July/August 2016 Family Matters

FamilyMatters Volume 26, No. 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2016

Support for Rudy: A Continuum of Care for a Holocaust Survivor Client Spotlight, page 4

board spotlight New Members

page 6

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Volunteer Spotlight page 8

FIVE DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH Seniors Matter page 10

A PUBLICATION OF

Save the DateYana! to Celebrate Help us say farewell to Yana Vishnitsky, our

president and CEO, in style and celebrate her successful 38-year career with JFS. This fundraising event will be held on Saturday evening, December 10, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center and will take the place of Real Hope this year. Stay tuned for more details!

Yana Vishnitsky

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 in their homes, 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 nearly 25,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes, and abilities. For more information, call 303.597.5000 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

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

Support JFS While Shopping at King Soopers!

Raising funds for JFS

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

Learn more and purchase a card by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/KingSoopers!

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DONOR Spotlight

Mindy Levy Peckar

Mindy Levy Peckar, vice president

of J & B Building Company, has donated her time and financial support to Jewish Family Service (JFS) in numerous ways over the past five years. We spoke with her to learn more about her dedication to the agency and why she chooses to contribute to JFS. Family Matters (FM): How long have you been giving to JFS? Mindy Peckar (MLP): When I was younger and hosted singles parties, I asked people to bring canned goods for admission, which I would bring to the Weinberg Food Pantry. I’ve given small amounts of money over the years, too, but didn’t seriously start contributing to the agency until I became a volunteer in 2011.

FM: Why did you choose to start supporting JFS? MLP: I had always wanted to get involved with JFS and had been thinking about it for years. Finally, about five years ago, I decided I wanted to volunteer. I made an appointment with Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, and signed up to help in the food pantry. I’ve been volunteering every Friday ever since!

FM: What are all the ways you’re involved in JFS? MLP: In addition to volunteering in the pantry, I joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and the Development Committee earlier this year. My husband, Steve, and I also sponsor the fundraising events and attend Celebrate JFS. This year, we sponsored the JFS Executive Luncheon and bought a table for the Friday pantry volunteers, which was so much fun!

FM: You do so much with JFS—what do you enjoy most about your various roles?

MLP: I love what JFS stands for and does for the community; it’s a vital resource.

Whatever I can do is an honor. I just love the pantry and helping all the people who come

Mindy and Steve Peckar

from so many countries to be able to eat and sustain their families. I have so much fun working with the other volunteers, including my sister, Laurie. I truly look forward to coming to the pantry every Friday! I also like being on the board and learning about the other programs JFS offers, which I didn’t know much about before.

FM: Are you a board member or volunteer for any other nonprofits?

MLP: Yes, I serve on the board of the Colorado Self Storage Association. I also give blood regularly and recently found out I have given a total of 10 gallons! My friend and fellow JFS supporter, Betsy Mordecai Heyman, lovingly said to me, “You give your time, your money, and your blood to help the community!”

Inspired by this story? Learn more about ways to give and make an online donation at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/donate or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer to see our volunteer opportunities.

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CLIENT Spotlight

Support for Rudy: A Continuum of Care for a Holocaust Survivor

Due to some recent health

issues, life has become a lot more challenging for retired dentist Rudy Jacobson. Rudy is divorced and lives alone in his east Denver condominium. At 83, he was diagnosed with class 4 renal failure, which has left him with severely limited kidney function. He has started intensive dialysis treatments, which require hours of his time every week. It has compromised his quality of life and limited his ability to manage some of his day-to-day activities.

Rudy is a Holocaust survivor who at six years of age managed to escape with his family from Germany in 1939. The family fled aboard the ill-fated MS St. Louis ship that left Hamburg, Germany, for Cuba. When the ship arrived,

JFS client Rudy Jacobson greets Kosher Meals on Wheels driver Uriel Rauff at his door to receive his daily meal.

