March/April 2015 Family Matters

FamilyMatters Volume 25, No. 2 • MARCH/APRIL 2015

The Power of Magic!

Summer Volunteers Needed

Lunchbox Express page 7

JFS INTERNS ARE AWESOME

Program Spotlight page 8

A NEW LIFE

Refugee Mental Health page 10

A PUBLICATION OF

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Headlines Executive Luncheon May 7 See page 4

From the CEO Our Volunteers Are the Best!

In honor of National Volunteer Week,

April 12–18, we want to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers. Their impact is immeasurable, not only for the agency, but for the community as a whole. Volunteers significantly extend our reach and allow us to provide services to more than 25,000 people each year, which we would not be able to achieve without their invaluable dedication.

We are so grateful that last fiscal year, 949 volunteers generously contributed a total of 27,607 hours of service. Whether it’s volunteering in the Weinberg Food Pantry, supporting our fundraising events, sharing a skill with the organization, visiting an isolated senior, or doing a mitzvah project at Yana Vishnitsky home with their family, there are a host of ways that individuals, families, and business groups help make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

When we took over the Lunchbox Express program last spring, we were overwhelmed by the community response to our urgent plea for volunteers. There was not one route on any day of the summer our volunteers weren’t ready, willing, and able to help serve lunches

to children in need and ensure the program ran smoothly. This is just one example of the dedication that our volunteers have for the work we do in the community.

Many parents were inspired by the “Raising Charitable Kids” newsletter article and blog post written by Audrey Friedman Marcus several months ago. We were pleased to see an increase in the number of families who completed mitzvah projects at home during winter break, such as creating meal packages, bagging rice, and bundling diapers for our food pantry clients. View these project ideas at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer/ mitzvah-projects.

However you chose to help JFS this past year, we are grateful! If you are looking to get involved this year, JFS has a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit anyone’s interests or time commitment. You can learn more and view the list of opportunities by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer, or by contacting Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Yana Vishnitsky, LCSW President & CEO

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 more than 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

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Bon Voyage, Arnie!

SHALOM Denver’s Leader of 36 Years Retires

Since 1979, Arnie Kover has

been at the helm of SHALOM Denver and has had everything to do with its success and growth. He announced his retirement from the agency in early December and his last day on the job was December 31, 2014.

During his 36-year tenure, Arnie was instrumental in growing the SHALOM Denver program from a small team of seven staff with an annual budget of $150,000 to an operation of more than 40 staff members with a budget of $3.5 million. Thanks to his contributions and advocacy, SHALOM Denver has become a model of service for people with special abilities. At the same time, he created a selfsustaining business model that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to work, learn, and earn.

When Arnie joined Jewish Family Service, SHALOM Denver served approximately 80 clients. Today, SHALOM serves thousands of clients and their families with a wide array of services to help people with disabilities and other barriers to employment learn new skills, earn a living, and contribute to our community.

Arnie has also been responsible for operation of the JFS Group Home, which provides a warm, nurturing home for its eight residents with developmental disabilities.

A surprise party in honor of Arnie’s contributions to JFS and SHALOM Denver was held on December 19 during the traditional SHALOM holiday party. There were hundreds of people in attendance, including clients, colleagues, JFS board members, and dignitaries.

Among the speakers who paid tribute to Arnie was former Colorado state senator Joyce Foster, who worked with him as a volunteer through much of his career with JFS. “Arnie, you’ve been the heart and soul of this agency for 36 years,” she said. “You have the business sense, passion, and compassion that have made

SHALOM Denver the truly special place that it is. Thank you.”

JFS president and CEO Yana Vishnitsky had similar sentiments.

“SHALOM Denver is a national model of service to those with developmental disabilities, and we owe its success to Arnie and his dedicated team. He is leaving a lasting legacy of service and will be missed,” she said.

One by one, dozens of SHALOM Denver’s clients came to the Arnie Kover and Senator Joyce microphone to offer their Foster at Arnie’s retirement party. thanks to Arnie Kover for creating a special place for them to belong.

For them SHALOM Denver is their home and community. Arnie was brought to tears and shared his thanks to everyone who has supported SHALOM Denver over many years.

Bon voyage, Arnie—and thank you. You will be missed.

We are pleased to announce that Sara Leeper has been appointed as the new director of Disability and Employment Services. Sara served as the coordinator of client services for the past 21 years and brings to this position extensive knowledge of SHALOM Denver programs and a deep understanding of the disabilities system in Colorado.

Sara Leeper

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Earvin “Magic”Johnson Headlines 11th Annual JFS Executive Luncheon on May 7 Jewish Family Service welcomes

Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the speaker for its 11th annual JFS Executive Luncheon fundraiser on Thursday, May 7. The luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th Street.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program will start promptly at noon. Sponsorship packages start at $2,000 and are available now. Tickets will go on sale April 1 at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.

For more information or for sponsorships, contact Lisa Benoit at 720.248.4633.

All proceeds from the event will help support all programs of JFS, including mental health counseling, senior and adult in-home care, disability and employment services, and family safety net services.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson has become the most powerful African-American businessman in the world. He is a Major League Baseball team owner, NBA legend, two-time Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivational speaker. The business Earvin “Magic” Johnson mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world, propelling his company to the status of the number one brand in urban America.

Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Johnson’s company provides

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high-quality products that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, and endorsements. The conglomerate is composed of multiple business entities and partnerships that include Yucaipa Johnson, a $500 million private equity fund; ASPIRE, an African-American television network; SodexoMAGIC, a food service and facilities management company; Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies, a high school drop-out prevention program; Clear Health Alliance, a healthcare provider with a specialty plan for HIV/AIDS patients; and Magic Airport Holdings, including Magic Johnson Sports.

In the business world, Johnson is most noted for his unprecedented partnership with Starbucks, which served as a catalyst for the redevelopment of urban communities and is literally a blueprint for corporate America’s engagement and success with urban consumers. In 2010, the savvy businessman divested his Starbucks and Los Angeles Lakers shares for more than $100 million.

In 2012, as a member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, Johnson became an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball franchise. In 2014, he joined some partners in purchasing the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Johnson serves as chairman and founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, where his unwavering commitment to transform urban America continues through its HIV/ AIDS awareness and prevention program,

community empowerment centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program.

Celebrating over 20 years of success, the Magic Johnson Foundation has become one of the most recognized philanthropic organizations in the world.

Thank you to Executive Luncheon cochairs Alan Mayer, Meyer Saltzman, and Sam Zaitz for their leadership to make this a successful event!

Thank you to our current sponsors (as of January 30, 2015): Presidential

Will and Sheri Gold Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman Steve and Elizabeth Kris MassMutual Colorado Rob and Robyn Naiman Quiat Companies ROI Equities—Jamie and Leanna Harris Silverstein & Pomerantz, LLP

Vice Presidential Colorado Real Estate Journal The Diner Family Stuart and Janet Kritzer Family Foundation Jimmy and Debbie Lustig MorEvents—Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman

Chief Financial D. H. Friedman Properties Jack and Celeste Grynberg The Ernest S. Madison Family Foundation Executive Vice Presidential Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard

Nothing Bundt Cakes Richard and Michele Right

Associate Asarch Center for Dermatology and Mohs Surgery David and Anna Asarch Rob and Sam Baumgarten Centre Communities, LTD Children’s Hospital Colorado Harvey and Judith Cohen EXDO Management, LLC Monroe Group Ltd. Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Polsinelli PC RDM Communications Stewart Title Commercial Services

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.

FOLLOW US!

www.facebook.com/jfscolorado

www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2015

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This Isn’t Your Grandfather’s Para-Chaplain Program!

As you are probably aware,

the senior population is rapidly growing. In the United States, 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day.

Here in Colorado, many Jewish seniors are living in non-Jewish assisted living facilities and seek connections to the Jewish community.

Many of the residents are “I am so blessed to younger seniors who may want to participate in a discussion be a part of these group facilitated by a parapeople’s lives.” chaplain, focusing on current —Para-chaplain volunteer events, Jewish holidays, or the situation in Israel. They may also want to share the Sabbath informally with a small group of other Jewish residents.

That’s where you come in! We need adults—of all ages—to join our para-chaplain training program. Because the senior population and types of residences are changing, we are reinvigorating this program to fully meet the community’s needs.

Following in the footsteps of our current para-chaplains, you will visit senior Jewish adults in non-Jewish facilities and perhaps in

Para-chaplain Andy Thangasamy leads a Shabbat service at a senior community.

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their own homes. You may have the opportunity to facilitate discussion groups, lead Shabbat and holiday services, or simply sit and visit with a Jewish resident who wants companionship.

As a trained para-chaplain, you can participate in this meaningful volunteer opportunity by engaging Jewish residents in a spiritual way, as well as sharing stories, ideas, and bits of wisdom.

A trainer of para-chaplains once said, “They may not remember what you said, they may not remember what you did, but they WILL remember how you made them feel.” Our current para-chaplains have expressed similar sentiments. One dedicated volunteer says, “I am so blessed to be a part of these people’s lives. If you are looking for a great way to connect with people who really want you to be a part of their lives, then I encourage you to train for the para-chaplain program. It will truly change your life.”

And it’s not just about what you’re doing for others; you will get a lot out of this experience, too. A longtime para-chaplain relates, “I meet the most marvelous people. 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. What an honor to be a part of this!”

The next training will be held at JFS on April 29, May 6, and May 13 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. We encourage you to join us! To be a para-chaplain, you must be Jewish, but do not need an extensive Jewish education. Apply for the training online at www.jewishfamilyservice. org/volunteer/para-chaplains by March 20.

The application process includes an interview.

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

Looking for a Fun and Meaningful Way to Help Kids This Summer?

JFS Has the Perfect Volunteer Opportunity for You! Help distribute free lunches to hungry kids this summer aboard the Lunchbox

Express. Many low-income children don’t have access to the free and reduced-fee lunches they get during the school year and go without lunch.

Lunchbox Express school buses deliver food on scheduled routes, each weekday. Volunteer for one or more three-hour shifts each week, Monday through Friday, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for families with children 12 and over to volunteer together!

