FamilyMatters Volume 27, No. 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2017
PREVENTING TEEN SUICIDE Mental Health Matters page 7
Seidah Muhammad-Green: A Vision of Happiness and Joy Client Spotlight, page 4
A PUBLICATION OF
board spotlight New Members
page 9
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Volunteer Spotlight page 12
From the CEO Dear Friends,
Fresh Forward!
Jewish Family Service is embarking on an important new initiative. We have committed to provide the highest-quality, nutritious food through all our food programs. Considering that JFS distributed the equivalent of more than 345,000 meals in the last year, this is significant. Why? We believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food regardless of their income, race, ethnicity, or ZIP code. More nutritious food options play an important role in combating the public health epidemic of obesity and, for kids, have a strong connection to improving student behavior and academic performance. Shepard Nevel Our biggest food program is the Weinberg Food Pantry, which provided the equivalent of more than 320,000 meals in 2016. We are aggressively working to purchase more fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, while limiting the provision of processed foods and foods high in sugar. We have been partnering with Ekar Farm, which grows a variety of organic vegetables during the summer months. They generously donate tens of thousands of pounds of vegetables to the Weinberg Food Pantry every growing season. We also encourage home
gardeners to donate any excess produce to the pantry. Lunchbox Express is another high-volume food program for JFS. Last year we distributed nearly 32,000 meals to low-income kids during the summer and after school. We have been purchasing shelf-stable prepackaged meals that don’t require refrigeration. We are transitioning to a new vendor that offers fresh lunches, including fresh fruit and dairy offerings. We will need to equip our delivery buses with refrigeration capability, but it’s worth the expense to ensure that kids are getting high-quality food and the nutrition they need and deserve. Other programs that will be impacted are the meals we provide for seniors. While we always have met nutritional guidelines for older adults, we will focus on more fresh, healthy choices. JFS is leading the way in the provision of fresh, high-quality food to the clients we are privileged to serve. The health benefits are immeasurable. Are we serving our clients if we serve them poor-quality processed foods? We can do better—and we are.
Shepard Nevel President & CEO
Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to people in need. Founded in 1872, JFS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency serving metro Denver and Boulder. JFS helps seniors live independently at home, provides quality mental health counseling, offers training and job placement to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis.
Family Matters is published bimonthly by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver, CO 80231 / www.jewishfamilyservice.org 2
FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2017
DONOR Spotlight
Andrea and Scott Stillman
By Laurie Loweecey, Volunteer Writer
Andrea and Scott Stillman’s
relationship with Jewish Family Service is multifaceted. They donate resources, volunteer, and utilize services. Andrea and Scott share why they support JFS. JFS Helps Our Community Scott: It’s so far-reaching. Nearly 25,000 people benefited from JFS in the last year. It serves all people—people of all ages, faiths, and incomes who are most in need—right in our backyard. Andrea: We used the senior support services to help my parents around the home when my dad was sick. I love how easy it is to utilize multiple programs within JFS; that’s why people should give their resources, time, or money. How They Contribute Andrea: I volunteer with the Bright Holidays program. It’s a joy. We get lists of things that clients need and work with donors to provide those gifts. I make sure they’re getting the right items and deliver those gifts to staff for their clients. Scott: Our company, MassMutual Colorado, brings presents for the kids. I also co-chaired the JFS Executive Luncheon this year. We’re doing something new this summer: volunteering with the Lunchbox Express program to feed low-income kids. We also write checks. Why They Stay Involved with JFS Andrea: Every time I do Bright Holidays, I see people ask for laundry detergent, diapers, and snow boots. It’s an eye-opener to see how fortunate we are and how generous our community is. Scott: I want to volunteer with Lunchbox Express because I haven’t yet been involved with the people JFS serves. I’m interested in making that connection.
Andrea and Scott Stillman
Life-Changing Moments Andrea: I was working on Bright Holidays and there was a boy, 15, who asked for a set of sheets. He got dinosaur sheets, which seemed young for a 15-year-old. Shelly Hines (director of Family Safety Net Services) said, “This boy is used to sleeping on T-shirts sewn together, so if they aren’t so age“Spend 15 appropriate, it isn’t a big deal. It’s minutes in the just really cool he has some sheets to food pantry and sleep on!” And that hit me deeply. I see how people couldn’t believe that was his life and feel when they that’s what he was asking for. walk out.” Scott: Spend 15 minutes in the food —Scott Stillman pantry and see the people shop and how they feel when they walk out. Just observing that is very significant. Laurie Loweecey is a volunteer writer for JFS. She is a national award-winning creative marketing/communications strategist experienced in developing and executing marketing, branding, and promotional communications for global entertainment and content companies.