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FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2016

officials there refused to allow the passengers to disembark. As the ship steamed in circles off the coast of Florida and its 936 Jewish refugees pondered their uncertain destiny, immigration officials from various countries were contacted, but none, including the United States, allowed them in. The MS St. Louis eventually returned to Europe, where despite the heroic “JFS has helped efforts of the ship’s me in so many captain, many ways and I’m very of its passengers grateful.” became victims of —Rudy Jacobson the Holocaust.

Rudy’s family was lucky. They were among 181 people aboard the ship the Dutch government allowed into Holland. The family was put in a Dutch internment camp for several months before they were able to gain passage to the United States. Rudy’s stepfather had a cousin who was a successful businessman in Wisconsin, who sent the family money for the trip and agreed to be their sponsor. Their quota number came up in December 1939 and they were able to book the voyage, arriving in the United States on February 5, 1940, only months before Holland fell to Nazi Germany.

Rudy thrived in the United States and eventually became a successful dentist. Since retiring from dentistry in 1993, he has enjoyed the Colorado lifestyle. He’s an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, and outdoorsman. He’s always taken care of himself and has remained fiercely independent—until recently.

As a result of his kidney problems, Rudy can no longer do any heavy lifting and needs help cleaning his condominium. Navigating the stairs in the two-story unit became an issue for him. Even cooking became a challenge.

Rudy needed help. Fortunately, he knew just who to call.

Jewish Family Service immediately came

to the rescue. JFS was able to help Rudy purchase a chair lift with funds provided by The Conference for Material Claims Against Germany, which provides assistance to Holocaust survivors. “The chair lift has been very helpful to me through my recent health struggles and has allowed me to stay in my place,” says Rudy. “It’s an expensive piece of equipment that I couldn’t afford on my fixed income. I’m very grateful.”

Rudy’s dialysis treatments leave him exhausted and weak. To help ensure that he gets enough to eat, he is receiving Kosher Meals on Wheels five days a week. Every weekday morning, driver Uriel Rauff delivers a nutritious kosher meal to Rudy’s door. “I can usually eat the soup and bread for lunch and save the rest for my evening meal,” says Rudy.

“All I have to do is heat it up. I don’t have to cook, which is a big help to me right now.” JFS also helps Rudy celebrate the Jewish holidays with the delivery of special meals at Passover and Hanukkah.

Rudy’s JFS care manager, Mirella Schreiber, has been able to secure additional funds from the Claims Conference to assist Rudy with some of his medical bills. “I’m seeing so many doctors right now, and each visit requires a $40 copay,” he says. “With that and the cost of medications, it all starts adding up. Mirella has been a real angel in helping me with some of these expenses.”

To help Rudy around the house, JFS has arranged for a housekeeper to come twice a week to straighten up his condo, doing all the heavy lifting he can no longer do. The housekeeper mops, vacuums, takes out the

Rudy Jacobson talks about the JFS services he receives.

trash, and helps change the sheets on his bed.

“She’s terrific at what she does,” exclaims Rudy.

“I don’t have to even tell her what to do. She just does it.”

Jewish Family Service has been there for Rudy with a variety of services to assist him through his health challenges. “JFS has helped me in so many ways and I’m very grateful,” says Rudy. “I really don’t know what I would do without the support.”

Inspired by this story? Please consider making a donation using the enclosed envelope or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/donate to support more clients like Rudy.

Front cover photo: JFS client Rudy Jacobson with Kosher Meals on Wheels driver Uriel Rauff.

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WELCOME to Our New Board Members!

Congratulations to our new board members who were installed at the Celebrate JFS

event in June! Cary Chapman, Julian Izbiky, and Laura Michaels were elected to a second three-year term. Thank you to outgoing board members Rocky Miller and Kerry Shelanski for their years of dedicated service to JFS.

Jason Cooper Principal with the Iris Companies Jason and his wife, Sara, have three daughters: Helen, 9; Maeve, 6; and Garrett, 1.

Mark Krivel Retired, community volunteer Mark and his wife, Ellice, have two grown daughters, Sarah and Amy.

“I really appreciate the good work that JFS does in the community—it is a great organization with an incredibly important mission.”

