara Weil Justin Roth’s Brother Henry and Renee Reckler Amy Rubinson Trudy Rubinson Jim and Janet Sacks Moussa and Mahassen Najjar Meyer Saltzman Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Michelle Sarché Cynthia Chapman Mirella Schreiber Joe and Riva Weissbrot Ruth Seagull Kati Pressman JFS Senior Solutions Department Dee Trasen Joseph Grant Shader Karin Susskind Marci Waldman Warren and Ruth Toltz IN MEMORY OF John Abbott Cynthia Chapman William Bach Gary and Joyce Lozow Etta Bard Rosalind Bard Mickey Barter Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Alex Berkowitz Marvin Berkowitz Sophie Black Syril Beinhorn David and Toni Roitman Jon and Jamie Sarché Oscar and Selma Sladek Eileen Bomash Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Arthur Boss Albert and Janice Dinner Eileen Eller
Lawrence and Joann Litvak Leba Munishor Jerry and Julie Pluss Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Deborah Sharifa Buckley Carolyn Steele Tom Burns Jon and Jamie Sarché Carol Cohan Berger Robert Berger Sue Miller Lisa Benoit The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dawn Richard Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Arnold and Karen Stein Sheila Cohen Marvin and Jackie Cooper Jordan and Sue Hochstadt Leba Munishor Betty Vean Claire Cohen Sara Cohen Phil Cohen Sara Cohen Robert Cohen Don Koplen and Barbralu Cohen Selma Cohen Don Koplen and Barbralu Cohen Carla Conway Helene Hoffman Michael Cousins Kavod Senior Living Vicki Cramer Leba Munishor Charlotte Dubin Arrow Electronics Alan Davis Eileen Eller Stephen and Mitzi Kurtz Phyllis Marcus Norman and Myndel Pozner, Scott Denesa, Sandra Pozner Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Carol Sobel Barry Engel David and Michelle Friedman Nona Feiner Jim and Bobbi Seff Barry and Randie Winograd Margaret Forrster Pam Naiman Charlotte Fortner Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Matathias Frances Mark and Vicky Hakim
Ben Friedman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Stephen and Sandra Goodman Jordan and Sue Hochstadt Harold and Marilyn Lande Gary and Joyce Lozow Ronald and Rhoda Resnick Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Darrick Furer Bobbi Furer and Linda Scherrer Ernestine “Syd” Glick Deanna Sue Simon Debbie Greenwald Joe and Tsai Bilett Herbert Jacobson Joe and Tsai Bilett Evelyn Shamon Lori Kamlet Ronald Hull and Eva Ruda-Hull Roberta Karsh Marvin Tyor Linda Maddux Lake Josh and Heather Seiden Dalton Levine Don and Linda Neuman Gary Levine The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Erica Cruz Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Marion Goldstein Shepard Nevel Mirella Schreiber Dan and Ann Veenstra Saundra Levy Norman Levy Edith Lewis Marvin and Jackie Cooper Craig and Vicki Eskanos Barton and Marci Rivkin Jay Lutz Steve and Sandy Berkowitz James and Sharon Brewer Lawrence and Joann Litvak Gary and Joyce Lozow Joseph Pells Keith and Mimi Pockross Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Bob Rottman Frank and Dena Schneider Sam and Marty Sloven Norman Markman Carolyn Steele Peppy Markman Carolyn Steele Shirley Mitchell Bettye Patrick Scott Pepper Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel
Alan Pocrass Norma Goldblatt Noah Ragon The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Seth Ward and Carol Kozak Ward Byron Raznick Sherman and Lois Rich Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Carolyn Rosen Kippur Hein Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Pauline Ross Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Marvin Roth Syril Beinhorn Robert and Diane Cohn Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Lena Rothchild Marvin and Jackie Cooper Barton and Marci Rivkin Ellen Schaeffer Deanna Sue Simon Annette Schwartz Richard and Rae Negreann Fred Slavsky Mark and Susan Barter Marvin and Jackie Cooper Patrick Sperlak Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Selma Stein Robert and Linda Averbach The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service JoAnn Boss Steve and Robin Chotin Toni Cohig Michael and Debbie Feiner and Family Wayne and Faye Gardenswartz Gary and Sheri Gray Lorna Gray Andrew and Lynne Greene Cynthia Hilb Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld Randall and Susan Karsh Janie Leiser Sandy and June Lindenbaum Gary and Joyce Lozow Bruce and Susan Madison Henry and Renee Reckler Gold/Rest/Michelson/Alpert Family Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Robert Schwartz and Beth Levy Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson- Seidel Howard and Marilyn Selinger Barbara Sidon Stephen and Lou Ann Van Daele Barry and Nancy Wayne
David Stern Dani and Jennifer Stern Lola Sussman Gene Arnn and Linda Tharp Arnn Marcie Weiner Walter and Iverne Treidel Alvin Weisberg The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ethan Cassidy Wolf Marsha Willis Robert Wright Joel Wright and Irene Morita Ben Zaremba Howard Zaremba Verner Zinik Steve Posner and Nancy Friedman Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup WITH GRATITUDE FOR Ann Veenstra Gail Pennington WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Bernard Eisenstat Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Alyse Ware Halene Weisbart In Kind Donors AIMCO Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP BTC The Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies Charity Fund Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Gensler Global Atlantic Financial Company L.E.A. Chapter of Hadassah Kavod Kavod Senior Life King Soopers Reclamation Samuels Elementary Target Temple Emanuel Trader Joe’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac
FA M I LY M AT T E R S S E P T EM B E R / O C TO B E R 2017
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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.
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217