March/April 2013 Family Matters Newsletter

FamilyMatters Volume 23, No. 2 • MARCH/APRIL 2013

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A KOSHER MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVER Program Spotlight page 4

A LITTLE HELP FROM A FRIEND

Story of Hope page 6

HOW TO TALK ABOUT THERAPY

Mental Health Matters page 10

A PUBLICATION OF

Mandy Patinkin Headlines Executive Luncheon April 24 See page 3

From the CEO Thank You to Our Volunteers!

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 21–27, we want to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers. They are the backbone of JFS, and we could not provide services to more than 20,000 people each year without their invaluable dedication.

Nearly all volunteers who walk through our doors have a story to share about how their lives were touched by JFS—either here in Colorado or elsewhere—or by another nonprofit that provided help to their family.

We’ve had volunteers whose families were resettled by JFS, who adopted children through our agency (or were themselves adopted), who received in-home care or case management for an elderly parent, or who obtained food from our pantry in a time of need. Others learned the value of giving back from their parents and sought out JFS to volunteer their time.

In each of our volunteers’ lives, an act of kindness stuck with them and made them want to give back. Our volunteers truly exemplify the Jewish values that are universal principles of living and that guide this agency: • He who saves one life, saves the entire world: Pikuach Nefesh.

• The obligation to make the world a better place: Tikkun Olam.

• Social justice, the obligation to act justly toward people in need: Tzedakah.

Yana Vishnitsky

• Acts of loving kindness: G’milut Hassadim.

• Every human being is equal in the eyes of G-d: Tselem Elohim.

We are so grateful that last fiscal year, 858 volunteers gave generously of their time and expertise in a variety of ways. What these volunteers provide is immeasurable and they make an incredible difference in enhancing people’s lives in our community.

JFS has a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit anyone’s interests or time commitment.

Learn more and view the list of opportunities by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice. org/volunteer, or contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.

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 20,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes, and abilities.

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

2

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

Tony® and Emmy® Award-winning Performer Mandy Patinkin Headlines

JFS Executive Luncheon April 24 Meet the real Inigo Montoya from

The Princess Bride and current star of Showtime’s hit drama series Homeland, Mandy Patinkin, at the JFS Executive Luncheon on April 24! The luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th Street (please note new venue). Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program will start promptly at noon. Tickets are $150 and sponsorship packages start at $1,500. For more information or for tickets, contact Lisa Mehl at 720.248.4633 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.

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

Mandy Patinkin is a Tony® and Emmy® Award–winning performer and Broadway’s master songman. He won a Tony Award for his 1980 Broadway debut as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita and was again nominated in 1984 for his starring role in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Sunday in the Park With George. He won a 1995 Emmy Award for his critically acclaimed performance in the CBS

series Chicago Hope, and has just wrapped a second season as CIA division chief Saul Berenson in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Showtime Original Series, Homeland.

Patinkin tours extensively, appearing to sold-out audiences across the United States, Canada, England, and Australia, performing songs from writers including Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Randy Newman, Adam Guettel, and Harry Chapin, among others.

Thanks to Executive Luncheon cochairs for their leadership to make Mandy Patinkin this a successful event: Photo: Newspix Ed Barad, Jim Cohen, Leslie Ginsburg, and Sheryl Goodman, and event advisor Jamie Sarché.

Presented by Executive Luncheon sponsors page 13

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

3

PROGRAM A Day in the Life of a Spotlight Kosher Meals on Wheels Driver Did you know that JFS delivers

hot meals to up to 60 homebound adults five days per week through its Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program? What does it take to ensure that all these meals are delivered?

It starts with Gloria Romero, Shalom Cares kitchen staff member, who arrives at work at 6:00 a.m. to prepare and package the meals.

Armed with coolers, JFS’s three drivers then pick up meals for their clients at 8:30 a.m. and set out to deliver the food.

We followed one driver, Maryana Alekson, on her route to get a sense of what her job is like and talk to some of the meal recipients. She delivers meals to as many as 24 people every day.

Maryana schedules four and a half hours each day for the deliveries.

We asked her some questions about her job along the way.

Family Matters (FM): How long have you been a KMOW driver and how did you get started?

Maryana Alekson (MA): My mother-inlaw used to be a driver and retired two years ago, just as I lost my job. She said how much she loved the job and suggested that I take

over for her. I thought it would be temporary, but I still love it!

FM: What do you like about it?

MA: It gives me the chance to help people.

The hot meal I deliver is usually the only one these seniors get in a day and I am often the only person they see. I build relationships with all of my clients and know their families and their aides. On a few occasions, I’ve even saved lives when clients didn’t answer their door and I called their JFS care manager, who then called their emergency contact.

