July/August 2014 Family Matters

FamilyMatters Volume 24, No. 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2014

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Volunteer Spotlight page 4

LUNCHBOX EXPRESS Program Spotlight page 5 MITZVAHS EVERY WEEK Bikur Cholim Para-Chaplains page 8

A PUBLICATION OF

There for Eddie: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow See page 6

Include Jewish Family Service in Your Estate Plan!

Legacy giving offers donors a way

to support the charitable organizations they love, by making a profound impact on future generations through a gift that will keep on giving. Jewish Family Service has partnered with Rose Community Foundation for Live On: Build Your Jewish Legacy, a two-year initiative to help Jewish schools, agencies and synagogues, and their leaders raise endowment funds through estate gifts.

Perry Moss, JFS Budget and Finance Committee member and past board officer, is the JFS lay leader for Live On. He says, “I think that it’s important for everyone to consider a bequest of some type to the charity of their choice.

The process of thinking about leaving a legacy can really open people’s eyes to what is important to them and what organization they feel should be sustained for the long term. While I would like people to consider JFS, it’s really more important that they think about leaving something as a legacy.”

Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce Foster, longtime supporters, recently increased their bequest to JFS. Joyce says, “JFS is the agency with heart and soul. They assist individuals and

families with all facets of their lives. I’ve seen them in action for decades and this is why we have JFS in our will.”

Last year, Gerald Quiat, of blessed memory, a longtime agency supporter, passed away and JFS received a bequest from his estate.

His daughter, Melinda, says, “My father was devoted to community and to helping those facing difficulties find solutions for overcoming obstacles.” Thank you to the Quiat family for supporting JFS! Thank you to Jamie and Jon Sarché for making a planned gift this past fiscal year and becoming members of the Legacy Society.

Jamie, an active JFS board and committee member, says, “I love JFS and feel very committed to the agency. I am proud to include it in my estate plans so that it can continue to do good work well into the future!”

If you are interested in helping to secure JFS’s future by listing the agency in your will or making an estate gift, please contact Dawn Richard, development director, 720.248.4605 or drichard@jewishfamilyservice.org. Rose Community Foundation is now providing incentive dollars for new legacy gifts, making this a perfect time to act!

Have you already remembered Jewish Family Service in your will? Please let us know so we can acknowledge your vision and include you in the JFS Legacy Society.

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 23,000 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 2014

Family Matters is published bimonthly

by Jewish Family Service of Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr. Denver CO 80231 www.jewishfamilyservice.org

Parkplace, Jewish Family Service, Summit Community Hospice, and Feldman Mortuary Present

Before the Mourning:

Sacred Conversations About End-of-Life Concerns Join us for a free six-session lunchtime series on Wednesdays, August 13 through September 17, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by and located at Parkplace, 111 Emerson, Denver.

RSVP to Jamie Sarché at 720.404.6772 or jamie@feldmanmortuary.com by August 11.

Tours of Parkplace are available before and after each session.

Presenters and Topics: August 13: “Soul and Soil: The Journey of the Earthly Self” presented by David Sanders, executive director, Kabbalah Experience August 20: “What Are You Dying to Know?” presented by Jamie Sarché, director of prearranged funeral services, Feldman Mortuary August 27: “Navigating Your Next Adventure: Managing Your Income in Retirement” presented by Mary Jo Titcombe, financial advisor, Edward Jones September 3: “There Are No Magic Words” presented by Laura Harter, care manager, Jewish Family Service September 10: “Estate Planning Made Easy: Accomplishing Your Goals and Avoiding Family Disputes at Your Death” presented by Sarah Golombek, elder law and probate attorney, The Law Office of Sarah L. Golombek, LLC September 17: “Love Prevails Beyond the Veil: Stories from the Beyond” presented by Donna Morrish, psychotherapist

Clean Out Your Closets to Help JFS! An easy way to help JFS serve those in

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

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2014 Max Frankel

VOLUNTEER

of the Year

Maren Rael Gest

Congratulations to Maren Rael Gest,

who received the 2014 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year award at the Celebrate JFS event on June 23. A certified sign language interpreter at Lansing Elementary School in Aurora, Maren uses that skill at Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN) events to help clients who are hard of hearing. She has also established a special connection with Lillian, a JDN client with Down syndrome, that has grown into a true friendship.

As a teacher, Maren has summers off and wanted to find a way to fill her schedule while helping others.

She volunteered several times with JFS at the Maren Rael Gest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cannery and helped sort food in the Weinberg Food Pantry, but she wanted to do more. In 2012, she met with Nancy Benyamin, volunteer services director, to find a good fit for her skills and interests. She settled on being a “buddy” for people with disabilities at JDN events, where her role was to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. “I had a great time at my first event—the JDN annual picnic—and knew this was the perfect way for me to spend my summer and some of my weekends,” says Maren.