Julie Shpall, a Lunchbox Express volunteer, related the experience of her first day volunteering last summer. “We pulled up to Shadow Tree Apartments in Aurora and the minute the neighborhood children saw the bus, they came running. As they lined up, I could see the excitement on their faces. As we passed out lunches, I felt energized and knew I was contributing to something meaningful.”

Please join these excited volunteers and others by Volunteers distribute lunches contacting Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, to children last summer. at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org for more details.

In Memoriam: Ted Stone JFS and SHALOM Denver staff mourn the loss of Ted Stone, the elder son of the late Rabbi Earl and Judith Stone, who passed away December 14, 2014. Ted was diagnosed with autism in the early 1950s. He spent a number of years as a residential patient at several treatment centers when he was an adolescent and young adult prior to entering a special rehabilitation program that taught him how to live independently.

For more than 30 years, he was a beloved client at SHALOM Denver. He worked on a variety of projects, including mailings, packaging and assembly, and small knitting jobs. On occasion, he helped with light janitorial duties.

Bari Belinsky, work services manager at SHALOM Denver, says, “Ted was a kind, loving, and loyal man. He had an incredible ability to make lasting connections with most people that he met. It didn’t matter if you knew him for a short time or had a relationship that lasted for years. He touched all of our hearts and will be missed.”

Ted’s brother, Jeremy, says, “SHALOM was many things for Ted: his job, his community, and really his whole life. Since my parents passed away in the early 1990s, my wife Susan and I were acting as his guardians living far away. We have always been reassured to know that five days per week, Ted would either be seen by the folks at SHALOM or would call in and speak to someone. Yearly events such as the SHALOM picnic were highlights of Ted’s life, and we always heard from him about them. It is difficult to imagine how Ted could have thrived as he did, living alone and independently in Denver, without the presence and support of SHALOM, for which we will remain eternally grateful.”

Ted Stone

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PROGRAM Spotlight

JFS Interns Are Awesome!

By Audrey Friedman Marcus

Every August, like migrating birds,

a new group of interns is accepted by Jewish Family Service (JFS) to work with and learn from staff, serve clients, and grow and develop their skills. This year, “Interns are an a total of 17 interns are working integral part of the agency. They come from the team…we’d be at various educational institutions in lost without their the area, including the University extra support.” of Denver, University of Colorado —Jessica Shouse Denver, Denver Seminary, Metropolitan State University, Colorado State University, Naropa University, and Newman University in Colorado Springs.

At JFS, interns engage in the same valuable work as the agency’s staff. They gain academic credit and hands-on experience while receiving supervision and coaching from experienced staff members. Treated as valued employees, they are integrated into the workings of JFS, and serve clients in important ways.

Intern Annie Zarlengo meets with Senior Solutions care manager Laura Harter for supervision.

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Department heads who supervise interns extol their abilities, willingness, contributions, and accomplishments. Jennie Creasey, JFS professional senior services coordinator, a former JFS intern herself, relates that her department has hosted 45 student interns over the past 15 years. These budding professionals complement the hardworking staff in Jennie’s department by helping to meet the needs of clients.

Shelly Hines, Family Safety Net director, was also an intern at JFS before joining the staff. Interns in her department work one-on-one with clients who are all living in poverty. Through the food pantry and its diverse clientele, they also learn about cultural issues. One of the many benefits of interning at JFS, states Shelly, is the wealth of experience they can get in a safe, supportive learning environment at a well-established nonprofit organization. They also benefit from the opportunity to attend staff meetings, community meetings, and trainings. What’s more, interns keep the staff on their toes by bringing their education to the agency and sharing new things happening in the field with staff.

Coordinator of the JFS KidSuccess program Melissa LaLonde supervises the school-based counseling department. Currently, seven students are interning in her department, two of whom Melissa supervises. Because of the interns, KidSuccess can reach many more children and families.

Jessica Shouse is program manager of vocational programs at SHALOM Denver. Besides the eight vocational specialists she supervises, her department has two interns. “Interns are an integral part of the team, just as staff is,” Jessica reports. “We’d be lost without their extra support.” Among their

many responsibilities, interns interview clients for various assessments and employment plans, file and compile reviews, and conduct annual reviews to be sure all information is current and accurate. Interns also help clients on the work floor and offer counseling as needed. All of these tasks represent skills necessary for success in a competitive job market.

But let’s hear what two current interns have to say about the program: Matt Edwards is a second-year graduate student who will earn his Master’s of Social Work degree (MSW) in June from the University of Denver (DU). On Mondays and Tuesdays he attends classes at DU, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays he works with students at Samuels Elementary School as part of his internship.

At Samuels, Matt puts his classroom learning into practice with a regular caseload of young students who are struggling emotionally.

Every Friday, he’s in the office where he does paperwork and meets with his supervisor, Melissa LaLonde, whom Matt has found to be very supportive and always available to him.

He loves learning from her, and appreciates knowing that he is not alone. “I don’t feel like an intern,” he declares. “I am treated on a par with staff.”

As an undergraduate, Annie Zarlengo chose aerospace science as her major, but a seven-year stint as a volunteer at a hospice pointed her instead toward social work. She is now in the first year of the MSW program at Metro State University. The integration of course work with practical experience working with seniors in her internship has been invaluable for Annie, and she finds the four hours a week of supervision by Jennie Creasey and care manager Laura Harter, as well as the group supervision she receives, helpful and supportive.

