September/October 2014 Family Matters newsletter

FamilyMatters Volume 24, No. 5 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

REAL HOPE 2014 Meet the Honorees

page 4

TIPS FOR AGING WELL Seniors Matter

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JFS FOOD PANTRY 20th Anniversary

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Guiding Andy to Independence and Self-Sufficiency Jewish Disabilities Network page 6

A PUBLICATION OF

From the CEO Support Our Refugees The recent influx of unaccompa-

nied children from Central America created an immigration crisis that our nation was not prepared to deal with—or pay for.

This crisis has threatened government funding for existing refugee resettlement programs, including the services provided to refugees in our own community. JFS offers mental health counseling to scores of refugees from the most troubled countries in the world, many of whom have experienced unspeakable horrors before finally making it to safety in the U.S. Regardless of the fact that JFS doesn’t have a resettlement Yana Vishnitsky program and has no plans to reopen one, we feel that if refugee funding is cut, our refugee mental health and International KidSuccess programs will be jeopardized, leaving our clients without vital services.

Our country has welcomed these distressed people, and given them asylum and the chance for a better life. But their needs are significant and they are extremely vulnerable. They often come with nothing but the clothes on their back. Many struggle with our language and have difficulty understanding our culture. Many

are in emotional distress and need help to deal with the traumas they have experienced. They need our help to succeed in this new land.

If we are going to welcome refugees to our country, we need to take care of them and ensure their success. Our government must continue to fund refugee support programs or our society will likely face longer-term crises, including escalating poverty and crime.

Congress missed its opportunity by failing to approve the President’s emergency supplemental funding that would have allowed the Office of Refugee Resettlement to adequately fund refugee services and the surge in unaccompanied children.

We have made tremendous progress in meeting the needs of these refugees who have been welcomed into our country. The inaction of Congress will most certainly cut crucial funding for JFS’s refugee mental health services and set us back decades. Refugees who desperately need these services will simply have to go without. The outcome will not be positive.

We can only hope that Congress will soon act in accordance with traditional American values of promoting human rights, protecting children, and welcoming persecuted individuals.

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 23,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes, and abilities. For more information, call 303.597.5000 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

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Join the JFS Legacy Society!

If you want to ensure that Jewish Family Service is here to serve

future generations, support the agency with a legacy gift! The JFS Legacy Society is comprised of donors who have confirmed that JFS is listed as a beneficiary in their estate plans through bequests in a will or by listing the agency as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, retirement account, or trust.

Join these other visionaries in the JFS Legacy Society: “JFS provides critical safety net and counseling programs to the broader Denver community. Its mission is noble and it is an extremely well-run organization. As a former member of the board and as someone whose family has used the services provided by JFS, Sam and I can think of no better legacy than to help JFS continue its work when we are gone.” —Rob Baumgarten “Laurie and I believe it is important for our legacy to include JFS so we can do our part to ensure that it can continue providing human services to our community long after we are gone.”

—Brad Friedman If a legacy gift is in your future, please contact Dawn Richard, development director, at 720.248.4605 or drichard@jewishfamilyservice.org. If you have already remembered JFS in your will, please let us know so we can acknowledge your vision and include you in the 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.

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.

Holiday Office Closures Please note the following office closures in September and October: September 1 Closed for Labor Day September 24 Close at 2:00 p.m. for Erev Rosh Hashanah September 25 and 26 Closed for Rosh Hashanah October 4 Close at 2:00 p.m. for Erev Yom Kippur October 9, 10, 16, and 17 Closed for Sukkot

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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Join Us for ReAl Hope December 4!

Save the date and plan to join us for

Real Hope, our longest-running fundraiser, on Thursday, December 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Now in its 19th year, this fundraiser benefits the lifetransforming work of Jewish Family Service (JFS). The 2014 gala event will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a short program, and live entertainment.

The highlight of the evening will be the recognition of two special individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to JFS and our community for many years: Sheila Bugdanowitz, Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year, and Sheryl Goodman, Jack Shapiro Community Service Award recipient.

The event is being led by cochairs Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher, Debra Herz, Arlene Hirschfeld, Don Kortz, Dean Prina, M.D., Carol Sobel, and Irit Waldbaum.

