January/February 2013 Family Matters Newsletter

FamilyMatters Volume 23, No. 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Pulling Gebru Out of Depression Story of Hope page 6

HOME-BASED SERVICES for seniors

Program Spotlight page 4

KATHLEEN STOLLE Volunteer Spotlight page 8 REEL HOPE 2012

Annual Film Benefit Wrapup page 12

A PUBLICATION OF

Your JFS Dear Friends,

I frequently hear supporters say that they see Jewish Family Service as an organization that serves only “the needy”—those who are living in poverty. JFS is so much more.

Yes, we serve people who are struggling financially by providing emergency funds, food, employment assistance, and case management. Our Family Safety Net program and the Weinberg Food Pantry help thousands of people in crisis. But it is one program of many.

JFS is here for everyone, including you.

We exist not only to serve the needy, but to serve anyone who has a need. And we all have needs.

I want to change how you think about Jewish Family Service.

I want you to think about JFS when you or one of your friends has a child with behavioral issues who is struggling in school. I want you to think about JFS when you or a family member suffers from anxiety or depression.

Or, when you have an aging parent and need advice about taking away the car keys or placing them in an assisted-living facility. I want you to think about JFS when you or one of your friends suffers a loss. Or, when you or someone you know gives birth to a child with special needs.

Cover photo: Gebru Ghilhe holds a photo of his family, while JFS staff members Janet Haile and Cathy Wellwood look on in the background. See the Story of Hope on page 6. (Photo

by Chris Schneider.)

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Yana Vishnitsky

JFS has enormous expertise to help you handle any life challenge. Our mental health counselors are some of the most qualified and experienced in the region. The JFS Senior Solutions staff is extremely knowledgeable about gerontology issues and is familiar with every resource available to older adults. JFS is regarded as one of Denver’s top point-of-entries to access services for people with special needs. If the agency can’t help you, we’ll refer you to someone who can.

JFS is right here—in your own backyard— ready and willing to help you. Please use us.

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 barriers to employment, and provides food and financial aid to people in crisis. Every year, the agency benefits more than 20,000 people of all ages, faiths, and incomes.

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

FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Fifth Annual Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day and Family Resource Fair is January 27 The Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN) will host the fifth annual

Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day and Family Resource Fair on Sunday, January 27, at 2:00 p.m. at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 South Dahlia Street.

The event, which is free and open to the public, promotes understanding and inclusion in community life for Jewish people with disabilities. The goals of the day are to increase awareness in both the Jewish and the general community of the abilities and contributions of people with special needs, to honor those who care for people with disabilities, and to provide valuable resources for families and caregivers.

Attendees will enjoy an inspiring keynote presentation by Tricia Downing, author of Cycle of Hope, whose life was changed forever in an instant. While training on her bicycle on a sunny Colorado afternoon in September 2000, Tricia collided with a car that turned directly in her path, and she became paralyzed from the chest down. Tricia went from being a competitive cyclist to a paraplegic requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Through her experiences in both rehab and racing, Tricia has overcome adversity and learned what it takes to perform at the top of her game. Having made the transition from able-bodied cyclist to an athlete with a disability, Tricia knows the true meaning of the words challenge and change, and has learned a wealth of lessons to deal with

the obstacles we all face in reaching for our personal goals.

In addition to the keynote presentation, participants can attend a resource fair and meet with representatives from a variety of organizations that provide services for people with special needs in the areas of employment, estate planning, disability trusts, job training, education, advocacy, socialization, respite, and more.

Families can also participate in a collaborative art project for all abilities and enjoy a kosher dessert reception catered by Shalom Cares.

JDN is comprised of Jewish organizations dedicated to addressing the needs of Jewish people with special needs of all kinds and their families.

It is a collaborative program of Jewish Family Service of Colorado, its SHALOM Denver work center, Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, Tricia Downing Keshet of the Rockies, and the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center.

Visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/JDAD for more event details. RSVP online by January 21 or contact Inna Ermakov at 303.623.0251, iermakov@jewishfamilyservice.org. If you would like to attend and need specific accommodations at the event, please note that on your RSVP form or contact Inna.

Clean Out Your Closets to Help JFS! An easy way to help JFS serve those in need is by cleaning out

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

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PROGRAM Home-Based Services Spotlight for Seniors As our population continues to age at a rapid rate, a priority for Jewish

for free; the rest pay a minimal amount on a sliding-fee scale. We’ve recently been able to see more clients and even provide some with Family Service is to provide affordable services vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies. to help older adults remain safely in their Ron Crowell, home-based services homes. Through our home-based services coordinator, talks about the importance of department of JFS Senior Solutions, we employ the services we offer to this population. “Not 11 home care providers who provide light only does the work allow clients to stay in housekeeping, companionship, shopping, and their homes, but the social contact from their errands for 225 clients. Through this program, regular visits is all that some of them have. we serve people who need extra support so The clients look forward to seeing their care they can maintain independence in their living provider regularly and, in some cases, that environment. The majority of these clients are human interaction is more important than the seniors, including 11 Holocaust survivors, but housekeeping support.” we also serve adults suffering from illnesses The care providers often form close such as HIV and cancer, and people with bonds with the people they serve, which disabilities. can be difficult when the clients pass away.