When we arrived at Eugene’s townhouse, we saw that he has entrusted Maryana with a key to let herself in. He took the meal gratefully and told us that the meals ensure that he gets enough to eat every day. Eugene said, “I have a condition where I can’t swallow food properly, so sometimes I supplement the meals with nutrition shakes, but this saves me from having to do much cooking.” He lives alone and said it would be extremely challenging for him to have to cook every day.

Rudy, an elderly man who broke his leg in November, leaves the door open for Maryana so that he doesn’t have to navigate the steep stairs in his townhouse every morning. Not only does she bring the meals upstairs, but she also brings in his newspaper and gives him a daily weather report! He is so grateful for the meal deliveries and the support Maryana provides. “I wore a cast for more than a month and then a boot for a month, so I couldn’t drive,” he said. “I would’ve had to get rides to the grocery store, and this program makes my life so much easier.” In addition to receiving Kosher Meals on Wheels, Rudy has a JFS homemaker come every two weeks to clean his house.

Maryana picks up food for her deliveries from Gloria at Shalom Cares.

4

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

It is apparent how much these clients depend on the meals and the wonderful rapport they have developed with Maryana. Pat Stein, JFS care manager who coordinates KMOW, says, “In addition to the food they receive, clients know they aren’t forgotten and are still connected to the Jewish community.”

Maryana and Rudy share a laugh as she delivers his meal.

Maryana delivers a meal to Eugene.

About Kosher Meals on Wheels • The Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program is a collaboration among Volunteers of America (VOA), Jewish Family Service (JFS), Shalom Cares, and Allied Jewish Federation. As the lead agency for Meals on Wheels, a federally funded program, VOA oversees the program, including menu planning and meal preparation. For the Kosher Meals on Wheels piece of the program, Shalom Cares prepares the meals and Allied Jewish Federation helps fund the program.

JFS does the client intakes, assigns a care manager to work with clients, and supervises the drivers.

• To receive meals, an individual must be at least 60 years old and assessed as homebound. He or she must be Jewish or have a spiritual need to receive kosher meals.

• A hot meal is delivered Monday through Friday,

plus a small weekend package. Clients get nonfat dry milk powder twice per month and a small emergency box of shelf-stable items in the fall. If JFS will be closed for a holiday, a frozen meal is predelivered.

• Each meal consists of an entrée and sides, such as vegetables, fruits, and breads, which are needed to provide at least one-third of the recommended daily nutrients for older adults.

• The program not only provides nutritional help but reduces the stress of family members, as they know their loved ones are getting a hot meal every day.

• The driver can’t leave the meal outside; he or she must deliver to the client personally. If the client doesn’t answer, the driver calls the KMOW coordinator.

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

5

Story of Hope A Little Help From a Friend Pat Wigglesworth is a feisty

80-year-old woman who shares her east Denver apartment with her cat, Natasha, and pet tarantula, Fuzzy Roja. Pat has limited mobility and is dependent on oxygen 24/7.

Pat’s independence was threatened when it became too difficult for her to get out and about without help. Her family was pushing her hard to move into an assisted-living facility, but Pat didn’t want anything to do with it.

“I would be signing my death warrant if I was forced to move to one of those places,” she declares. “I don’t like old people, even though I am one. And I don’t want to live in a crowd or eat in a big dining room every day.

I’m just too darn independent.”

Through Jewish Family Service, Pat was matched with a Senior Companion in 2011.

Vladimir visits her a few times each month to take her to the store, doctors’ appointments, and on other essential errands. Pat has formed a special friendship with Vladimir as they have gotten to know each other over the past couple of years. With just this little bit of help, Pat is able to continue living in her home with the peace of mind that her basic needs will be met.

Her Senior Companion “Fuzzy Roja” is Pat’s Mexican is so much more than a Red Knee Tarantula and a companion. He’s a caring loyal companion. friend, which is the biggest benefit of all. Pat describes Vladimir as “reliable and helpful,” and laughs when she talks of the adventures they have had together while running errands. “Vladimir takes me grocery shopping and to physical therapy twice a week,” she says. “Without him, getting around would be very difficult.”

Not only is Pat able to maintain her indepen-

6

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

dence, she’s able to keep her beloved pets.

“Jewish Family Service is a great organization with terrific services,” says Pat. “And I’m not even Jewish! Having Vladimir’s support gives me just the little bit of help I need.”

Pat Wigglesworth

SENIORS

Matter When Is It Time to Get Involved?

