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FamilyMatters Volume 22, No. 3 • May/June 2012

Family Matters is published bimonthly by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver CO 80231

Seniors Are Coming to Colorado JFS Responds to Colorado’s Aging Population Forecast by Julie Orr, Volunteer Writer

ewish Family Service’s Senior Solutions department is Older adult population growth Percent of Denver Metro Population Over 60 responding to recent population forecasts from the Colorado State Demography Office that predict a 25% increase in the 25% number of older adults living in the nine-county Denver region 20% between 2012 and 2017. 15% In 2011 the first baby boomers turned 65 and by 2030 nearly 10% one in four residents in the Denver metro area will be over the age 5% of 60. The region will also experience an 18% increase in the 75+ population over the next five years. Cathy Grimm, LCSW, director 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 of JFS at Home, JFS Senior Solutions, and Boulder JFS, says, “JFS will continue to meet the challenges of the ever-changing local Source: Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) community and the growing older adult population with a strategic three-year plan that will meet the greater need for the services and programs that the agency already has in place.” JFS Senior Solutions provides a variety of services to help older adults live safe, healthy, and independent lives. “In the next three years, JFS will strive Seniors Matter! 2 to increase the number of geriatric care professionals to address the challenges Story of Hope 3 associated with aging,” says Grimm. JFS will continue to proactively support metro Denver’s aging population and Spotlight on Staff 4 their families as they navigate the complex medical system and benefits plans, and will generally act as a liaison between the medical community and its clients. Volunteer Corner 5 Another significant initiative in the agency’s plan is to increase public Boulder JFS 6 awareness of JFS’s role as a “single point of entry” for care management and in-home support for all aging adults, whether they are Jewish or not. These Summer Magic Camp 6 services and programs are also available to clients with limited ability to pay and LEGO® Mania 7 special populations, including Holocaust survivors and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. “These populations are by nature not ones Thank You for Caring! 8 to reach out for assistance,” says Grimm. Growing from Adversity 10 Along with educating the public about the many programs and services available, JFS will continue to refine its work in building the community. Passport to Israel 10

In This Issue

Continued on page 11

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Seniors Matter! JFS at the JCC Lunch Program Rescued by Caring Donors

“S

aved by angels,” says JFS President and CEO Yana Vishnitsky of the kosher lunch program that has been offered weekdays to seniors for the past 25 years at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC). Budget constraints threatened to end the popular lunch gatherings that are a central component of the JFS at the JCC program. The lunches are provided to seniors for $2.50 per plate—and free to those who can’t afford it. The meals have been funded by the JCC, which was forced to cut its support in its 2012–2013 budget, effective July 2012. Community seniors were upset by the likely termination of the program and spoke out. The Intermountain Jewish News covered the story, getting the word out that seniors would Yana Vishnitsky soon lose vital services. When the story broke, the community responded. Led by Joyce Zeff, philanthropist and longtime JFS supporter, a plan was launched to ensure ongoing funding for the program over the next five years. Vishnitsky says that Zeff called her on April 1 with an idea to save the lunches. “Joyce said that if I found a few people willing to put money into the program and show their commitment “This program keeps our to the senior community, she would seniors active, engaged, fund it.” and supported.” That’s all it took. Vishnitsky was on the case and within two days, she had —Yana Vishnitsky commitments from Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher; Julie Morse; Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman; and the Strear Family Foundation (represented by Debbie Aleinikoff). All agreed to pledge matching funds to support the program. “They are all angels,” says Vishnitsky, who is relieved that such a positive resolution was possible after weeks of uncertainty. The lunches and daily gatherings are an important social outlet for many elderly Jews, providing nutritious kosher meals, support services,

