FamilyMatters Volume 25, No. 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2015
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Volunteer Spotlight page 3
board spotlight New Members page 6 the impact of pets Seniors Matter page 10
A PUBLICATION OF
JFS Homemaker Services Are a Blessing Client Spotlight, page 4
A Farewell from JFS Board Chair Eric Pollock It has been a tremendous honor
to serve as chair of the JFS Board of Directors for the past two years. Serving in this role has been meaningful in so many ways, but I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my grandmother, Saralee Pollock, who led this board six decades ago. My grandmother (who was a truly amazing woman) was at Jewish Family Service during a time of tremendous growth. The agency served thousands of people in need when Grandma Saralee was board chair. In the ensuing six decades, JFS was there for the most vulnerable in our community, and today JFS Eric Pollock continues to transform lives. The work of Jewish Family Service has endured, but our work will never be done. Even though our agency has grown with the
benefit of increased funding, more volunteers, an expanded staff, and improved services, the demand for services is also growing. JFS is an amazing organization, and I have no doubt that we will be here to serve those in need for decades to come. We are fortunate to have a remarkably talented CEO to lead our organization. Yana has assembled an incredibly caring and dedicated staff. Our board is made up of exceptional leaders who are deeply committed to our mission. Hundreds of volunteers give generously of their time and expertise, and our many donors provide the funding necessary to carry out our work. And our partners—those foundations and other organizations that provide critical support— continue to sustain our mission. I have really enjoyed being a part of such a vibrant, strong, and effective organization. Thank you for all of your support. —Eric Pollock, JFS Board Chair, 2013–2015
Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to people in need. Every day, JFS helps people overcome life’s challenges to live fuller, more meaningful lives. 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 those with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis. Every year, the agency benefits more than 25,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes, and abilities. For more information, call 303.597.5000 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org.
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FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2015
Family Matters is published bimonthly by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr. Denver CO 80231 www.jewishfamilyservice.org
2015 Max Frankel
VOLUNTEER
of the Year
Maury Kroopnick, a volunteer
with the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at JFS, received the 2015 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year award at Celebrate JFS in June. Since he began volunteering at the end of 2013, Maury has already dedicated more than 1,000 hours and spends 15 to 20 hours per week at JFS. Originally from Michigan, Maury is a licensed medical social worker. He has provided mental health services to seniors for more than 40 years. Maury says, “I’ve worked for JFS in Cleveland and Southfield, Michigan, so when I moved to the Denver area, I thought I would offer my skills to the local JFS. Volunteering with Senior Solutions at Jewish Family Service gives me the opportunity to continue working with a population I love.” Maury provides services to seven clients who he sees on a regular basis. Each of these seniors, because of their unique situations,
Maury Kroopnick
deals with isolation. When Maury visits with them, he brings them reassurance and hope that they are not alone and that there are people in their lives who truly care about them. Jillian Whittier, Senior Solutions care manager, says, “Because of his background in social work, Maury has become a valuable member of our team and helps the care managers navigate more difficult cases.” Maury makes himself available to the care managers in the office at least Maury Kroopnick one day per week and attends monthly social work group supervision meetings, where he discusses best practices and helps advance the care managers’ social work skills. Maury’s dedication to the Senior Solutions clients has been exemplary. The Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year award is well deserved!
Ekar’s Sixth Annual Tour de Farm Bike Ride Is August 30 Support urban farming
and share the harvest by participating in Ekar Farm’s sixth annual Tour de Farm on Sunday, August 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On this 16-mile bike ride along the Highline Canal bike path, you will stop at Sprout City Farm at Denver Green School for a tour, then go on to Delaney Farm for a break and fresh Palisade peaches, and back to Ekar for grilled Colorado Olathe corn and live bluegrass music! There will also be a five-mile “Lil’ Farmers Tour” with snacks and games for younger riders. All proceeds directly benefit Ekar’s programming and its generous donation of fresh vegetables to Jewish Family Service’s Weinberg Food Pantry. Cost: $25 per rider over age 13, $5 per rider under 13 years old, and $70 maximum per family. Learn more and register at http://ekarfarm.org.