By Jennie Creasey, LCSW JFS Senior Solutions professional senior services coordinator

It is very common for family

members or friends to become concerned about older people in their lives and to wonder if they can stay in their homes safely or if they need some additional assistance. There are five areas to consider in answering this question: Physical (both physical health and the physical home they live in): • Have there been recent changes in their health and, if so, are they being managed successfully?

• Are they taking care of their personal needs, such as bathing and dressing?

• Is their home generally clean, well organized, and safe?

• Are they shopping for and preparing nutritious meals?

• Are they keeping up with their financial affairs?

Mental health • Are they generally in good spirits and peaceful about what the future may hold? Or are bad days outnumbering good days?

• Are favorite activities or interests being dropped?

• Are sleeping or eating patterns changing?

• Are concerns about their futures increasing?

Cognitive health (both concerns about intellectual activities and memory-related issues): • Are they staying engaged in their hobbies and other interests?

• Are they keeping up with reading, favorite TV shows and movies, puzzles, etc.?

• Do they continue to attend lectures, classes, concerts, and other cultural events?

• Are they remembering appointments and routine events?

• Are they keeping track of their monthly finances?

Social life • Are they keeping up with friends, neighbors, and family members?

• Are they having folks over to visit or going to visit others or attending social/recreational events?

• Do they have a support system they can effectively access?

Spiritual life • Are they continuing to do things that nourish them spiritually?

• Are they getting to the services and activities of their faith communities?

• Do they have regular visitors from their faith communities?

Jennie Creasey

These questions skim the surface of what needs to be considered in determining whether help is needed and, if so, what kind of help.

We welcome people to call Are the older the JFS Senior Solutions care managers, who are experts people in your life in asking the right questions generally in good to determine what help is spirits and peaceful needed and then setting up about what the a plan to meet those needs. future may hold?

If you would like to discuss your family’s situation, please call us at 303.597.5000.

Jennie Creasey, LCSW, serves as the JFS Senior Solutions professional senior services coordinator. She supervises the department’s care managers, therapists, and social-work student interns. Jennie also provides counseling and consultation services to seniors who are seeking to reframe independence as they age.

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

7

Make a Spiritual Connection

JFS Seeks Volunteers for Para-chaplain Training in May and June

Help create a warm Jewish connection for isolated members of the Jewish

community by becoming a Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick) para-chaplain. As a para-chaplain, you will visit seniors or conduct holiday services in non-Jewish nursing homes, assisted living facilities, prisons, or hospitals. In order to be a para-chaplain, you must be Jewish, but do not need an extensive Jewish education.

Please mark your calendar for this year’s four-week training, which will be held May 21, May 28, June 4, and June 11 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at JFS. For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact Beth Lippa at 720.248.4599 or blippa@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Here’s what some of our current para-chaplains have to say about this meaningful volunteer experience: “I am from India and converted to Judaism.

I wanted to grow and meet people and be involved in my community. I love Judaism and wanted to learn more about the services, so I became a JFS para-chaplain.

After the training, I began visiting an elderly man once a week and then started leading monthly Shabbat services at a senior community. I have a strong connection to my temple and through the para-chaplain program I have an even stronger connection

to my community. I am so blessed to be a part of these people’s lives. If you are looking for a great way to connect with people who really want you to be a part of their lives, then I encourage you to train for the para-chaplain program. It will truly change your life.”

—Andy Thangasamy “Being a para-chaplain for more than 15 years is terribly rewarding. A lot of people that live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities don’t get the opportunity to enjoy a Sabbath service or the High Holy Days. The true satisfaction comes from seeing a person light up from a familiar melody or prayer.

You can tell that you are bringing pleasure and enjoyment to them.”

—Allan Markman “I’ve been a para-chaplain for two years and currently visit with a lady once a week.

It is such a great feeling working with her.

The positive feedback I receive makes this all worthwhile. There is an absolute need for more people to be involved with this program. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, this is the place to do it.”

—Thelma Hutt

Allan Markman leads a High Holy Day service.

8

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

We Need Your Help for Passover!

As you prepare to celebrate Passover, please join us in helping the

growing number of people in our community who are struggling to put together a Seder during these difficult times. This year, you can help us make sure that everyone can participate in this holiday tradition.

Through the Community Passover Program, Jewish Family Service and the Synagogue Council of Greater Denver will provide families in need with a kosher chicken as well as other necessary kosher-for-Passover items, such as matzo, matzo meal, grape juice, borscht, gefilte fish, macaroons, cake mix, walnuts, oil, eggs, fresh produce, and candles.

Give the community a “chai five” by donating at least $90 for this program—the

cost to purchase food and nonperishable items needed to make the Seder complete for a family of four. This year, we expect to serve at least 80 families, which means we need to raise more than $7,200.