Sponsorship packages start at $1,500 and are available now. Tickets will be available September 15 at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ RealHope. Contact Lisa Benoit at 720.248.4633 or lbenoit@jewishfamilyservice.org for more details.

Meet the Honorees!

Sheila Bugdanowitz, 2014 Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year Sheila Bugdanowitz is president and chief executive officer of Rose Community Foundation. With leadership from its board of trustees, she directs the Foundation’s philanthropic services, grant making, financial management, and marketing functions.

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Sheila Bugdanowitz, Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year

Sheila began her connection to nonprofit organizations as a candy striper at Rose Medical Center. Since then she has held many leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.

She currently serves on the board of the Mountain States Employers Council and is a member of the Women’s Forum of Colorado.

She previously chaired the board of Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Association of Funders, and Jewish Family Service. She has also served on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League, the Colorado Health Institute, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions.

In 1998, Sheila received the Woman of Distinction award from Girl Scouts – Mile High Council. In 2005, she received the “Shrine of the Sun” Award from El Pomar Foundation for her “profound and lasting impact on the nonprofit community.” She was named one of the Top

25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

“I am humbled to be chosen for this recognition by an organization that directly impacts so many lives in our community,” says Sheila.

Sheila is married to Rick and has three children—Michael, Karine, and Brad. She is the proud grandmother of Charlotte and David.

Sheryl Goodman, 2014 Jack Shapiro Community Service Award Recipient A fourth-generation Denverite, Sheryl Goodman is well-known and admired throughout our community. She has made it her mission to help others for more than 25 years. Sheryl was adopted through JFS many years ago and has always believed that since she was given such a wonderful life, it is her obligation to help others.

Sheryl has been very active with Jewish Family Service and has served on the JFS Board of Directors for the past eight years, most recently as secretary. She has been very active with JFS’s Jewish Disabilities Network, which provides services for and advocates on behalf of those with developmental disabilities.

In addition, she has served on the boards of CHAI: Colorado’s Jewish Community Resource on Domestic Abuse, the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Mountain States Regional Office, Jewish Women International, and the Allocation Board at JEWISHcolorado. She has also been very involved with the National MS Society.

For her extensive community service work, Sheryl has received numerous awards, including the Minoru Yasui Volunteer Award from The Denver Foundation, and the national ADL’s Young Leadership Award and the local Torch of Liberty Award.

Sheryl says, “Of all the community organizations with which I have been involved, I am most proud to be associated with Jewish Family Service. The agency has taught me the true meaning of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world for all, regardless of race, faith, ability, or sexual orientation.”

Sheryl lives in Denver with her husband, Jon, and son, Ryan.

Sheryl Goodman, Jack Shapiro Community Service Award

Thank you to the following sponsors (as of July 30, 2014): Chief Operating JEWISHcolorado Philip and Elle Winn

Executive VP Rose Medical Center

VP Will and Sheri Gold Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Meyer and Geri Bader Saltzman

Associate Colorado Real Estate Journal Marvin and Nancy Gart Robert Kaufmann and Jennifer Gilbert-Kaufmann Jordon and Essie Perlmutter Robinson Management Company

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Jewish Disabilities Network

Guiding Andy to Independence and Self-Sufficiency When you meet Andy Lazaroff

for the first time, you’re struck by his charm.

He’s polite, engaged, and truly interested in meeting you. He loves to talk about everything—from music, to movies, to cooking. He’s an all-around delightful guy.

Andy, 35, has been a client of SHALOM Denver and the Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN) for nearly 15 years. In that time, he has transitioned from dependency into a responsible adult who can take care of himself.

Andy has autism and, to further complicate matters, he has obsessive-compulsive disorder. It all adds up to making his daily life a real challenge. But Andy is determined to overcome these obstacles. With training, support, and resolve, he’s living a rich, full life and continuing to improve.

Today Andy has his own condo in east Denver with a wonderful view of the city. He’s

Andy Lazaroff 6

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close to a grocery store and has easy access to public transportation, which he uses on a daily basis. He has a part-time job, friends (including a girlfriend), and a busy social life.

He frequently goes on outings and especially enjoys taking hikes with his camera in hand.

He loves music and for a few years sang with the Hebrew Chorale.

Andy likes people and has made friends by participating in many JDN activities. He recently went with the group to the theater to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which he loved. About once a month he visits the JFS Group Home, where he enjoys friendships with the residents and staff.