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CLIENT Spotlight
Seidah Muhammad-Green: A Vision of Happiness and Joy
Seidah Muhammad-Green
is a longtime client of JFS’s Senior Solutions department. At 84 years old, she is completely blind. She has some additional health problems and needs extra support to live safely and comfortably in her home. The support that JFS provides has been invaluable. Seidah is a Muslim name that means happiness and joy. Her kind demeanor and quick wit exemplify the name. Everyone who meets her agrees: she is a joy to be around. JFS first helped Seidah with kosher meals, which were delivered daily to her door. The agency has assisted her with navigating health care services and helped cover some medical bills that were more than she could afford on her fixed income. A homemaker also visits every two weeks and helps clean her apartment, change her sheets, organize her clothes, and whatever else she needs. “It’s an enormous help to me,” she says. In addition, JFS has Maryann Touitou with provided Seidah with Seidah Muhammad-Green a driver and Friendly Visitor volunteer, who takes her to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, and other errands. AmeriCorps member and JFS volunteer Maryann Touitou has developed a wonderful friendship with Seidah, whom she calls a friend. “I’ve had four different Friendly Visitors over the years and all are beautiful people,” says Seidah. “I get around much better when others guide me, and all have been a huge help in that way.” 4
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Seidah continues to work with her JFS care manager, Jillian Kelly, who first met with her in 2012 to assess her needs. Jillian quickly responded with a variety of support services. “Jillian is a lifeline,” declares Seidah. “She’s a beautiful person who listens and is very understanding.” Seidah wasn’t born blind. Her vision started to deteriorate when she was a young woman and progressed over many years. In the early 1950s she worked in a lab at Mercy Hospital as a histologist. She started experiencing severe migraine headaches and was later diagnosed with glaucoma. Over the course of several years, she slowly lost her sight and eventually had to stop working. By the 1980s she was legally blind. She attended the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind in Colorado Springs and studied business enterprise. She then worked at the Colorado State Capitol, where she managed the gift shop and cafeteria. She was beloved by legislators and visitors alike before retiring in 1993. Seidah suffers from an odd condition related to her blindness. Charles Bonnet Syndrome affects a significant percentage of blind people, who experience vivid hallucinations. For Seidah, it’s almost constant. “It’s like watching a movie with visions flashing in front of my face,” says Seidah. “I see old school work, trees, houses, cartoons, and a variety of objects,” she says. “It can be entertaining, but most of the time it’s annoying and sometimes frightening. To date, there is no medical treatment,” she laments. JFS had had a big impact on Seidah’s life. “Jewish Family Service has been a lifesaver for me,” she says. “Without the help of the caring staff and volunteers, I don’t know what I would do. They came to my aid five years ago and I’m blessed they are still there for me today.”
SAVE THE DATE for Reel Hope Boulder Featuring Bruce Vilanch! Join us for Boulder JFS’s fifth annual Reel Hope Boulder event,
featuring award-winning writer, comedian, songwriter, and actor Bruce Vilanch on Saturday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. at the Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Avenue. This fundraising event will include a wine and beer reception with substantial hors d’oeuvres and a firsthand account of Bruce’s storied decades-long career. All proceeds support the life-transforming work of Boulder JFS, which provides older adults, adults with disabilities, their families, and individuals in crisis with services to enhance their quality of life. About Bruce Vilanch With his unmistakable presence—characterized by a big-girl figure, oversized red glasses, a shaggy blonde mane, and usually a hilarious T-shirt—Bruce Vilanch has been one of Hollywood’s most colorful characters for decades. His campy presence and outrageous apparel only heighten his broad appeal. Bruce Vilanch He’s known to many as an onscreen character actor and comedian, but Vilanch achieved his biggest successes as a writer for stand-up comics such as Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, Lily Tomlin, and Rosanne Barr. For many years, he was the go-to comic for stand-up sets and a first-choice writer for events, including the Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony telecasts. For more information about sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please contact Bonni Raderman, Boulder JFS development associate, at 720.749.3404 or braderman@jewishfamilyservice.org. Tickets will go on sale in September.
School Supplies Needed for
Lunchbox Express!
