May/June 2015 Family Matters

FamilyMatters Volume 25, No. 3 • MAY/JUNE 2015

IN MEMORIAM

Cathy Grimm page 4

IT TAKES Program JUST A SEED Spotlight page 5 GREENHOUSESHALOM MAKEOVER Denver page 6

A PUBLICATION OF

Volunteer Drivers Bring Sustenance and Support See page 8

From the CEO Our agency experienced

A Family Loss

a terrible blow on March 18, when we suddenly lost a member of our family. Cathy Grimm’s untimely passing was unbelievable and devastating to our staff, volunteers, board, and the clients we serve. Weeks have gone by since her death and I’m still not sure that I have grasped the gravity of the loss.

At 65, Cathy was so full of life.

She was smart, classy, witty, and funny. She was fast on her feet, direct, and even a bit irreverent, which only added to her charm.

She was an expert on senior issues and built the JFS Senior Solutions program into a respected model of service. She deeply cared about Yana Vishnitsky the welfare of older adults in our community and was driven by compassion and a deep sense of respect for them.

While Cathy’s death has been painful, somehow it brought out the best in our staff. The JFS family came together as I have never seen.

We experienced the loss together. We cried together, prayed together, and supported one another at a very difficult time.

The JFS staff is attached to one another.

Many staff members have worked at the agency for more than 30 years. In fact, Cathy recently celebrated her 20-year anniversary. We are a family and like family, we are there for each other. This tragic loss strengthened our bond and made us stronger.

One member of our family has left us and life at JFS will never be the same. But we now know how much we can count on each other to move forward. Cathy wouldn’t want it any other way.

B’shalom,

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 at home, provides quality mental health counseling, offers training and job placement to those with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis. Every year, the agency benefits more than 25,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes, and abilities.

For more information, call 303.597.5000 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo 2

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

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

Thank You to the JFS Executive Luncheon Sponsors!

Thank you to the sponsors (as of April 2, 2015) who generously supported the 11th

annual JFS Executive Luncheon featuring Earvin “Magic” Johnson held May 7. View a complete event recap, including photos and video, at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.

Presidential

Tessler Developments Chief Operating The Walter Goldberg Family Foundation Brent and Julie Morse Chief Financial Elaine and Max Appel The Bender Foundation D. H. Friedman Properties Lynda M. Goldstein Jack and Celeste Grynberg The Ernest S. Madison Family Foundation The Saltzman and Topelson Families TransVac Solutions Sam and Stephanie Zaitz and Jonathan and Erin Marsico Joyce Zeff Executive Vice Presidential Alberta Development Partners/D.A. Davidson/Westside Investments ANB Bank Caring for Colorado Foundation The Chotin Foundation—Steven and Robin Chotin Colorado Real Estate Journal Colorado State Bank and Trust Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Will and Sheri Gold Peggy Goldman Charlie Gwirtsman and Nancy Reichman Steve and Elizabeth Kris

MassMutual Colorado MidFirst Bank Moda Man on Larimer— Joel and Tiffany Appel MorEvents—Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Rob and Robyn Naiman Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC Quiat Companies Dick and Eddie Robinson ROI Equities—Jamie and Leanna Harris Rose Medical Center Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Silverstein & Pomerantz, LLP The Madison Group and Friends UMB Bank Colorado Vice Presidential The Diner Family Esprit Homes Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce Foster Rachel Grynberg and Rick Schepis Harvard Communities—John Keith Jordon Perlmutter and Company Stuart and Janet Kritzer Family Foundation Laundry Services Inc. Jimmy and Debbie Lustig Nothing Bundt Cakes Richard and Michele Right Chet and Louise Schwartz Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Western Centers, Inc. Associate Harvey and Sue Allon Asarch Center for Dermatology and Mohs Surgery David and Anna Asarch Michael S. Asarch Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management Balfour Senior Living—Michael and Susan Schonbrun

Dan and Carla Bartell Rob and Sam Baumgarten Berkeley Homes Alan and Gayle Boxer Centre Communities, LTD Children’s Hospital Colorado CoBiz Financial Harvey and Judith Cohen Cushman and Wakefield Dependable Cleaners Developmental Pathways Stanton Dodge Edgemark Commercial Real Estate Services LLC Elevation Development Group, LLC Enstrom Candies EXDO Management, LLC John and Martha Gart Dr. Gilbert and Jane Hermann Leland Huttner Aaron and Niah Hyatt Izbiky & Associates PLLC Hud and Carol Karshmer KP Family LLP/Gold Family LLC Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Alan and Peggy Mayer Laura Michaels and Jeff Olson Miller Frishman Group, LLC Monroe Group Ltd. Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Northwestern Mutual—Royce and Tara Zimmerman Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Panera Bread Dick and Annette Pluss Polsinelli PC RDM Communications Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Smile Generation Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC Spencer Fane Stewart Title Commercial Services TMS Center of Colorado, LLC Todd M. Wheeler