According to Annie, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center staff is both encouraging and welcoming. She spends a minimum of 16 hours a week seeing six clients on a regular basis, one of whom is a Holocaust survivor.

Isolated and needing socialization, each client faces challenges, such as mental or

KidSuccess coordinator Melissa LaLonde has a supervision meeting with intern Matt Edwards.

physical illness, and it is up to Annie to find the resources to help them.

As part of their responsibilities, Annie and the other two interns in the department organize a “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” event each semester, inviting a guest speaker or panel of experts to talk about a relevant topic for social work professionals in the community. In every way, she concludes, her internship is phenomenal. “I won the lottery with JFS,” says Annie.

It’s easy to see the enormous benefits of the internship program at JFS. Interns receive practical experience while being mentored by seasoned staff. At the same time, students also learn about the important work of JFS, a vital agency that serves the entire population. Clients receive the dedicated attention of young people who care. And JFS accomplishes more due to the work of these bright, talented, and enthusiastic students. It’s definitely a win-win situation.

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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Refugee

MENTAL HEALTH

A New Life

Two years ago, Murtada Al Gharrawi

was a professional weightlifter in Iraq and worked as a personal trainer with the U.S. military in Baghdad. One day he was driving with his 18-year-old sister when militias forced his car off the road. In the confrontation that followed, the men killed Murtada’s sister right in front of him. He was kidnapped and endured three weeks of brutal torture. At one point, he was left unconscious for six hours after a particularly vicious beating.

When he was released, he knew he had to flee the country. His contacts with the American military helped him escape to Jordan.

There, he underwent two hip replacement surgeries, treatment for a bullet wound to his knee, and shoulder surgery.

The Iraqi militias were still after him. Sadly, he learned that when his brother-in-law couldn’t tell them of his whereabouts, they killed him on the spot.

Murtada decided to take his family to America and was resettled in Denver.

When he arrived, he was very depressed and was contemplating suicide. He was overwhelmed with guilt over the deaths of his sister and brother-in-law and worried constantly about his mother and two sisters, who remain in Baghdad. In addition, he was very stressed over his finances. He was paying $850 rent for a small apartment for his wife and two children, leaving him nothing to live on. He was referred to JFS Refugee Mental Health for counseling.

JFS’s Refugee Mental Health therapists not only worked with Murtada to overcome his emotional issues but also helped him secure disability benefits and access to affordable housing. Now Murtada and his family live in a tidy house with a yard. He pays only $300 per month and, along with food from the Weinberg Food Pantry, can support his family.

Murtada is still adjusting to life in America and dealing with dark memories of his past.

It’s hard for him to concentrate, but he’s improving. Instead of suicidal thoughts, he’s now focused on providing for his children. He wants to work with other refugees who have had similar experiences and help them.

“I give my appreciation to everyone who works at Jewish Family Service,” he says. “I want to get more involved with JFS because they help so many people.”

Murtada Al Gharrawi

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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SENIORS

Matter

How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

By Jennifer Ramirez, Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center intern

If you are a caregiver, odds are you

already know the important details about the health of the person for whom you are caring.

You are great at making sure they take their medication, get to appointments on time, and eat healthy meals. By now it is second nature to notice when they have even slight changes in behavior; this is all just part of your normal caregiver routine. Are you as aware of what’s going on with you and your health as much as you are about your loved one?

Finding yourself in the position of caring for someone else’s well-being can be overwhelming, to say the least, and it comes with a host of new emotions and things to consider.

However, if you take the proper precautions and seek to avoid caregiver burnout, the caregiver relationship can also be quite rewarding and become enjoyable for both people involved.

Neglecting your own health can result in feelings of stress and resentment, and leave you feeling very overwhelmed. Burnout is when you no longer feel able to meet the demands of the person you are caring for and experience a lack of motivation to continue.

If you have experienced any of the following, you may be at risk for burnout: • Losing control (physically or emotionally) • Depression or lack of energy • Increased use of alcohol or medication • Changes in appetite • Neglect of the person you are caring for • Difficulty in your personal life • Feelings of anger or resentment If you have been struggling with any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek additional help and find a balance that works better for you. Reaching out to others will allow you to better manage your personal life—with the same importance as you do for your loved

one—leaving you some time to focus on your own life.

There are numerous resources, including day respite care, homemaking services, help with transportation, and medications, as well as adaptive equipment to make things safer. If the level of care does not require outside help, there are also support groups, classes, and even online resources such as webinars, articles, and Jennifer Ramirez blogs designed to improve the quality of life for caregivers and offer a social outlet. More information can be found at www.caregiver.org. In addition, getting support from friends and family and taking time for favorite activities and hobbies can help you avoid burnout.

You can also visit our website at www.jewishfamilyservice.org or contact the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at 303.597.5000 to speak with a care manager who can help address your specific needs and provide resources. When in doubt, always remember your ABCs: Avoid alcohol (and other addictions), Become more active (find something you like), and Choose good nutrition (make better choices)!