and the chance to interact with one another, as well as other members of the Jewish community. For some widowers unable to cook for themselves, the meals are especially welcome. “This program keeps our seniors active, engaged, and supported,” says Vishnitsky. “Isolation is a real problem for many seniors in our community. Our caring community has ensured that lunch will be served and that this program can stay at the JCC, where it belongs.” JFS will now manage the meal program as part of the current “JFS at the JCC Colorado Senior Connections” program. “JFS at the JCC,” a partnership between the two agencies, was formed in April, 2011 with grants from Rose Medical Center and The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation, and funds allocated from the JFS Board of Directors. Seniors were visibly relieved when the announcement was made at a special meeting on April 3. The meeting was expected to be difficult and emotional, with many seniors arriving prepared with petitions and statements. “When they heard about the donors, they were absolutely speechless,” Vishnitsky recalls. “They were so appreciative, so touched. They felt important, not discounted. It was wonderful to see.” JCC Executive Director Stuart Raynor stated that the community center realized it had to cut the senior lunches due to budgetary constraints, acknowledging that it was a difficult decision. He was very happy with the end result. “It’s a good ending,” he says. “The senior lunch program will continue without disruption, and that’s a good thing for everyone.” Program partners JFS, JCC, Allied Jewish Federation, Shalom Cares, and Allied Jewish Apartments all struggled to find a sustainable solution for community seniors. There were real concerns that this segment of our community couldn’t be abandoned. Cathy Grimm, director of Senior Solutions at JFS, is thankful that the program was saved. “Our senior population matters,” she says. “And these wonderful donors stepped up to prove it. I couldn’t be happier.” l

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Story of Hope: JFS at Home

A Little Help Keeps a Senior Living Independently at Home

or Eileen Price, enlisting the services of JFS at Home meant the difference between staying in her own home and moving into an assisted living facility. Eileen has been in her Crestmoor home for 45 comfortable, happy years and intends to stay there for as long as possible. The 83-year-old widow has had macular degeneration for the past 15 years and her vision has slowly deteriorated. She gave up her car years ago and relied on her husband Max to handle driving duties. When he passed away last year, she was suddenly dependent on others to manage her life. “For 60 years, my husband and I shared all the fun and chores of daily life,” confides Eileen. “Since he died a year ago, the fun is gone but all the chores remain to be dealt with — alone. At first, family, friends, and neighbors saw to it that I was well cared for. But I quickly realized that relying on friends was a temporary solution. I needed some stability in my life to maintain my independence.” Eileen was familiar with JFS at Home, mostly from ads in Oy to Joy, Denver’s Jewish senior activity guide. Several months ago, the ad’s headline, “Let us help,” hit home. “I felt the time had come when help was needed,” she says. “I made the phone call.” Other than her challenges with eyesight, Eileen is fully self-sufficient. She cooks, cleans, bathes, and handles all of her day-to-day activities with ease. She enjoys gardening, socializing with friends and neighbors, studying genealogy, and working on puzzles. There is only one thing that Eileen can’t do: drive a car. And that’s where JFS at Home comes in. The three hours she spends with a caregiver each week means that she can go to the grocery store, do her banking, make doctor’s appointments, and run other necessary errands. “JFS at Home was a great solution for me,” says Eileen. “My goal was to stay in my home. I am getting the little bit of help that I need so I can still have my independence.” It was a positive experience from the start. “When I called JFS, the response was quick, cordial, and efficient. The staff worked with me and we

decided to start with three hours each week. It has worked out beautifully. I adore my caregiver, Sandra, and couldn’t have asked for a better match. She’s a perky, sweet person with a generous smile who would do anything for me. We love to chat. We’ve really developed a special friendship.” “I keep a priority list of my weekly errands. If we accomplish several at the top of the list, I consider it successful,” says Eileen. “Of course shopping for food is always a standard item. When I have just a few items on the list, I’ll schedule a trip to a museum or ask Sandra to read me newspaper articles that I am interested in. Since Sandra started Eileen and Sandra enjoy doing a puzzle together. helping me, I feel I Photo by Howard Lutz. can continue living at home and slowly add a little bit of fun back into my life. The arrangement with JFS at Home is working extremely well.” l JFS at Home is a fee-based program of Jewish Family Service that provides practical, reliable, and compassionate nonmedical homecare services for seniors who want to remain independent, adults with chronic illnesses, and people recovering from surgery. The program is customized to client needs and can range from a few hours each week to 24/7 care. The service is licensed by the State of Colorado, and caregivers are trained, bonded, and insured. In some instances, services are covered under long-term care insurance plans. JFS at Home is a member of the National Private Duty Association, the voice of private duty homecare. For more information, visit www.jfsathome.com or call 303.750.4000.