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CLIENT Spotlight
Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center
JFS Homemaker Services Are a Blessing
Charles Bell, 68, is a proud man.
He’s proud that he was able to work hard and support his family. He’s proud that he was selfsufficient and took care of himself and his wife, Sharon. Charles was a truck driver and worked long hours on the road. The money was good and he made enough to put a little aside for his retirement. He looked forward to his golden years when he could enjoy his favorite pastime of fishing.
Charles and Sharon Bell (seated) with JFS homemaker Phaleacha Shinault (standing). 4
FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2015
All that changed in 2007 when he needed a hernia operation. Today Charles is dealing with severe dementia, which he believes was initiated by the excessive medications he took following his operation. As a result of the surgery and the related complications, he was never able to return to work. He is in constant pain from the mesh material that was used to repair the hernia, and has undergone a number of additional surgeries. He avoids taking any pain medication because it will exacerbate his dementia. All of this has been very hard on him—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He can barely talk about it before tears start to roll down his cheeks. The situation has also been difficult for Sharon, Charles’s primary caregiver. At 65, she has her own health issues and struggles to properly care for Charles and their two-bedroom apartment in Denver’s Windsor Gardens. That’s where Jewish Family Service (JFS) has been able to help. Thanks to a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), JFS has been able to provide a homemaker who comes to the Bells’ apartment for a couple of hours every other Monday. Phaleacha does all of the cleaning that Sharon can no longer do. She deep cleans the bathroom and kitchen, changes the sheets, vacuums, straightens up the apartment, and takes out the trash. JFS also takes care of some little things that make life easier for the Bells. Their JFS care manager recently provided a stool for their shower to help prevent falls and ensure their safety. JFS staff checks in on them frequently, just to make sure they’re doing okay.
For Sharon, it’s a godsend. “Having this little bit of help has meant that we can continue to live in our apartment,” she says. “With all of Charles’s healthcare needs, I don’t have the energy or ability to keep things up like I used to.” The Bells live on a fixed income, with little money to spare. Their sole source of income is social security, and it isn’t enough to support them. To make ends meet, Sharon volunteers at her church’s food pantry, where she can also take home some food. The couple can’t afford to hire a homemaker. “Our kids help a little, but without this program, I don’t think we would make it,” says Sharon. “This allows us a little independence so we can stay here. Who knows where we would be without it!” Caring for Charles is Sharon’s top priority, and it’s a full-time job. “His memory-loss issues have been so hard on him,” she says. “I want
to make sure he is treated “I want to make with the dignity and care sure Charles is he deserves.” treated with the While fishing is not dignity and care Sharon’s favorite pastime, he deserves.” she does her best to get —JFS homemaker Charles out to Cherry Phaleacha Shinault Creek Reservoir with his fishing rod whenever she can. “He enjoys that and as long as I can bring along a good book, I enjoy it, too,” she confesses. Sharon and Charles are very grateful for the help they get from Jewish Family Service and DRCOG. “Everything is a blessing,” she says. Front cover photo: First row from left, Charles Bell, Sharon Bell, and JFS homemaker Phaleacha Shinault. Standing in back is JFS home-based services coordinator Ron Crowell.
SAVE THE DATE FOR
Before the Mourning:
Sacred Conversations About End-of-Life Concerns Join Feldman Mortuary, Jewish Family Service, and HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care for a free four-session lunchtime series on Wednesdays, October 7–28, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. This series is hosted at HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care, 6383 East Girard Place, in Denver. RSVP to Jamie Sarché at 720.404.6772 or jamie@feldmanmortuary.com by October 2. October 7: “Pain is Inevitable. Suffering Is Optional,” presented by Lisa Culhane, personal and professional life coach October 14: “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s,” presented by Karen Moravick, community education coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado October 21: “The Gift of Your Presence: Holding Space in the Face of Life’s Challenges,” presented by Jamie Sarché, director of prearranged funeral arrangements and outreach, Feldman Mortuary October 28: “The Council on Fear,” presented by Susan Kaplan, MSW, MPA
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BOARD Spotlight
New Members
Congratulations to our new board members and board chair who were installed at the Celebrate JFS event in June! Ed Barad, Gareth Heyman, Linda Loewenstein, and Jamie Sarché were elected to a second three-year term. Thank you to outgoing board members Marc Cohen, Alan Mayer, Rob Naiman, and Michele Right for their years of dedicated service to JFS. Jane E. Rosenbaum, Chair Community volunteer Jane E. and her husband, Stanton, have twins, Ari and Danielle, age 29.