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

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In Memoriam

Cathy Grimm

Leader and Advocate for the Elderly

On March 18, 2015—and much

too soon—Colorado lost a visionary leader who dedicated her life’s work to the well-being of seniors in our community. At the young age of 65, Cathy Grimm passed away following a sudden and unexpected illness.

Cathy was director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center at Jewish Family Service (JFS). She was a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver in 1993 with a concentration in geriatrics and mental health. She joined the JFS staff in 1994 and was promoted to director of the seniors’ department in 2001.

She left behind a legacy of innovation, service, and compassion that improved the quality of life for older adults throughout the Denver and Boulder communities. She was an ardent advocate of seniors in our community, especially those in underserved Cathy Grimm populations. She was a visionary who helped to establish JFS as a leader in the provision of services to seniors.

“Cathy was deeply committed to improving the quality of life for the thousands of elderly people we serve,” says Yana Vishnitsky, president and CEO of JFS. “She treated older adults with unconditional love and compassion, which is exactly the way she wanted to be treated.”

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Cathy’s goal was always to help seniors continue to live safely and independently in their own homes, where they want to be. She pioneered a number of innovative programs to fulfill that promise. She is credited with establishing the first Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) in Colorado, which brings vital services to seniors in the communities in which they live. This model of care is often cited as the model of the future that can help keep seniors active, healthy, and engaged.

Prior to joining JFS, she held positions with the Mental Health Corporation of Denver, Denver Probate Court, and Veterans Administration Medical Center. She was a recognized expert in the field of aging and was invited by Sen. Wayne Allard to participate in the 2005 White House Conference on Aging.

Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Her life was celebrated at a private family memorial service.

“She was a beacon of light on the JFS staff and her passing has left a hole in all of our hearts,” says Vishnitsky. “We will miss her terribly.”

To honor Cathy, her commitment to JFS, and her passion for older adults in our community, JFS established Cathy’s Fund, a memorial fund that will benefit programs for seniors at JFS. More information is available at www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

Cathy’s goal was always to help seniors continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.

PROGRAM Spotlight Barbara Matthews, 68, recently

retired from her IT job at the Denver Federal Center and is now pursuing her true passion: organic vegetables. She grows them, sells them, shares them, cooks with them, and teaches others about their healthy qualities.

Barbara recently taught a class about planting vegetable seeds to 20 participants of Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge. This is a naturally occurring retirement community, or NORC, which brings vital services to significant numbers of seniors where they live. The program is a resident-run, resident-driven model of senior services that helps build community and allow seniors to age in place. It promotes self-sufficiency, alleviates isolation, reduces health care costs, and helps older adults maintain their social networks.

Barbara’s class is just one example of the many services and activities offered to engage older adults in their community. She shared her wealth of knowledge about organic farming and brought seeds and potting soil so that participants could start their own heirloom tomatoes, dill, and onions. She had dozens of tips and advice to ensure a bounty of fresh organic vegetables at harvest time.

The Wheat Ridge NORC program was launched in early 2014 with a $900,000, three-year grant from the Colorado Health Foundation. Jewish Family Service is the lead agency on the program, but works closely with other partners, including the City of Wheat Ridge, Seniors’ Resource Center, HealthSET, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Brothers Redevelopment, Rose Community Foundation, and Latino Age Wave. All of these agencies have come together to contribute their expertise and services to the benefit of Wheat Ridge seniors.

Services include care management, wellness clinics, in-home mental health

It Takes Just a Seed: Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge in Full Bloom

counseling, lunches, social gatherings, and yes, even gardening classes. Many participants like Barbara lead activities and contribute to the program. “This program has given me a meaningful connection to my community,” says Barbara. “Retiring was quite a transition for me and it was important to me to make connections Barbara Matthews teaches a and stay engaged. class about planting vegetable seeds I’ve made several good friends from my to seniors in Wheat Ridge involvement.”