“As a JFS volunteer for the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to learn about, and to appreciate, the value that JFS provides to the community. I’m excited about joining the board, as I will not only continue to learn about the organization, but will be a part of guiding JFS into the future.”

Jason Cooper with his family

Marty Rosenbaum Self-employed health care actuarial consultant Marty and his wife, Melissa, have four grown children—Adam, Leora, Micah, and Aaron— and three grandkids ages 10, 7, and 4.

“I’ve been involved with JFS for a number of years and am excited to be able to contribute more to this great organization.”

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Mark Krivel with his family

We also welcome Leanna Harris as our incoming Development Committee chair!

Leanna just joined the board last year and has taken on several leadership roles during this time. Thank you to our outgoing development chair, David Friedman, for his excellent leadership and dedication!

Leanna Harris

MENTAL HEALTH

Matters

Expanding School-based Services to Early Childhood Education Students

By Katie Fleuriet, LCSW School-Based Mental Health Program Manager

We are excited to announce that

KidSuccess, JFS’s school-based mental health program, is expanding to provide more targeted services to parents and guardians of children in Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes. We have researched and chosen two evidence-based programs that we feel will provide parents with skills they need to enhance their children’s socio-emotional growth.

We are fortunate to receive funding from Invest in Kids to implement the Incredible Years Parent Program in the upcoming 2016-2017 school year. This Providing parents program focuses with skills they on supporting a need to enhance positive parenttheir children’s child bond, socio-emotional enhancing development, and growth reducing harsh discipline. Parents will meet for 14 weekly sessions, each lasting two and one-half hours, and have the opportunity to connect with other parents of similar-aged children. Invest in Kids will work with JFS therapists to provide training, support, and coaching.

We will also implement Conscious Discipline at some of the elementary schools where our therapists work. Conscious Discipline is a philosophy that focuses on socio-emotional regulation and provides structures and supports to allow students to learn how to better self-regulate. JFS school therapists will receive two three-day trainings and coaching throughout the year by a Conscious Discipline trainer. JFS therapists will then offer in-service trainings to ECE staff

members at partner schools, as well as parent trainings throughout the year to provide important resources.

Thank you to all of our KidSuccess and International KidSuccess therapists for all their hard work this past school year: Liz Bogetveit, Jacie Casson, Tim Chi (intern), Dora Dunning, Amanda Factor, Pauline Ng, Shenelle Roebuck, Ilene Solomon, and Rebecca Voit. They are enjoying their Katie Fleuriet summer off before coming back to work on these new initiatives (although Amanda Factor and Jacie Casson are seeing clients during the summer)!

Katie Fleuriet, LCSW, has been the program manager for the JFS school-based mental health programs, KidSuccess and International KidSuccess, since July 2015. Prior to that, she worked for KIPP Colorado Schools for six years, serving as a teacher, a school social worker, and supervisor of other school social workers in the KIPP Colorado region.

FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado

www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo

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VOLUNTEER Spotlight

Dr. Allan Cohen, 2016 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year

Dr. Allan Cohen, a retired psycholo-

gist and longtime JFS volunteer, received the 2016 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year award at Celebrate JFS in June. He has volunteered with the Mental Health Services department for 12 years, providing pro bono counseling services to a variety of JFS clients. He also facilitated several staff in-service trainings for KidSuccess therapists about special education and school laws relating to it, behavior management, and more.

Recently through the JFS Colorado Senior Connections (CSC) program, Allan began hosting weekly office hours for residents of Edgewater Plaza who are 60 years or older.

During the 30- to 40-minute appointments, he provides “light counseling” sessions to residents who need to talk through an issue they are having, process any frustrations or feelings, and help them move on with their day and week.

In June, he started a weekly discussion group with these residents to talk about a wide range of topics. These discussions often lead residents to consider seeing Dr. Cohen individually to discuss an issue “Honestly, the they never thought they would need to talk about. Felica Goett, reward I get is doing the work.” CSC activities and volunteer coordinator, says, “Residents have —Dr. Allan Cohen really taken to Dr. Cohen and enjoy his laid-back nature. I have noticed that he really likes the opportunity to help people who have had a difficult past or who foresee a difficult future because of financial, health, or other issues.”