Jane E. and Stanton Rosenbaum
“I’m excited about becoming the board chair because I believe that Jewish Family Service is providing some of the most crucial services in our community. I want to be part of continuing the wonderful work and hope to make it even better so that we can impact more people in very significant ways.”
Leanna Harris with her family
Leanna Harris Community volunteer Leanna and her husband, Jamie, have three children, Lorenzo, 18, Lila, 15, and Fiona, 13. “What an honor to join the board of Jewish Family Service! It is a vital resource for our community and I look forward to helping further the mission of the organization.” 6
FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2015
David Feiner Director, Miller Frishman Group, LLC “I am honored and excited to be joining the JFS board. I am proud of the work JFS does in the community and look forward to making an impact with this great organization.”
David Feiner
Carole Karshmer with her family
Carol Karshmer Community volunteer Carol and her husband, Hud, have two children, Cailey, 14, and Owen, 11. “Jewish Family Service does incredible and much-needed work in our community. I am excited to be a part of an organization that serves so many people in need and helps strengthen our community.”
Mindy Levy Peckar Vice President, J & B Building Company Mindy is married to Steve Peckar. “I have been volunteering in the Weinberg Food Pantry since 2011 and am so fulfilled and proud to be helping out JFS clients in a small way. Being on the board will allow me to be more involved with Jewish Family Service and to hopefully help even more people.�
STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in July and August: 5 years: Dora Dunning, KidSuccess therapist; Patsy Levad, JFS at Home caregiver; Nancy Sweet, SHALOM Denver substitute enclave supervisor; Marciana Robertson, JFS at Home caregiver; and Randie Winograd, part-time receptionist
Mindy and Steve Peckar
Clean Out Your Closets to Help JFS! An easy way to help JFS serve those in
need is to clean out your closet! Through a partnership with Savers Thrift Stores, your donation of gently used clothing and household items is sold and a percentage of the proceeds supports the mental health programs of Jewish Family Service. Your gift helps to subsidize the cost of counseling services for low-income clients, bringing hope and healing to people in crisis. JFS provides counseling services to families and children dealing with serious mental illness, anxiety, trauma, depression, and grief. Schedule a home pickup online at www.healingmindspickup.org or by calling 303.232.4483.
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THANK YOU for Caring! The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from April 1 to May 31, 2015. 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 Murray and Beverly Balter Ruth Solomons Roger and Marsha Kempton Marvin Tyor Bernard and Roberta Naiman Rob and Robyn Naiman Sheldon and Janice Steinhauser Karen Steinhauser IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAH Matthew Bernstein Hazel Gensberg Mia Felsen Steven and Julie Felsen Jeremy Gart Dean Prina Jan Ground Bob and Jackie Driscoll Janell Moerer Susan Schutte Hannah Leah Marians Amy Marians Hannah Miller Edward Sanditen Remi Steinberg Bonnie Brensilber IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Graham Cole Right Barbara Sidon IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Joel Appel Claire Seiden Trude Bershof Jordan and Sue Hochstadt David and Peggy Marks Alisa Schreiber Bourne Mirella Schreiber Ruth H. Chapman Harold and Marilyn Lande Davey Cohen Floyd and Edythe Sunshine Barbara Griss Trude Bershof Ron and Joyce Fishman Jordan and Sue Hochstadt David and Peggy Marks Rosalie Wagner Paul Jacobs Marshall Greenstein and Mary Ellen Rich
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Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.