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Spotlight on Staff

Lisa Mehl, Development Associate

Lisa Mehl

hances are you’ve either spoken to or met Lisa Mehl, our new development associate. Since joining JFS in November 2011, she’s been immersing herself in “all things JFS” and personally connecting with our supporters and leadership. In her role, she coordinates event planning for the agency’s two major fundraisers, the JFS Executive Luncheon and Reel Hope, and helps with overall fundraising efforts for our programs and services. She is responsible for the day-to-day organization of these events and works closely with committee members to accomplish revenue goals. Lisa recently served on the development committee for the agency’s three-year strategic plan and is fully invested in finding innovative ways to raise funds and cultivate new donors. Lisa received a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies from Syracuse University and followed in her family’s footsteps by working in the finance industry in New York City for 16 years. She put her relationship management skills to good use for The Development Corporation for Israel, JPMorgan Securities, Inc., and Cerberus Capital Management. Her last job in New York was as chief of staff to Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman, CEO, and cofounder of the Blackstone Group. “While I loved my life, in August 2010 I realized that quality of life was my priority,” says Lisa. “I had spent many winters in Colorado and decided the Rockies would be a great destination to settle down. The pace, the people, the weather, and all of the recreation that Colorado has to offer were exactly what I was seeking. Once I made that decision, I packed up and moved to Denver in three weeks to pursue ‘meaningful’ work opportunities.”

“Seniors have so much wisdom to share. My life is enriched by their friendship.” —Lisa Mehl In New York, Lisa volunteered for Coalition for the Homeless, served as a board member for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and cofounded Alive2Thrive, a nonprofit for handicapped athletes. She explains, “I am passionate about helping people to help themselves.” Once again, Lisa put her relationship skills to work and after months of extensive networking in Denver, she found her current position at JFS. Her passion shines through in her daily work to secure corporate sponsorships for the JFS Executive Luncheon and introduce new people to the agency. “I love the people I get to collaborate with every day and especially to hear our clients’ success stories,” Lisa says enthusiastically. She is excited by how emotionally connected she feels to her work and how lucky she is to be able to work with Dawn Richard (development director). In addition to her employment with JFS, Lisa will soon be a Friendly Visitor volunteer for a senior client. “I have always been inspired by the elderly. Seniors have so much wisdom to share. My life is enriched by their friendship,” Lisa says. When Lisa is not helping to make the world a better place, she is enjoying all that Colorado has to offer, including horseback riding, skiing, fly-fishing, hiking, and attending sporting events. l

Congratulations to Peggy Vold, controller, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary with JFS in June!

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Volunteer Corner Volunteer in the Food Pantry This Summer!

f you or your family members have been looking for a chance to volunteer in the Weinberg Food Pantry but can’t make a weekly commitment, here is your chance! On the first Thursday of each month from noon to 2:00 p.m., volunteers can help with various projects in the pantry, including sorting food, stocking shelves, organizing the warehouse, and packing meal bags. This is a great opportunity for kids ages 12 and older to help out during the summer while our official Youth Corp program is in development. Look for more details about the new youth program that will launch this fall. For more information and to sign up your family or small group to volunteer this summer, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org. l

Thank You for Supporting the Community Passover Program

hank you to everyone who contributed money or donated food for the Community Passover Program. We’re happy to report that, with your help, we raised more than $5,200 and provided kosher-for-Passover food to 167 individuals from 60 households! In addition to the money we received, Grand Hyatt Denver, La Vie Catering, and Rocky Mountain Spice Company collectively donated more than 1,700 pounds of apples, potatoes, carrots, onions, walnuts, and cinnamon. A special thank-you to all of our volunteers who packed, distributed, and delivered the Passover boxes. We’re proud of the community for coming together in this effort and we can’t thank you enough! l

A client receiving his Passover meal with help from volunteers..

A group of students from Denver Academy of Torah working hard to pack Passover boxes.