Thanks to generous grants from a variety Ron conducts quarterly meetings with all JFS of sources, about two-thirds of these clients homemakers to address issues that come up, receive these weekly or biweekly services and he plans to talk about how to handle grief and death in an upcoming session.

Judieth Elrod, a care provider who has worked with JFS for more than seven years, grew up in Monrovia, Liberia, and says it is part of her culture to take care of elders. “I treat all my clients like they’re my grandparents and I feel obligated to give back to them and society as a whole,” she explains. “I try to go beyond what is expected when I serve them and really appreciate all my clients. I hope that someone will be able to do the same for me when I am older.”

L to R (front): Wendy Rodriguez, Judieth Elrod, Melody Wells, Norma Hernandez, Rachael Tury; (second row): Seante LapczynskiWest, Noel Martinez, Angelica Garcia, Linda Paulsen; (back): Ron Crowell; not pictured: Margaret Perez.

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Rachel Tury “The clients has been a home look forward care provider with to seeing their JFS for about six care provider months and says, regularly and, “It’s not a typical in some cases, cleaning job—the that human clients hang out with me as I work interaction is and show so much more important than the housegratitude. I feel like I have helped keeping support.” make their day —Ron Crowell brighter and it’s really a fulfilling way to spend my day.” Rachel is getting her master’s degree in environmental science and teaches some undergraduate labs at the University of Colorado at Denver, so she appreciates that this job fits with her school schedule.

Ron is a proud supervisor and comments, “The current group of home care providers is the best group I have worked with since I started at JFS seven years ago. The care managers and I get so many calls from clients to compliment the homecare providers and thank us for their invaluable help. Supervising such a great team makes my job a real pleasure!”

This program is funded by Broadway Cares/ Equity HIV/AIDS Fund, Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)/AAA, the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation, Rose Community Foundation, Ryan White CARE Act, and the Walter and Elizabeth Lipe Trust.

Spiritual Healing Bereavement Group Begins January 30 Rafael Spiritual Healing Services, a program of the

JFS Counseling Center and Jewish Community Chaplaincy of Jewish Family Service, will offer a bereavement support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will be held Wednesdays, January 30 through March 20.

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.

For more information or to register, contact Arleen Gershen at 720.248.4598 or agershen@jewishfamilyservice.org.

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Story of Hope Pulling Gebru Out of Depression Gebru Ghilhe, 29, has experienced

his share of struggles. He grew up in Eritrea, where the government made it hard for him to lead his life and help his siblings. He fled to Ethiopia about six years ago, where he entered a refugee camp and spent the next four years.

It was there that he met his wife and started a family. In 2011, an opportunity arose to come to the United States as a refugee. Seeking a better life for his family, he applied and was resettled in Denver in July 2011. But he couldn’t bring his wife and young son because his wife didn’t have refugee status.

Gebru soon became “I’m very grateful very depressed and worried constantly about the family for Cathy and he had left behind. He Janet—they pulled me out of darkness.” needed to focus on how he could get them to Denver, —Gebru Ghilhe but had no idea how.

He sought help from the resettlement agency that brought him here, but they weren’t able to help.

Gebru explains through an interpreter, “I was in a very threatening situation because I wasn’t mentally stable. I worried about my family and I couldn’t lead my life. I could’ve chosen not to live. I had lost all hope.” A refugee clinic in Lowry referred him to Jewish Family Service’s Refugee Mental Health Department.

Gebru began seeing Cathy Wellwood, Refugee Mental Health coordinator, on a weekly basis. Janet Haile, Refugee Mental Health administrative assistant who is also

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from Eritrea, translates during their sessions.

“After Cathy learned about my situation and how much I needed to bring my family here, she said she could help and I regained hope,” says Gebru.

Cathy explains that resettlement programs expect refugees to become self-sufficient within eight months of arriving in the U.S. That’s eight months to get a job, find a place to live, learn English, and figure out the bus system. This time frame added more pressure to Gebru’s situation when he was already dealing with the painful separation from his family.

“When I first came, I was so depressed that I slept most of the day and wasted a lot of time,” says Gebru. “I feel like I could have accomplished a lot more if I wasn’t so upset.” He was able to find a job at a car wash and took English classes at Emily Griffith Opportunity School. He also rented an apartment with other refugees. In February 2012, he secured a job as a dishwasher at a downtown restaurant, where he works 35 to 40 hours per week.