Please donate online today at www. jewishfamilyservice.org/donate and indicate “Holiday Food” in the “Tribute Text” section, or mail your check in the enclosed envelope with “Holiday Food” in the memo line.

If you would prefer to donate nonperishable kosher-for-Passover food items including matzo, matzo meal, grape juice, borscht, gefilte fish, macaroons, cake mix, and candles, please drop them off at JFS by March 18.

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

JFS Conducts Passover Services in Denver and Boulder Jewish Family Service

will carry on its long-standing tradition of hosting Passover services for socially isolated Jewish community members in March throughout metro Denver and Boulder. Services are planned for Jewish residents of non-Jewish long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, a mental health center, and several correctional institutions. Metro Denver Passover services will be led at 16 senior facilities by committed JFS volunteer para-chaplains Paula Breese, Barb Cashman, Lois Darmstadter, Bob Epstein, Leland Huttner, Allan Kantrowitz, Georgette Kennebrae, Elliott Magalnick, Allan Markman, Jay Miller, Robert Rottman, Sheldon Spector, and Michelle Stern.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the services and bring a sense of community to the senior residents. If you are interested in volunteering in Denver, please contact Beth Lippa at 720.248.4599 or blippa@jewishfamilyservice.org by March 20.

Boulder JFS is planning to hold Passover services at seven local senior residences. If you can help with any of the services, please contact Ingrid Swords at 303.415.1025 or iswords@jewishfamilyservice.org by March 15.

This is a great opportunity for families!

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

9

MENTAL HEALTH How to Talk With a Friend or

Matters

Loved One About Getting Therapy

By Stacey Weisberg, LPC Mental Health and Community Services Director

It can be tricky to broach the subject of depression with a close friend. You want to offer support and show concern but not judgment.

It’s tempting to wait and hope your friend will feel better. If your friend does bring up his or her concerns to you, don’t gloss over or change the subject. Listen and be compassionate.

Signs of depression include: • Sadness, fatigue, irritability • Loss of interest • Change in appetite • Sleep disruption • Difficulty concentrating • Thoughts of suicide If you experience five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you may have depression. You can also use a free, anonymous depression screening tool on our website at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ CounselingCenter to help determine whether you are suffering from depression. See a mental health professional and connect to the people in your life who care and can give you support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek help by calling 888.885.1222 to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or call 911 for immediate assistance. Clinical depression is a real illness that can be effectively treated.

There can be a fine line between being sympathetic and supportive and falling short of suggesting therapy. If you’ve been worried, let your friend know by saying what you notice, such as Stacey Weisberg “I notice you seem sad and have

10

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

had trouble sleeping and haven’t wanted to go out as much as usual. I’m your friend; I care about you and I’d like to help.” Don’t tell him or her to do specific things.

Encourage your friend to seek help. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to help him or her yourself when your role is that of friend, not therapist. The best way to offer help is to give options. You can recommend a therapist if you know one or offer to help with a referral. You can offer to drive or go with the friend to a therapist’s office. You may offer information about something that helped you in the past, such as “It really helped me to exercise regularly when I was depressed.”

A significant part of depression is feeling helpless, sometimes hopeless. The choice to go for therapy is your friend’s choice. You must understand you’ve planted a seed that may take some time to grow.

It’s important to take care of yourself when helping a friend. Know what limits you need to stay in a good emotional place. Don’t overextend yourself. Be patient.

For more information about our counseling services for you or a friend, please contact the JFS Counseling Center at 303.597.7777.

Stacey Weisberg, a licensed professional counselor, directs the JFS Counseling Center.

Stacey has treated individuals and families in a variety of settings, including Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she worked for four years. Her main areas of focus are parentchild relationships, blended and step families, and mediation. Her recent interests include integrated care and refugee mental health.

Stacey also devotes time to developing collaborative relationships among parents, schools, and the community.

JFS to Host Mental Health First Aid May 1 On Wednesday, May 1, Mental

Health America of Colorado will lead a free Mental Health First Aid training in the JFS Board Room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch is included. This is an innovative, evidence-based training program that teaches participants a five-step action plan that will give them the information and skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, respond to a mental health crisis, and then make a referral to appropriate professional help. The training will cover the topics of eating disorders,

substance use disorders, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and self-injury. All participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of completion.

Mental Health First Aid is for everyone.

Working professionals, faith leaders, community leaders, concerned citizens, friends or family of people who have mental illness or addiction—all can benefit from this program. Seating is limited. For more information and to register, please visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/MentalHealth.