At a subsequent event, Lillian came up to Maren and told her a funny joke, to which Maren responded, “Oh, we have to be friends!”

And just like that, a friendship developed and Maren started spending time with Lillian outside of the monthly JDN events. They do a variety of activities together, including arts and 4

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crafts projects, cooking, attending a baseball game, and conducting research, which is one of Lillian’s favorite pastimes. When asked what she likes most about Maren, Lillian said, “Maren makes me happy!”

Maren still attends almost all of JDN’s social activities and serves as a sign language interpreter and buddy. Inna Ermakov, JDN coordinator, says, “Maren is always there if you need her. There have been times when one of the JDN program staff was sick and we were not able to provide transportation to the JDN activities, and Maren always offers to help.

Maren also provides invaluable services to the JDN clients who are hard of hearing. Thanks to Maren’s assistance, these clients have a chance to learn more about Jewish holidays and celebrations, share their thoughts and questions, and build meaningful relationships with others.”

Lynn Rubenstein, JDN program assistant, says, “No one asked Maren if she would help the clients with hearing impairments. She just saw the need and jumped right in—this is what she does. It makes a huge difference when a volunteer instinctively knows what would be the most beneficial way to help out.”

Maren says that although she works with people with disabilities every day for her job, this volunteer opportunity gives her the chance to relax, have fun, and really be herself. “I get so much out of attending JDN events and spending time with Lillian. I’ve also learned so much from the compassionate staff,” she says.

Because of this experience, Maren is looking into going back to school to get a master’s degree in social work. “It’s helped me figure out what I want to do when I grow up!” Maren says with a smile.

Congratulations to Maren on this award and on her recent marriage to Matt Safran!

PROGRAM Spotlight Using four repurposed

mini-school buses as delivery vehicles, an enthusiastic band of volunteers are serving thousands of meals to low-income children at 13 sites in Denver and Aurora through the Lunchbox Express program this summer.

Lunchbox Express is a simple mobile fooddelivery system that targets discrete areas of underserved children and brings free lunch to them during the summer. Allen and Hannah Levy started Lunchbox Express in 2011 as a community volunteer-driven organization dedicated to feeding hungry Colorado children when school is out and they don’t have access to free or reduced-fee lunches.

JFS acquired the program this spring and began operating it under the Family Safety Net division this summer while the Levys remain closely involved.

The program operates as a sponsor of the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federal program that makes nutritious lunches available during the summer at approved sites with high concentrations of low-income children. The nutritionally balanced packaged meals and milk are purchased from federally approved vendors.

No proof of income is required. All children 18 and under qualify for a free lunch, no matter where they live or go to school.

Doug Vega, program coordinator, joined JFS in April to oversee Lunchbox Express operations and has been busy since day one!

He is in charge of everything from ensuring that the buses are serviced and safe to drive, to hiring the drivers, to running the warehouse where the food is stored, to scheduling more than 40 volunteers for weekly shifts. Doug is well qualified for the job, as he most recently ran Hunger Free Colorado’s mobile outreach program.

Lunchbox Express

At the time this newsletter “This program is went to print, Lunchbox a great way for Express had been running for me to help the only a few days this summer, community.” but Doug was already —Marcy Baer enjoying the fruits of his labor.

“I’ve gone to the routes every day and seen what a blessing these meals are to the children who might not otherwise get lunch that day. They are so grateful and it’s very rewarding,” Doug says. He adds, “I’ve really enjoyed working with the volunteers. They are all so willing to work hard and make the weekly commitment. I know they feel great that they are making a difference for so many families.”

Marcy Baer, a weekly volunteer back for her second year, says, “As a retired first grade teacher, I know what an important issue childhood hunger is. This program is a great way for me to help the community.”

Children receiving lunch at Shadow Tree Apartments in Aurora. Photo by Chris Schneider.

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There for Eddie: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow JFS client Eddie Fiss is a gentle

man—and the perfect gentleman. He’s one of the kindest souls you could hope to meet.

At 89 years of age, he’s been through some challenges in his storied life, but you wouldn’t know it. His unabashed love of people and warm smile always take center stage.

Eddie recently lost his wife of 62 years, Lillian, after a long and difficult battle with chronic illnesses. JFS was there every step of the way, providing care, support, and love to the couple as Lillian embarked on her end-of-life journey. Since Lillian’s passing in April, JFS is still there for Eddie, making sure he has all the support he needs to continue to live as independently as possible.

Eddie Fiss with JFS care manager Mirella Schrieber.

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It’s not the first time JFS has offered support to Eddie and Lillian. The agency helped resettle the couple in Denver in 1960 when they emigrated from Italy. They were Holocaust survivors who both spent the war years in France. Eddie, then a young teenager, was imprisoned in a series of camps while Lillian was kept safe in a convent. At the end of the war, they both returned to their native Cairo, Egypt.