A Denver native, Allan received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, a master’s in clinical social work from UCLA, and a doctor of psychology (PsyD) from the University of Denver. He worked for Adams 12 Five Star Schools 8

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2016

Dr. Allan Cohen

(Adams County School District) for 26 years, first as director of mental health services and then as director of special education before retiring in 2000. He started a small private therapy practice, which he continued after retirement for a few more years.

When his wife passed away in 2002, Allan looked for volunteer opportunities where he could use his expertise. Since he had spent much of his career working with children, he wanted to explore helping seniors. Allan explains, “I felt like seniors are mostly an ignored population and I wanted to give them a voice by truly listening to them and letting them share their concerns, thoughts, and ideas.”

He first volunteered at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless through Mental Health Colorado’s Pro Bono Counseling Program. Then, after some time, a friend mentioned that JFS offered counseling services.

He met with Stacey Weisberg, director of

Mental Health Services, and began seeing clients and consulting with the KidSuccess school-based counseling team. Stacey says, “I am so grateful for Allan’s continued dedication to our clients and staff. We value his expertise and are fortunate that he chooses to volunteer so much time with JFS!” In addition to his volunteer efforts at JFS, he currently leads a weekly group at Morning Star Adult Day Program in Lowry for seniors with disabilities. In 2009, he was honored as volunteer of the year by the Colorado Mental Health Association.

Allan has truly enjoyed his volunteer work with JFS over the years. He says, “JFS is a fabulous organization that reaches so many people and helps so many different

populations. The staff does “I am so grateful for a great job. I hold the Allan’s continued counseling staff in high dedication to our regard and enjoy consulting clients and staff.” with them.”

—Stacey Weisberg When asked about the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year award, Allan commented, “I was very surprised when I first heard about the award, but it’s a great honor! Honestly, the reward I get is doing the work. Every volunteer probably says this, but I get way more out of it than what the clients receive. I look forward to working with the clients every week!”

Thank you to Allan for his years of service to JFS! We truly appreciate all he continues to do for our clients.

Inspired by this article? Please consider making a donation to the Volunteer Services department by using the enclosed envelope or contribute online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/donate.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nancy Benyamin at 720.248.4642 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer.

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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SENIORS

Matter

Using the Five Dimensions of Health to Enhance Your Life

By Christina Caldwell, MSW, LSW, MPH Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Care Manager/Hearts and Hands Program Coordinator

It can be difficult

to find meaning in life when you realize you can no longer do things that once brought you joy. You may feel more isolated because you are no longer able to drive safely. You may feel less connected because your circle of friends is getting smaller. As you inch toward the end of your life—as we all are—how do you measure your overall well-being?

How do you cope with changes?

Where do you find joy?

Examining your life through the lens of the five dimensions of health can be a beneficial way to assess areas you are struggling with. The concept is popular in health promotion because it incorporates a holistic view Christina Caldwell of well-being. Each dimension affects the others. Below are some tips to help evaluate and improve your overall health.

Physical: This facet of health is perhaps the most commonly thought of when we think about health. Seniors may be physically limited, but it doesn’t mean there is no way to improve. Studies have shown great benefits in diet and exercise. Consider other things like rest, maintaining a good relationship with your doctor, and managing stress.

• Develop short-term goals to stay motivated.

• Keep a log to track exercise, nutrition, and sleep.

• Do small range-of-motion exercises that can be performed while sitting, such as neck rolls or leg extensions.

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FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2016

Emotional: The mind has a strong influence over the body. I’m often reminded of the famous quote by Dale Carnegie, “Two men looked out from prison bars; one saw mud and the other saw stars.” Try adopting an optimistic attitude when reacting to life’s ups and downs.

• Maintain healthy boundaries by saying no to activities you don’t want to do.

How do you • Practice self-reflecmeasure tion and give yourself your overall plenty of grace. well-being?

• Practice gratitude: write down or say five things aloud that you are grateful for daily.

Intellectual: Some seniors may be experiencing memory loss or vision changes that make things like reading difficult. It is important to find stimulating mental activities that can be adapted to fit your needs.