Please help us send low-income children
back to school with the essentials they need to succeed! We hope to distribute backpacks full of school supplies to approximately 140 elementary school students who receive summer lunches through our Lunchbox Express program at several locations in early August. You can help by donating these supplies: • Backpacks (17” or 18”) • Crayons (24-pack) • Pencils (12-pack) • Markers (8-pack, washable) • Composition Notebooks (wide-ruled)
• Spiral Notebooks (70-page, wide-ruled) • Folders (two-pocket) • Scissors (safety or small pointed) Donations needed by Monday, July 31! Please bring school supplies to Jewish Family Service, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231. JFS is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No time to shop? You can donate money instead at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/supplies! The cost of a backpack and the supplies listed above is $24.49.
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New staff Welcome to Our New CFO, Lance Monahan
We are pleased to welcome Lance Monahan, who joined
the JFS team in April as chief financial officer. In this high-level strategic leadership position, he is responsible for the oversight and management of all financial operations for the agency. Lance is an accomplished accounting and finance executive with 20 years of valuable experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He says, “In my career I have developed a passion for mental health and vocational services, and JFS has been successfully providing these services to the community for more than a century. I’m looking forward to supporting JFS’s vision of expanding our mental health programs and care management for seniors.” Thank you to Gail Pennington, director of finance and accounting for 12 years, who left her position in June. She says, “What’s made my time at JFS special is the staff and board members—I’ve learned just how good-hearted and hardworking those who work and volunteer in the social services field are. I’ve had an extraordinary team in the Accounting department, and their hard work is what made it possible for me to succeed.”
Meet the JFS Welcome Team
Lance Monahan
Gail Pennington
Viv DeHerrera, Receptionist • Viv joined JFS as our full-time receptionist in February and serves as the primary point of contact at the reception desk. Before joining JFS, Viv worked in personnel for the federal government in various states for 25 years. So far, her favorite thing about working at JFS is “interacting with the clients.” Randie Winograd, Receptionist • Randie has served as a part-time receptionist since July 2010. In her role, she loves “fulfilling the JFS mission of helping people.”
L to R: Hannah Nusz, Randie Winograd, Viv DeHerrera.
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Hannah Nusz, LCSW, Central Intake Specialist • Hannah joined the team in May to fill the new central intake specialist position. Her main job responsibilities are to engage walk-in clients and phone referrals to assess how JFS can best meet clients’ needs from a holistic approach that encompasses all of JFS’s services. Her favorite part of her job is “collaborating with the different departments and working with a variety of clients.”
MENTAL HEALTH
Matters
Tips for Parents to Prevent Teen Suicide
By Carissa Dulchinos, MA JFS KidSuccess School-Based Therapist
Suicide is the second leading
cause of death for teens over 15. It is a significant health issue facing today’s youth, particularly in Colorado, which in 2015 was ranked seventh out of the 50 states for rate of suicide. Suicide is a complicated topic, and there is never only one cause. However, certain contextual factors may increase the risk of a suicide attempt. These include substance use, a history of suicide attempts or self-harming behavior, a mental health diagnosis, current stressful situation (such as family conflict, a breakup, recent loss, abuse, or traumatic event), and/or experiencing the suicide of a friend or family member. A suicide impacts the whole community, and can sometimes set off a contagion effect of further suicide attempts in that community. Youth are especially vulnerable to this effect, so it may be important to check in with your child if you do hear of a suicide in your community. Television, internet, and social media can spread messages quickly and widely. Suicide is understandably a scary topic, but there are some warning signs you can watch for: • Making statements about death or suicide, which may be fairly direct (e.g., “I want to die,” “I want to go to sleep and never wake up”) or more indirect (e.g., “You’d be better off without me” or “I wish I wasn’t here”). • Reckless behavior, or acting without any apparent concern for safety, might also be an indirect expression of suicidal thoughts. • Sudden trouble sleeping or changes in sleep patterns.
• Giving away cherished possessions to friends or family members, or making other preparations (such as creating a will, storing medication, or buying a weapon). • Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or appearance. Mood changes can take the form of increased depression or irritability or, counterintuitively, improvement in mood. When someone has made the decision to die, they Carissa Dulchinos may feel a sense of peace or relief at the decision and experience a consequent upswing in mood. If you are concerned about your child, talk to them. Asking directly about suicide will not make a person more suicidal; rather, it gives them permission to let out these Suicide is a intense, often frightening and isolating complicated feelings. Take suicidal statements topic, and seriously, even if your child is able to there is never calm down or later says they did not only one cause. mean it. Remove access to any means of self-harm that the person identifies (e.g., weapons or medication). Suicide is preventable, and it is important to seek help from a mental health professional if you are concerned about your child’s safety. Two good places to turn for help are the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255 and Colorado Crisis Services: 1.844.493.8255 or text TALK to 38255. Carissa Dulchinos, MA, graduated in 2016 with a master’s degree in international disaster psychology. She joined Jewish Family Service as a school-based therapist in September 2016.