Because of his demanding work schedule, he couldn’t continue his English classes, but is gradually learning the language. “I can understand most conversations at work, but have trouble responding back,” Gebru says.

“But I am making friends there and we speak to each other in broken English.”

On the surface it sounds like Gebru was adjusting well to life in Denver. However, he constantly worried about his wife and son and how he could reunite his family. That’s where Cathy from JFS stepped in. Since she isn’t experienced in immigration law, she contacted several law firms for help. Maya Wilbourn, an immigration attorney at Stern & Curray, is helping in the pro bono case to get Gebru’s wife and son to the U.S. “Helping

people like Gebru is what makes my job so fulfilling,” says Maya.

“Refugees like Gebru struggle to get to refugee camps and give up everything to get to the U.S. It was the least I could do to help reunite Gebru with his wife and two-yearold son.”

Cathy has worked diligently to help him through the long, complicated process of getting all the necessary documents together to apply for his family to come to Denver. “One thing that’s L to R: Janet Haile, Gebru Ghilhe, Cathy Wellwood been difficult is that Ethiopia is on a Photo: Chris Schneider different calendar that is eight years my wife and child arrive, I will introduce them behind ours, so we had to translate to Cathy and Janet—they have been part of my all the dates on their marriage certificate and family here and I want my wife to see who has other paperwork from his years at the refugee been helping me! I’m very grateful for Cathy camp,” Cathy explains. and Janet—they pulled me out of darkness. I He recently went through the final step am a completely different person from when of submitting all the documents to bring his I arrived in Denver in 2011. In spite of my family here and he should have a decision anxiety about my family situation, I am much within three months. Gebru says, “The lawyers happier and have hope.” are hopeful that they can bring my family here, which has raised my hopes. But, I am Update as of press time: We just found out still sleepless until they get here.” Gebru’s wife the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition submitted calls him every day to ask when she can come for Gebru’s wife and son was approved by to the U.S., and he assures her that they are the United States Citizenship and Immigration getting closer.

Service. They both have refugee status now.

Cathy continues to help Gebru with There are several more steps in the process, counseling and case management services. but this is the big hurdle. Maya will guide us She provided a referral to a vocational rehathrough the rest of the process until they can bilitation program for refugees to help him travel to Denver. We do not know the time move out of his minimum-wage job and gave frame yet, but Gebru is overjoyed and we will him information about a new refugee health update you with more on this story in future clinic opening near his apartment. “When his publications. family arrives, there are many other services we can provide to help his whole family with the adjustment to a new country,” says Cathy.

Gebru says with a big smile, “The minute

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VOLUNTEER Spotlight Kathleen Stolle Kathleen Stolle’s strong desire to

volunteer started when she served in the Peace Corps in Albania and Morocco from 1995 to 1998. When she returned to the United States, she knew that volunteering “I feel like it is needed to be a part of her life. my duty to pay She volunteered in Boston while it forward to studying for her master’s degree people new to in creative writing from Emerson College, but then, “after several our culture.” years, I let work take over and —Kathleen Stolle wasn’t involved in volunteering,” says Kathleen. “My life felt out of balance and I missed having that community connection, so I decided to make time for it again.”

In 2011, Kathleen came to JFS to find a volunteer opportunity that fit her skills and interests. “There are a lot of organizations in

Denver that I could have chosen, but I knew that JFS had a great reputation and I wanted to be associated with that agency,” says Kathleen.

At first she wasn’t sure what type of volunteer opportunity she was seeking, but she wanted to work with refugees or the elderly. As she told Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, about her time in the Peace Corps, experience tutoring international students in English, and current profession as an editor of English language learning books, Nancy looked for ways Kathleen could put those skills to good use.

“When I was living abroad, everyone was so patient, generous, and kind to me,” says Kathleen. “I feel like it is my duty to pay it forward to people new to our culture.”

Nancy says, “It took awhile to find the perfect fit for Kathleen—I wanted to place her with our citizenship clients or in the Refugee Mental Health department.

Kathleen was very patient while we worked on finding a good match.”

It was worth the wait.

In June 2012, Kathleen was matched with a group of five Bhutanese refugee women who all live in an apartment building on East Colfax. She makes weekly trips to their building to teach them English. “The objective is to get them to be proficient enough in English that they feel comfortable banking, shopping, using the library, and doing other essential

Kathleen Stolle (right) teaches her students names of foods in English.

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life tasks.” Between developing lesson plans, teaching the women, and taking them out to practice the language, Kathleen spends about four hours each week as a volunteer.