• Commit to being a lifelong learner.

• Stay abreast of current events.

• Consider taking a class at your nearest library or senior center.

Spiritual: This dimension of health may be one of the most relevant to seniors as they reflect on their lives and the legacy they leave behind.

• Make time for prayer and meditation.

• Contemplate the meaning of your life.

Reflect on your accomplishments, lessons learned, and how you overcame your greatest challenges.

• Practice being in the moment: listen to the sounds around you, notice the color of the sky, and take a deep breath.

Social: It is important for people of all ages to relate to and connect with others. We are social beings! Seniors are at exceptional risk for isolation, but there are still ways to connect with others.

• Start with where you are: be friendly to neighbors, your faith community, and family.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and don’t assume that people are too busy.

• Find organizations like JFS that have volunteers who can visit at your home for friendship and socialization.

• Don’t underestimate the benefits of having a pet. Pets can provide companionship, stress relief, and give you a sense of purpose as you care for them.

You don’t have to make big changes to

improve your quality of life. Incorporating small changes can make a big impact!

Christina Caldwell graduated with a double master’s degree in social work and public health from New Mexico State University in 2011. She works at JFS as a care manager connecting older adults with resources to enhance their quality of life. She also coordinates the Hearts and Hands Homemaker program, which provides in-home support to people living with HIV and AIDS.

Homecare from Our Family to Yours

JFS at Home offers non-medical, fully licensed, customized homecare by screened, compassionate, and insured caregivers. · Hourly to 24/7 personal care · Assistance with dressing, grooming, and hygiene · Light housekeeping and cooking · Transportation and shopping · Companionship

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from April 1 to May 31, 2016.

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.

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

Martin Tobin Daniel and Deena Zeppelin Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Warren Toltz Halene Weisbart Walter Treidel Marvin Tyor IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENT

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Jay and Barbara Chapman Jon and Jamie Sarché Dennis and Barbara Hayutin Betty Karsh Estelle Stine Richard Susman Michael and Carol Sarché Cynthia Chapman Brad Schuster and Patricia Bortz Libby Bortz Michael and Michelle Stern Cynthia Chapman Bruce and Sandra Ogin

Avi Loewenstein and Sydney Snyder Leslie Keith Linda and Mark Loewenstein IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Bret Wohlgemuth and Jamie Brenner Robert Berger IN HONOR OF PASSOVER Marie Cardin Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT

Phineas Goldman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service

Debra Flitter David and Debra Flitter Yana Vishnitsky Christine Benero Douglas and Susan Seserman

IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY

IN HONOR OF

Leland Huttner Zelda Friednash

Ryan Acker David and Maggie Shapiro Michael Altenberg Michael Altenberg and Libby Bortz Brad Schuster and Patricia Bortz Olga Andolsen Thomas Andolsen Elaine Appel Arthur and Arlene Moss Joel Appel and Tiffany Glucksman Appel Mark and Sarah Raphaely Aaron Wasserman Al Barke Michael Weiss and Lisa Meer Weiss Rabbi Eliot Baskin Susan Goodwin Lisa Benoit Jamie and Leanna Harris Dr. and Mrs. Michael Berman Dr. and Mrs. William Klein Sylvie Bloch Jeannine And Claude Sherman Philanthropic Fund Ron Bostwick Judith Dack Michael Swirnow Norman Brownstein Neal and Nancy Groff Dawn Richard Dirk Bird and Caron Blanke Jamie and Leanna Harris

IN HONOR OF BAR MITZVAH

IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Lana Friedman Scott and Andrea Stillman Sheldon Friedman David and Helene Pollock Miriam Goldberg Joe and Tsai Bilett Allan and Helena Striker Martin Herzog Arthur and Joanne Kleinstein Carole R. Jacobs Ronald and Roni Brown Donald Yale and Jody Epstein Audrey Friedman Marcus Rachel Pollack Jerry Pearl Helen Bernstein Kim Grant and Mira Zevin Ruth Wolff Joanne Potts William and Alaina Green Steve Potts William and Alaina Green Carol Sarché Cynthia Chapman Jamie Sarché Cynthia Chapman