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BOARD Spotlight
A Farewell from JFS Board Chair Jane E. Rosenbaum
As I reflect on my role as
chair of the Jewish Family Service Board of Directors, I feel both honored and humbled by the experience. I have served on the board off and on for 20 years. I have seen it grow from a small agency with a relatively small budget to one of the most important agencies in the Denver community. JFS has been in existence for close to 150 years and it is because of the work we do to transform lives. The past two years have brought a lot of change to JFS. Our longtime CEO Yana Vishnitsky retired and we hired a new President and CEO, Shepard Nevel. We have Jane E. Rosenbaum confidence that Shepard will
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enable JFS to continue to grow and serve more people in both the Jewish and general communities. I want to thank all the board members for their support and engagement in the issues that faced us these past two years. I know you will continue to remain engaged in JFS’s valuable work. Without the dedicated staff, volunteers, and of course our exceptional donors, JFS could not continue its important work. A big thank-you to our partners in the community, such as foundations and other organizations that provide funding for our very critical programs. I have enjoyed my time as chair and am confident that JFS will thrive for many years to come. Thank you for allowing me to be your leader at this time.
Jane E. Rosenbaum Chair, 2015–2017
STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in July and August: 20 years: Marlene Adam, senior accountant, general 5 years: Myrna Maldonado, Family Safety Net program coordinator
WELCOME to Our New Board Members!
Congratulations to our new board members (below) who were installed at the Celebrate
JFS event in June! John Keith was elected to a second three-year term. Thank you to outgoing board members Debbie Aleinikoff, Carla Bartell, Jack Brodsky, Randy Davis, Kenneth Glickstein, and Will Gold for their years of dedicated service to JFS. Charlie Gwirtsman, Chair Co-Founder and Managing Director of KRG Capital Partners Charlie and his wife, Nancy Reichman, have two sons, Danny and Andrew. “Jewish Family Service continues to act as a vital provider of basic services for a portion of the population that has been increasingly challenged by the faltering economy and the erosion of the safety net. I have been happy to be a financial supporter and hope I can make a further contribution as board chair.”
Jonathan Alpert Partner in Westfield Company Jonathan and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters: Aria, four, and Ever, three. “I am looking forward to diving deeper into the organization and helping JFS thrive in the future.”
Charlie Gwirtsman Jonathan Alpert and his family
Michael S. Asarch Auto Broker, Centennial Leasing & Sales He lives in Greenwood Village with his partner, Chris Acosta. “JFS has always been an organization I’ve been proud to support. I like that it helps people from all walks of life. I appreciate that they keep costs to run the organization low and most of the budget goes to help the cause.”
Lorez Meinhold Senior Policy Director, Keystone Policy Center “I am excited to join a board and an organization that transforms lives and impacts the community in such a meaningful way.”
Lorez Meinhold Michael Asarch FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2017
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SENIORS
Matter
Senior Social Isolation: The Growing Concern
By Ashley Taeckens, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center Intern
Do you know of a socially isolated
senior? JFS Senior Solutions wants you to strengthen our community by reaching out to seniors in need. Loneliness and social isolation hinder the lives of older adults in our community every day. Loneliness is a subjective feeling of being alone that we may feel from time to time. In contrast, social isolation is the objective lack or absence of social contact. Considering that the U.S.’s older adult population will continue to expand until its estimated peak of 81.1 million in 2036, senior social isolation (SSI) is a growing concern. With current trends like a highly mobile society and fewer children per family, the issue of social isolation takes on new significance. Some of the factors Ashley Taeckens that can increase an older adult’s chances of becoming socially isolated include: • Living alone • Being 80+ years of age • Chronic health conditions • Decreased functional ability • Incontinence, frailty, or fear of falling • Life transitions like retirement, death of important social supports, losing a driver’s license, or being required to move into senior housing • Having no children or those who live far away • Living with low income or in poverty • Transportation-related difficulties Many consequences also can stem from SSI. Over the past decade, research has shown the negative ramifications of SSI are 10
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comparable to the damaging effects of smoking cigarettes and other major health risks! Other documented negative effects include: • Reduced social skills • Greater likelihood of morbidity, such as cardiovascular disease • Higher level of disability from comorbid, chronic diseases • Reduced sense of well-being and increased depression rates • Poor mental health status and reduced cognitive abilities • Increased rates of premature death, including suicide • Increased likelihood of falling victim to elder abuse When we effectively include and involve older adults, there are many positive effects: • Reduced cardiovascular damage related to stress exposure • Improved immune and cognitive functioning and well-being • Improved sense of self-control, self-esteem, and self-efficacy • Enhanced supportive, caring relationships • Feeling valued and instilling a sense of purpose Jewish Family Service’s Senior Solutions department is highly committed to reducing social isolation in the senior community and we hope you will join our efforts. Please call us at 303.597.5000 for more information. Ashley Taeckens is a care manager intern with JFS Colorado Senior Connections—Wheat Ridge. As an undergrad, Ashley double-majored in psychology and gerontology (2015) and today works as an activities assistant at an assisted living facility. Ashley is currently working toward a master’s degree in gerontological social work with a focus on senior policy and research at the University of Denver.