Jennifer Ramirez is a BSW student intern for the JFS Phillips Senior Solutions Center, where she works with her clients to help find available resources designed to help the elderly remain safely in their homes. Jennifer has worked with seniors for the past six years in home care as a caregiver and CNA, and is also her mother’s private caregiver. She is personally driven to help seniors and homebound people remain in their homes, safely and independently, for as long as possible.

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. Due to space limitations, we are only able to list tribute gifts received during this time, but all contributions are greatly appreciated.

Please accept our apologies for any omissions or errors.

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Steve and Enid Wenner Ronald and Roni Brown IN HONOR OF BAT MITZVAH Rebecca Chapman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Jenna Veta Dick Wisott and Naomi Halpern-Wisott IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Betty Brown Mark and Ruth Brown Sharon Feder Jennifer Pence Ben Friedman Barry and Randie Winograd Norman Goldberg Jack and Celeste Grynberg Barbara Goldburg Michael and Harriet Greenstein Dick Hambrick Cynthia Chapman Judy Heller Estelle Meskin Cathy Kravitz Marvin Tyor Gerald Lande Harold and Marilyn Lande Peggy Lehmann Murray and Aileen Englander Carol Levin Susan Schulstrom and Joel Lipsohn Sachi Marcum Myrtle Sidman Shaunna Marcum Myrtle Sidman Debra Reinhard Debra Reiss Dan and Betsy Wilinsky Jane E. Rosenbaum Richard and Elaine Asarch Lawrence Bass and Lynn Robinson Eileen Duggan Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Gary and Janet Friedland Barbara Goldburg Elliott and Gloria Husney Gary Kleiman and Elisa Moran Elizabeth Lehman Michael and Cynthia Lowinger Gary and Joyce Lozow David Miller and Lisa Farber Miller James and Ladeen Pluss Sam and Zondra Pluss William and Patti Sandler Jonathan and Roslyn Steeler Warren and Ruth Toltz Francine Topelson

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

Dr. Anne and Mel Wernimont and Family James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Sharon Zuckerman Farrell Sher Justin and Sharon Roth Chet and Louise Schwartz Stephen and Enid Wenner Philip Winn Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Rabbi Avraham and Hindy Mintz’s Baby Boy The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Art and Irit Waldbaum’s New Grandson Neal and Kathy Kimmel IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENTS Dan Hemmati and Amy Likoff Michael and Harriet Greenstein IN HONOR OF A HAPPY Hanukkah Jay Miller Diane Miller IN HONOR OF HAPPY HOLIDAYS Michael, Julie, Andrew, and Matthew Eber Nancy Nowak IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Judy Reaven and Lori Helmstetter Bill, Karen, Eliana, and Margalit Silverman Lenora Silverman IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR Sheila Bugdanowitz Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer David and Cindy Goldberg Elsa Holguin Elliott and Gloria Husney John and Gaye Leonard Esther Lustig Charlie Miller and Sarah Indyk Roy Penny and Mary Gillen Penny Pinon Trail Foundation Melinda Quiat Scott and Ellen Robinson Bev Rouleau Justin and Sharon Roth Jon and Jamie Sarché Frank and Dena Schneider Bonnie Shore Robert and Dale Silverberg Barry and Regina Silvestain Sandra Vinnik Stanley Ginsburg Jack and Celeste Grynberg Sheryl Goodman Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Jackie Frazin David and Cindy Goldberg Helene Hoffman Elliott and Gloria Husney Bev Rouleau Marilyn Rosenberg William and Patti Sandler Jon and Jamie Sarché

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2015

Robert and Toni Schiff Dena Shpall Julie Shpall Robert and Dale Silverberg Barry and Regina Silvestain Ralph and Debbie Sokol Sandra Vinnik Steven and Debra Weinstein

IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Arnold Kover Jon and Sheryl Goodman Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Claire Seiden Bart Valls Barry and Sylvia Scher IN HONOR OF THE WORK YOU DO Yana Vishnitsky Douglas and Susan Seserman IN HONOR OF Richard and Carol Abrams John Fitzgibbons Rachel Amaru Louis Amaru Ari Asarch Lee and Barbara Mendel Ken Bardach Rachael Bardach Rabbi Eliot Baskin Janet Slate Stan and Sandy Bauer Michael and Harriet Greenstein Nancy Benyamin Audrey Friedman Marcus Rabbi Joseph Black James and Debra Mayworm Boulder JFS Advisory Committee & Staff Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Lynn Cutler Allan Cutler Cathy Summer Tim and Gale Boonstra Estelle Miller Eddie Fiss Jon and Jamie Sarché Daisy Flynn Tracey Kraus Mike and Cindy Friedman Jon and Betty Heller Dan and Jonathan Futa Jane Tannenbaum Mark and Pam George Alison Briscoe Barbara Goldburg Carol Goldburg Homer Goodman Wendy Pomeranz Grandchildren, nieces, and nephews Ames, Cade, and Yourtz Lisa Myers Alaina Green Audrey Friedman Marcus Allison Greenstein Jeff Greenstein and Gail Krovitz Cathy Grimm Arlen and Kathleen Meyers Jean Heller Bette Heller