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Arleen Y. Gershen Tom and Jane Gwin Lynda Goldstein Bettina Kurowski Harry and Vicki Sterling Sheryl Goodman Judy Handler Richard and Eileen Greenberg and Family Jordan and Cathy Klein Rich and Eileen Greenberg Bruce and Janyce Wald Leanna Harris Mary Caulkins Jamie and Leanna Harris Rebecca Hansen Nick and Karen Huber Nancy Alterman & Judy Alterman, of blessed memory Aaron and Niah Hyatt Jack and Andrea Hyatt Julian M. Izbiky The SolutionPR LLC Carol Karshmer Stuart and Judy Heller John Keith Mark Duffy Richard and Cathy Neistat Kathy Kortz Sheryl Goodman Howard and Blanca Lerman Leslie Karotkin Allan and Hannah Levy Lin Sunshine Anna Michaels Ellin Keene Grace Michaels Ellin Keene Lisa Farber Miller The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Miller Wendy Dinner Bev Sloan Donna Nelson Rollan Nelson Stuart Pack Vicki Cowart Mindy Levy Peckar Mike and Tammy Abramovitz Andrea Pollack Ken and Judy Robins Kati Pressman Joe Friedman and Mary Biondolillo Joshua Robinson’s Father Joshua Robinson Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Michael and Susan Gluck Jane E. Rosenbaum Gary Kleiman and Elisa Moran Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Amy Rubinson Trudy Rubinson

Micah and Katie Schwalb’s Children Micah and Katie Schwalb Avery Schwartz Michelle Schwartz Macoy Schwartz Michelle Schwartz Sandy Solove Lisa Solove Staff and Volunteers of JFS Jessica Milstein Barbara Gould Joseph Kelly Temple Sinai’s Mental Wellness Program John and Cindy Abramson Martin Tobin Amy Zeppelin Yana Vishnitsky Lynn and Lisa Taussig Alan Tedeschi and Elaine Gampel Jim Wolfe Aaron Wasserman IN MEMORY OF Juanita and Leonard Alterman Phillip Alterman Rita Barasch Susan Barasch Sylvia Berry The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Grandma, Loretta, Stanley, and Grandpa Betesh Elliott Betesh Emma Bilbey Rita Streim Sal Bilbey Rita Streim Myron Bleicher The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jean S. Bloch Thien Van Le and Jane Routh Le Winnie Rose Bronstein Joseph Kelly Daniel J. Burke Steve Kolby Martin Castelbaum The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service John Cline Ron and Joyce Fishman Howard Cohan Robert Berger Ely Birnbaum and Shirley Londer The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Helen Rae Cohan Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard George and Sheera Gumbiner Chester and Debra Luby Don and Linda Neuman Kathy Oatis

Richard and Michele Right Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Dorothy Schoen Allan and Helena Striker Barry and Nancy Wayne Davey Cohen Joe and Tsai Bilett Marvin and Jackie Cooper Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sarah Cohen Henry Rasof Donor Advised Fund Joseph Cruz Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Sidney Davidson Les and Estelle Levitt Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Linda Dworkin Bruce and Sandra Ogin Arnold and Karen Stein Theodore Epstein Lois Alterman Joe and Tsai Bilett Harvey and Judith Cohen Arthur and Dorothy Malman Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Dolores Fiedler John Fiedler Wayne Fobar Joe and Tsai Bilett Philip Freiberger Anne Sibley Jack Frisch Ellen Johnson Irene Glass Izzy and Vicki Glass Michelle Godo Dependable Cleaners and the Toltz Family Kayce Goldberg Andrew and Leslie Heins Frieda Goldenhersh David Cohen Elliott and Gloria Husney Pam Naiman Arnold and Karen Stein Helen Greschler Judy St Clair Robert Griffin Tracy Owens Cathy Grimm Charles Van Gundy and Debbie Zimmerman Lea Helmer Arthur Helmer Irwin Horwitz Elliott and Gloria Husney Shirley Huber Kathy Finley Morey Idelberg Harvey and Judith Cohen Burton and Barbara Dunevitz Zelda Friednash