Lillian was the love of Eddie’s life since the day he had met her in 1950. They were matched at a celebration in Cairo. Eddie was encouraged to ask Lillian to dance, which he happily did. They married a year and a half later and soon had a son.

Life was wonderful in Cairo for a few years, but Eddie sensed that trouble was coming. It was 1956, and the Suez crisis was swirling. With it came anti-Semitic sentiments.

“One day, we got a knock at the door,” recalls Eddie. “Officials told us that we had 48 hours to leave the country. They took the keys to the house and took possession of our car. When I went to the bank to withdraw money, our accounts had been frozen. We lost everything and had to get out.”

Luckily, Lillian had an Italian passport, so the young family was able to take refuge there.

But Jews weren’t especially welcome in Italy, either. Eddie had trouble finding work and couldn’t speak the language. They dreamed of coming to America.

They finally secured a visa sponsored by Jewish Family and Children’s Services (now JFS) and made the journey. “From the day we arrived in Denver, we experienced nothing but kindness,” recalls Eddie. They gave us an apartment and even provided us with the essentials to live. We came with nothing.

The agency provided us with $10 a week for groceries and helped me find my first job. They

gave us a nice “I give my sincere boost.” thanks to Jewish Eddie and Family Service Lillian lived for all they have a storybook done for me, past, life in Denver. present, and future.”

They raised —Eddie Fiss three children and Eddie was a successful salesman. In 1994, Eddie started having vision problems. He could no longer drive, which put an end to his career as a traveling salesman. He reluctantly retired, but enjoyed his golden years with Lillian.

About four years ago, Lillian’s health started to decline, and that’s when JFS started providing support services. Mirella Schreiber, JFS care manager, visited Lillian and Eddie regularly and arranged for homemaker services on a weekly basis to help with cleaning, cooking, shopping, and errands.

Last year, Lillian’s health took a turn for the worse. She could no longer drive and standing to cook became too painful for her. Eddie, now legally blind, could offer little help. JFS’s Kosher Meals on Wheels service provided daily meals. Veronica Krischke, their JFS at Home caregiver, visited twice a week to help keep things in order.

As primary care manager, Mirella served as a critical liaison with Lillian’s doctor, nurses, and family members. But it was the little things that Eddie really appreciated. “Mirella has done so many kind things to make our life easier,” he Front cover photo: Eddie Fiss with volunteer Friendly Visitor Bernie Papper, JFS at Home caregiver Veronica Krischke, and JFS care manager Mirella Schrieber. Photos by Chris Schneider.

says. “She made sure Lillian saw her doctors.

She helped coordinate her cataract surgery. She got us magnifying glasses and a stool we could sit on in the bathtub. She was always visiting us and asking if there was more she could do.

Mirella is truly a blessing.”

Earlier this year, Lillian’s health deteriorated further and she was in and out of the hospital.

Veronica’s hours were increased to daily care.

After one hospital stay, Lillian was placed in home hospice care. Her children all came to say their goodbyes. “My wife’s wish was to die in her bed, in her bedroom, and in my arms,” says Eddie. Thanks to JFS, that’s what happened.”

Lillian told Mirella repeatedly how much she appreciated the support and care she was given. Eddie was relieved knowing Lillian was well taken care of through the end of her life. “I give my sincere thanks to Jewish Family Service for all they have done for me, past, present, and future,” he says. “I feel so lucky to have JFS in my life. Without them, I would be in trouble. I would have lost all faith and hope.”

Since Lillian’s passing, JFS continues to take care of Eddie, providing homecare services, case management, and support. He was recently matched with a JFS Friendly Visitor, Bernie Papper, who visits him weekly and provides companionship. “He’s my new best friend,” exclaims Eddie. We have fun together.

I’m so lucky that JFS is watching over me.”

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Performing a Mitzvah Every Week

Bikur Cholim Para-Chaplains:

By Audrey Friedman Marcus

In Hebrew, bikur cholim is the mitzvah

of “visiting the sick.” However, this mitzvah encompasses far more than just a visit. Bikur cholim also includes both concrete assistance and the immeasurable gift of presence. The staff and volunteers at Jewish Family Service perform this mitzvah in dozens of ways on a daily basis. One very significant way is through the agency’s Bikur Cholim ParaChaplain program.

Bikur Cholim para-chaplains are trained, caring individuals who, on a regular basis, make one-on-one contact with isolated seniors in non-Jewish nursing homes, assisted living facilities, personal residences, hospitals, and prisons.

Some Holocaust survivors also receive services. For those Margaret Ballanoff comforts a volunteers involved client at St. Joseph’s Hospital. in the program, this Photo by Chris Schneider. is an exceptional opportunity to perform a mitzvah and to connect with lonely, older individuals.

Most para-chaplains visit the same isolated senior each week, acting as a link to the outside world and especially to Jewish Family Service and the Denver Jewish community. Devoted para-chaplains also provide a smile, a touch, a bit of conversation, perhaps a song or a game or a prayer, and some very welcome support.