Robert Lustig Edward and Debora Rosenfeld Harriet Mehl Rottenburg Jeffrey Mehl Gerald Mellman Donna Kornfeld Amy Toltz-Miller Roger and Linny Pretekin Linda Neuman Toni Getz Donald Neuman Toni Getz Lynn Rubenstein Elaine Lee Harry Sterling Gary and Joyce Lozow Jonathan Streisfeld Lisa Streisfeld Walter Treidel Marvin Tyor IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Ann Reilly and Lisa Wheeler Roslyn Begun Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Dan and Ann Veenstra Meir Winkelstein and Robyn Milzer Dean Prina IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY Cynthia Chapman Jon and Jamie Sarché Barbara Chapman Jon and Jamie Sarché Carol Sarché Jon and Jamie Sarché IN HONOR OF PASSOVER Marie Cardin Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR Arlene Hirschfeld Richard and Michele Right Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Barry Hirschfeld The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Gary Lozow Joe and Tsai Bilett Herb and Jill Lee Roger and Linny Pretekin Jerry and Terry Rubin Claire Seiden IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Melvyn Klein Lawrence and Carol Levin
FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2015
IN HONOR OF Antonia Ackerman Harold Berenson and Laura Ackerman Nancy Alterman Don and Ruth Mares Jim Angell Michael Angell Jodi Ansell Mary May Max and Elaine Appel Arthur and Arlene Moss Ed and Marlin Barad Neal and Kathy Kimmel Jonathan and Judy Blaine Elizabeth Brittan Sarah Bolshoun Harvey and Jacqueline Bolshoun Boulder JFS Staff Dan and Meg Quiat Rabbi Marc Soloway Tracy Boyle Shannon Long Ling Chan Shirley Swartz Jeanne and Ed Diner Randy and Sherry Diner Ekar Farm and Aaron Ney Wendy Aronson Cathy Summer Jonathan and Lindsay Lev The Marvin Naiman and Margery Goldman Family Foundation Family Safety Net Program Ben Levek and Karen Maginn Dawn Richard Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Steven and Leslie Levine Debra Flitter David Flitter David Foster Daniel and Becky Foster The Gellerman Family The Sarah Cannon Team Arleen Gershen Tom and Jane Gwin Shirley Goldberg Jim and Ruth Sharon Jamie and Leanna Harris Allan and Alberta Sulzer Sarah, Ben, and Sam Humphries Teri Hanke Leland Huttner Edward and Lisa Huttner Mark and Susan Zalkin Aaron Hyatt Jack and Andrea Hyatt Niah Hyatt Jack and Andrea Hyatt Eileen Hyatt Jack and Andrea Hyatt
The JFS Food Pantry Ben Levek and Karen Maginn The Kaplan Children Sherman and Lois Rich John Keith Mark Duffy Jerry and Marilyn Snyder Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Jeff Greenstein and Gail Krovitz Sara Leeper Alan and Anna Lazaroff Judge Kerri Lombardi Cynthia Chapman Melissa Mascarenas Alan and Anna Lazaroff Laura Michaels Dan Recht and Elaine Selsberg Dafna Michaelson Seth Ward and Carol Kozak Ward Jay Miller Frances Wolpo Alla Milstein Matt and Ilana Larson Perry and Susie Moss Arthur and Arlene Moss Robert Naiman Bernard and Roberta Naiman Hanna Ohr Joanne Posner-Mayer Sam, Joseph, Jack, and Hank Orzynski Tania Orzynski David Pollock Robert Schwartz and Beth Levy Eric Pollock David and Helene Pollock Robert Schwartz and Beth Levy Larry and Susan Siegel Meg Quiat David and Cheryl Fellows Melinda Quiat Brian and Jamie Saliman Jordan and Bonnie Saliman Bonnie, Kerri, and Saliman Children Jordan Saliman Geri Saltzman Meyer Saltzman Meyer Saltzman Lynn and Lisa Taussig Mirella Schreiber Marion Goldstein Charlene Shaffer Ken, Alyce and Sam Brodoff Miriam Sharon Jim and Ruth Sharon Temple Sinai Rabbi Richard and Rabbi Susan Rheins Anna Tsesarsky Matt and Ilana Larson Yana Vishnitsky Kathy Loveberry Marie Weinberg Craig Foldes