Light/The Holocaust & Humanity Project by the Colorado Ballet

Jewish Family Service

is proud to be a community partner of Colorado Ballet’s Light/The Holocaust & Humanity Project. Making its Denver debut March 29–31, 2013, at the Newman Center at the University of Denver, this one-act contemporary ballet in five movements is inspired by the poignant journey of one Holocaust survivor. Set to the music of five notable contemporary composers, including Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, Light is a powerful, moving, and uplifting experience.

In addition to the ballet, Light /The Holocaust & Humanity Project is a Holocaust education partnership that promotes the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate through arts, education, and public dialogue. A variety of community events will be held through April 15 (Holocaust Remembrance Week), with events/initiatives led by community partners.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.coloradoballet.org/light.

THANK YOU for Caring!

Albertsons Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado BBYO - 201 V’ruach Calvary Baptist Church Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance

In-Kind Donations DECEMBER 2012 and JANUARY 2013

Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Academy Denver Jewish Day School Einstein Bagels Holland & Hart Law Firm Judaism Your Way King Soopers Reclamation Mizel Museum

Lockheed Martin – Operation Santa Claus Promontory Condo Association Safeway Sisterhood of Congregation Emanuel South Denver Fencing Academy Sprouts Temple Emanuel

Temple Sinai Toronto Entertainment Secrets Walgreen’s Wealth Concepts Westin Tabor Center Westword Publications Whole Foods at Tamarac Young Americans for Liberty

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

11

JFS LEGACY SOCIETY Members through February 1, 2013 Thank you to the following JFS Legacy Society members. You are the JFS supporters who had the vision to include us as a beneficiary of your estate plans.

Anonymous Sanford Alpert Barbara Altenberg McDonald Judy Altenberg Elaine and Max Appel Rabbi Eliot and Dr. Hilary Baskin Estate of Michael Baum Robert and Samantha Baumgarten Bruce and Jennifer Bendell Steve and Sandy Berkowitz Estate of Jack Bernstone Mel Brody Estate of William Bromberg Jerry and Bobbie Carr James and Alissa Cohen The Winters Creasey Family Ken and Sheryl Feiler Estate of Terry Fisher Rabbi Steven and Joyce Foster Estate of Max Frankel Brad and Laurie Friedman Estate of Richard Gilbert Benjamin & Lillian Ginsburg Charitable Trust Estate of Lewis J. Goldsmith Richard C. Goldstein Estate Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sidney and Ann Grazi Philanthropic Fund Estate of Louise F. Guggenheim Jerry and Zelda Gutman Jeffrey and Sharon Haber Estate of Betty Ann J. Halperin Ken and Linda Heller Peggy Hermann Irwin and Jacquie Hoffman Leland Huttner Ron and Gale Kahn Sterling and Ruth Kahn Trust

Estate of Margit Katz Estate of Lottie R. Klebe Lisa Koenigsberg Estate of Elizabeth S. Krash Steven and Elizabeth Kris Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Estate of Alan Laff Harold and Marilyn Lande Estate of Mary Latanik Howard and Blanca Lerman Estate of Guscile and Rona Levin J. Leonard & Myra B. Levy Family Fund Estate of Edith Lewitt Leonard and Sylvia Litvak Bob and Robyn Loup Sandey Luciano Irene Mayer Estelle R. Meskin Estate of Edith Schwartz Meyer Estate of Walter Mielziner Jay and Lois Miller Estate of Ruth Milzer Perry and Susie Moss Stephen and Lois Nadler Gail Nussbaum Gail Pennington Shirley Politzer Eric and Ellen Pollock Dean Prina, M.D. Andy and Renee Raabe Estate of Irene Rantz Dawn Richard John and Lore Roth Estate of Minnie Rothchild Estate of Corinne Rottman Dr. & Mrs. Richard and Jo Sanders Chet and Louise Schwartz

Jean B. Seeman Charitable Trust Dan and Marian Seff Estate of Pearl Shames Evelyn Shamon Amy Shapiro Helen Shapiro Donald and Debbie Silversmith Barry and Regina Silvestain Estate of Adele Sollender Sally Steele Metzger Estate of Lillian Stein Estate of Samuel H. Sterling Estate of Susie Strait Lynn and Lisa Taussig Jorge and Francine Topelson Estate of Walter Vasen Dan and Ann Veenstra Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Estate of Alan Irwin Wandel Lary and Lori Weintraub Estate of Sandor Weisz Phil and Elle Winn Debbie Zimmerman and Charles Van Gundy Royce and Tara Zimmerman

“We cannot think of a better way to show our commitment to Judaism and the Denver Jewish community than to leave a legacy to JFS. Helping others is a main tenet of Judaism and JFS carries out that mission every day. We have supported JFS for many years and we are happy to be able to extend that support beyond our lifetime.”

—Jay and Lois Miller

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.