Other para-chaplains regularly conduct Shabbat and holiday services in the facilities 8

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2014

JFS serves, often accompanied by a guitar.

Such observances—and the senior-friendly service booklets prepared by JFS—are enthusiastically welcomed by residents. They also help to create significant memories and foster meaningful connections with others.

Robert Rottman, a well-known community leader and former president of both Rodef Shalom and Hebrew Educational Alliance, has been a para-chaplain for a decade. Each month, he conducts Shabbat services and holiday observances at both Manor Care and Cherry Creek Nursing Center. He gains enormous satisfaction from conversations with residents, from seeing them delightedly recognize and relate to familiar prayers and melodies, and from the heartfelt thanks he receives after each service.

Four years ago, Margaret Ballanoff, a former schoolteacher and fitness instructor, sought a volunteer opportunity with a Jewish connection. She was drawn to Jewish Family Service because of her knowledge of and appreciation for the work they do in the community. Since then, her volunteer responsibility has been at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she works closely with Debra Flitter, the hospital chaplain. Each week, after picking up the list of Jewish patients, she visits every single one, sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes for as long as an hour. “I meet the most marvelous people,” relates Margaret.

“They share their lives with me, inform me about things I know little about, and give me a perspective on life that I haven’t come across before. When a connection is made with a patient, it’s also a connection to the Divine.

What an honor to be a part of this!”

Another avenue for Bikur Cholim para-chaplains is to be a liaison between non-Jewish nursing facilities and Jewish Family Service, identifying new Jewish residents who can be served by the program, as well as other

ways that para-chaplains and JFS can help.

Finally, there are para-chaplains who carry out the mitzvah of bikur cholim through weekly visits with an elderly Holocaust survivor.

One such person is Sally Klein. Because of her experiences as a licensed social worker and former hospice worker, Sally is very comfortable in the role of para-chaplain.

When weather permits, she and “Rena” enjoy long walks together. She also drives Rena to doctors’ appointments, to the pharmacy or the bank, and wherever else she needs to go. Sally admires Rena’s enormous grit, and treasures the opportunity to spend time with her and assist her. Their relationship has grown over the years, and the bond has become somewhat like that between mother and daughter. Or perhaps they are “soul sisters,” Sally suggests, but definitely good friends.

Are you intrigued by the description of this worthwhile program and the comments of existing volunteers? And are you curious as to what it would involve for you to become a Bikur Cholim para-chaplain?

Para-chaplains must commit to volunteering four hours a month for a period of at least six months. Additionally, attendance at a series of four training sessions is required.

This year, sessions will be held August 28 and September 4, 11, and 18, 2014, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Be assured, participants won’t be sitting and listening to lectures the whole time. Instead, rabbis and other community professionals will involve the group in creative and engaging methods of learning, including role-play and brainstorming.

Topics covered include physical limitations and their emotional side, active listening, attuning to a client’s needs, ways to help while empowering clients to help themselves, confidentiality issues, and addressing spiritual needs. These sessions give para-chaplains the skills they need as they begin their visits, and also provide a support group of other caring volunteers who are embarking on this worthwhile endeavor.

All of the volunteers interviewed for this article praised the training program using

Para-chaplain Andy Thangasamy leads Shabbat services for seniors at The Village at Lowry.

descriptions like “informative,” “essential,” “meaningful,” and “helpful.” They also mentioned the appreciation and support they receive from JFS staff, citing particularly Beth Lippa, Senior Solutions volunteer coordinator, and Nancy Benyamin, Volunteer Services director.

Currently, there are 35 dedicated parachaplains in various facets of the JFS program.

However, more volunteers are needed in order to adequately serve the growing population of Jewish seniors in the Denver area.

Apply for the training online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer/ para-chaplains by July 25 to begin the process of joining this vital program. The application process includes an interview.

If you have further questions, please contact Beth Lippa at 720.248.4599 or blippa@jewishfamilyservice.org.

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 authored the book Survival in Shanghai: The Journals of Fred Marcus 1939 to 1949 (Pacific View Press).

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MENTAL HEALTH

Matters

Lessons from My Internship

By Trey Cole JFS Mental Health Specialists Intern

It has always been sage advice

to begin a new journey or experience with an open mind. Unfortunately, it often seems all too easy to slip back into a more rigid mind-set when encountering something uncertain. Beginning my internship at Jewish Family Service as a doctoral student in clinical psychology initially held many fears and uncertainties for me. It was as though I had stepped into a new culture, not only with people I didn’t know, but also with a religious backdrop in which I had never participated.

My first week in the counseling department at Jewish Family Trey Cole Service was full of meetings, learning new computer systems, and trying to get my bearings straight. Most would say the second week should have been a cinch as we entered Yom Kippur, and I took the week off; however, this surprise vacation time only served to show me that I had little knowledge of the community in which I was working. Finally, after several weeks of becoming comfortable in the chaos, I had a very special lunch. During this lunch, many of the staff members shared stories of their success and failures, followed by enjoyment and laughter at the supportive environment at Jewish Family Service.