The first time Kathleen met with them, there was a translator, and she thought communication would be very difficult. “But when there’s a will, there’s a way,” she laughs. “After our first class, it worked out fine and we have found ways to communicate. One woman has a nineyear-old daughter who is more fluent than the women and sometimes steps in to help.”

The women, who range in age from their mid-20s to early 70s, also vary in their English skills. For example, one was a beginner and Kathleen needed to start by teaching the alphabet. Three women are interested in going to college and want to focus on academic English, such as reading and writing. Kathleen recently divided the women into two groups to accommodate their skill levels.

Two of the younger women, Hari and Lachhi, recently got jobs working as housekeepers at Children’s Hospital. “Kathleen is really good at teaching and everyone’s learning from her,” Hari says. “I like when we go to the grocery store and learn how to use the computer.” Lachhi adds, “Kathleen helps us and we are improving. She teaches us nicely and I am practicing English at my new job.”

“I try to make my lessons as practical as possible,” says Kathleen. “I bring a white board, books, and handouts to aid in my lessons, and we’ll find appropriate visual aids, such as kitchen utensils, in the apartment to describe what we’re learning that day.”

Kathleen also takes the women to the grocery store and library to practice asking and answering questions in English. She recently hosted a party so they could experience an American house party. She is also planning to

Kathleen and one of the women going over food names.

Photos: Chris Schneider

take the women to a museum for a cultural experience.

“I struggled with language acquisition while traveling in the Peace Corps and can identify with what these women are going through,” says Kathleen. “It makes me feel good to know that maybe I’m helping them feel more comfortable with English. I also feel like this work has given me a chance to repay the universe for all the good things I received when living abroad!”

For more information about volunteer opportunities at JFS, please visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/volunteer or contact Nancy Benyamin at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@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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MENTAL HEALTH Keeping Your Amazing Brain

Matters

By Yelena Avramenko, PhD. Psychotherapist, Jewish Family Service

In my work as a psychotherapist, I

have a long-standing interest in integrating brain research data and principles of Eastern psychology in therapy. I help my clients use mindfulness in managing difficult and intense emotions.

It is said that the human brain is the most complex and sophisticated structure in the universe. The complexity that lets us see, hear, learn, remember, think, and feel is mainly based on the connections that its neurons make. Which connections remain, and which do not, depends on whether they stay busy and carry information. Connections that are used become stronger; connections that are not used weaken and die.

With new developments in brain research, we now know that the adult brain has the ability not only to repair damaged brain regions, but also to grow new neurons. It can change the function of old neurons and assign new functions.

Yelena Avramenko Specialized intensive therapy has restored motor function to patients who had a stroke as long as 45 years before, and seems to be applicable to at least 75% of the stroke population. Another stroke study showed brain reorganization resulting from hard work in language recovery.

In his mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral approach to work with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, Jeffrey Schwartz has shown for the first time that therapy alone (without the use of drugs, and largely selfdirected) has the power to change faulty brain chemistry—to alter the metabolism of the OCD circuit. We literally can change our brain with the power of our mind.

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Mindful and Attentive

These physical changes in the brain depend on a mental state called “attention.” Although experience shapes the brain, it shapes only the attentive brain. It has now become clear that the state of attention produces physical change in the brain’s structure and future functioning.

Today we use this knowledge in the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even character disorders. With the power of mindful attention, we can learn how to better cope with a variety of life challenges, such as chronic illness, loss, pain, divorce, work-related stress, or the anticipatory anxiety of dental appointments. We can train our brain to live a happier life.

While much more can be said on the subject of the brain and mindfulness, below are a few ways that you can develop new connections in your brain to keep it active and attentive: • Introduce novelty that will challenge and even frustrate you, such as writing with your non-dominant hand, brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, or learning a new dance that makes your body move in a different way.

• Break routine by taking a different route to work or shopping in a different grocery store so you have to learn your way around it.

• Learn a new language or musical instrument.

• Spend three to five minutes sitting quietly.

Keep your attention on your breath and observe your thoughts without allowing your mind to engage in them or wander.

To schedule an appointment with Yelena or another JFS therapist, contact the JFS Counseling Center at 303.597.7777.

Yelena Avramenko, PhD. is a psychotherapist at Jewish Family Service of Colorado, specializing in mindfulness-based treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma. She grew up in Ukraine where she received her MA and PhD. in psychology. In 1998, she moved to the United States and in 2001 joined JFS.

SENIORS

Matter

By Cathy Grimm, LCSW Director of JFS Senior Solutions and JFS at Home

To drive or not to drive—That

is a question facing many older adults, their families, friends, and the professionals who support and guide them. Many family members ask, “Do I have the right or the responsibility to get involved?” Here are some things to consider.

Our society has a fairly negative image of aging and the older driver. But statistics show that mature drivers are not involved in a disproportionate number of motor vehicle accidents.