Barbara is not alone. In the first year of implementation, program participation has exceeded all expectations. In 2014, the program served a total of 453 individuals.

There were 121 activities attended by 323 seniors. More than 50 older adults received help to access health care services. And now that the infrastructure is firmly in place, these numbers will only grow. To learn more about the programs and activities offered by Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge, visit www. wheatridgeseniors.org.

This seedling of a program is reaping big benefits for seniors in Wheat Ridge and throughout the metro area. Jewish Family Service also operates a similar NORC program in Edgewater and is working closely with partners to develop a NORC to serve older adults in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

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SHALOM Denver Enclave at Emerald Leaf Wholesale Greenhouse Gets a Makeover Seven people with developmental and

physical disabilities go to work each day at the Emerald Leaf Wholesale Greenhouse in Arvada, a SHALOM Denver enclave. With the help of Connie Welsh, a vocational specialist with a horticulture background, “The upgrade went they create and assemble above and beyond our SHALOM Peace Planters. initial expectations.” They love their job, and —Will Garth the beautiful planted pots they create are sold at 13 area Arc Thrift Stores, Tagawa Garden Center, various hospital gift shops, and restaurants.

The owners of the greenhouse, Scott Jeffries and Larry Wyzgala, recently wanted to improve the floor and help SHALOM Denver more easily accommodate people with physical disabilities. One client uses a wheelchair and there was no easy way for him to get around the greenhouse.

Scott approached Will Garth, business development manager at SHALOM Denver, about helping him find a contractor to put in

Connie Welsh, SHALOM Denver enclave manager, with staff from Home Depot, Accurate Cut, and some SHALOM Denver clients before the renovation.

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FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

a ramp and safer floor. Will scoured Craigslist for a contractor and found Patrick Crossman of Accurate Cut. Will met Patrick and his son, Jessie, at the greenhouse to get a quote to install materials that Scott had on hand. Upon inspecting the wood that was there, Patrick said they needed better-grade material that would last longer and not warp. Patrick was so impressed by the enclave and the work SHALOM Denver does that he offered to donate his labor for the project.

Not only that, but he immediately went to Home Depot in Lone Tree to talk to the manager about the project. “An hour after I met with Patrick, I got a call from Jason Culpepper, the manager at Home Depot, who told me that one of his contractors was just in and told him about our greenhouse renovation project,” relates Will. “Jason invited me to come talk to him and he was very impressed with what I told him about JFS and SHALOM.” Will then filled out grant paperwork with the Home Depot Foundation and within two days SHALOM Denver was awarded a $1,000 Home Depot gift card, which covered all of the materials needed for the renovation. “Typically these grant requests take at least 30 days, but Jason pushed it through faster because he cared about the project and knew that our clients needed a safer environment,” Will explains.

Jason and two other Home Depot employees, Cody Shelby and Dave Thompson, loaded and delivered the materials to the greenhouse and even helped Patrick and Jessie do the construction work.

The team built a stable floor that started at the entrance so there was no longer a two-inch drop and put a ramp on each side of the greenhouse so that it is now wheelchair accessible. They put a weatherproofing clear coat seal with a non-skid floor finish additive so that footing is secure.

In addition, Patrick noticed that the clients

used a bucket to walk back and forth from the sink to water the plants. He arranged for a donation of a deep well sink so that they can water right at the station, which will create a cleaner, more efficient process.

“Because of this renovation, the work area is now easier to clean, much safer, and provides a nicer environment for everyone to work in,” says Will. “The upgrade went above and beyond our initial expectations! Not only is the environment better, but efficiency is also improved so they are able to assemble more potted plants faster.”

Thank you to Home Depot and Accurate Cut for making this much needed renovation happen!

The finished product after the renovation.

Lunchbox Express Provides Summer Lunches to Kids in Need Now in its second year

as a Jewish Family Service program, Lunchbox Express is gearing up for another successful summer of feeding kids in need. This simple mobile food delivery system targets discrete areas of underserved children and brings free lunch to them when school is out for the summer and children don’t have access to free or reduced-fee lunches in their schools.

Utilizing repurposed mini school buses as the delivery vehicles, an enthusiastic band of volunteers will serve thousands of meals this summer on five different delivery routes throughout Denver.

In addition to delivering food, Lunchbox Express offers free books to the children it serves. JFS is seeking new or gently used books for children ages 1 to 13 to distribute with the lunches. Donations can be dropped off at JFS, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver, CO 80231.

For information and a list of delivery routes, please visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/services/lunchbox-express.