Things did not change immediately. There was still some lingering discomfort at times, but I began to approach new experiences with open arms, knowing that there was a supportive staff and safety net surrounding me. This experience only encouraged more openness. What I came to realize was that this support had been there all along, and my 10

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2014

discomfort in stepping out into the unknown hindered my ability to have this experience.

I came back to the advice that being open to new experiences only invigorates them more.

With this new openness to experience, I have been able to engage more fully in the relationships that have been cultivated and better meet my clients where they are in the often shared and frightening journey of overcoming uncertainty.

Trey Cole received his bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He moved to Denver in 2012 to begin his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology. His mental health work began in the Army and has continued through his schoolwork in outpatient, inpatient, university, and correctional settings. He has broad interests in philosophy and enjoys applying these concepts in a relational therapeutic framework.

STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in July and August: 5 years: Doreen Osborne, JFS at Home coordinator; Isabelle Rivera, SHALOM Denver production assistant; and Debbie Taylor, JFS at Home caregiver

SENIORS

Matter

Accompanying Older Adults on Their Journey

By Dee Trasen, MSW, LCSW Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Senior Solutions Center Geriatric Counselor

While my husband and I

were raising three young children, I returned to school with the goal of preparing for work that I would love doing when our children were grown. Master plans often do not work out, but, happily, this one did. People often ask me if my work as a geriatric counselor is depressing.

Not at all! It is my privilege to accompany older adults on their journey.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “The test of a people is how it behaves toward its old.” In our society, old people are often discounted. They struggle with loneliness and physical decline. Many are depressed. Their vision suffers, their hearing is impaired, and others give up trying to communicate with them.

Geriatric counselors are sensitive to this special population. We treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. We may sit right in front of a client and speak very loudly in order to be heard. We validate their feelings without shock or pity. We fill in words they can no longer retrieve. I have relocated family photos so a client can see them, and I’ve conducted sessions sitting on the floor so a client who is unable to lift her head can see me.

Later life is a time of introspection for people, a time to reflect on the life they have lived, successes they are proud of, and failures they regret. They have all suffered both recent and accumulated losses. In their earlier years, they were doctors, teachers, volunteers, homemakers, business owners, and hippies. But those identities are behind them now. We cannot give them back their youth—or their health.

What we can do is be there to help them sort out problems as they review their lives. They often think and talk more slowly. Sometimes, I

think the single most important thing I do is sit very quietly and listen.

When declining health requires a move to assisted living or a nursing facility, it can be a daunting challenge. Adjusting to a new environment can be extremely difficult—nothing is familiar and there are often cliques.

Their children want them to attend current events and participate in art and music.

Often, our clients are content to sit in their rooms in peaceful silence. Assisted living is not summer camp where they have to go to activities; rather it is a smorgasbord from which they can choose all, some, or none. If a 96-year-old man wants to sleep until 11:00 a.m. Dee Trasen and have ice cream for breakfast, hasn’t he earned the right to do that?

I am often asked whether I believe people can change. I always respond, “I wouldn’t be doing this work if I didn’t believe that they could.” The stereotype of seniors suggests they are stubborn and set in their ways. However, some are delightfully open to change. Others don’t want change; they simply want to be heard. Either way, I am here for them.

Dee Trasen is a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience. At Jewish Family Service, she specializes in work with older adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, family conflict, and issues of loss. She also works with family members of all ages. She has been a clinician with the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Senior Solutions Center since 2001.

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BOARDSpotlight New Members Congratulations to our new board members who were installed at the Celebrate JFS event in June! Thank you to outgoing board members PC Crown, Sheryl Goodman, Shelley Krovitz, and Linda Appel Lipsius for their years of dedicated service to JFS.

Ken Glickstein

John Fiedler

Chief Compliance Officer, Braddock Financial Corporation and Managing Director, Braddock Holdings Company Ken and his wife, Robin, have a 16-year-old daughter, Addie.

Regional President, ANB Bank John has two daughters, Giselle, 10, and Lina, 8.

Ken Glickstein

“JFS has such an impressive history of providing safety net services that have a profound impact on people from so many walks of life and generate such tangible results. It was an honor to be invited to join the board, and I am really excited about the opportunity to contribute whatever I can to help the organization continue to prosper.”

“I look forward to joining the JFS Board and hope to assist in continuing the good work done by so many and for so many years.”

John and Giselle Fiedler

John Keith President, Harvard Communities, Inc. John and his wife, Leslie, have two sons, Brett, 26 and Danny, 24.

“Having gotten to know JFS over the last several years as a volunteer and a committee member, I am very excited about the opportunity to serve on the board. It is a great honor to be associated with such an effective and well-regarded organization.”