Gil Hersh Nina Judd Bill and Terri Hollister Lorayne Rosenfeldt Irena Shwayder David and Beth Lippa Andrea Jacobs Jon and Jamie Sarché Bernie and Marcia Karshmer Louis and Karen Diamond Lita Katz Jay and Lois Miller John Kayser Audrey Friedman Marcus Steven Kris Rose Community Foundation Michael Salem Alan Mayer Irene Mayer David and Evan Meltzer Scott and Sharon Sagel Kari Alpen Audrey Friedman Marcus Susan Millenson Marion Goldstein Jay and Lois Miller Aaron Stambler and Elaine Miller Lola Miller Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Brent Morse Timothy and MaryKate McCutcheon David and Hallie Moskowitz Stuart and Kathleen Bennett Phil Munishor Stan and Yvonne Stahl Sam, Joseph, Jack, and Hank Orzynski Tania Orzynski Meg Quiat Jay Schusterman and Mary Lee Schusterman Audrey Rabinowitz Noah Rabinowitz and Suzanne Pariser Stanton Rosenbaum RLC Foundation Michael Rosenblum Joyce Rosenblum Sharon Roth Barbara Cole Joan Rubenstein Trude Bershof Jerry and Terry Rubin Ed and Marlin Barad Jordan Saliman Mark and Rachel Saliman Karyn Schad Sydell Pannor Arnold and Madeline Schonbrun Michael Schonbrun and Susan Juroe Mirella Schreiber Audrey Friedman Marcus Jon and Jamie Sarché Dorothy Schwab Norman Schwab Emma Schwarz David and Beth Lippa Julie Shaffer Leslie Kimerling Reva Sipser Myra Keeble

Walter Slatkin Family Jeff Dunn The Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado Jessica Milstein Jim and Linda Stein Michelle Kralj Linda and Shelly Switkin Daniel Hettleman and Ayelet Talmi Barbara Gould Tim and Gale Boonstra Estelle Miller Nancy Alterman Richard Wedgle and Susan Mason Mitzi Troutfelt Lorayne Rosenfeldt Alan Turing Laura Grushcow Pete Vaziri Anonymous Michael Weiner Jeanmarie Kellerstrass Yana Vishnitsky Anna Tsesarsky Jessica Wurtzl Richard Jacobi and Colette Lottor Elise Zakroff David and Beth Lippa Joyce Zeff Arnold and Saundra Heller Sandra Vinnik Mara Zucker Gary and Jennifer Zucker IN MEMORY OF Doris Aarenau Joe and Tsai Bilett Max Ace Howard and Susan Licht Rita Ace Howard and Susan Licht Reva Astrov Gail Marcus Stanley Averch Libby Marcus Morris Baumgarten Gary Baumgarten and Kathy Brauer Sylvia Baumgarten Gary Baumgarten and Kathy Brauer Selina Begun Roslyn Begun Robert Bernstein Michael Boxer Helen Boxer Daniell Wartell Martin Boxer Daniell Wartell Marvin Brilliant Rocky and Suzi Miller Elaine Bromberg David and Marilyn Bromberg Lisa Burns Joe and Janis Pennington William Bromberg David and Marilyn Bromberg Lisa Burns Joe and Janis Pennington Chuck Brooks Ted and Dorothea Brooks Deborah Burger Susan Grauer Paul Cartwright Renee Singer Allan and Annette Chandler’s Mother Marvin and Sandra Goldberg Avery Clayton Richard and Bonnie Horwitz

Aaron Cohen Mark and Wendy Cohen Claire Cohen Sara Cohen Dorothy Cohen Mark and Wendy Cohen Jake Cohen Max Silverman Mildred Cohen Max Silverman Phil Cohen Sara Cohen Gerald Colson Bernard and Leba Munishor Jennie Cooper Craig and Vicki Eskanos Joe Cooper Craig and Vicki Eskanos Mary Corken James and Patricia Corken Lee Corton Renee Singer Eleanor Crow Debra Biasca Jim Deutelbaum Roger and Jill Giller Sally Dworkin Arthur and Mary Bleecher Mary Eitreim Gail Pennington Mom and Dad Elkins Jeff Elkins Klara Engel Andronik Mamayan Donna Ferris Ralph and Debbie Sokol Ralph Fisch 1st Judicial District Judges and Magistrates The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Kenneth Browner Karen Erlich Enid Goldstein Marcia Gordon Melvyn and Roberta Klein Donna Landwehr Sharon O’Connor Harry and Beverly Pomeranz Bev Rouleau Smith, Brooks, Bolshoun & CO., L.L.P. Morey and Joni Troy Bob and Jo Wessels James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Pearlanne Zelarney Mildred Zuccarello Edward Fisher Sternburg Communications Inc Jill Friedman Fixler Anne Angerman David and Nancy Benyamin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Peter Fixler David and Beth Lippa Mirella Schreiber Sandra Vinnik James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Barbara Freedberg Julie Orr Marc and Ann Reinisch Irwin and Barbara Suson Robert and Charlene Walner Barbara Friedman Barr Sheldon and Ellen Friedman Arthur and Dorothy Malman Libby Marcus Jerry and Marilyn Snyder