12

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

continued from page 3

Thank you to our current sponsors (as of February 14, 2013): Presidential Sponsors

Chief Financial Sponsors Marshall and Helene Abrahams ANB Bank ColoradoBiz Magazine D.H. Friedman Properties— David and Michelle Friedman Jack and Celeste Grynberg Charlie Gwirtsman and Dr. Nancy Reichman Steve and Elizabeth Kris Robert and Robyn Naiman Ryley Carlock & Applewhite The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation— Sandy Wolf and Elaine Wolf Executive VP Sponsors Ed and Marlin Barad Berlin Investment Group Holdings Bernstein Global Wealth Management Centennial Leasing & Sales Fairway Asset Management, LLC Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Izbiky & Associates PLLC Lazarus Israel Opportunities Fund Alan and Peggy Mayer and MorEvents— Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Oak Tree Foundation Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Chet and Louise Schwartz Steele Street Bank & Trust Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC UMB Bank Colorado Associate VP Sponsors Nancy Alterman David and Anna Asarch Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Dependable Cleaners Feldman Mortuary, Inc. Brian and Cathy Fleischmann Jon and Sheryl Goodman Jerry and Lorna Gray James Joda Lippa & Associates Pinion Trail Foundation—Kathy Neustadt Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Jay and Lisa Perlmutter Mike and Arlene Perry Scott and Andrea Stillman Morey and Joni Troy Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe

Jewish Disabilities Network Seeks Campers and Buddies for

Summer Magic

Jewish Disabilities Network

is sponsoring Summer Magic camp again this year. Children and young adults with disabilities are invited on daytrips to Shwayder Camp and to JCC Ranch Camp (dates to be determined). We are also seeking teen buddies for the trips.

For information, please contact Rita Singer at rocky2323@aol.com.

FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado

www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo

STAFFAnniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in March and April: 35 years: Yana Vishnitsky, president and CEO 20 years: Vicki Kruger, receptionist/administrative assistant, and Stacey Weisberg, director of mental health services 5 years: Inna Ermakov, Jewish Disabilities Network coordinator; Yordanos Lingane, personal care worker; and Romina Zalcman, senior accountant

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

13

THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013. 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 All JFS Volunteers Nancy Benyamin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Richard and Lupe Hartzell Linda Loewenstein Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Barbara Reed Mark and Rachel Saliman Jacqueline Wong Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Jan and Dell Bernstein Linda Roberts Zinn Leon and Betty Jaffe Tracy Jaffe Werner and Ruth Lissauer Oscar and Selma Sladek Mark and Linda Loewenstein Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard David and Helene Pollock Ronald and Roni Brown Leonard and Roberta Waldbaum Linda Redstone IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARY AT JFS Linda Neuman David and Nancy Benyamin The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dan and Ann Veenstra IN HONOR OF BAT MITZVAH Mara Osterburg Frederic Paul and Pamela Robinson IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Merceditas Gimenez Pablo Weltman and Merceditas Gimenez Marion Goldstein Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Lynn Gordon David and Peggy Marks Kathleen Kent Sherry Martin Cathy Kravitz Marvin Tyor

14

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

Eric Pollock Charles Malek and Kim Schneider Malek Dorothy Schwab Norman Schwab Jill Lee Neal and Kathy Kimmel Arnold Greenberg Cynthia Chapman Barbara Dey Pam Naiman Sidney Milzer Arnold and Karen Stein IN HONOR OF GENEROSITY Eudice Lewkowitz Audrey Adams Plotkin Andrea Pollack Harvey and Judith Cohen IN HONOR OF A HAPPY Hanukkah Nancy Alterman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Lynn Cohen Robert Trout and Jill Boice Mark George and Pamela Eisenbaum Alison George Briscoe Jay and Lois Miller Elaine Miller IN HONOR OF A HAPPY NEW YEAR Lynn and Lisa Taussig Brett Miller and Heather Taussig IN HONOR OF Our Grandchildren Albert and Janice Dinner Nancy Benyamin Diane Donovan The Ensign-George Family Barry Ensign-George The Parents of Henry and Sy Youngelman Seymour Youngelman Michael Altenberg and Libby Bortz Willard Rowland and Susan Tannenbaum Max and Elaine Appel and Family Fred and Miriam Hoffman Max and Elaine Appel Joe and Glenda Kaufman Arthur and Arlene Moss Perry and Susie Moss Claire Seiden Kate Andres Hoyt and Susan Andres Ken Bardach Rachael Bardach Rabbi Eliot Baskin David and Anita West Alan Brandt William and Jennifer Feinberg