Leslie and John Keith

THANK YOU for Caring!

Albertsons ANB Bank arc Thrift Stores Belcaro Paint & Decorating Center Beth Ami Congregation Congregation Bnai Chaim Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Calvary Baptist Church

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In-Kind Donations APRIL AND MAY 2014

Capitol Hill Community Services Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Citywide Banks Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Academy of Torah

Denver Jewish Day School Food Service Warehouse Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Girl Scout Troop #964 Grand Hyatt Denver Greenwood Elementary School Hagemeyer Holland & Hart LLP JEWISHcolorado King Soopers Reclamation

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Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center Rocky Mountain Spice Company Rose Medical Center Safeway Safeway - Corona

Safeway - Mayfair Save-A-Lot Temple Emanuel Temple Micah Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s UMB Bank Colorado Univision Colorado Whole Foods at Tamarac

Eleven People Graduate from Inaugural “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World” Class at JFS The JFS Family Safety Net department

recently conducted a 12-week class, “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World.” Based on the book of the same name, this distinctive workshop series helps families at risk for homelessness identify the underlying causes of poverty, increase financial literacy, and design a personalized action plan for escaping poverty and achieving long-term self-sufficiency. This program has a proven track record of success, and graduates in other communities have been able to identify and tap into resources within their families and the community at large to reach self-sufficiency. In May, 11 individuals graduated from the JFS program.

The Getting Ahead program enables participants, called “investigators,” to examine their own experience of poverty as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty, such as banking, housing, jobs, and transportation. Investigators assess their own resources— not only financial but spiritual, social capital, trustworthiness, motivation, language skills, and more—and learn how to build them as part of their move to self-sufficiency.

“Many participants thought they would focus on improving their financial resources, but several realized they needed to work on something else first, such as conquering an addiction or improving their health,” says Shelly Hines, Family Safety Net director and workshop facilitator. “We taught them how to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-related) and helped them identify their own strengths that they can use to help improve other areas of their lives.”

At graduation, the participants each gave a presentation about where they were when they started the program and what three resources they were going to work on. Four of the graduates chose to focus on financial resources and went on to the Bootstraps financial education class, which started May 15 at JFS. Thanks to funding from Elaine and Max

Appel and a Season to Share grant through the Denver Post Charities, a McCormick Foundation Fund, JFS could offer the workshop for free. Each participant also received dinner, childcare, and a $20 King Soopers gift card each week.

“Thank you to the entire Family Safety Net staff, who helped by creatively preparing meals on a shoestring budget and babysitting for 5 to 10 children each week,” says Shelly. “They came up with great activities to entertain the kids during the two-hour workshops, including movies, video games, arts and crafts, and puzzles.”

Christy Morris, one of the participants, says, “When I started the class, I thought that poverty was just financial, but then I realized that there are many other things that contribute to poverty. We were all surprised to see how our views changed about poverty and how we can use our social capital to get ahead. The instructors were great. I am so happy I took the class and would highly recommend it!”

Shelly says JFS plans to offer this class again next year and she hopes to have one of this year’s graduates cofacilitate it.

Back row L to R: Amy Moya, Kai Moya, Christy Morris, Nadou Lawson, Linda Hall, and John Smith; front row: Tamara Griffin, Travis Green, and Janie LeCompte.

Not pictured: Estella Green and Danielle Richardson.

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2014

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from April 1 to May 31, 2014. 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 Herschel and Barbara Cravitz Lynda Goldstein Arnold and Susan Greenberg Kenneth Greenberg and Anna Maria Menza Roger and Marsha Kempton Marvin Tyor Les and Estelle Levitt Estelle Stine IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAH Ben Eber Paul and Ruth Levisohn Maxine Kugelmas Dean Prina Max Topelson The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Jules Benoit Jeffrey Mehl Jordon Davis James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Liv Fisher James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Max and Elaine Appel Arthur and Arlene Moss Rosetta Brandon Helene Hoffman Robin Chotin The Striker Foundation Hannah Green Edward and Dianne Green Isabella Green Edward and Dianne Green Susan Greenberg Kenneth Greenberg and Anna Maria Menza Harriet Joseph Ronna Bloom Millicent Fieman Bruce Kahn Bill Butler and Diane Dvorin Stephen and Sandy Friedman Marvin and Shirley Gang Barry Halpern Irwin and Barbara Neulight Kathe Serbin