Life wasn’t always so functional for Andy.

“When Andy was a child, he was very disabled by autism,” says his mother, Anna Lazaroff.

“He had little awareness of the world around him. There were few resources that we knew of, so it was up to us to raise him as best we could. I didn’t think Andy would ever have a friend or be able to live on his own.”

Having a child with special needs was challenging for the Lazaroffs. “When he was born, there was no understanding in the Jewish community, and certainly no services or resources,” says Anna. “It was very isolating for us as a family. It was uncomfortable to attend services, social gatherings, and even school.”

When Andy was in middle school, Anna and her husband were introduced to a JFS support group for parents of children with developmental disabilities. There they learned that they weren’t alone and discovered a network of families that were dealing with similar issues. They also learned about resources—from government benefits to social services—that they could tap into to help support Andy.

More than anything, Anna appreciates the opportunity to meet and interact with

other families facing similar issues. “While everyone else is talking about their kids going to Harvard, it’s nice to walk into a room with other parents with similar needs and experiences,” says Anna. “It’s been very comforting.”

Andy continues to struggle some with daily living skills. He can get lost in tasks, such as vacuuming, taking hours to complete what should be done in 30 minutes. Working weekly with Melissa Mascarenas, his coach from SHALOM Denver, he is learning timemanagement skills, multitasking, and how to break bigger tasks into manageable pieces.

Instead of cleaning the bathroom, he is learning to clean the sink, then the mirror, and then the floor.

“Andy is doing great,” says Melissa. “As long as he has some order and routines in his life, he does extremely well. The fact that he can go an entire week without seeing his family and still take care of everything he needs to do is impressive.”

In September, Melissa will start a mentorship services program with Andy. The

goal is to teach him more advanced daily living skills, such as sorting and processing his mail and improving his computer skills.

One of the goals of JDN’s “It’s nice to walk work with Andy is into a room with to help him reach other parents with the point where he similar needs and no longer needs a experiences.” coach to help him —Anna Lazaroff accomplish the many aspects of daily living. Looking toward the future, Anna says, “When Andy’s father and I are no longer here, we hope Jewish Family Service will be there to help Andy manage the bigger challenges that come up in everyone’s life, from changing jobs and living situations to remaining an included and welcomed member of the Denver Jewish community.”

Cover photo: Andy Lazaroff, center, with Melissa Mascarenas of SHALOM Denver (left) and Lynn Rubenstein of JDN (right).

Spiritual Healing Bereavement Group Begins October 29 Rafael Spiritual Healing Services, a program of Jewish

Family Service, will offer a weekly bereavement group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will meet on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., beginning on October 29 and running through December 17. This unique eight-session group not only supports people through the process of grieving but also fosters connections with self, faith, and community by integrating Jewish traditions and rituals.

The group will be cofacilitated by Rabbi Eliot Baskin, D.Min, Jewish community chaplain, and Arleen Gershen, LCSW, a JFS psychotherapist. The cost for the eight sessions is $100; arrangements can be made for those who may have difficulty paying.

For more information or to sign up for the group, contact Arleen Gershen at 720.248.4598 or agershen@jewishfamilyservice.org.

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VOLUNTEER Spotlight

David Hauptman and Audrey Friedman Marcus

How does a three-person

marketing department handle all the communications needs of a large agency? One way we stretch our resources is with the help of accomplished volunteers! Meet David Hauptman and Audrey Friedman Marcus, two retired professionals who generously share their time and expertise with the JFS Marketing Department.

David Hauptman was initially introduced to JFS 25 years ago when he and his wife helped resettle a Russian family. After David retired from a career in sales management for CBS4 and 9News, he sought a volunteer opportunity where he could use his professional experience.

Several of his friends who are JFS supporters recommended that he contact the agency. In February 2013, he met with David Hauptman Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, and found a good fit with the marketing department.

If you’ve seen anything about JFS on TV in the last year, it is likely that David played a significant role in making it happen. He used his connections with 9News and CBS4 to garner media attention for SHALOM Denver’s Peace Planter program and Lunchbox Express.

David also placed JFS public service announcements with several stations, served on the 2014 Executive Luncheon Committee, arranged for Ed Greene to be the Executive Luncheon emcee, and serves on the Marketing Advisory Committee.