Anne and Mel Wernimont David and Rita Sanders Joyce Zeff Larry and Susan Siegel Sol Zitlin Michael and Francine Fisher IN MEMORY OF Saul Agus Joe and Tsai Bilett Claire Alpert Mark Alpert Judy Alterman Phillip Alterman Bernard Arnoff Donn and Eileen Spector Al Axelrod David and Nancy Benyamin Jerrold and Myra Feiger Laura Baird Rosenthal Ryan Brackley Gerson Barter Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Alice Betesh Elliott Betesh Leon Betesh Elliott Betesh Daniel Blank Steve Blank Elaine Blank Steve Blank Harold Blitt Daniel Wolf Jean Bloch Thien Van Le and Jane Routh Le Bert Brock Ellen Brock Morris Catalan Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Herbert Chad Peter Wycoff and Lori Dresner Carol Cohan Berger Robert Berger Judy Cohen Bary Lorne and Cindy Polger Darrell Cruz Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Joseph Mark Cruz Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Joni Davis Michael Asarch Diane Dinner Albert and Janice Dinner Charlotte Eisler Martin and Ilene Lasher Stacy Feldman Ronald and Roni Brown Gary and Joyce Lozow Robert and Suzi Malman Allan and Alberta Sulzer Elsa Finesilver David and Beth Lippa Robert and Sandra Lustig Fannie Fink Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Nate Fink Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Florence Freedman Lauren Kirkpatrick Joseph Freedman Lauren Kirkpatrick
Jeanette Altman Frieden The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Eileen Eller Steven and Cindy Farber Lezlie Goldberg Lisa Eller Davis and Jim Harris Jeffrey and Jocelyn Kraus Gary and Connie Levine Barbara Sidon Louis and Lori Sigman Arnold and Karen Stein James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Ray Friedman Mark and Shaney Friedman Marion Galant Marion Goldstein Judy Goldberg Mark Pogrebin Leon Goldin Lucille Goldin Ivan Goldstein Joe and Tsai Bilett Sterling Grant Christina Grant Cathy Grimm Richard and Peri Abrahams Marlene Adam Ed and Marlin Barad Peggy Beck Roslyn Begun David and Nancy Benyamin Paul and Marilyn Bogan Boulder Jewish Community Center Jim and Monica Carder and Robert and Jennifer Larkin Jennie Creasey Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Marty and Barbara Dubin Therese Ellery Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Gloria Fine Marvin and Nancy Gart Stephen and Nancy Gates Kay Gilchrist Lezlie Goldberg Marion Goldstein Marvin Harmatz Jim and Shelly Hines Charles Jones and Jill Cowperthwaite Michael and Wendy Klein Buzz and Shelley Krovitz David and Beth Lippa Robert and Robyn Loup Gary and Joyce Lozow Lisa May David Miller and Lisa Farber Miller Rocky and Suzi Miller Margaret Norvell Pisces Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Eric and Ellen Pollock Rick Rohr and Ingrid Swords Rose Community Foundation Claire Seiden Robert and Cindy Shaiman Shalom Cares Jude Southward Diane Stahl Lloyd and Betty Steinmann Swavelle/Mill Creek Fabrics, Inc.