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

The Brass Family David Zauder Colin Brockman Mark and Susie Barter Randy and Michelle Brunschwig Arnold Kaplan and Linda Reinstein Kaplan Koby Chapman Michael and Julie Chapman Harvey and Judith Cohen Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Hannah Davidson Rebecca Kaltman Jim and Polly Deutelbaum Roger and Jill Giller Doris Diamond Steven and Cindy Diamond Inna Ermakov and Lynn Rubenstein Jon and Sheryl Goodman Inna Ermakov Elizabeth Lehman Mike and Cindy Friedman Jon Heller Steve and Lisa Friedman Michael and Mary Frank Susan Glairon Anonymous Elyse Gordon Jeffrey Zinn Cathy Grimm Arlen and Kathleen Meyers Allison Heller Stiller Ken and Linda Heller Jean Heller Bette Heller Gareth Heyman and Betsy Mordecai Heyman Michael and Julie Chapman Paul Gillis Joe and Glenda Kaufman Scott Service and Julie Seff Mark and Elena Veta Nancy Wright Gareth, Betsy, and Stone Heyman Stuart and Barbara Raynor Max and Olivia Jacobson Daniel and Beverly Jacobson JFS Staff Jon and Sheryl Goodman Georgette Kennebrae Albert and Joan Klinger Bettina Kurowski Thad and Katy Kurowski Justin and Cari Levy Gayna Warren Austin Linglebach Kenneth Greenberg and Anna Maria Menza Cherie Linglebach Kenneth Greenberg and Anna Maria Menza

Dylan and Priyia Linglebach Kenneth Greenberg and Anna Maria Menza Dan, Meg, Caitlin, and Sarah Quiat Melinda Quiat Dan and Meg Quiat Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Steven and Dottie Resnick E. Faye Vanderslice Dawn Richard Harold and Marilyn Lande Paul and Harriet Saliman Mark and Rachel Saliman Helen Shreves Cynthia Chapman Gerald and Gail Sloat Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Ray and Alicia Smith Anonymous Sidney Stillman Ron and Joyce Fishman Trudy Strauss Anonymous Nick and Karen Huber Jon and Sheryl Goodman Cathy Summer and Ingrid Swords Robert and Carla Chamblee Cathy Summer David and Cheryl Fellows Francine Topelson Robert and Julia Sherry Dee Trasen Richard and Anita Fricklas Lawrence Schwartz and Cherie Karo Schwartz Marvin Tyor Roger and Marsha Kempton Lynn Waterman-Blum Dennis Blum and Lynn Waterman-Blum Bruce and Rhonda Wildman Steven Ellis and Cathy Summer Tiffany Williams Tautfest Cynthia Chapman Jacqueline Wong The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Joyce and Kal Zeff Leslie Foster Bill, Alaina, and Hannah Green Edward and Dianne Green IN MEMORY OF Amy Morris’ Father Harold and Marilyn Lande George Allen Janet Slate Clara Anderson James and Janis Anderson Evangeline Andrews The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service

Ralph Auerbach Mark and Susie Barter Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Stewart and Marilyn Greene Harold and Marilyn Lande I. Bernard and Leba Munishor Justin and Sharon Roth The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Saul Axelrad Norma Axelrad Agnes Badion Steven Goldstein and Amy Wright Hilda Baum Sam Baum Al Blamey Tibor Engel Morris Brown Alvin and Bettie Steinberg Rose Buchalter Nancy Nowak Jeanne Cohan Trude Bershof Jackie and Marvin Cooper Vicki Eskanos Barton and Marci Rivkin Dorothy Cohen Mark and Wendy Cohen Robert Cohen Don Koplen and Barbralu Cohen Frank Dubin Penny Berenbaum Larry and Louise Boris Howard and JoAnn Kerstein Muriel Leff Leslie Levine Mankwitz Family Foundation David and Peggy Marks Maurer & Associates Capital Management, Inc. Norman and Myndel Pozner Marc and Rhoda Silverglade Arnold and Karen Stein Sam Fireman Gary and Joyce Lozow Richard and Michele Right Tillie Fischer S. Paul and Paulette Wasserstein Anne Fisher Mark and Susie Barter Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Cynthia Chapman Gary and Joyce Lozow Sandra Radetsky Richard and Michele Right Carolyn Steele Larry and Judy Zepelin Edward Fisher Fred and Lauren Sternburg Abraham Friedman Deanna Sue Simon Margaret Frost Susan Canham Marge Gelbach Ginny Gelbach Sara Gelopter Donald and Audrey Gilden