Darrick Furer Bobbi Furer and Linda Scherrer Zac Galinkin Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Elizabeth Geller Joe and Tsai Bilett John Getz Toni Getz Irene Glass Izzy and Vicki Glass Bill Gold Estelle Meskin Alan and Karen Stein Gerald Goldberg Cynthia Chapman Rabbi Joseph Goldman Gerri Cohen Audrey Friedman Marcus Ronald and Barb Pred Mary Goldman Larry and Debra Jacobs Reuben Goodman Debra Reinhard Dorothy Grossfeld Jill and Mark Spitzer Jerry Grossfeld Jill and Mark Spitzer Keri Hale Myra Schneider Gerhard Heimann Roberta Beach Albert Hoffman Jennifer Hoffman Sonia Hora Gary and Joyce Lozow Harry Hortick Leonard and Stefanie Hortick Louise Hortick Leonard and Stefanie Hortick Harriet Joseph Kay Martley Karen Regnell Harry and Vicki Sterling Bud Kaatz Kaatz Associates II, LLP Herbert Kamlet The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Claire Seiden James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Benjamin Kaplan Marvin Tyor Sara Kishoni Hank and Sherrie Brandon Zoe Tova Kislowitz Allyn Bandell Anna Koladicki Michael Freimann Steve Kolber Sid and Merle Klein Dr. Avraham Krems Hank and Sherrie Brandon Ben Krone Karen Richards Sara Krone Karen Richards Betty LeMaster Burt LeMaster Adele Lerman Michael Smilie Ronald LeVine Susan Goldberg Dorinda Levy Christina Jenkins Bradley and Sara Nieder Donna Licht Howard and Susan Licht

Gloria Lipson Neil and Rhonda Lipson Herbert Lipson Neil and Rhonda Lipson Harold Locketz Janice Temple Alan Lottner Rocky and Suzi Miller Henry Lowenstein Eileen Price Leo Lubliner Alan Lubliner Bonnie Margolin Barton and Marci Rivkin Letty Margolis Michael and Beth Margolis Sylvia Marmelstein Bart and Jill Miller Linda Massey’s Mother Cynthia Chapman Ruth Meyer James and Susan Weichselbaum Harold Miller Barbara Miller Mark Miller Morris and Helen Ginsburg Gary and Joyce Lozow Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Shirley Miller Barbara Miller Semeon Milstein Vladimir and Alla Milstein Donna Moore Ivan and Maxine Woolf Bessie Morris Helen Morris Herman Negreann The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Bernard and Leba Munishor Stephen and Enid Wenner Moritz Perey Cynthia Chapman Sheldon Perotin Phyllis Goodman Susan Shaner Estelle Stine Marvin Tyor Harris Richard Richard and Sandra Gibbs Donald Richtol Esther Lustig Harriet Roman Ivan and Maxine Woolf Rabbi Israel Rosenfeld Joe and Tsai Bilett Mike Boxer Bob Sanders Ronald and Roni Brown Robert and Diane Cohn Bernard and Leba Munishor Esther Schachet Rosann Tixer Jane Schapiro Stephen and Sandra Goodman Michael Schatz David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Rose Schein Taylor and Kimberly Schollmaier Earl Schlifkin Colleen Kinlund Marcia Levine Peter Niederman Charles Schneider Myra Schneider Margit Schneider Jim Garcia and Gloria Padilla de Garcia

Continued on page 14

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THANK YOU for Caring!

Minnie Schneider Myra Schneider Alan Schoen Dorothy Schoen Randi Schoen Arleen Goldstein Esther Lustig Eugene and Ruth Schorsch Dorothy Schwab Congregation Tikvah Chadashah David and Stacy Krupp Ronald and Janet Shiroff Joe and Marlynn Silver Jerry Scott Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Smadar Scuitto Amir and Nikki Cohen Gloria Seader Gail Marcus Gerald Sigman Rocky and Suzi Miller John Sigman Rocky and Suzi Miller Ruthe Stein Eugene and Ruth Schorsch Helene Stern Barbara Stern Ludwig Stern Barbara Stern Pearl Stock Harold and Marilyn Lande Sheila Stock Harold and Marilyn Lande Sol Stock Harold and Marilyn Lande Ted Stone John and Donna Appleton Arthur and Renée Ascher Dorothy Beeman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Eileen Eller Steven and Gloria Ferruggia Edward and Elka Haligman Eleanor Hixon Nancy Hodges Liliane Kates

Ed and Janie Meyer Eileen Price Susan Shaner Susan Stark James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Evelyn Sunshine David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Isadore Sunshine David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Joseph Tyor Marvin Tyor Lucy Vishnitsky Claire Seiden Vitaly and Jill Vishnitsky Robert Waxman Joe and Tsai Bilett Barbara Weidenfeld Neal and Kathy Kimmel Rowena Weinstein David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Sam Weinstein David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Eugene Weisberg Gary and Joyce Lozow Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Aaron Weiss Robert and Linda Weiss Marshal West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Mary Zohn Marvin Tyor Sergeant David Zuckerman Ernest and Mary Russo Lilly Zuckerman Bloom Siobhan Houston WITH GRATITUDE FOR Cathy Summer Douglas Triggs and Amy Divine Dr. Stan Ginsburg Andy and Cindy Silverman Dr. Lee Hockman Andy and Cindy Silverman Dr. Lisa Schwartz Andy and Cindy Silverman Arnold Kover Nancy Hodges