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

Rhoda Kaminstein Ruth Wolff Judy Levin Barbara Dey Kenneth Greenberg and Anna Maria Menza Howard Lutz Trude Bershof Ron and Joyce Fishman Gerald Mellman Donna Kornfeld David Miller Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Irving Miller Joseph and Phyllis Lann Roberta Naiman Cynthia Chapman Donna Kornfeld Pam Naiman Andrea Pollack William Hankinson Stanton Rosenbaum Jane E. Rosenbaum Amy Weller Edward and Judith Rosenthal Claire Seiden Lois Alterman Irv and Roz Ash Juanita Silberstein Warren and Ruth Toltz Walter Treidel Roger and Marsha Kempton Marvin Tyor Hilde Wolf Joseph and Phyllis Lann IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Maren Gest and Matt Safran Lois Zuckerman Jay Kamlet and Stephanie Keyes Ronald Colson and Karen Paul Jim Leventhal and Catherine Barde Gary and Joyce Lozow IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY Cynthia Chapman Jon and Jamie Sarché Irene Mayer Alan and Peggy Mayer Svetlana Shalevich Mikhail Kavutskiy and Zoya Kavutskaya IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR Henry Claman Donna Kornfeld IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Frank DeAngelis Scott and Andrea Stillman

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2014

IN HONOR OF THE WORK YOU DO Yana Vishnitsky Douglas and Susan Seserman IN HONOR OF Yury and Corinne Ablin Ken and Lynne Siegel Rabbi Eliot Baskin Rabbi Evette Lutman David and Anita West Steve Berkowitz Charles Malek and Kim Schneider Malek Marie Cardin Grant-Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund Francine Cohen Larry and Leslie Englander Steve and Kathi Cramer Lee and Barbara Davis Steve Cramer Lee and Barbara Davis Jennie Creasey Don and Linda Neuman Michelle DeWitt Greg DeWit Edwin Diner Jim and Marla Diner Boulder Leadership Shari Edelstein Dawn Richard Gene and Lynn Cooper Jessica Milstein Talia Richard-Lande Debra Flitter Mark and Susan Barter Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce Foster Deanna Sue Simon Polina Frenkel Super Health Care Arleen Gershen Noreen Stillman Debbie Ginsburg Larry and Leslie Englander Betty Goldstein Howard Susskind Myrtle Goldstein Howard Susskind Harriet Greenstein Jeff Greenstein and Gail Krovitz Michael Greenstein Gertie Gruenberg Joanne Posner-Mayer Becky Hayutin Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg Martin Herzog Gary Kleiman and Elisa Moran Jordan Hochstadt Trude Bershof Veronica Huerta Tammy Coffman

Leland Huttner Izzy and Vicki Glass Edward and Lisa Huttner Mark and Cathlyn Huttner JFS Staff Jessica Milstein Heidi Kaufman Richard and Althea Patt John Keith Ronald and Sara Jane Epstein Jerry and Marilyn Snyder John and Leslie Keith Jerry and Marilyn Snyder Charles Kirschbaum Lisa Saliman Eudice Lewkowitz Larry and Audrey Plotkin Erik Madison Jonathan and Sharon Madison Zachary Madison Jonathan and Sharon Madison Idella Mark Saralyn Mark Aaron Marty Allen and Robin Taffet Alan and Peggy Mayer James Dorweiler James Miller Michael and Roslyn Rudnick Arthur and Arlene Moss Perry and Susie Moss Robert and Robyn Naiman Dependable Cleaners Mark and Essie Goodside Sam, Joseph, Jack, and Hank Orzynski Tania Orzynski Eric Pollock Richard and Sheila Bugdanowitz Ellen Gray Eric and Ellen Pollock Charles Malek and Kim Schneider Malek Katie Presman Boulder’s Jewish Community Roberta Quiat Melinda Quiat Jane E. Rosenbaum Gary Kleiman and Elisa Moran Kleimor Energy, LLC Stanton Rosenbaum Ron and Cathy Thomas Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Allan and Helena Striker Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Brooke Taffet Allen and Robin Taffet Dee Trasen Don and Linda Neuman Richard Rose

Nancy Alterman Denise Finn Marcia Vaziri Robert and Marsha Gold Stacey Weisberg Robert and Robyn Loup Yana Vishnitsky Jessica Milstein Sandra Wont Lawrence and Julie Gelfond Judy Zimmer Alex and Irene Zimmer Jeffrey Zinn Nancy Alterman IN MEMORY OF Ann Abernathy Denise Jendrusch Loise Acosta Madeline Acosta Dodie Allman Gary and Joyce Lozow Judy Alterman Nancy Alterman Neil Alterman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Phyllis Jacobs Bernard and Leba Munishor Claire Seiden James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Sam Behr Sheri Ogilvie Daniel Blank Steve Blank Elaine Blank Steve Blank Jean Bloch Thien Van Le and Jane Routh Le Marion Bowen Vincent Bowen Vincent Bowen Vincent Bowen Anthony Marc Jon Cardullo Cynthia Chapman Carol Cohan Berger Robert Berger Albert Cohen Lynn Cohen Sandy Cohn Mark and Linda Loewenstein Oliver Cruz Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Diane Dinner Melvin Dinner Estelle Dinner Bruce and Bernice Dinner Lynne Erion Richard and Michele Right Josie Eskanos Lauren Tulper Ruth Faller Daniels Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Murray Foss Richard and Hildie Newman Joyce Freeman Jeff Olson Samuel Freeman Jeff Olson