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“David’s keen insight and incredible media connections have helped get us more local TV exposure than we’ve ever had,” says John Kayser, director of marketing at JFS. “The value of the recent coverage is in the tens of thousands of dollars.”

“JFS is a great organization and I’m having so much fun helping out!” says David. “I like that I’m able to use my skills and expertise to help the agency. This experience has opened my eyes to how many services JFS offers. And I was surprised to learn how much the agency helps people who are not Jewish.”

In his retirement, David still does consulting for consumer awareness campaigns and client and customer service ad campaigns.

He serves on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and volunteers with the Cancer League of Colorado.

Audrey Friedman Marcus started volunteering in the JFS Marketing Department at the end of 2013, but she has a long history with JFS. Shortly after Audrey moved to Denver in 1954, she was asked to serve on the JFS Board. Over the last five decades, she has held a number of volunteer roles with the agency.

She was trained as one of the first para-chaplains in 1996 and has served on the Holocaust Advisory Committee since 2004.

In 2008, Audrey helped to revamp the para-chaplain training curriculum. Nancy Benyamin says, “In true Audrey fashion, she went above and beyond the call of duty; she contacted rabbis around the country and thoughtfully rewrote the curriculum to vastly improve it.” She also helped rewrite the “’J’ in Jewish Family Service” booklet that is used to educate non-Jewish staff and volunteers about Jewish traditions. Last year, Nancy approached Audrey about writing newsletter articles and

Audrey jumped at the chance. a volunteer management Audrey says, “Writing consultant for Nancy these articles is a way of using Benyamin for several years. my talents without having And Jill’s husband, Peter, is a to go anywhere. It is a way I para-chaplain. can contribute to something In addition to her volunteer I really believe in without an work with JFS, Audrey has enormous amount of effort, given her time to numerous since writing comes easily to nonprofits, formerly serving me. JFS is phenomenal and I as director of education for love doing things to help!”

Temple Micah, past president She has now written five of Hillel Council of Colorado newsletter articles for JFS, two (now Hillel of Colorado), a of which we also published member of the Governor’s on our blog. “Audrey has Committee on the Status of been a blessing to work with,” Women, a member of the says Alaina Green, associate ADL Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, Audrey Friedman Marcus director of marketing and and a volunteer in the Cherry communications. “She is a true professional; Creek School District. she asks insightful questions, always meets We’re honored that David and Audrey deadlines, and turns out such well-written choose to give their time to JFS. They have articles from a unique perspective. She eases both become great assets to the organization! some of my workload and her articles have

really elevated the caliber of the newsletter.”

If you have a skill or expertise to share, Not only has Audrey been an exemplary please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer over the years, but it’s a family affair. volunteer services, at 720.248.4642 to discuss Her daughter, Jill Friedman Fixler, a national volunteer opportunities. figure in volunteer engagement, served as

Thank You to Lunchbox Express Volunteers!

“The heart and soul of the Lunchbox Express

program has been our dedicated volunteers. This was our first summer with the program and we could not have done it without each and every one of them! The children at each of our 12 locations were served lunches by our hardworking volunteers. We were thankful to have so many individuals wanting to help, young people wanting to serve others, and corporate groups wanting to give back to the community. We can’t thank each of you enough for making our first summer with the program successful and rewarding. We look forward to seeing you back next year to once again serve the children of our community!” —Doug Vega, Lunchbox Express coordinator

Volunteer Marci Baer helps a child select a book with her lunch at a site in Aurora.

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Help Fill the Pantry Shelves During the High Holy Days Food Drive We are currently collecting

food for our annual High Holy Days Food Drive. Please add as many of the following items to your shopping list as you can to ensure that those struggling in our community can have a sweet New Year.

• Protein (canned tuna, chicken, and salmon) • Canned vegetables • Canned fruit • Oatmeal/cereal • Canned soup • Juice • Tomato/pasta sauces • Carbohydrates (pasta, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, etc.)

• Diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6) • Grocery store gift cards When you attend services during the High Holy Days, please drop off food at one of the following synagogues, which are collecting food for the Weinberg Food Pantry. You can also bring food to Jewish Family Service, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231.