Sheri Lynn Gertell Larry and Jodi Ansell Marla Gilson Deanna Sue Simon Harry Glaser Mark and Rachel Saliman Mary Goldberg Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Carolyn Steele Larry and Debra Jacobs Jack Goodman Tibor Engel Joanne Goodman Dorothy Schoen Sylvia Goodman Philip Stahl Max Heit Matthew and Regina Heit Arnie Held Jay and Lois Miller Max Helfand Howard Eiseman Richard Heller Bette Heller Lola Helmer Arthur and Elisabeth Helmer Hal Hoffman Joseph and Joyce Solomon Jean Kawar Penny Berenbaum Brian Kent Cate Esstman Abel Kimmel Ed and Marlin Barad Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Peggy Bernstein Jon and Sheryl Goodman Gary and Joyce Lozow Roger and Linny Pretekin Jeff and Helen Resnick The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jorge and Francine Topelson Art and Irit Waldbaum Ron and Patti Weinstein Basia Kononov Dmitry Kononov and Olga Titova Jeanne Kraus Irwin Kraus Fred and Betty Kroll Tom and Shelley Sachs Marvin Leff Robert and Sharon Feder Philip Einger Lauren Leff Myra Rieger Dorinda Levy Melvyn and Roberta Klein Reel Family Foundation Edna Licht Betty Naster Janice Lipsitz Ed and Marlin Barad Leonard Mann Debra Reinhard Max Margules Todd Margules Harold and Mary McCrensky Bruce and Susan Heitler

Michael McKinstry Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard David and Adella Molnia Gary McIntosh and Carol Molnia Harold Morgenstern Bruce Morgenstern and Beth Ginsberg Jack Niestadt Rocky and Suzi Miller Robert Norton Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Milford Pepper Jeff Reiman and Joyce Rubin Gerald Quiat Gary and Joyce Lozow Sol and Jean Radam Ruth Ann Quick Patty Ris Cynthia Chapman Dennis Rose Thad and Katy Kurowski Sherry Roth Sandra Radetsky Leon Ruben Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Leon Rubin Les and Estelle Levitt Gary and Joyce Lozow Floyd Saliman Mark and Rachel Saliman Jeanette Schiffer S. Paul and Paulette Wasserstein Herb Schindler Steve Tilliss and Debra Fine Alan Schoen Dorothy Schoen Jerry Scott Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Morton Shafton Michael and Cindy Wolfe Betty Shampanier Debbie Zimmerman and Charles Van Gundy Steven Shaner Susan Shaner Robert Shapiro Bobbie Carr Lawrence and Rhoda CoBen Harold and Marilyn Lande Shirley Leff Myra Rieger Claire Seiden The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Miriam Sherman Stephan Levy Sharon Siegal Max Silverman Don and Patty Cook Benny Silvestain Cheryl Sanders Tanya Sklar Julian Gelfand and Barb Eddy Clive Solomons Howard and Donna Lutz Alvin and Bettie Steinberg Steve Steinberg Anonymous

Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Cynthia Chapman Les and Estelle Levitt Pam Naiman Ludwig and Helene Stern Barbara Stern Sidney Stillman Jerry and Kathy Berenstein Lisa Bickerstaff Allen and Hannah Levy Myra Rieger Don Strause Academy Acres Kennels Isadore and Evelyn Sunshine David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Lillian Supper S. Paul and Paulette Wasserstein Milton and Josephine Tanzer James and Janis Anderson Joseph Tyor Marvin Tyor Ernest Urman Ralph and Marjorie Fisch Roger and Linny Pretekin Shirley Vajda Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Jorge and Francine Topelson Sam and Rowena Weinstein David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Marshall West Helene Hoffman Terri Tilliss Bill and Elaine Bromberg David and Marilyn Bromberg Jack and Margurite Williams Scott and Trina Reisch Abe Wolpo Frances Wolpo Marcia Yoches Duke and Sandy Kaminsky Robert Zinn Linda Roberts Zinn WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Carolyn Auerbach Harold and Marilyn Lande Lin Carleen Stanley and Paula Gudder Jackie Cooper Ralph and Berta Goodman Barbara Goldman Ben and Robyn Friedman Sheryl Goodman Scott and Andrea Stillman Les Levitt Jon and Sheryl Goodman Jonathan Morris Harold and Marilyn Lande Ricki Rest Pam Naiman Beryl Tessler Ronald Hull and Eva Ruda-Hull Alice Turak The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service

In Kind Donations, page 13

FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2013

15

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

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

Support JFS While Shopping at King Soopers!

Raising funds for JFS is as easy as going

JFS at Home offers non-medical, fully licensed, customized homecare by screened, compassionate, and insured caregivers. · Hourly to 24/7 personal care

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!

· Assistance with dressing, grooming, and hygiene · Light housekeeping and cooking · Transportation and shopping · Companionship

Family Matters is published bimonthly

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