ACE Program Art Show in July:
This is Me
Opening Reception with the Artists July 10
Participants in SHALOM Denver’s ACE (Arts and
Community Explorations) program have been hard-atwork to create unique works of art for their first-ever art show! Their pieces will be showcased at the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez Branch Library, 1498 Irving Street in Denver from July 5 through 31. The show, entitled “This is Me,” has been in the works since February when library staff reached out to SHALOM Denver. “The library is hosting monthly gallery offerings that feature artists from various cultures,” says Courtney Looser, SHALOM Denver activities specialist who spearheaded the project. “They initially contacted us because we are a Jewish organization, but soon learned that we serve all people and wanted to showcase work by our clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” Courtney continues, “We chose two themes: ‘This is Me’ and ‘Don’t Dis My Ability’ and built the art show around those.” Twenty-five participants, ranging in age from mid-20s to 81, created self-portraits, painted canvases, and worked on collaborative pieces for the show. In addition, photos of group outings in the community will be on display. “Everyone had so much fun creating self-portraits and other works of art for the show,” relates Courtney. “We are excited for the community to see how creative our clients are and that they are capable of doing anything!” The public is invited to an opening reception with the artists on Monday, July 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP by Friday, July 7 to Heather Dawson, 303.623.0251 or hdawson@jewishfamilyservice.org. About ACE SHALOM Denver’s ACE program is a people-centered interactive day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It focuses on the whole person, community involvement, and integration, with stimulating activities tailored to each participant’s needs and unique personality. The richness of different cultures is celebrated through crafts, foods, literature, history, and art. Learn more at: www.shalomdenver.com/transforming-lives/ace-arts-and-community-explorations FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2017
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VOLUNTEER Spotlight
Tamara Weil: JFS Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year
By Audrey Friedman Marcus, Volunteer Writer
Tamara Weil, a dedicated JFS Friendly
Visitor and, more recently, a member of AmeriCorps who works with refugees through Jewish Family Service, was honored as the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year at the Celebrate JFS event on June 26. Modest and seemingly a bit overwhelmed by this significant tribute, Tamara willingly shared her journey as a JFS volunteer, urging others to join her in this meaningful endeavor. Referring to her award, Tamara says, “It was a wonderful honor,” adding her sincere hope that other people in her age group will be inspired because of it to say, “Yes, I can do it, too.” For several years, Tamara’s service as a JFS Friendly Visitor volunteer was characterized by weekly visits to Bess, then in her 90s. The two became very close as they discussed a multitude of topics and shared family news. Tamara helped Bess read and sort her mail, sent emails dictated by Bess, and helped her with calendaring, planning meals, and going over important papers. Tamara’s visits with Bess (now almost 102) continue to this day. Tamara Weil In December 2014, Tamara sought additional volunteer involvement, and became a member of AmeriCorps. She began working in the Refugee Mental Health program at JFS, serving refugees from many different countries, including Iraq, Somalia, Burma, Ethiopia, and Bhutan. Many of these newcomers have suffered trauma, and are coping with mental health issues. Tamara helps 12
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clients navigate “JFS could not be the complex a more wonderful healthcare and environment, and social services volunteers are systems and truly valued.” obtain the care —Tamara Weil and services they need. She drives them to appointments, and acts as their advocate both during and after the sessions. She also introduces them and their families to enjoyable and enriching local venues that provide family fun and offer free visiting days. Additionally, Tamara helped an Iraqi women’s group obtain a grant from Rose Community Foundation for an eight-week program consisting of social events, activities, cooking, walks, and wellness. Tamara’s preparation for her role with refugees was intensive, including 40 hours of patient navigator training, general training in how to work with refugees, accompanying JFS therapists on home visits, learning complex HIPAA regulations, and navigating the ins and outs of social services. She’s become a whiz at using Google Translate, which has been a huge help. She has also learned a tremendous amount on the job, explains Tamara, and relates that she is still learning. She is in her third term with AmeriCorps; her commitment is for four terms, and will end in September 2018. I asked Tamara why she gives so much of herself to others. She related that both her and her husband Ken’s families stressed weaving volunteerism into every phase of life. She was also seeking a worthwhile challenge after her twin boys left for college. Her love of and admiration for Jewish Family Service and its programs were the clincher. “I get so much more than I give to it,” she adds. “JFS could not be a more wonderful environment, and volunteers are truly valued.”