Beth Evergreen 2981 Bergen Peak Drive Evergreen, CO 80439 BMH-BJ: The Denver Synagogue 560 South Monaco Parkway Denver, CO 80224

B’nai Chaim 4716 South Coors Lane Morrison, CO 80465 B’nai Havurah Services at the Central Christian Church 3690 Cherry Creek South Drive Denver, CO 80209 Congregation Rodef Shalom 450 South Kearney Street Denver, CO 80224 Hebrew Educational Alliance 3600 South Ivanhoe Street Denver, CO 80237 Temple Emanuel 51 Grape Street Denver, CO 80220 Temple Micah 2600 Leyden Street Denver, CO 80207 Temple Sinai 3509 South Glencoe Street Denver, CO 80237 If you have any questions, please contact Myrna Maldonado, Family Safety Net coordinator, at 720.248.4620 or mmaldonado@ jewishfamilyservice.org.

Plan Ahead: Dates to Remember for Holiday Donations

Over the next few months, as you plan your holiday dinners and family get-togethers,

make shopping lists for holiday meals, and buy gifts for loved ones, please consider doing a little extra for those who are struggling in our community. In addition to donating food for the High Holy Days Food Drive, there are several ways you can help: • Contribute food or funds for Thanksgiving meals by November 19 • Buy Hanukkah or Christmas gifts for individuals and families. Sign up to sponsor by November 14.

• Volunteer to distribute Thanksgiving meals on November 26.

Watch our print newsletter, e-newsletter, and Facebook page for more details in the coming months.

Thank you in advance for your support!

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SENIORS

Matter

By Cathy Grimm, LCSW, JFS Senior Solutions/ Boulder JFS/JFS at Home Director

A recent report by The Archives of

Internal Medicine found a high correlation between loneliness and functional decline and death in adults older than 60 years in the United States. As we age, the importance of staying connected to our community cannot be stressed enough.

Our JFS NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) models located in Edgewater and Wheat Ridge evoke the true meaning of community. It’s not where a person lives that matters, but what social role an individual plays in his or her environment. The senior residents who participate in our program contribute to their community and feel valued for what they can bring to the table. As a result, they lead fuller, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

Just because we are older does not mean that we fade from our community and become invisible. As we all age, we have skills, insights, and ideas that can benefit our community.

In order to be a vibrant member of your community, the first step is to make sure you have your health issues under control as best you can. Be proactive about your health care. Keep in mind all those tips you read about healthy eating, exercise, and the proper amount of sleep.

Consider your strengths. What skills do you have that can benefit your community? Maybe you could teach a class at the local library or community center, organize a neighborhood watch for your block, or volunteer for a favorite nonprofit or at your neighborhood school.

As older adults, we have more time and inclination to offer productive work, whether paid or not. Not only do older adults give back in the form of volunteering and paid work, but we act as an informal help system for family and friends. Keep in mind that those who volunteer

Tips for Aging Well in Your Community: Lessons Learned From Our NORC Projects are less likely to become injured or to die prematurely.

According to the Denver Regional Council of Governments Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults, one of senior residents’ highest needs is civic engagement. I encourage you to get involved! If you don’t know where to start, call us at 303.597.5000. We can help with the resources and opportunities to keep you aging well in your community.

Cathy Grimm

Cathy Grimm, LCSW, director of JFS at Home, JFS Senior Solutions, and Boulder JFS, develops and implements programs and services for the senior community. She is a recognized expert in the field of aging. Cathy received a master’s degree from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work with a concentration in geriatrics and mental health. She has served JFS since 1995. Prior to joining JFS, she held positions with the Mental Health Corporation of Denver, Denver Probate Court, and Veterans Administration Medical Center.

FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado

www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo

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Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Food Pantry’s 20th Anniversary

By Audrey Friedman Marcus

Every year

, during the Passover Seder, we Jews recite “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” In 1991, two Denver couples, Ralph (of blessed memory) and Carolyn Auerbach and Jerry (of blessed memory) and Bobbie Carr, acted on these familiar words. Seeing a need, they founded a food pantry to serve Russian Jewish immigrants and others in the community who needed food.

The Auerbachs and the Carrs and several of their friends raised the necessary money, and Jerry leased an empty storefront near Evans and Monaco. They made sure there was always enough food to give out—and enough money—either donated by them or raised from individuals and synagogues, to cover the needs.