Naomi Thomson Ben and Dee Trasen United Talent Agency Samantha Walsh Ken and Tamara Weil Lynne Weinberger Philip Weiser and Heidi Wald Amy Wood Leslie Wright Nancy Wright Brian and Lisa Zales Steven and Barbara Zimmerman Asher Gumbiner Joe and Tsai Bilett Beth Lippa Bernard and Leba Munishor Seth Ward and Carol Kozak Ward Dick Hambrick Cynthia Chapman Arnold Hayutin Zelda Friednash Hannon Hyman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Wendy Vean Dennis Jensen David and Debra Flitter Melissa Kaplan Myra Rieger Rita Kirshner Joe and Tsai Bilett Samuel Kornblatt George and Jane Romberg Robert Lipshutz Howard and Roberta Lipshutz Edith Miller Robert and Marsha Gold Ty Nelowet Don and Beth Nelowet Doug Paris Richard Wedgle and Susan Mason Marvin Pepper Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Jerry and Terry Rubin Steve Portnoy Allan and Alberta Sulzer Sarah Rabicoff Craig and Vicki Eskanos Smiley Rabicoff Craig and Vicki Eskanos Richard Radetsky David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Alex Rittenbaum Albert and Janice Dinner Ellen Rosen Smith Zelda Friednash Doris Rothenberg Lawrence and Carol Levin Joyce Routh Thien Van Le and Jane Routh Le Herbert Rubinstein Kyle Framson Michael Schatz Linda Schatz David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Dorothy Schwab Merle Richlen Joseph Schwartz Robert Schwartz and Beth Levy Pearl Shucard Hal and Karen Shucard
Sidney Shucard Hal and Karen Shucard Albert Sorkin Marc and Laurie Sorkin Shirley Sorkin Marc and Laurie Sorkin Rowanne Spector David and Nancy Benyamin Beth Lippa Allan and Alberta Sulzer Marvin Stone Gerald and Kathy Berenstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Robert and Sandra Lustig Howard and Donna Lutz Eric and Ellen Pollock Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Edward and Debora Rosenfeld Claire Seiden Lynn and Lisa Taussig Jorge and Francine Topelson James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Irwin Suson Marvin and Jackie Cooper Linda Levin Marlene Weiner Melvin Swartz Shirley Swartz Rick Toray Mindy D’Angelo Wendy Vean Samuel Tyor Marvin Tyor Andrew Vajda Phyllis Vajda Shirley Vajda Phyllis Vajda Tess Vassos-Moffett J.J. and Brynn Asarch Heinrich Weinberg Myron Levin and Adriana Weinberg Maria Weinberg Myron Levin and Adriana Weinberg Robert Weinstein Robert and Jodi Eisen Sheldon and Ellen Friedman Myra Rieger Louis and Lori Sigman Marshal West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Dana Wigutoff Brian and Lisa Zales Jack Williams Scott and Trina Reisch Margurite Williams Scott and Trina Reisch WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Beverly Balter Lenora Bieberstein Rabbi Ivan Geller Mark and Susan Barter Cheryl Hanson Royce and Tara Zimmerman
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SENIORS
Matter
The Powerful Impact of Pets
By Buffy Sophinos, JD, MSW Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center care manager
Many people consider their
pets to be an integral part of their family. For seniors and those living alone, pets can have a profound impact on quality of life. By owning a pet, seniors can: • Improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown that the act of petting immediately reduces blood pressure. • Find a sense of purpose. • Reduce loneliness and depression. • Have someone to talk to. • Increase physical activity—pets require food, water, exercise, and medical care. • Have motivation for self-care out of a sense of responsibility for the pet. I recently visited a client who became lonely and isolated after her husband passed away. A few weeks ago, a family member asked if she would adopt his cat. She never expected to develop much of a relationship with her new furry roommate, but now she loves having someone to cuddle and feed. She likes to take the cat outside on a leash where they can both enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. She talks to the cat to break up the quiet and says it has helped her cope with the loss of her husband. With all the potential benefits of having a pet, losing a pet can be heartbreaking. Pets are Buffy Sophinos sometimes lost due to death or illness, but people who are sick or aging may lose pets for other reasons. Seniors may choose
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FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2015
to give up a pet that they For many can no longer physically seniors, loss or financially care for. has become When people move into an ongoing apartments, assisted experience. living, or nursing care, beloved pets may not be allowed to join them. For many seniors, loss has become an ongoing experience. As they age, they lose friends, family members, and neighbors. They face the possibility of losing physical abilities or mental faculties. Having left the workforce and/or having seen their children move out and start families of their own, seniors may lose a sense of identity or purpose. Pets help fill some of the gaps that are left by these losses. The added loss of a pet can lead to loneliness and depression—the very issues that pets help address. As family, friends, and caregivers, we can provide support to seniors who face the loss of a pet. If possible, we can help prevent loss by providing assistance like changing the litter box, walking the dog, taking the pet to the vet, or even assisting financially. If a senior does lose a pet, the best thing you can do is provide a safe place where he or she can grieve and talk about this loss, and any other loss, without fear of judgment. Buffy Sophinos, JD, MSW received her master’s degree in social work in 2010 and Juris Doctor in 2011 from the University of Denver, before joining Jewish Family Service in 2012. Her experience is focused primarily on assisting clients and families as they make decisions about the future. She has also worked at two assisted living communities, an elder law firm, and the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado.