Christopher Froelich Shelley Froelich John Getz Gary and Karen Levine Don and Linda Neuman Rae Goldhamer Robert Goldhamer Leon Goldin Lucille Goldin Jerry Gray Robert and Suzi Miller Sheri Ogilvie Jeffrey and Stacy Robinson Morris Guss Nancy Friedman Peter Guthery Hank and Sherrie Brandon Daniel Foss and Carole Kornreich Foss Zoe Humphries Shelley Froelich Olga Johnson Shirley Gilman Myrtle Shor Sidman John Kamlet Jay Kamlet and Stephanie Keyes Bette Kaplan Philip Stahl Marvin Tyor Sophia Kearns Miriam Wycoff Gerald Kessel Marty Schmitz Ben Krone Karen Richards Sara Krone Karen Richards Al Leebow Robert and Suzi Miller Buddy Levenberg Allan and Alberta Sulzer Efrem Hil Margolin Mark and Susan Barter Michael McCune Arnold and Karen Stein Abby Meisterplass Eudice Lewkowitz Jon and Deborah Meisterplass Larry and Audrey Plotkin Shirley Melnick George and Jane Romberg Harold Morgenstern Bruce Morgenstern and Beth Ginsberg Ruth Myers Anonymous Donation Shirl Myland Martin and Ilene Lasher Millie Neistat Robert and Suzi Miller Richard and Cathy Neistat Leslie Novick The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Skip Paul Penny Berenbaum Les and Estelle Levitt

Beatrice Pomeranz The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Hank and Sherrie Brandon Marvin and Jackie Cooper Craig and Vicki Eskanos Stephen and Celeste Gorden Harold and Marilyn Lande Robert and Suzi Miller Barton and Marci Rivkin Dorothy Schoen Alan and Karen Stein Scott and Andrea Stillman Alex Rittenbaum Albert and Janice Dinner Anna Rosen Wax Oscar and Selma Sladek Arnie Rosen Stephen and Florianne Oxman Arnold Rosen Les and Estelle Levitt Marguerite Oxman Herbert and Rochelle Padzensky Hans Rosenbach Saralyn Mark Joyce Routh Thien Van Le and Jane Routh Le Michael Schatz Richard and Linda Albert Trude Bershof Cynthia Chapman Thomas and Amy Fortner Pam Naiman David and Toni Roitman Halene Weisbart Bertha Sheldon Howard and Donna Lutz Aaron Shwayder Marvin Tyor Hallie Siegel James and Wendy Berenbaum Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Daniel Foss and Carole Kornreich Foss Zelda Friednash Jon and Sheryl Goodman Shirley Leff Theodore and Sandra Pomeranz Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Claire Seiden Warren and Ruth Toltz Ben and Dee Trasen Seth Ward and Carol Kozak Halene Weisbart Ralph Snyder Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg David Stern Dani and Jennifer Stern Robert Stone Robert and Suzi Miller Alan and Karen Stein Beryl Tesler Ronald Hull and Eva Ruda-Hull Samuel Tyor Marvin Tyor Alfred Ulibarri Evon Lopez Andrew Vajda Toby and Lee Gurney

Ed Wasserman Dave Fine Eileen Wasserman Dave Fine Marshal West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Lorie West-Roberts David and Anita West Michele Wolf Robert and Marsha Gold WITH GRATITUDE FOR Brian and Cathy Fleischmann Roger and Linny Pretekin Hilary Baskin Sheila Sasson Allan Markman David and Beth Lippa Howard Miller and Amy Toltz-Miller Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Miriam Baer Israel Markowitz Gerry Burstein Iolene Burstein Sydney Cohn Ronald and Roni Brown Arthur Feldman Arthur and Lee Feldman Ellen Friedman Thomas and Amy Fortner Lisa Schatz Zelda Friednash Arthur and Arlene Moss Berta Goodman Marvin and Jackie Cooper Harriet Kaufmann Ben and Robyn Friedman Debra Herz Halene Weisbart Bill Krems Hank and Sherrie Brandon Harold Lande Ben and Robyn Friedman Terry Rubin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Arnold Stein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service The Chotin Foundation Jon and Sheryl Goodman The Striker Foundation James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Elaine Ulibarri Evon Lopez Arden Wandel The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Arnold and Susan Greenberg James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Stephen Wenner Thomas and Amy Fortner Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin IN KIND DONATIONS, page 12

FAMILY MATTERS JULY/AUGUST 2014

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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.

Fifth Annual Tour de Farm Bike Ride Is August 17 Support urban

farming and share the harvest by participating in Ekar Farm’s fifth annual Tour de Farm on Sunday, August 17, 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 then 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, $5 for riders under 13 years old, and $70 maximum per family. Learn more and register at http://ekarfarm.org/tour-de-farm-2014/.

DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217