This appreciation is certainly borne out by the beautiful tribute to Tamara from Rotem Brayer, JFS Refugee Mental Health program therapist and Tamara’s supervisor: “The whole team feels lucky to have Tamara with us. She has the ability to really connect with and help our clients, which is sometimes challenging, especially since many don’t speak any English.” Congratulations and gratitude to Tamara Weil, a truly dedicated volunteer! May she—
and all of the other 1,100 JFS volunteers—go from strength to strength. Audrey Friedman Marcus is a volunteer writer for JFS. She was cofounder and executive vice president of A.R.E. Publishing, Inc., for 30 years before retiring in 2001. She also founded the annual Fred Marcus Memorial Holocaust Lecture and co-authored the book Survival in Shanghai: The Journals of Fred Marcus, 1939 to 1949 (Pacific View Press).
Thank You Roots & Branches Foundation Alumni! Recently, 29 alumni and
prospective members of Roots & Branches Foundation, a collaborative philanthropy group at Rose Community Foundation, gathered with their friends for A Night of Giving, a one-night giving circle. They used information provided by several organizations to discuss and allocate their pooled funds to support the work of a few select nonprofits. We’re proud to report that Jewish Family Service was one of the organizations they chose to support, with a donation of $1,365! In their discussion, the group used the Jewish values of Love the Stranger—Ahavat Ger, Seek Peace and Pursue It—Bakesh Shalom V’Rodfeh, Give in Pursuit of Justice—Tzedakah, and The Path of Peace—Darchei Shalom to guide their grantmaking. Emily Kornhauser, Rose Community Foundation initiatives assistant, says, “The focus on this year’s Night of Giving was to support vulnerable populations in Denver, to ensure we have a welcoming community for all. Night of Giving participants were drawn to the work of Jewish Family Service that supports refugee children in need of mental health services.”
Thank you to Rose Community Foundation and Roots & Branches for their continued support of Jewish Family Service!
(Clockwise) Jeff Diem (standing), Zach Kiefer, Rachael Greenberg, Brian Tannenbaum, and Lindsey Tannenbaum.
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THANK YOU for Caring! The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from April 1 to May 31, 2017. Due to space limitations, we are only able to list tribute gifts received during this time, but all contributions are greatly appreciated. Please accept our apologies for any omissions or errors. IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Bruce and Bernice Dinner Albert and Janice Dinner IN HONOR OF BAT MITZVAH Talia Grynberg-Schepis Ruth Solomons Helen Spiegel Jon and Jamie Sarché Sydney Topelson Gerardo and Amy Topelson IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Zachary Levi Nat and Peggy Bernstein Shalev Plank Edward and Esther Yenkinson IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Marlin Barad Richard and Elaine Asarch Neal and Kathy Kimmel Ryan and Vivienne Kramer Ken and Vicki Pepper Jerry and Terry Rubin Bud and Teena Slatkin David Brahinsky Myndel Cohen William and Roberta Fishman Ian Bremenstuhl Mark Pogrebin Melvin Dinner Albert and Janice Dinner Paul Goldstein Leba Munishor Jamie Harris Allan and Alberta Sulzer Joe Klein Sheree Dormann Richard Levenberg Allan and Alberta Sulzer Andre Mark Saralyn Mark Steve Peckar Alise Boxer Nathan Pell Amy Pell Ken Pepper Andrew and Leslie Heins Elaine Rosen Cynthia Chapman Pam Naiman Robert Slosky Arnie Idelberg
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Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.