Keeping the FAITH!
JFS and Calvary Baptist Church Strengthen Partnership JFS is fortunate to have a decade-long
partnership with Calvary Baptist Church, our neighbor less than a mile away. Several couples from the congregation volunteer weekly in the Weinberg Food Pantry. In fact, one couple received the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012. Other congregants utilize the agency’s myriad services. This year, the congregation made a more concerted effort to help local charities each month through mission projects. Morgan Caruthers, pastor of youth and young adults, reached out to JFS to see how the church could help the agency. JFS was the church’s mission project in April to coincide with the Easter/Passover Denver Community Food Drive. Rather than collecting food during the one-week drive, the church collected food all month. Each Sunday in April, a representative from JFS, including a client and volunteers who belong to the church, spoke to the congregants to educate them about the agency. The client loved speaking about her experience with JFS and letting the congregants know about the
resources offered right up the street. In addition, Calvary Baptist donated a portion of each week’s offerings to JFS and sent teenagers from the youth “The depth of our group to JFS’s Youth Sorting Night to sort food collected partnership is a gift.” —Rev. Morgan Caruthers during the food drive. “The piece that excites us the most about the mission project is it allows for cross-pollination among the church members,” says Rev. Caruthers. “Multiple generations get to serve people of different faith backgrounds. People in the congregation could give in different ways; people without a lot of expendable income could go grocery shopping and pick up items for the food drive, and others could give money or volunteer.” She adds, “The depth of our partnership is also a gift. I have gotten to know the JFS case managers and can easily direct congregants when they need help, especially since the agency is right down the street!” We are grateful for this valuable partnership with our neighbors!
THANK YOU for Caring! WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY continued Bernard Munishor The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Fred and Maxine Davine Debbie Goodman Sherman and Lois Rich Seymour Rubenstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Shirley Leff James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Johnny Siegal Mel Brody Warren Toltz Marci Waldman
Teresa Yourtz The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky In Kind Donors AIMCO ANB Bank Congregation B’nai Chaim Boulder Jewish News Calvary Baptist Church Christ Community Church Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Citywide Banks Congregation BMH-BJ
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Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Denver Rescue Mission Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Girl Scout Troop #1737 Girl Scout Troop #964 Hermosa Creek LLC Holland & Hart LLP JEWISHcolorado JEWISHcolorado YAD King Soopers Reclamation Kohelet La Vie Catering Mile High United Way PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc.
Regis Jesuit High School Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center Rose Medical Center Samuels Elementary Temple Emanuel Temple Micah Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac
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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 80231-4394
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 www.jewishfamilyservice.org
Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado and Mile High United Way
Social services for Jewish Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Save the Date for Real Hope 2015 Please save the date and
join us for Real Hope, our longest-running fundraiser, on Thursday, December 10, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Now in its 20th year, this fundraiser benefits the life-transforming work of Jewish Family Service. This gala event is a fabulous party complete with heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a red-carpet photo booth, and a chance to socialize with hundreds of JFS supporters. There will be a short presentation when we bestow the Jack Shapiro Community Service Award and the Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year Award to well-deserving, soon-to-beannounced honorees. Contact Lisa Benoit at 720.248.4633 or lbenoit@jewishfamilyservice.org for information about sponsorship opportunities and stay tuned for more event details.