One of the Lunchbox Express buses used to deliver lunches.

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VOLUNTEER

Spotlight

Volunteer Drivers Bring Sustenance and Support

By Audrey Friedman Marcus

When Don Griss retired,

he wanted to help others, something he didn’t have time to do during his working life. He began by helping in the Weinberg Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service. Several years ago, when an opportunity arose, he became a volunteer driver, and he’s been providing this vital service to the same family ever since.

Before a driver’s first delivery, Myrna Maldonado, JFS Family Safety Net Program coordinator, visits potential clients to ascertain dietary needs and to assess the home environment. She helps first-time drivers shop for their client, and advises them on how to choose a good variety of nutritious and delicious food.

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Don Griss loads groceries from the pantry into his car to deliver to the family.

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

Once a month, Don first calls the pantry to be sure they have the items he knows are needed by the family of seven he serves. Then, after choosing the food, he loads up four big boxes to deliver. (His familiarity with the stock at the pantry has, of course, been a huge help.) Next, he calls the mom to find a convenient time when she and the children will be at home. He counts on the kids to help bring in the food.

In their small home on Denver’s west side, the family—the 59-year-old single mother, who has a bad back, COPD, and is on oxygen—and six children in her care ranging in age from 3 to 11, eagerly await Don’s arrival. He always gets a warm welcome, especially from the youngest child, who grabs him with great joy each time.

Don reports that the family always expresses deep appreciation, and they thank him over and over again. The mother refers to him as “a good guy,” and says he is very patient with the kids. And she is pleased that the food provides nutrition for the children during the last week or two of each month. Don recalls how especially thrilled the whole family was when he arrived at holiday time with a big turkey dinner and all the trimmings. Crying, the mother kept repeating “God bless you,” and she told Don, “I don’t know what we would do without you.” Occasionally, Don is able to bring flowers to brighten up the surroundings, and JFS is also providing cleaning help twice a month.

Staff at Jewish Family Service is extremely supportive, reports Don. While he is always invited to the annual appreciation lunch for volunteers, he chooses not to go. “I don’t need it,” he says. “I already feel very appreciated.”

Altogether, there are 11 volunteer drivers serving 21 clients, who are ill, homebound, or new to the U.S. Many of them also volunteer in other capacities at Jewish Family Service.

On days Don is not driving for the pantry, he can be found helping at the Dumb Friends League or Project C.U.R.E. Each of the volunteer drivers at JFS is an unsung hero who demonstrates real caring for those who are vulnerable, ill, or have few resources. They get their satisfaction from the smiles and gratitude they receive from the families they serve and their fulfillment from working for a great organization, Jewish Family Service.

Current drivers include David Benyamin, Jon Gottsegen, Stephen Green, Don Griss, Alan Hootstein, Dennis Markman, Mark Melnick, Brent Morse, Tom Neville, Phil Rose, Neil Serafin, and Adam Sorkin.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this high-impact opportunity, please contact Nancy Benyamin, 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Some of the kids helping Don bring the food into their house.

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

need is to clean out your closet! Through a partnership with Savers Thrift Stores, your donation of gently used clothing and household items is sold and a percentage of the proceeds supports the mental health programs of Jewish Family Service. Your gift helps to subsidize the cost of counseling services for low-income clients, bringing hope and healing to people in crisis. JFS provides counseling services to families and children dealing with serious mental illness, anxiety, trauma, depression, and grief. Schedule a home pickup online at www.healingmindspickup.org or by calling 303.232.4483.

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MENTAL HEALTH

Matters

By Laura Grushcow, MSSA, LCSW JFS Mental Health Specialists Therapist

In April 2013, I received the telephone

call that all of us dread: a close family member, who lives out of state, had been diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness and treatment options were being explored and pursued.

As I look back over the last two years, I think about the various demands that were presented by this. Although there were endless family challenges, one of the biggest challenges for me was figuring out my role as an employee/coworker during an extended period of unpredictability, anxiety, and sadness brought on by personal circumstances.

In my situation, the trauma was family illness. However, I believe the same process and challenges exist in any family-related difficulty and in any profession. Challenges exist whether you are a clinician, teacher, bookkeeper, secretary, or attorney.

The difficulty might be prolonged Laura Grushcow unemployment of a spouse, marital issues, unresolved legal matters, significant financial problems, aging parents living in another state, or ongoing psychological problems of a spouse or child. These are difficult situations that don’t completely turn off the moment you leave your house for work. They all have the potential to generate a variety of emotions throughout the day.