Follow JFS on: www.facebook.com/jfscolorado www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo

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Did You Know JFS Has a Boulder Office?

athy Summer and Ingrid Swords, in our Boulder office, assist older adults and people with disabilities in maintaining their independence while providing a support system for their special needs. They thoughtfully coordinate individualized care in people’s homes and provide information and referral to other resources in the community. Boulder JFS brightens the lives of isolated older adults by hosting Shabbat and High Holiday services, Hanukkah celebrations, and Passover Seders for Jewish seniors in nursing homes, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities. In addition, through JFS at Home, the agency’s 24/7 homecare division, we serve clients in the Boulder area. There are also many volunteer opportunities, including our Friendly Visitor program, to provide invaluable assistance to seniors in the community. Boulder JFS, JFS at Home, and Boulder JCC have teamed up to offer the following Active Minds programs in May and June at the Boulder JCC (view the full descriptions at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/BoulderEvents): • America’s Pastime: Baseball! on Thursday, May 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon • The Impact of Social Networking on Thursday, June 28, 10:30 a.m.–noon Be sure to visit our Boulder JFS booth at the Boulder Jewish Festival on Sunday, June 10, and go to www.jewishfamilyservice.org/boulder to learn more about what Boulder JFS offers! To speak with Cathy or Ingrid, call 303.415.1025. l

Dates Are Filling Up Fast for Summer Magic Camp!

oung people with special needs (ages 23 and under) and volunteer “buddies” are invited to Summer Magic camp, where they will make new friends and enjoy horseback rides, arts and crafts projects, sing-alongs, and basketball! Summer Magic, presented by the Jewish Disabilities Network, takes place at Shwayder Camp near Idaho Springs on Tuesday, June 19 and at JCC Ranch Camp near Elbert on Monday, July 23. The fee is $20 per day, which includes lunch and transportation from Temple Emanuel. Some scholarships are available. Fun, responsible teens and young-at-heart adults who are looking for an important volunteer opportunity can join Summer Magic as a “buddy” on one or both days. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. For information/registration, please contact Rita Singer at 720.335.0854 or rocky2323@aol.com. l

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LEGO® Mania Hits SHALOM Denver

hey arrived as elaborate castles, scary dinosaurs, sturdy bridges, and tall buildings. They departed as neatly sorted, colorful interlocking plastic bricks, elements, and minifigures—ready for children to imagine. Did you attend the recent LEGO KidsFest that took over the Colorado Convention Center at the end of April? At this event, families enjoyed three acres of hands-on fun with hundreds of pounds of LEGO bricks! Before kids could create and build to their hearts’ content, all those little bricks had to be taken apart from the tour’s previous stop in Ohio and delivered to the convention center. And that’s where JFS’s SHALOM Denver came in. At the end of March, a truck containing 10 large rolling laundry baskets (like the ones used in hotels), filled with mountains of LEGO creations, rolled up to JFS’s SHALOM Denver work center. Then SHALOM’s clients — people with developmental disabilities or transitioning from welfare to work — spent much of April disassembling the attendees’ handiwork and separating and sorting the individual LEGO bricks. SHALOM staff delivered bins of sorted individual bricks to the convention center in time for the April 27-29 event. When LEGO KidsFest was over, SHALOM received the newly rendered LEGO creations, only to take them apart again and prepare the bricks for the next stop in Wisconsin.

Dan Murray, chief operating officer with Life Marketing and Events, producers of the LEGO KidsFest, was pleased to award the contract to SHALOM Denver. “We’re always looking for ways to give back to the communities we serve, and being able to provide meaningful work to people with disabilities presented a win-win opportunity,” he says. “We were thrilled to get this job,” says Arnie Kover, JFS Disability and Employment Services director. “Not only was it a fun project for our clients, but it was wonderful to see all the elaborate creations inspired by children. We hated to have to take some of them apart.” SHALOM Denver specializes in printing and mailing services, product assembly, and piecework for area businesses and provides meaningful work for people with disabilities. The LEGO KidsFest project was one of the more unique — and fun — jobs ever to hit the production floor. l

Join Us to Celebrate JFS on June 25

ark your calendars for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and celebration on Monday, June 25, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. At this event, entitled Celebrate JFS,* we are celebrating another year of success thanks to a dedicated board, staff, and group of volunteers. Please join us as we present the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year Award and install new board members. Watch for more details coming soon. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. RSVP to Lisa Mehl at 720.248.4633 or lmehl@jewishfamilyservice.org by June 15, or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/CelebrateJFS. *Formerly known as the Annual Meeting.