Aging drivers actually become more conservative on the road—driving less often at night, taking fewer long distance trips, and avoiding driving in unfamiliar areas or in risky situations.

Yet we do observe a few drivers who appear to hold on to their driver’s license too long. This is a problem because older drivers are more likely to die or become seriously injured in a crash, and are more apt to be involved in multivehicle crashes that affect others.

Here are eight signs of decline in driving skill: 1. A pattern of close calls, violations, or collisions, even if they are minor.

2. Consistent and increasing difficulty in managing a vehicle on the road. Symptoms might include difficulty noticing pedestrians, signs, objects, or other vehicles; being surprised by passing cars; braking hard for hazards, stop signs, or stopped traffic; running red lights or stop signs; turning too fast or too slow; backing into or over objects; or running over curbs.

3. Observable decline in physical abilities: difficulty in coordinating hand and foot movements; worsening discomfort from glare of oncoming headlights; difficulty in turning head, neck, and shoulders; slowed or erratic reactions; or difficulty in keeping the car in a lane.

To Drive or Not to Drive?

Support for Mature Drivers 4. Visible change in emotions, such as increased anxiety behind the wheel or increased anger or frustration.

5. Rapid onset of fatigue from driving.

6. Discernible decline in mental abilities.

7. Increasing confrontations with other drivers.

8. Medical conditions that may directly, or as a result of medications, impair driving.

If you notice some or all of these signs in your loved one, it is time to have a conversation about letting someone else do the driving. Our geriatric care managers can help guide this conversation. Contact JFS Senior Solutions at 303.597.5000 for more information.

Cathy Grimm

As director of JFS Senior Solutions and JFS at Home, Cathy Grimm develops and implements programs and services for the senior community. Cathy has served JFS since 1995 and is a recognized expert in the field of aging. Prior to joining the agency, Cathy held positions with the Mental Health Corporation of Denver, Garden Terrace Nursing Home, Denver Probate Court, and Veterans Administration Medical Center.

STAFFAnniversaries Congratulations to Bari Belinsky, SHALOM Denver work services manager, who is celebrating her 25th anniversary in February!

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Supporters Packed the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for

JFS’s 17th Annual Movie Fundraiser Last month, Jewish Family Service

supporters hit the red carpet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for Reel Hope 2012, the agency’s annual film benefit. More than 500 attendees celebrated with honorees Elaine and Max Appel and Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Gareth Heyman and enjoyed a screening of the yetto-be-released historical drama Emperor. We were privileged to have the producer, Gary Foster, introduce the film.

During the cocktail hour before the program, guests posed for photos on the red carpet, sipped “UpsideDown Hanukkah Bushes,” the signature cocktail for the event, dined on lavish hors d’oeuvres prepared

by Kevin Taylor, and enjoyed jazz music by Cherry Creek High School senior Ian Levy.

Thank you to Gareth and Betsy for purchasing reloadable King Soopers cards for everyone who attended! Each card held $10 so people could “get a free cup of coffee or a

Elaine and Max Appel light the Hanukkah menorah at the beginning of Reel Hope.

few gallons of gas,” as Gareth explained from the podium. People can then reload the cards and five percent of their grocery purchases will come back to JFS. Thanks to co-chairs David and Terry Appel, Joel Appel, Dan and Carla Bartell, Dan and Amy Feldman, Adam Lipsius and Linda Appel Lipsius, and Steven and Mindy Peckar for their roles in making the event a success! Thank you to Steven Peckar for serving as a wonderful emcee. The hard work of our outstanding co-chairs, committee, honorees, and staff made the event a huge hit. And a big thanks to Janet Mordecai who generously provided a $25,000 match, allowing us to raise $50,000 additional funds during the event. In the end, Reel Hope raised $432,000. Our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful community-minded individuals and organizations that support the agency through this event!

Please visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ reelhope to view Reel Hope 2012 photos, the heartfelt video shown at the event, and a copy of the tribute journal.

Gareth Heyman, Yana Vishnitsky, and Betsy Mordecai Heyman.

Photos: Chris Schneider

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Thank you to all our generous sponsors: Producers: $25,000 David and Terry Appel, Joel Appel, Amy and Dan Feldman, Linda Appel Lipsius and Adam Lipsius Elaine and Max Appel Steve and Elizabeth Kris Joyce Zeff Production Managers: $10,000 Marshall and Helene Abrahams Jack and Celeste Grynberg

MorEvents – Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Gareth Heyman Brent and Julie Morse The Piton Foundation Phil and Elle Winn Directors: $5,000 Albertsons The Chotin Foundation ColoradoBiz Magazine Ken and Rebecca Gart Will and Sherri Gold Charlie Gwirtsman and Dr. Nancy Reichman The Libby Anschutz Brown Foundation Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC Pluss Family Foundation

THANK YOU for Caring!