In my situation, the questions that arose included: • With which coworkers do I share this personal information and how much should I share?

• What do I do when I am feeling overwhelmed with sadness and have a meeting to attend in the next few minutes?

• Do I want colleagues to inquire about my family member, clearly showing concern, but 10

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

How to Deal with a Personal Crisis at Work potentially triggering sadness in a place where I need to focus and work?

• Do I want colleagues not to say anything?

Each of us in these varied situations probably has different questions and different answers. The one common thread for every employee dealing with ongoing family-related stress at work is the need to take care of him- or herself, both at home and at the office. In my experience, I felt that the most important coping mechanism I could use at work was understand- Coworkers ing myself and valuing want to be what I needed each sensitive workday, sharing this and helpful. with my supervisor, and identifying what I needed from my coworkers and communicating this to them (i.e., “This moment isn’t good and I don’t want to talk” or “Let’s get a cup of coffee”).

Coworkers want to be sensitive and helpful.

By directly telling them what you need, it opens a path for them to follow and allows you to maximize your strength as a professional throughout the crisis. Mine was a significant family trauma, but each of us has personal life challenges which we carry and with which we need to deal on a regular basis.

Laura Grushcow, MSSA, LCSW has been a JFS therapist since 1997. She focuses her practice on clinical work with children, adolescents, families, and adults. She works extensively with adults dealing with life transitions, including “empty nest” issues, partner relationship issues, and older adults struggling with redefinition of roles. In addition to her therapy practice, she participates in the KidSuccess school-based counseling team, working with students at Thomas Jefferson High School.

SENIORS

Matter

By Adam Smith Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center intern

The Jay and Rose Phillips Senior Solutions Center social work interns recently hosted a Lunch ‘N’ Learn to educate social work professionals on the impacts of medical marijuana on older adults. This has been a hot topic since Colorado passed its first medical marijuana law in 2000. However, it was not until 2010 that Colorado first established the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, which created the licensing and regulation infrastructure for the medical marijuana industry at the state and local levels. Now many human service organizations and professionals are left with questions on how to deal with complex issues surrounding medical marijuana and its use with their clients.

The Lunch ‘N’ Learn panel was composed of three diverse and highly educated individuals who have been working directly with the impacts of medical marijuana on older adults. Each panelist brought a unique perspective, which created a balanced learning environment for our guests. Attendees were able to learn about specific issues regarding policy and the administering of medical marijuana to older adults in our community.

Since this topic is still fairly new to Colorado, many questions are still unanswered, such as who will be responsible for delivering and administering a prescription to patients who are unable to do so on their own?

Currently, licensed nursing home facilities cannot provide this service due to issues surrounding liability, regulation, and their limited education on medical marijuana. In addition, federal and state dollars cannot be used to pay professional caregivers to provide marijuana to clients. This has forced older adults using medical marijuana to either self-

The Impacts of Medical Marijuana on Older Adults regulate their prescription or have an informal support system assist in this process. But for many seniors in our community, this is an undertaking that simply cannot be met by themselves.

One solution to these problems is to change the policy surrounding medical marijuana in older adult living facilities so that professional caregivers can provide this service.

This policy would have to be changed at both the federal and state levels for funding to be approved. Professionals Adam Smith will also need to be further educated on medical marijuana and potential side effects that patients might experience. Having a certified training program would not only give professional caregivers the credentials to provide or administer medical marijuana but also offer homebound older adults the option of using medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana is still a topic of many unresolved issues, especially for older adults. As concerned professionals, we strive to provide the best care and services for our clients and will continue to monitor developments.

Adam Smith is BSW student intern for the JFS Phillips Senior Solutions Center, where he works with clients to access available resources designed to help them remain safely in their homes. Adam served two years in the AmeriCorps National Service Program before enrolling in the social work program at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

He is committed to helping those in need and advocating for the unmet needs of older adults in his community. After graduation this spring, Adam looks forward to using all his new skills and knowledge the JFS intern program has provided to him.

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THank you to Participants of 2nd Annual Easter/Passover Denver Community Food Drive!

Jewish Family Service recently held its

second annual Easter/Passover Denver Community Food Drive to benefit the JFS Weinberg Food Pantry.

JFS partnered with Calvary Baptist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mile High United Way, and Rose Medical Center for this interfaith effort. The food drive ran from March 21 to 29 at various synagogues, churches, and businesses throughout the Denver metro area.