They originated the idea of centerpieces made of food to be used as table decorations at life-cycle events, and then donated to the pantry.

Early on, all the food given out was kosher.

When the number of clients increased, they began to purchase cases of food instead of individual items, and Jerry used his truck to pick up the products. All four founders sorted and packed groceries and interviewed prospective clients to be sure they qualified. When needed, volunteers from area schools helped stock the shelves.

As the needs continued to grow, the operation became too big for the founders and their friends to manage. In 1994, Jewish Family Service stepped in and adopted the pantry into the agency. In 2003, the pantry was moved into the new building at Tamarac Drive and Eastman Avenue. Generous funding was obtained from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, which supports access to sufficient and nutritious food in the most dignified way possible. The pantry immediately became a food resource for the entire community. During 12

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that time, the founders remained involved and often came to the pantry to speak to and encourage staff and volunteers.

While there have been many changes over the years, the founders’ goal of helping the hungry has remained primary. Refugees from all over the world are still being served, and the reach has extended into the greater community. The present location has provided more visibility and access to the public, and its proximity makes it easier for staff to refer clients—and even accompany them to the pantry for their first visit.

An in-depth study conducted by JFS resulted in a change of focus away from casting the widest possible net toward serving fewer clients in a more efficient and beneficial way. Now, as well as providing food, other valuable services are offered, such as help applying for food stamps, Medicaid, and other benefits, and encouragement to choose nutritious food. As part of a national program called Share Our Strength, cooking demonstrations and classes are offered, and samples of food are often available. While in the past each family received a prepacked box of food, the facility is now a “choice pantry” where clients can choose their own foods.

Every month, the pantry distributes close to 30,000 pounds of food to approximately 1,200 individuals, all of whom are at or below 185% of the poverty level.

Just as in the beginning, today—20 years later—volunteers are the mainstay of the operation. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, some of the 35 committed pantry volunteers stock shelves, greet clients, organize food drives, make home deliveries, and help people choose a week’s worth of nutritious food for their families. A loyal group of teenagers helps regularly, too. At times, volunteers also comfort clients who become emotional over the humiliation and diminished self-image

“The pantry would not be able to operate without our volunteers.” —Shelly Hines caused by job loss, illness, or the inability to feed their children. That, too, is what they are there for, say the volunteers.

Praising the outstanding volunteers, Shelly Hines, JFS Family Safety Net director, states, “Their compassion for hungry people is remarkable. They show up when scheduled, work hard, and care deeply about the people the agency is helping. The bottom line is that the pantry would not be able to operate without our volunteers.”

For 20 years, the food pantry has provided a safety net for those in the community who are food insecure. On this significant anniversary, Jewish Family Service expresses its gratitude to all who have played a part in the success of the pantry: the original founders, whose Suzanne, a weekly pantry volunteer, helps a vision initiated the endeavor; the cooperating client select healthy food. organizations, synagogues, grocery stores, and businesses, whose ongoing support remains vital; the dedicated volunteers, without whom the pantry could not operate; the efficient pantry staff; and especially the members of the community (the Jewish community in particular), without whose caring and support JFS could not Congratulations to the following staff carry out this humanitarian mission. members celebrating their anniversaries in Your monetary contributions and donations September and October: of nonperishable food and your volunteer hours are the life support of the Harry and Jeanette 20 years: Cathy Grimm, JFS Senior Weinberg Food Pantry. And, by the way, Solutions and JFS at Home director donations of centerpieces made of food used at 10 years: Alaina Green, associate director life-cycle events are also still welcome. of marketing and communications, and Alison Joucovsky, JFS Colorado Senior Audrey Friedman Marcus is a volunteer writer Connections coordinator for JFS. She was cofounder and executive vice

STAFF Anniversaries

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).

5 years: Yakov Russonik, JFS at Home caregiver

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THANK YOU for Caring!

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

Please accept our apologies for any omissions or errors.