Jane Fruchtman Edith Hayutin Sheldon and Elaine Hayutin Elliott and Gloria Husney Mark and Jamie Idelberg Henny Kaufmann Bernard and Leba Munishor Michael and Patti Ross De De Sherman Robert and Carole Slosky Philip Stahl Ernie Stone Allan and Helena Striker Marlene Weiner Bernard Karshmer Eugene Heller and Lily Appelman Elliott and Gloria Husney Marlene Lind Bruce Katchen Jon and Sheryl Goodman Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Arnold and Karen Stein Halene Weisbart Donald Kaufmann Lisa Schatz Zoe Tova Kislowitz Allyn Bandell Robert Klausner Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Marvin and Jackie Cooper Shirley Leff Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Julius Leshin Libbie Norton Sidney Levin Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Abe Levine Don and Linda Neuman Abe Malina Sy and Horty Youngelman Dora Malina Sy and Horty Youngelman Idella B. Mark Saralyn Mark Abe Markman Carolyn Steele Julia Markman Carolyn Steele Norman Markman Carolyn Steele Peppy Markman Carolyn Steele Susan Mason Jonathan Quinn

Abby Meisterplass Debbie Meisterplass Larry and Audrey Plotkin Teresa Mills Jay’s Valet Parking Belle Miran Clay Vigoda Gordon Ney Wendy Aronson Alyse Paris Courtney Cowgill Norman Pester Tamara Pester Idamae Popiel Lois Alterman Jordy Prum The Hailpern and Husney Families Sarah Rabicoff Craig and Vicki Eskanos Smiley Rabicoff Craig and Vicki Eskanos Alex Rittenbaum Albert and Janice Dinner Anna Rosen Oscar and Selma Sladek Samuel Rosen Oscar and Selma Sladek Elinor Rothstein David and Lisa Hoffman Joyce L. Routh Thien Van Le and Jane Routh Le Thomas Sandham Marge Fisch Mark Sarasohn Dale Sarasohn Reb Zalman Schacter-Shalomi Kati Pressman Charles Schneider Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Joseph Schwartz Samuel and Benita Idelberg Gnanm Selvaraj Andrew Thangasamy Rajam Selvaraj Andrew Thangasamy Miriam Sherman Sheila Bugdanowitz and Carol Sobel Erwin Shuldig Janice White Erwin Shulkin Randy and Lois Arlen Erin Bersin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Tom Feldman and Jan Spitzer Barbara Glogiewicz Sheldon and Elaine Hayutin E. H. and Susanne Rockett, Jr. Florence Siniako David Cohen Marvin and Faye Robinowitz

Marion Slavsky Aaron and Ellen Bregman Ron and Joyce Fishman Berta Goodman Michael Spellman Trudy Rubinson Jerry Stern Elyse Perrone Bettie Sternberg Eugene and Ruth Schorsch Stacey Stevens The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jay Stillman David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Alan Strauss Bruce and Shelley Gaynes Sally Steele Metzger Craig and Nancy Steele Samuel Tyor Marvin Tyor Beanie Wedgle Marvin Tyor Yoav Weinstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Marshal West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Wally Williams Cynthia Chapman Anne Winokur Linda Boelter Harry Winokur Linda Boelter Ethel Wolfson Elliott and Gloria Husney Abe Wolpo Frances Wolpo Joyce Zeff Richard and Sandra Laws Ben Zeidman Bart and Barbara Valls Louise Zeidman Bart and Barbara Valls Daniel Zirinsky Mark Zirinsky and Ellice Goldberg WITH GRATITUDE FOR Ted Brooks Dorothea Brooks JFS Staff Bruce and Julie Shaffer Jeff Olson and Laura Freeman Rachel Pollack Continued on page 15

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CONGRATULATIONS TO STAFF

on Recent Awards

Congratulations to Yana Vishnitsky,

Jewish Family Service (JFS) president and CEO, and Jessica Shouse, SHALOM Denver program manager, on receiving awards at recent industry conferences.