Thanks to everyone who donated food to help us feed the hungry at a time of year when food donations are traditionally low. Thank you to the following organizations and businesses that collected nearly 6,000 pounds of food for this community effort, which will serve almost 350 individuals with enough food for a week (about 7,000 meals)!

Presenting Partners

Participating Partners AIMCO ANB Bank, Cherry Creek Branch Christ Community Church Citywide Banks Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Holland & Hart LLP JEWISHcolorado

Kohelet Park Hill United Methodist Church PCL Construction Regis Jesuit High School Boys Division Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center Student Association of Social Workers at Metro State University Temple Emanuel Temple Micah Temple Sinai

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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Join Us

to Celebrate JFS—and YOU—on June 22 Please join us

for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate YOU – our dedicated and devoted JFS staff, volunteers and board members.

Celebrate JFS will take place on Monday, June 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Palazzo Verdi Event Center, 6363 South Fiddler’s Green Circle in Greenwood Village. We will present the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year Award and install new board members.

This is not a fundraising event and there is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. RSVP to Lisa Benoit at 720.248.4633 or lbenoit@jewishfamilyservice.org by June 15, or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/CelebrateJFS.

Join the JFS Summer Teen Volunteer Program!

Teens are invited to join our summer volunteer

program June 11, July 9, and August 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Weinberg Food Pantry. Volunteer opportunities for students can be a life-changing experience, one that allows teens to expand their horizons, build their skill set and resumés, and foster meaningful relationships. Attend one session or come to all three! For more information and to register, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of Volunteer Services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Thank You to JFS Volunteers for Leading Passover Seders for Seniors In April,

Jewish Family Service continued its long-standing tradition of hosting Passover Seders for socially isolated Jewish community members of non-Jewish nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and assisted living communities.

Thank you to dedicated JFS volunteer para-chaplains Paula Breese, Bob Epstein, Leland Huttner, Allan Kantrowitz, Elliott Magalnick, Allan Markman, Jay Miller, and Robert Rottman for leading services at 15 senior communities in metro Denver. A big thank-you to volunteer Mark Zalkin for leading two services and providing music at several Seders, too!

STAFF Anniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in May and June: 25 years: Debra Zimmerman, chief operating officer 20 years: Marcia Vaziri, therapist 10 years: Vicky Brittain, SHALOM Denver mailing business manager; Jean Marshall, human resources director; and Betty Tullius, therapist 5 years: Cathy Summer, Boulder JFS coordinator

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from February 1 to March 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.

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

Ari Diamond-Topelson Alex Topelson and DiAhndra Diamond Zoe Siegel Karl and Sandra Brockmeier

Alon Mor Martin and Marilyn Warren Essie Perlmutter Ed and Marlin Barad Dawn Richard Don and Linda Neuman Don Rosen Barry and Mindy Knaster Jerry Scezney Marvin Tyor Svetlana Shalevich Mikhail Kavutskiy and Zoya Kavutskaya Gerald Sloat Rosalyn Imerman Trudy Strauss Stan and Yvonne Stahl Nancy Alterman Stuart and Karen Frankel Jane Fruchtman Jon and Sheryl Goodman

IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY

IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE

Izabelle Rose Marks Howard and Donna Lutz

Bobbi Furer and Linda Scherrer Jay and Kim Morse

IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS

IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARY Ernie and Phyllis Abramson Betty Karsh IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAH

Florence Austin Alvin and Bettie Steinberg Elyza Berry Mark Pogrebin Trude Bershof Mark and Carrie Goldman Don and Barbara Griss Howard and Donna Lutz Sherman and Lois Rich Ed and Helene Steinberg Betty Brown Mark and Ruth Brown Sheila Bugdanowitz Esther Lustig Marie Cardin Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund Barbara Carr Ralph and Susan Barocas Zelda Friednash Mimi Karsh Donn and Eileen Spector Jay Chapman Cynthia Chapman Celeste Coben Esther Lustig Rhoda CoBen Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Barbara Hayutin Betty Karsh Roger Kempton Marvin Tyor Eudice Lewkowitz Larry and Audrey Plotkin