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Ronald and Roni Brown Robert and Diane Cohn Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Michael and Diane Marks Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Justin and Sharon Roth Robert and Diane Cohn Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Allan and Sherry Tenenbaum Robert and Diane Cohn Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Finnagan Joseph Shirley Gilman Leighton Sepp The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service William and Alaina Green Nareena Solomon Michael and Harriet Greenstein IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Phillis Abramson Betty Karsh Libby Bortz Barbara McDonald Jean Deitel Sally Spivak Charles Eisen Aaron and Ellen Bregman Sally Steele Metzger Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Scott and Andrea Stillman The Striker Foundation Elka Haligman Oscar and Selma Sladek Leland Huttner Zelda Friednash Robert Loup Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Jay Lutz Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Mindy Peckar Mike and Tammy Abramovitz Richard Robinson Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Stanton Rosenbaum David Miller and Lisa Farber Miller Warren Toltz Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum

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

Marvin Tyor Roger and Marsha Kempton Ruth Wolff Helen Bernstein Rachel Pollack IN HONOR OF MARRIAGE Greg Burton and Amie Jacobs Ralph and Debbie Sokol Jeff Olson and Laura Michaels James and Wendy Berenbaum Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Richard and Michele Right’s Daughter’s Wedding Paul and Sandra Jeffery Ari Rubinstein and Rachel Bernheim Phyllis Weinraub Matt and Maren Safran David and Nancy Benyamin A.J. and Jann Gest David and Beth Lippa Marsha Safran Norman Schwab and Joe Burks John and Pat Backes Smith Martha Lester IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR Norman Brownstein Miller Global Properties IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Debra Flitter David Flitter IN HONOR OF Dave at Jelly Café Barbara Goldburg Ida Garnek Howard and Tilly Rollin Margalit Goldberg Bill Goldberg and Karen Silverman Pesach Goldberg Alvan Lewis Gabriela Gottlieb Helene Hoffman Laura Harter Edelle Foley Julian Izbiky The SolutionPR LLC Laurie Levy Mike and Tammy Abramovitz Lois Miller Michael and Harriet Greenstein Carrie Nussbaum Wendy Minocha Sam, Joseph, Jack, and Hank Orzynski Tania Orzynski Maren Safran Elsi Levy Robert and Judy Safran

FAMILY MATTERS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Matt Safran Robert and Judy Safran Mirella Schreiber Mark Einhorn and Carolyn Steuer Bobbie Towbin Maxine Karsh-Safer Harold and Marilyn Lande Michael Zeitlin Edward and Elizabeth Cohen IN MEMORY OF Mickey Barter Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Tillye Beitscher Phyllis Jacobs Myron Cashman Richard Wedgle and Susan Mason Fay Cohen Marla Dionese Alice Davidson Alan and Karen Stein Reef Fiedelman Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Raymond Foley Edelle Foley Alan Freis The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Doris Goldberg Ruth Ann Quick Herb Greenberg Howard and Donna Lutz Richard Halvorsen Mark and Susan Barter Elisabeth Helmer Arthur Helmer Jacob Kaplan Marvin Tyor Roberta Karsh Marvin Tyor Annette Kaufman Brenda Jacobs Esther Lustig Thelma Saltzman Sandra Simons Sharon Lasky Ron and Andy Linkow George Lieberman Richard and Bobbe Cook Marcee Newman Adele Lerman Charles Krenzler Maxine Levin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Arleen Gershen David and Beth Lippa Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel

Scott and Andrea Stillman James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Leon Levy Elsi Levy Harold Locketz Janice Temple Bill Lookner Ralph and Marjorie Fisch Bart and Jill Miller Norman and Myndel Pozner Mark and Rachel Saliman Alan Lottner Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Benny Maestas Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Leon Marco David and Cheryl Fellows Efrem Hil Margolin Ron and Andy Linkow Larry Margolis The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Susan Mathew’s Father Ruth Wolff Irwin Meisler Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Shirley Melnick Mark and Rachel Saliman Deanna Meno Larry and Susan Siegel Leslie Novick Eric and Ellen Pollock Beatrice Pomeranz Ron and Andy Linkow Jerry and Marilyn Snyder Zina Rips Bennie and Joan Bub Arnold Rosen Donald and Ginni Freedberg Robert and Sandra Lustig Barry Saliman Mel and Patti Frisch Geri Saltzman’s Mom Jorge and Francine Topelson Michael Schatz Buzz and Nancy Neusteter Eric and Ellen Pollock Mark and Rachel Saliman Jerry and Marilyn Snyder Arnold and Karen Stein Pauline Schonfeld The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Kate Schulman Miriam Epstein Linda Schwartzman Richard and Valerie Neff Arlene Schwarzman Richard and Michele Right