Continued from page 13

Mark Millenson Marion Goldstein Dr. Diana Reeves Andy and Cindy Silverman WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Brenda Banker Larry and Debra Jacobs Richard Bugdanowitz The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Esther Lustig Helene Dieter Communicatons Distributors Louis Gelfand Shirley Leff Helen Ginsburg Halene Weisbart Barbara Goldburg Bev Rouleau Berta Goodman Ellen Goldstein Shirley Leff Celeste Gorden Phyllis Goodman Lorna Gray Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Betty Heller Justin and Sharon Roth Dalton Levine Gary and Karen Levine Gary Levine Barbara Sidon Susan Millenson Loretta Cawelti Skip Miller Jon and Sheryl Goodman David Naiman Shirley Leff Ricki Rest Pam Naiman Leah Rodie Justin and Sharon Roth Dee Trasen Mirella Schreiber

Leah Tzipporah Stephen and Rosa Obrand Enid Wenner Ronald and Roni Brown Pam Naiman Marvin Wolf Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum In Kind Donors Advanced ENT Denver AIMCO All Across Africa Amstar Autawash of Colorado LLC Benihana Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Elements Massage Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill High Pointe Holland & Hart LLP King Soopers Reclamation Kohelet Las Caras the mama ‘hood MassMutual Colorado Max Gill & Grill The Melting Pot Nothing Bundt Cakes Lockheed Martin - Operation Santa Claus Sisterhood of Congregation Emanuel Solve IT, Inc. Sparks Coffee Taziki’s Cafe Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Temple Sinai Havurah Trader Joe’s Walgreen’s Westin Tabor Center Whole Foods at Tamarac Zanitas

Save the Date for Summer Magic CAMP! Jewish Disabilities Advocates (formerly Jewish Disabilities Network) is planning

Summer Magic camp again this year! Children and young adults with special needs (ages 8 to 28) are invited on exciting day trips to Shwayder Camp on Tuesday, June 23, and to JCC Ranch Camp on Monday, July 27. Cost is $20 per day.

Summer Magic is also seeking fun, responsible teens and young adults to serve as camp buddies. Training is provided and no experience is necessary.

For information/registration, contact Rita Singer at 720.335.0854 or rocky2323@aol.com.

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FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2015

Give a “Chai Five” for Passover!

Donations and Volunteers Needed

As you prepare to celebrate Passover,

please help us make sure that people who are struggling in our community can put together a Seder. Jewish Family Service will provide families in need with a kosher chicken and other necessary kosher-for-Passover items. This year, we will also deliver catered meals for homebound seniors who have trouble cooking a full Seder.

You can help by giving the community a “chai five” by donating at least $90 for this program—the cost to purchase food and nonperishable items needed to make the Seder complete for a family of four. This year, we expect to serve at least 80 families, which means we need to raise more than $7,200.

Please donate online today at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/passover, or mail your check in the enclosed envelope with “Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund” in the memo line. If you would prefer to donate nonperishable kosher-for-Passover food items, including matzo, matzo meal, grape juice, borscht, gefilte fish, macaroons, cake mix, and candles, please drop them off at JFS by Friday, March 27.

Volunteers are also needed to distribute and deliver food on April 2. Please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice. org for more details.

With your help, we can ensure that every family in our community can celebrate Passover this year!

Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund Established We are pleased to announce

that Sally Steele Metzger, in conjunction with her children, recently established the Sally Steele Metzger Passover Fund at JFS. Sally has been a longtime supporter of JFS and it was important to her to fund a program that will benefit families in the community for years to come. This fund will allow JFS to provide food for more individuals and families to celebrate Passover this year and in the future.

“We are grateful to Sally and her children for their forethought to support this important community program that ensures people who might otherwise not be able to celebrate Passover can have everything they need for a complete Seder meal,” says Dawn Richard, JFS development director. “On behalf of the staff and board of directors, we are honored to be able to recognize Sally’s longtime commitment to JFS and our community as a whole.”

STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in March and April: 5 years: Laura Budko, personal care worker, and Shelley Tait, Family Safety Net administrative assistant

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2015

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NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID

Jewish Family Service of Colorado Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4394

DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 www.jewishfamilyservice.org

Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado and Mile High United Way

Social services for Jewish Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

Join the JFS Legacy Society!

Please help ensure that Jewish Family Service is here to serve future generations by

supporting the agency with a legacy gift. JFS Legacy Society members are donors who have confirmed that JFS is listed as a beneficiary in their estate plans through bequests in a will or is a beneficiary of an insurance policy, retirement account, or trust.

Rabbi Eliot and Dr. Hilary Baskin say, “We’ve chosen to include JFS in our estate to ensure that our Jewish community is provided for in order to serve the next generations with deeds of loving kindness.”

Jamie Sarché explains why she chose to be a Legacy Society member: “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!”

Please join these respected community members by making a legacy gift today! Please contact Dawn Richard, development director, at 720.248.4605 or drichard@jewishfamilyservice. org for more details. If you have already remembered JFS in your will, please let us know so we can acknowledge your vision and include you as a member of the JFS Legacy Society.

JFS 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.