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Lynda Goldstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky IN HONOR OF Sheila Bugdanowitz Stewart and Nancy Miller Rabbi Sandra Cohen Ann Cohen Joel Douglas Dan Recht and Elaine Selsberg Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Larry and Susan Siegel Harriet Greenstein Allison Greenstein Wendy Handler Ed Stein and Lisa Hartman Josh Herman Katherine Gunneson Andy and Rana Kark Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Ray Merenstein, Ilana Steinberg, and Family Bonnie Merenstein Sally Steele Metzger Shirley Epstein Jay Miller Diane, Elaine, and Ira Miller Dominique Mirabella Katherine Gunneson

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

Grace Montano Cynthia Chapman Betsy Mordecai Heyman John and Evie Coufal Myron and Dona Oliner Syril Beinhorn Sam, Joseph, Jack, and Hank Orzynski Tania Orzynski Steven Peckar Laurie Levy Gaspar and Carol Perricone Cynthia Chapman Eric Pollock Alan and Katie Fox Marlowe Rosenthal Edward and Judith Rosenthal Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Meyer Saltzman Sage Hospitality Resources Oscar Sladek Shirley Leff Leonard Strear Les and Linda Liman Lori Dresner Laurence Wolf Jack and Mildred Zerobnick Cynthia Chapman IN MEMORY OF Gertie Baird Marvin and Jackie Cooper Donald and Ginni Freedberg Arnold and Karen Stein Brenda Banker Michael and Harriet Greenstein Irene Bein Jeff and Lisa Hainline Peter Bein Jeff and Lisa Hainline Betty Berris Phyllis Goodman Bernard and Leba Munishor Joann Chalat Jim and Linda Chalat David Cohen Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sarah Cohen Henry Rasof Darrell Cruz Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Catherine Deanes Ronnie Richason Janet Fania Ronnie Richason Tom Fania Ronnie Richason Jerry Feld Philip Stahl Allison Feldman Pam Naiman

Stacy Feldman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Gary and Janet Friedland Elliott and Gloria Husney Betty Karsh Shirley Leff Arnold and Karen Stein James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Dolores Fiedler The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Ralph Fisch Sarah Eichenbaum Ken and Jo Ellen Kopatich Cecelia Lookner Sam and Martha Sloven Janet Smith Nathan Fisher Barry and Randie Winograd Alan Fishman Louis Fishman Charles Foster’s Brother Ron and Andy Linkow Barbara Freedberg Norman Friedman and Stephanie Feuer John Getz Don and Linda Neuman Samuel Goldblatt Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Blanche Goldstein Roger Goldstein Cathy Grimm Marlene Adam Anonymous Donations Pamela Baron Roslyn Begun Feggy Bernstein Trude Bershof The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Andrew and Laurie Brock Stephen and Cheryl Cohen Jennie Creasey Daniels Fund Randy and Rebecca Davis Therese Ellery Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Janet Fisher Daniel Foss and Carole Kornreich Foss Joel Friedman and Victoria Agron Jane Fruchtman Rena Gabbay Doug Gertner and Maggie Miller Barbara Goldburg Carey Gottlieb Peggy Hermann Tracy Kapaun Judy Karp John Kayser and Dan Klinglesmith Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum

Charles Kreiman and Ellen Lemberg Sara Leeper Howard and Donna Lutz Robert and Suzi Malman Brad Matheson J.D. McCartney Adam Miller Roger and Joyce Miller Joseph and Beverly Morrisey Kelly Narvaez Don and Linda Neuman Judy Nogg Sheryl Noven Sheldon and Beth Ohringer Olabisi Ojima PASCO Gail Pennington Jordon and Essie Perlmutter Joel Wright and Irene Morita Brian Ross and Emily Andrews Justin and Sharon Roth Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Mirella Schreiber Spin Enterprises Hal and Joyce Spritzer Lynn and Lisa Taussig Josh and Ellen Taxman C. Jay Taylor and Peggy Vold Alan Tedeschi and Elaine Gampel Jorge and Francine Topelson Nancy Alterman Charles Van Gundy and Debbie Zimmerman Dan and Ann Veenstra Therese Wade Samantha Walsh Tara Witterholt James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Xstatic Public Relations Martin and Shira Zimmerman Jerry Grossfeld Mary Nelson Miriam Hellerstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ronald and Roni Brown Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Nanette Timbel and Goldie Ellensweig James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Gary Jackson’s Father Ron and Andy Linkow Harriet Joseph Lisa Squillace Becky Kalbin Brent and Marta Unger Milton and Carol Unger Zoe Tova Kislowitz Allyn Bandell Irwin Leimas Norman Friedman and Stephanie Feuer Milton Lewkowitz Larry and Audrey Plotkin Ray Lipson Philip Stahl Leonard Litvak Ronald and Roni Brown Lawrence and Joann Litvak David and Gayle Ann Weinstein