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Thank You for Caring! The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from February 1 to March 31, 2012. 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. WITH GRATITUDE FOR Rabbi Eliot Baskin Kelly Shapiro Inna Ermakov and all the staff at JFS Jon and Sheryl Goodman Alison Joucovsky Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Snyder John and Leslie Keith IN HONOR OF BAR MITZVAH Sam Goldstein Sidney and Susan Greenwald Harrison Miller John and Mindy Miller IN HONOR OF BIRTHS Nancy and Marvin Gart’s granddaughter Jocelyn The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Elizabeth and Mark Goto Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum Maxwell Gray Richard and Michele Right Hayden and Elana Hirschfeld Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum Vered Ida Stember Terri Tilliss

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

IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS

IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE

Jeanne Balkin Frank and Charlotte Dubin Edward Barad Neal and Kathy Kimmel Marie Cardin Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund Bernard Eisenstat Edward and Elka Haligman Debbie Goldfogel Jon Lozow and Ellen Welner Elliott Husney Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Roger Kempton Marvin Tyor Susan Krauthamer Joel and Frieda Levine Harold Lande Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Arthur and Ruth Chapman Jay Miller Ira Miller Diane Miller Elaine Miller Alon Mor Martin and Marilyn Warren Bernard Munishor A. Herbert and Myndel Cohen Richard and Rae Negreann Esther and Abe Orlick Alan and Gloria Kris Marvin Pepper Norma Kurtz Marvin and Shirley Leff Wendy Sturniolo Edward and Judith Rosenthal Bluma Wenner Phyllis Goodman Frank and Charlotte Dubin Millie Wolkowicz Jon and Sheryl Goodman Andrew and Cynthia Pollet

Phillip Mason and Linda Malman Rick Schepsis

IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENT Amy Pogrebin’s engagement Mark Pogrebin

IN HONOR OF Helene Berzin Dawn Reinfeld Channah Beyla Howard and Donna Lutz Dorothy Cohen Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard First grade class at Denver Jewish Day School Henry Chapman Larissa Feldman Robert Schick Ms. Marion Goldstein Beth Barnet Sharon Haber The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Rabbi Jeffrey Kaye I. Bernard and Leba Munishor Renae and Sid Levin Rachel Pollack Gratia Meyer & David Solomon Jay and Lois Miller Harley Rotbart’s newest book Eileen Naiman Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Robert Rottman Dennis and Paula King David Segal and Rollin Simmons Edward Stanley Sanditen RECEPIENT OF AN HONOR Bobbie Towbin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe

WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Sam Finer Eileen Naiman Elliott Husney Fred and Maxine Davine Marvin Levy Fred and Maxine Davine Bernard Munishor Ralph and Berta Goodman Fred and Maxine Davine David Pollock Karen Stein Ronald and Roni Brown Cynthia Shaiman Ronald and Roni Brown Anna Tsesarsky Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Dan and Ann Veenstra Joyce Zeff Robert Rottman Barbara Goldburg Lynda Goldstein Ruth Epstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service IN MEMORY OF Ketty Abravanel I. Bernard and Leba Munishor Catherine Baruch Abravanel Stan and Yvonne Stahl Juanita Alterman Les and Estelle Levitt Nicki Hirsh Aaron and Ellen Bregman Lezlie Goldberg Jim and Barbara Trotsky Steven and Debra Weinstein Rosalee Anzman Les and Estelle Levitt Karen Stein Lezlie Goldberg Florence Axney Ginsburg, Cohen & Company PC Selina and Louis Begun Roz Begun

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Dorothy Cohen Elliott and Gloria Husney Gary and Joyce Lozow Paul and Lynn Coffee Justin and Sharon Roth The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Helen Corman Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Rita DeVerteuil The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Lawrence Epstein Les and Estelle Levitt Marvin and Shirley Leff Jane Routh Le Elliott and Gloria Husney Barbara and Richard Cook Melvin and Diane Dinner Gary and Joyce Lozow Evelyn Fantle Estelle Tournas Cynthia Williams Joanne Gimbel John and Pearl Fantle The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Gayle Fischer Arnold and Karen Stein Madelon Fladerman Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Cynthia Fowler David and Peggy Marks David and Nancy Benyamin The Winters Creasey Family Dan and Ann Veenstra Don and Linda Neuman Ben and Dee Trasen The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Mrs. Isabelle Friedman Abraham and Selma Friedman Ruth Geisler Gary and Joyce Lozow Arleen Gershen’s mother Daniel Foss and Carole Kornreich