Myrna Tyson Cynthia Chapman David Weinstein Morey and Evelyn Cohen IN HONOR OF GRADUATIONS Sheila Pallay Eileen Eller Soloman Stark Steven and Debbie Stark IN HONOR OF PASSOVER Marie Cardin Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Mark Linkow Mark and Essie Goodside IN HONOR OF Audrey Ahrendt Karen Hagler Donna Paul Leonid Baksht Anthony Gottlieb and Katherine Dealy Gali Beh Renate Alpert Lisa Benoit Ed and Marlin Barad Jamie and Leanna Harris Boulder JFS Staff David and Cheryl Fellows Marsha Blum Alyce Blum Rabbi Deborah Bronstein Joseph Kelly Robin Chalecki Jon and Jamie Sarché Dawn Richard Ed and Marlin Barad Terry Fenner Steven and Leslie Levine Debra Flitter Mikhail Malamud Lavie Fux Nir Nagar Shirley Goldberg Jim and Ruth Sharon Robert Guttsmann Ron and Esther Feldman Charlie Gwirtsman Gary and Aimee Wagner Mitch Hitman Sam Hitman Nicholas Hubler Anonymous Donations John Jacobs Douglas and Margo Woll JFS Staff Jessica Milstein Masha and Gittel Kabak Lisa Freimann
FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2017
Florrie Katchen Karen Hagler Donna Paul Alonit Katzman Jes Lefcourt Henny Kaufmann Karen Hagler Donna Paul John Keith Mark Duffy Jerry and Marilyn Snyder Patricia Lorie Karen Hagler Donna Paul Sally Steele Metzger Bruce and Shelley Gaynes Michael Opatowski Gary and Janet Jacobs Mindy Levy Peckar Steven Peckar Mark Rosenblum and Laurie Levy Linny Pretekin Zach Pretekin Marta Rakower Lumer Lumer Real Estate Jacob Reich Jennifer Hoffman Jane E. Rosenbaum Michael and Donna Boender Gary Kleiman and Elisa Moran Marilyn Safran Karen Hagler Donna Paul Patti Sandler Halene Weisbart Ann Schepis Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg Miriam Sharon Jim and Ruth Sharon Jessica Snider Nancy Livingston Sandy Solove Brendan Aleksivich Sheldon Steinhauser Jon and Jamie Sarché Scott Stillman Scott Braun Allan and Alberta Sulzer Mac Macsovitz Cathy Summer Brad Reiff and Caryn Summer Nanette Timbel Ruth Epstein Philip Stahl Walter Treidel Marvin Tyor Yana Vishnitsky Andrea Hyatt Roger Vossler Gary and Joy Pulitzer Mordechai Wajcman Barry Noam
Halene Weisbart Karen Hagler Donna Paul Jack Welner Gary and Joyce Lozow Pamela Wolf Jeffrey and Karen Wolf IN MEMORY OF Jules Amer Judith Axelrad Beer-Kartin Families Ralph Powell and Shirley Beer-Powell Peter Behrendt Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer The Berkovitz Family Audrey Woods Rabbi Nachum Berlat Harold and Sharron Weinstein Joseph Bernstein Feggy Bernstein Evan “Buddy” Black Oscar and Selma Sladek Marjory Blum Howard Eiseman Hannah Brahinsky David and Joan Brahinsky Esther Jean Brody Zipp Kathleen Zipp Sheila Bugdanowitz Greg and Vicky Goldberg Vikki Goldberg Jack Buller Stephanie Buller Blanche Caplan Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Claire Cohen Sara Cohen Phil Cohen Sara Cohen Agnes Davis Paul and Zelda Goldstein Harold Divine Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Thomas Dula Justin and Sharon Roth Nona Feiner Mark and Susan Barter Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Paul and Zelda Goldstein Betty Karsh Harold and Marilyn Lande Gary and Joyce Lozow Leba Munishor Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Alan Fishman Louis Fishman Daisy Flynn David and Diana Mueller
Debra Frank Trude Bershof Cynthia Chapman Norman Levy Donald Freedberg Syril Beinhorn Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Fay Furmansky Bert and Dyana Furmansky Max Furmansky Bert and Dyana Furmansky Suzan Geller Gary and Joyce Lozow Irene Glass Izzy and Vicki Glass Miralee Goldstein Jack and Harriette Bober Homer Goodman Nancy Alterman Sandy Farber-Volk Jerry and Julie Pluss Berta Goodman A. Bregman & Co., Inc. Jodi Cooper Craig and Vicki Eskanos Paul and Zelda Goldstein Michael and Harriet Greenstein Sherman and Lois Rich Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Arnold and Karen Stein Jerry Gordon Adele Gordon Sue Green’s Mom Richard and Rae Negreann Cathy Grimm Arthur Mahoney and Pamela Baron Edward Haligman Sherman and Lois Rich Gerald Harris Sandy Farber-Volk Sherman and Lois Rich Arnold and Karen Stein David Hauptman Roger Hauptman Edith Hayutin Joe and Tsai Bilett Marvin and Jackie Cooper Buzz and Judy Geller Paul and Zelda Goldstein Betty Karsh Gary and Joyce Lozow Barton and Marci Rivkin Lou and Andrea Rosenthall Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Ronald and Ellen Wedgle Randy Heller Gary and Joyce Lozow Marilyn Fiedelman Jack Hyatt Craig and Vicki Eskanos Mark and Essie Goodside Arnold and Karen Stein Mary “Gladys” Jendrusch The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Bud Kaatz Kaatz Associates II, LLP