Albertsons Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado Babies Now Foundation Congregation Bnai Chaim B’nai Torah CASA Advocates for Children Congregation Beth Evergreen Congregation BMH-BJ

Eric and Ellen Pollock Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Gary and Teresa Yourtz Casting Directors: $2,500 Argonaut Wine & Liquors Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP CCFIN INC. – Proprietary Capital LLC David and Vicky Dansky Dependable Cleaners Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard First Western Trust Bank David and Michelle Friedman Green Manning & Bunch, Ltd. Marty and Marie Herzog Julian Izbiky and Jennifer Rothschild JSF Financial, LLC Janet Mordecai Robert and Robyn Naiman National Jewish Health Oak Tree Foundation Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Julius and Rose Pluss Chet and Louise Schwartz Seff Group, P.C. UMB Bank Colorado Associate Producers: $1,500 Gary and Donna Antonoff Applejack Liquors Stephen and Paula Axelrod Brian and Elise Barish Dan and Carla Bartell Ellen Beller Bo and Lauren Brownstein Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Stephen and Melissa Elken

Enstrom Candies Feldman Mortuary, Inc. Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce Foster Goldberg Kohn Ltd. Leland Huttner Imprints Wholesale Jewish Community Foundation Michael and Lani Kessler Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Howard and Blanca Lerman Andy and Robyn Levy Alan and Peggy Mayer Rocky and Suzi Miller Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Jordon and Essie Perlmutter The Rifkin Foundation Richard and Michele Right Robinson Management Company Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Meyer and Geri Bader Saltzman Dr. & Mrs. Richard and Jo Sanders Rick Schepis and Rachel Grynberg Stephan and Kerry Shelanksi Sherman & Howard Jorge and Francine Topelson Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Cinematographers: $1,000 Ken and Sheryl Feiler Michael and Debbie Feiner Renee Nachbar Michael and Devra Ochs Art Seiden Judy Shine Morey and Joni Troy

In-Kind Donations October and november 2012

Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Denver Rescue Mission Ekar Farm Food Bank of the Rockies Golden Acre Farm HEA Sisterhood Judaism Your Way

Keller Williams King Soopers – Monaco King Soopers Reclamation Robinson Dairy Safeway SHALOM Denver smashburger South Denver Fencing Academy Sprouts

Temple Emanuel Temple Sinai Temple Sinai Preschool Walgreen’s Whole Foods at Tamarac Whole Foods at Cherry Creek Wolf Slatkin & Madison

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from October 1 to November 30, 2012. 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.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR Laura Grushcow Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Gary Lozow Richard and Linda Mishkin Ruth Oliveri Hockman Brent and Maya Lynn Stephen Uslan Brent and Maya Lynn IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES David and Myrna Garfield Neil Weiss and Daisy Berl Lawrence and Joann Litvak Ron and Joyce Fishman IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Bobby and Bea Glick Irene Mayer Reid Parks Neal and Kathy Kimmel Gilad Waldbaum Neal and Kathy Kimmel IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Sally Friedman Grace Horvat Barbara Gilbert Myron and Nancy Neusteter Bernard Gottlieb Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Samuel Jacobs Larry and Debra Jacobs Les Levitt Edward and Elka Haligman Estelle Stine Betty Mendelson Trude Bershof Lola Miller Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Jeffrey Mishell Gary and Janet Friedland Rikki Mor Martin and Marilyn Warren Drew Shader Judd and Kathleen Shader Marion Slavsky A. Bregman & Co., Inc.

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

Arleen Goldstein Philip Stahl Bernard Steinberg Barnetta Merenstein Riley Sturniolo Edward and Judith Rosenthal Stephen Uslan Brent and Maya Lynn IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAH Hannah Davidson Dean Prina, M.D. Max Davidson Dean Prina, M.D. IN HONOR OF HAPPY CHANNUKAH Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman John and Evie Coufal IN HONOR OF HAPPY HOLIDAYS Happy Rosh Hashanah Mikhail Kavutskiy and Zoya Kavutskaya IN HONOR OF Max and Elaine Appel Adeline Lutz Ken Bardach Rachael Bardach Joel Cohen Brent and Maya Lynn Laura Grushcow Stacey Weisberg Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Samuel and Carol Jonas Martin and Judy Shore Mark and Leslie Sidell The Women’s Foundation of Colorado Hanna Kruger-Posner Joanne Posner-Mayer Justin and Cari Levy Susan Sigman Steven Weil Marty and Shira Zimmerman Jody Mathie Brent and Maya Lynn Alan and Peggy Mayer Irene Mayer Arthur and Arlene Moss Mandelbaum Family Foundation Doreen Osborne Marciana Robertson Micah Rosenbaum Rabbi Frederick Greenspahn and Barbara Pearl Marty and Melissa Rosenbaum

FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Lea Schreiber Erin Nevers Scott and Andrea Stillman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sidney and Noreen Stillman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sidney Stillman Bonnie Shore Teichart & Associates, Inc. Francine Topelson Gary and Marsha Blum Maurine Waldbaum Barry and Randie Winograd IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR Linda Appel Lipsius Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Gail Nussbaum Amgen Foundation The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Warren and Ruth Toltz Penny Berenbaum The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe IN HONOR OF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS AT JFS Edward Barad Richard and Linda Mishkin IN MEMORY OF Mickey Barter Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Diane Beckoff Lynn Cohen The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dolores Williams Jack Bernstein Barbara Bernstein Marvin Bernstein Philip Stahl Harold Blitt Lois Blitt Martin Boxer Mark and Susie Barter Eileen Price Rose Buchalter Neil Weiss and Daisy Berl Daniel Foss and Carole Kornreich Ben and Robyn Friedman Justin and Sharon Roth Arnold and Marlene Siegel Oscar and Selma Sladek Jerry Carr Michael and Cynthia Wise

Shirley Cohen David Cohen Maurice Drechsler Richard and Doreen Nadler Frank Dubin Dennis and Jo Battock Darcy Beard John and Marjorie Berman Trude Bershof A. Herbert and Myndel Cohen Louis and Nellie Mae Duman Robert Evans Louis and Marian Gelfand Phyllis Goodman Stephen and Celeste Gorden Mackay Gordon Edith Hayutin Sheldon and Elaine Hayutin Randall and Susan Karsh Les and Estelle Levitt Bob and Marilyn Lynn Paul and Phyllis Marcus Julius and Rose Pluss Sherman and Lois Rich Marciana Robertson Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Harold and Dorothy Rosenblatt Nat and Joyce Sachter Leonard and Judy Schiff James and Debbie Shpall The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Gayle Falbaum Jackie and Marvin Cooper Amy Zeppelin Froma Fallik Mark and Susie Barter Lynn Finer Karlson Pesia Lenczner Evelyn Flaxer Daniel Klaiman Martin Freedman Rocky and Suzi Miller Abraham Friedman Craig and Melanie Eisen Ruth Epstein Ruth Landy Scott and Joanne Newland Hyla Sloane David and Beth Spiegel The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sally Gelfenbaum David and Beth Lippa Joel Goldberger Ida Goldberger Melinda Quiat David Goldstein Bob and Rosey Godshaw

David and Annis Gross Mark Pogrebin Sylvia Grushcow Kevin Cohen and Laura Grushcow Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Stacey Weisberg Estelle Handler Helane Karacuschansky Frank and Debra Piazza Andrew Hauschild Arnold and Karen Stein Max Heit The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Elizabeth Hermel Antonia Chiesa Leonard Herz Ronald and Roni Brown Bob and Deborah Gallo Elliott and Gloria Husney Mark and Cathlyn Huttner John and Anne Lehigh Mandelbaum Family Foundation Howard Sckolnik Barbara Sidon Arnold and Karen Stein Lynn and Lisa Taussig Ken and Amy Venturi Alen Hirsch Helene Hoffman Irv Hook Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Ronald and Roni Brown Donald and Loretta Cawelti Trevor and Pamela Ferger Michael and Michelle Hepner Pam Naiman Barbara Sidon Michael and Traci Sidon Sit Investment Associates Foundation Smith, Brooks, Bolshoun & CO., L.L.P. Carol Sobel Sandra Vinnik Gaile Weisbly-Waldinger Paul and Dee Isaacson Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Benjamin Kaplan Marvin Tyor William and Sylvia Katz Stuart and Marilyn Spinner Zoe Kislowitz Allyn Bandell Cheryl Kroner Allan and Alberta Sulzer Karen Stein Tzvi Lachman Amy Zeppelin Bess Lankowitz Cynthia Chapman Marvin Leff Milton and Linda Brandwein Aaron and Ellen Bregman Ronald and Roni Brown Albert and Janice Dinner Sheldon and Ellen Friedman Jordan and Sheila Ginsburg