Alvin Goldberg Arthur and Lee Feldman Stephen Golden Les and Estelle Levitt Albert and Janice Dinner Thomas and Amy Fortner Lillian Gottlieb Amy Allison Michael Guzofsky Norma Kurtz Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Steven and Debra Weinstein Arnold and Karen Stein Gary and Joyce Lozow Adeline Hellesvig Ted and Dorothea Brooks Illy Kellen Donna Jewett Zoe Kislowitz Sheryl Noven Allyn Bandell Bess Lankowitz Marleen Konieczny Leon Levy Lenore Jacobs Chalotte Londer Ken and Barbara Tasky Maria Lotosh Yana Profilet David Michael Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Morris Miller Lenore Jacobs Barbara Mizel Cynthia Chapman Pam Naiman Carol Mizel’s brother, Michael Richard and Michele Right Jean Radam Ruth Ann Quick Rose Rosenbaum David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Bernard Schaffner Aaron and Ellen Bregman Richard and Linda Albert Lorraine Sekerak Michael Sekerak

Steven Sekerak Michael Sekerak Sylvia Seigal Les and Estelle Levitt Richard and Michele Right Richard and Linda Albert Pam Naiman Debra and Leonard Herz Ely Birnbaum and Shirley Londer Andrew Thompson and Cynthia Hilb Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sallie Siegel Jim and Barbara Trotsky Elaine Singer Pam Naiman Richard and Linda Mishkin Norman Stenersen The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Jerry Subar Sidney and Noreen Stillman Romeolo Tedeschi Jon and Sheryl Goodman Barbara Tobias Richard and Michele Right Arnold and Karen Stein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Gary and Joyce Lozow Eva and Bill Wolkowicz George Chaitkin and Millie Wolkowicz Leonard Wolpa Les and Estelle Levitt Staff Sgt. David Zuckerman Ernest and Mary Russo

IN KIND B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Clinical Nutrition Center Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation Emanuel Religious School Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Academy of Torah East Side Kosher Deli King Soopers - Monaco King Soopers Reclamation La Vie Catering Pizza Hut at Leetsdale Regis University Rocky Mountain Spice Co Rodef Shalom Sunday Minyan Rose Women’s Organization Donor Advised Fund Safeway South Denver Fencing Academy Sunflower Market Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Whole Foods at Tamarac Whole Foods at Cherry Creek

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Growing From Adversity An interactive presentation facilitated by Jim Sharon, Ed.D.

oin Dr. Jim Sharon, editor of the men’s anthology Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives: Defining Moments, for an interactive presentation about growing from adversity. During the first part of this event, Jim will discuss the inception of his book and present highlights of the men’s transparent stories about how they surmounted major challenges and difficult circumstances. Then, Jim will guide you through a written process that will deeply inform you of ways in which a trying period has shaped your own life and may catalyze your future. Following the workshop, Jim will be available to sign copies of the anthology. This presentation is open to men, women, and teens. Jim Sharon, Ed.D., co-owner of Energy for Life, is a licensed psychologist and certified life coach in private practice in Centennial. He has 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist, consultant, and seminar presenter, and has taught a number of college courses. Jim is also the founder and coordinator of Whole Man Expo and Whole Man Network in the Denver metro area. Join us for this complimentary program of the JFS Counseling Center on Tuesday, May 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the JFS Board Room, 3201 South Tamarac Drive. Light snacks will be served. To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please contact Jim Sharon at docjimsharon@yahoo.com by Wednesday, May 23. l

Save the Date for Third Annual Tour De Farm Bike Ride on August 5

upport urban farming and share the harvest by participating in Ekar Farm’s third annual Tour De Farm on Sunday, August 5, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On this 16-mile bike ride along the Highline Canal bike path, you will stop at Delaney Farm for a tour and fresh Palisade peaches, then on to Sprout City Farm at Denver Green School for another tour, and back to Ekar for grilled Colorado Olathe corn and live bluegrass music! All proceeds directly benefit Ekar’s programming and donation of vegetables to Jewish Family Service’s Weinberg Food Pantry. Learn more at www.ekarfarm.org and stay tuned for details. l