Leah Mandell Michael and Dona Mandell Sandra Mann Barton and Marci Rivkin Sande Markman Carolyn Steele Barry and Randie Winograd Abby Meisterplass Larry and Audrey Plotkin Mark Miller Melvin, Kristi, and Wendy Dinner Libby Marcus Earl MocAdams Ronnie Richason Dick Moskowitz Cynthia Chapman Donald and Ginni Freedberg Jodi Rosen Herman Negreann Ralph and Susan Barocas Johnnie Owens Ronnie Richason Marguerite Oxman Syril Beinhorn Gerald and Kathy Berenstein Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ronald and Roni Brown Chapman & Roth, LLC Cynthia Chapman Dan and Ginger Dinner Melvin Dinner Michael Evans Thomas and Amy Fortner Elliott and Gloria Husney David and Doris Klein Robert and Robyn Loup Robert and Sandra Lustig Audrey Friedman Marcus Bonnie Merenstein Pam Naiman Marla Pellish Rose Community Foundation Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Chet and Louise Schwartz James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Marjorie Raizman Martin and Ilene Lasher Donald Richtol Gerald and Kathy Berenstein Carol Sobel Rabbi Israel Rosenfeld Mark and Susan Barter Anna Lee Samuels Trudy Strauss Nanette Timbel Josephine Sarf Mark Einhorn and Carolyn Steuer Reb Zalman Schacter-Shalomi Linda Fredricks Florence Shapiro John and Marjorie Berman Mary Sheinfeld Kenneth and Linda Hootnick Gerald Sigman Alan and Katie Fox John Sigman Alan and Katie Fox

Robert Silver Hank and Sherrie Brandon Cecille Silverberg Gerald and Kathy Berenstein Joe and Tsai Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Hank and Sherrie Brandon Harvey and Judith Cohen Donald and Harriet Kaufmann Bernard and Leba Munishor James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Christopher Snow Ronnie Richason Robert Snow Ronnie Richason Robert Snow Sr. Ronnie Richason Norman Stark Shirley Leff Ted Stone Jackie Franzin Tyler Stone Mark and Susan Barter Gerald and Kathy Berenstein Jon and Sheryl Goodman Partners in Pediatrics, P.C. Gil Sturman Michael and Harriet Greenstein Bob Thall Pam Naiman Phillip Tyor Marvin Tyor Erma Weakly Ronnie Richason Beanie Wedgle Marvin Tyor Eugene Weisberg Gerald and Kathy Berenstein Jim and Susan Eichberg Jon and Sheryl Goodman Stephen and Celeste Gorden Elliott and Gloria Husney Mankwitz Family Foundation Pam Naiman Richard and Michele Right

Harley Rotbart Mark and Susan Barter Norma Sierota Esther Lustig Sandra Vinnik David and Karla Berman Melvin, Kristi, and Wendy Dinner and Phil Krinsky Mimi Karsh Donn and Eileen Spector IN KIND DONORS Accurate Cut arc Thrift Stores BBYO - Chapter 165 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Colorado Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Girl Scout Troop #883 Home Depot J & B Realty JEWISHcolorado King Soopers Reclamation Kohelet L.E.A. Young Women’s Hadassah Rocky Mountain Spice Company Safeway Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s Western Sugar Cooperative Whole Foods at Tamarac

WITH GRATITUDE FOR Scott Friedman Steve Tilliss and Debra Fine Rabbi Benjamin Last Julie Rosenberg WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Lawrence Bass Jon and Sheryl Goodman Stan Bauer Michael and Harriet Greenstein Shelley Krovitz Michael and Audree Bloom Michael and Harriet Greenstein Reid Levin Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Howard Lutz David and Peggy Marks Bernard Munishor Stan and Yvonne Stahl

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 2015

15

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID DENVER, COLORADO

Jewish Family Service of Colorado

PERMIT NO. 1217

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.

Homecare from Our Family to Yours JFS at Home offers non-medical, fully licensed, customized homecare by screened, compassionate, and insured caregivers.

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Hourly to 24/7 personal care

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Assistance with dressing, grooming, and hygiene

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Light housekeeping and cooking

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Transportation and shopping

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Companionship

Quality Homecare from Jewish Family Service 303.750.4000 www.jfsathome.com