Yana received a Distinguished Service Award at the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies (AJFCA) national conference in San Diego. The AJFCA honors member agency CEOs and executive directors who have worked in the Jewish communal service field for more than 20 years and who have demonstrated leadership excellence as evidenced by agency growth and the provision of innovative services to meet community needs.

Yana has served JFS for the past 38 years and has held her current role as president and CEO for 16 years. She has announced her retirement from the agency, effective at

Lee Sherman, AJFCA CEO (left) presents awards to Dory Zatuchni, LCSW, CEO of Jewish Family Services of Delaware; Barbara Levy Gradet, LCSW, Executive Director of Jewish Community Services in Baltimore, MD, and Yana Vishnitsky, LCSW. 14

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2016

the end of 2016. JFS has achieved significant success and growth under Yana’s leadership.

In 2000, the agency had a $4.8 million budget and provided services to nearly 8,000 people.

Sixteen years later, those numbers have more than doubled; the 2016 budget is nearly $12 million and the agency benefits nearly 25,000 people.

“I am honored to receive this award and to be recognized for my tenure at JFS of Colorado by the AJFCA,” Yana says. “My decision to retire is bittersweet. A part of me cannot imagine a life without JFS, but after 38 years, the time has come to retire. I will continue to serve and support JFS in any way that I can.”

Jessica (Jessy) was honored with the Benjamin S. Loewenstein Outstanding Professional Award at the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services (IAJVS) conference in Philadelphia. Established by Benjamin S. Loewenstein, this award honors an outstanding professional in the IAJVS network who has

Jessica Shouse (right) receives the Benjamin S. Loewenstein Outstanding Professional Award.

exhibited an exceptional commitment to the field. Sara Leeper, JFS director of disability and employment services, nominated Jessy for the award and presented it to her at the conference.

Jessy says, “I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be an ‘injustice fighter.’ I recently saw a tee shirt that read, ‘I’m a clientadvocating, injustice-fighting, therapy-providing, rights-protecting, family-preserving, childdefending, staff-developing, crisis-intervening social worker,’ which defines what I do on a daily basis. Thank you to the IAJVS network for selecting me to receive the Benjamin S. Loewenstein Outstanding Professional Award. I could not be more honored!”

STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in July and August: 15 years: Yelena Avramenko, Russian Mental Health psychotherapist 10 years: Aisha Turner, SHALOM Denver vocational specialist 5 years: Cathy Wellwood, Refugee Mental Health manager

THANK YOU for Caring!

WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Roz Ash Jon and Sheryl Goodman Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Richard Baum Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Evie Coufal Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Sherry Diner Randy and Sherry Diner John Fischer Cynthia Chapman Jeffrey Grazi Elliott and Gloria Husney Koby Gruenwald Daniel and Amy Feldman Sherri Goldstein Jon and Sheryl Goodman Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg

Brian Rosen Jon and Jamie Sarché JJ Slatkin Elliott Husney Bernard and Leba Munishor Lisa Schwartz Mimi Karsh Carol Levin Ben and Robyn Friedman Gary Levine Don and Linda Neuman Mari Lurie Ben and Robyn Friedman Elliott Magalnick June Watzman Shira Merenstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Lisa Farber Miller Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Amy Toltz-Miller Halene Weisbart

Continued from page 13

Kathy Neustadt Eric and Ellen Pollock Jon Steeler Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum IN KIND DONORS Eight Days a Week AIMCO Apartment Investment and Management Company Argosy University Brookdale Tamarac Square Calvary Baptist Church Cardinal Health Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Colorado Bed Bug K9 Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Holland & Hart LLP

Jewish Community Center Preschool JEWISHcolorado King Soopers Reclamation Kohelet La Vie Catering Mile High United Way Panera Bread PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. Rassman Design The Red Hat Society of Shalom Cares Rocky Mountain Spice Company Rose Medical Center Shalom Cares South Denver Fencing Academy Temple Emanuel Temple Micah Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s Walgreen’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2016

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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 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.

DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217