Ben Kahn Colman and Marcia Kahn Charlotte Kahn Colman and Marcia Kahn Werner Kaplan The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Gary and Joyce Lozow Michael Katten Susan Katten David Katz Loree Schwartz Alice Keith Leebow John Keith Harris Kobey Joe and Tsai Bilett Taner and Rachel Kodanaz’s Dad Jon and Jamie Sarché Marvin Koenig Irwin and Vivian Seidman Gloria Kris Tom and Angie Belt Ethel Kutner Genie Reichman Sue Lapin Patricia Snyder David Lebofsky Wind Crest Jewish Community David Levin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Gloria Levy Robert and Roberta Witkow Mitchell Levy Jane Hultin David and Doris Klein Joyce Rosenblum Melissa West Larry Wolk Donna Licht Brad and Dana Licht Jerry Lista Joseph and Nancy Acosta Robert Loup Trude Bershof Dunia Dickey Paul and Zelda Goldstein Mark and Essie Goodside Michael and Harriet Greenstein Robert and Suzi Malman Arnold and Karen Stein Hal Marienthal John Menninger and Claire Zilber Susan Mason Steve and Jeanette Abelman William Michaels Laura Michaels and Jeff Olson Laurence Miller Brenda Miller Sylvia Milzer Stephen and Celeste Gorden Art Molay Lois Alterman Stephen and Lois Nadler Adella Molnia Gary McIntosh and Carol Molnia David Molnia Gary McIntosh and Carol Molnia
Albert Morris Helen Morris Amy Morris’ Sister Mark and Essie Goodside Aviva Mowszowski The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Joan Olin Robert and Susan Green David Pollock Steve Blank and Ellen Gray Alex Rittenbaum Albert and Janice Dinner Adelle Robins Lawrence and Debra Barfield Amos Rosenbloom Jon and Jamie Sarché Helene Rosenthal Walter and Iverne Treidel Milton Rosenthal Richard and Rae Negreann Michael Rothman Michael and Carol Sarché Ellen Schaeffer James and Debra Mayworm Michael Schatz Linda Schatz Joan Schauer Bruce and Julie Shaffer Sidney and Esther Shafner Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Morris Shander David Shander Homer L. Shingles, Sr. Brynda Shingles Sallie Siegel Michael and Diane Marks Elaine Spector-Horwitz Herb Horwitz Jozefa ‘Lunia’ Stahl Stuart Schare and Katarina Stahl Lola Sussman Dubs and Linda Jacobsen Susan Shear Mitzi Troutfeldt Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Andrew Vajda Phyllis Vajda Andrew Volin Shayna Braunstein Gary and Sheila Gutterman Brad Volin and Julie Fincham Beanie Wedgle Marvin Tyor Marshall West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Ronald Zall Paul and Zelda Goldstein Justin and Sharon Roth Ronald and Ellen Wedgle Nesrala Zegob David and Ann Hoffman
WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Irv Ash Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Martin Lasher Boulder Jewish Family Service Harvey Pensack Bob and Abbe Pensack Edward Robinson Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Meyer Saltzman Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Renee Singer Dee Trasen Alyssa Ulitzky Michael and Harriet Greenstein Tyler and William Wallis Mitch and Victoria Lazar In-Kind Donors Apartment Investment and Management Company Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Doubletree by Hilton Denver Tech Center Girl Scout Troop #1737 Graland Country Day School Hillel Council of CO (Boulder) Holland & Hart LLP Jay’s Valet, Luxury Transportation and Pedicab Services JEWISHcolorado King Soopers Reclamation MassMutual Colorado PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. Quiat Companies The Red Hat Society of Shalom Cares Rose Medical Center South Denver Fencing Academy Sprouts Farmers Market Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center Temple Emanuel Temple Micah Trader Joe’s We Don’t Waste Whole Foods at Tamarac
WITH GRATITUDE FOR Dawn Richard Jamie and Leanna Harris Dawn Richard and Terry Fenner Marina Levine
FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2017
15
NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID
Jewish Family Service of Colorado Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4360 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 www.jewishfamilyservice.org
Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado and Mile High United Way
Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217