Support JFS While Shopping at King Soopers!

aising 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! l

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Thank You to the JFS Executive Luncheon Sponsors!

t press time, tickets were sold out for the eighth annual JFS Executive Luncheon featuring Christopher Gardner, on May 8. Thank you to our event sponsors (as of April 3, 2012) who helped make this event a success:

Presidential Sponsors

Chief Operating Sponsors Will and Sheri Gold Rose Medical Center Joyce Zeff Chief Financial Sponsors Adam and Katie Agron ANB Bank Max and Elaine Appel The Chotin Foundation The Denver Post Community Green Manning & Bunch Ltd. Katzson Brothers—Richard and Michelle Right Steve and Elizabeth Kris Robert and Robyn Naiman Eric and Ellen Pollock Andrew and Jonathon Right Executive VP Sponsors Alberta Development Partners, LLC BBVA Compass Berlin Investment Group Holdings Colorado State Bank & Trust EKS&H

Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard First Western Trust Bank David and Michelle Friedman Guaranty Bank & Trust Hein & Associates LLP James and Joy Hoffman KeyBank Alan and Peggy Mayer Janet Mordecai MorEvents – Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Chet and Louise Schwartz Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC Steele Street Bank Stewart Title/Laurel Rossi Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC Wenner, Silvestain & Company, LLC/ WS Investment Advisors, LLC Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation Royce and Tara Zimmerman—Northwestern Mutual Associate VP Sponsors Leland and Debbi Alpert Asarch Center for Dermatology and Laser David and Anna Asarch Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management – Cary Chapman CCFIN INC. – Proprietary Capital LLC

CH2M HILL Denver Agency Company Dependable Cleaners Enstrom Candies Esprit Homes/Total Care of the Front Range Feldman Mortuary, Inc. Richard and Joann Fleischman Thomas and Amy Fortner The GDA Companies Jon and Sheryl Goodman Jack and Celeste Grynberg Heitler Development Integrity Print Group Gary and Connie Levine “LIVE” with Lisa Lowrie Family Foundation Mile High Honda, Acura, Mitsubishi Millbrook Homes Assisted Living— Harvey Milzer Monroe Group Ltd. Newmark Knight Frank Frederick Ross NextMedia Group, Inc. Michael and Devra Ochs Patten, MacPhee & Associates, Inc. Rebecca Rosen Enterprises, Inc. Robinson Waters O’Dorisio Meyer and Geri Bader Saltzman

Seniors Are Coming to Colorado continued from page 1 The agency will maintain its partnerships with the JCC, local synagogues, other human services agencies, and the community at large to provide social, recreational, educational, and health programming to older adults. JFS understands the critical role its senior services programming plays in the greater Denver community. The agency creates and implements programs that emphasize enhancing the quality of life for older adults to allow them to remain independent and healthy for as long as possible. l Julie Orr is a Denver native who resides in Centennial, Colo., with her husband and two boys. She is a volunteer writer for Jewish Family Service, an agency she admires and believes is making the world a better place.

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217

Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4394 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 www.jewishfamilyservice.org Beneficiary Agency of Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and Mile High United Way

You are not like anyone else. Neither are your needs for care.

Help JFS With Some Spring Cleaning!

Customized Care For All (303) 750.4000 www.jfsathome.com

JFS at Home will work with you to create a customized care plan that can help you maintain your independence, safety, and dignity in your own home. Our screened, supervised, and insured caregivers provide gentle, personal care and relief from chores. JFS at Home, a division of Jewish Family Service, is a name you can trust as a provider of practical, reliable, and compassionate services since 1872. Individual Needs. Individual Care. From 1 hour to 24/7.

n easy way to help JFS serve those in need is by cleaning out your closets! Your donation of gently used clothing, shoes, and household items through Healing Minds generates funds that support the mental health programs at JFS and subsidize the cost of counseling services for our clients. Schedule a home pickup online at www.healingmindspickup.org or by calling 303.232.4483. l