Eleanor Shidler The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service David and Beth Lippa Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Claire Seiden Scott and Andrea Stillman James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Marcia Shpall Linda Roberts Zinn Andrew Siegal Maxine Karsh-Safer Hallie Siegel Harvey and Judith Cohen Marion Goldstein Eric and Ellen Pollock Uca Frances Simms Mirella Schreiber Sheldon Simon Stewart Chalem Harold and Marilyn Lande Jay and Judy Lutz Harriette Sklar Ronald and Roni Brown Marvin and Jackie Cooper Craig and Vicki Eskanos Robert and Toni Schiff Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Carol Sobel Alan and Karen Stein Scott and Andrea Stillman Ronald and Ellen Wedgle Sylvia Slosky Robert and Sheila Hyatt Burton Sternburg Sternburg Communications Inc Hannah Joy Stross Anne Ahern The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Joyce Coalson Eileen Eller Gregory Fischer and Jari Thymian Virginia Green JMJ Consulting Michael Smith and Judy Joseph William Stevens Falkenberg and Janis Falkenberg Robin Townley Anne Warhover Beryl Tesler Cynthia Chapman Beverly Tober Richard and Bobbe Cook Marcee Newman Michael Williamson The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service WITH GRATITUDE FOR Beverly Rouleau Cheris Liedel

Sheryl Goodman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Mel Brody Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky Lorna Gray Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Robert Hailpern Robert and Toni Schiff Martin Hutt Larry and Debra Jacobs Herbert Lee Pam Naiman Joann Rollnick Neal and Kathy Kimmel Chet and Louise Schwartz Harriet Saper Michael and Harriet Greenstein Brenda Sheldon Oscar and Selma Sladek Sheldon Spector David and Nancy Benyamin David and Beth Lippa Jeanette Sturman Michael and Harriet Greenstein Ruth Toltz Esther Lustig Claire Seiden Arden Wandel Ronald and Roni Brown Cynthia Chapman Barbara Goldburg Sheldon Seidel and Judie Davidson-Seidel Arnold and Karen Stein The Striker Foundation Philip Winn Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum

JFS Brings High Holy Day Services to Isolated Jews Thanks to Jewish Family Service,

hundreds of isolated members of our community in more than 30 locations in Denver and Boulder will celebrate the High Holy Days this year.

Thank you to Rabbi Eliot Baskin, Jewish community chaplain, and the following volunteer para-chaplains who will be leading services at long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, retirement communities, mental health centers, and correctional institutions in metro Denver: Paula Breese, Bob Epstein, Leland Huttner, Allan Kantrowitz, Elliott Magalnick, Allan Markman, Jay Miller, Bob Rottman, Sheldon Spector, Michelle Stern, and Andy Thangasamy.

We also greatly appreciate our many additional volunteers who give their time and energy to assist senior residents at many services being held at the various facilities in Denver and Boulder.

In Kind Donations Aspen Crossing Elementary Boulder Jewish Community Center Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints CoBiz Cares Foundation Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Delta Dental Ekar Farm Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Graland Country Day School King Soopers Reclamation Safeway Samuels Community Garden South Denver Fencing Academy Synagogue of the Hills Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Trader Joe’s Whole Foods at Tamarac

WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Milton Brandwein Sherman and Lois Rich

FAMILY MATTERS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID

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

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 JFS and the Mizel Museum for Babi Yar Memorial September 28 The Mizel Museum and Jewish

Family Service are proud to present the annual Babi Yar Memorial, held at Babi Yar Park in southeast Denver on Sunday, September 28, at 11:00 a.m. This annual event honors those massacred at Babi Yar, on the outskirts of Kiev, Ukraine, and other victims of the Holocaust.

This year’s program will focus on Yiddish literature and culture in Eastern Europe, led by keynote speaker David Shneer, director of Jewish Studies at CU Boulder. The program will include a short Klezmer concert performed by the talented Joseph Lukasik of the Boulder Klezmer Consort. According to Dr. Shneer, “After the Holocaust, Yiddish took on a memorial quality. Whether in Yizkor books, novels, or poetry, Yiddish literature after the Holocaust echoed with the lives of those lost.”

The Babi Yar Memorial is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Deanne Kapnik at 303.749.5019 or dkapnik@mizelmuseum.org.