Ms. Robyn Stone Hedly Les and Estelle Levitt I. Bernard and Leba Munishor Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Sheldon and Janice Steinhauser The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Marlene Weiner Ruth Levitch Paula Levitch Dorinda Levy Randy and Rebecca Davis Ingrid Chang Shelton and Catherine Clark Caleb Fitzpatrick Barbara Goldburg Don and Bonnie Messer Kent Messer Ryan Thornton Robert and Doris Truhlar Peter Wohlauer Hy and Goldye Lieberman David and Michelle Lieberman Jack and Lorraine Lindenbaum Faye Lindenbaum Mort and Shirley Mock Sherrie Brandon Milford Pepper Melvin and Diane Dinner Ron and Michelle Goss Debra Herz Betty Karsh Rocky and Suzi Miller I. Bernard and Leba Munishor Herbert and Doris Rothenberg Stan and Yvonne Stahl Florene Rodgers Howard and Carol Torgove Esther Rosen The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Alec Shapiro Eileen Price Miriam Sherman Jennifer Atler Fischer Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Theodore and Michele Cooper Louis and Jacqueline Davis Dan and Ginger Dinner Feiner Family Foundation of Colorado Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Barbara Goldburg Arleen Goldstein Jon and Sheryl Goodman Stephen and Celeste Gorden Ron and Michelle Goss Lisa Herschli Debra Herz Marci Hladik Elliott and Gloria Husney Betty Karsh Donald and Henny Kaufmann Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum Robert Schwartz and Beth Levy Janet Lopez

Gary and Joyce Lozow Marguerite Oxman Gretchen Perryman Eric and Ellen Pollock Richard and Michele Right Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Helen Rotbart Justin and Sharon Roth Robert Rottman Linda Schiff Dorothy Schoen Seff Group, P.C. Bonnie Shore Barbara Sidon Hyla Sloane Striker Foundation Lynn and Lisa Taussig Dorothy Thaler The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Stephen and Sherri Weinstein Donald Yale and Jody Epstein Howard and Sherrie Zeppelin Reva Sherman Seth and Rivka Weisberg Sid and Pearl Shucard Hal and Karen Shucard Sharon Siegel Wayne and Kris Brothers Jordan and Sheila Ginsburg Mark and Barbara Goldstein Mark and Johanna Loury Colleen Porterfield Melinda Quiat Arnold and Marlene Siegel Irwin and Barbara Suson The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service The Milestone Group Larry and Bev Whetstone Benny Silvestain Justin and Sharon Roth The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Steve Steinberg David Cohen A. Herbert and Myndel Cohen Esther Lustig Bruce and Susan Madison Rocky and Suzi Miller Samuel and Dorothy Parris Sidney Stillman Richard and Linda Albert Feggy Bernstein Marvin and Renee Brilliant Arthur and Ruth Chapman Lawrence and Rhoda CoBen Harvey and Judith Cohen Jim and Marla Diner Alan Freis Gary and Janet Friedland Jerome and Carol Friedman Sheldon and Ellen Friedman Richard Gabriel and Jill Wichlens John and Toni Getz Barbara Goldburg

David and Nina Ickovic Brenda Jacobs Robert and Kathleen Klugman Gary and Joyce Lozow Audrey Friedman Marcus Ronald and Rhoda Resnick Bruce and Nora Schrutt Seff Group, P.C. Robert and Julia Sherry Donald and Arlene Shwayder Anschel and Bernice Tarlie The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Paula Ward Joy Weinstein Gloria Weiss Jack and Sue Witkin Clara Swartz Amy Zeppelin Jack Weil The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Howard Weinzimmer Arnold and Karen Stein Bluma Wenner Howard and Donna Lutz Marshal West Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Ethan Wolf Anonymous Jaime Zajd Romina Zalcman Marshall Zullow Rose Goldstein WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Mel Brody Jon and Sheryl Goodman Jackie Frazin Gary and Janet Friedland Jon and Sheryl Goodman Donald Kaufmann Harold and Marilyn Lande The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Gaspar Perricone Cynthia Chapman Sam Pluss Albert and Janice Dinner Debra Herz Sam and Stacey Pluss Melvin and Diane Dinner Patricia Rittenberg Justin and Sharon Roth Julie Rubin Kathryn Rubin Ruth Toltz Alan and Gloria Kris Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum

In Kind Donations, page 13

FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

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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 Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and Mile High United Way

Vacancy at JFS Group Home Since 1982, Jewish Family Service has operated a

kosher Jewish group home in southeast Denver for adults with developmental disabilities. It is a beautiful, wellmaintained home that provides a warm Jewish family environment with services geared to help residents live as independently as possible. The group home accommodates eight residents, ages 21 and up, with developmental disabilities who are supported by a dedicated professional staff. The home currently has an opening.

For more information about our group home services and resident eligibility, please contact Group Home resident Sara Leeper, coordinator of client Lee Rabin at a Shabbat services at Jewish Family Service’s dinner SHALOM Denver program, at 303.623.0251, or sleeper@jewishfamilyservice.org.

A Lunch. An Inspiration.

JFS EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center

Featuring keynote speaker, Mandy Patinkin, Emmy and Tony award-winning singer and actor of stage and screen.

Currently starring in Showtime’s Homeland mini-series.

www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon