May/June 2013 Family Matters

FamilyMatters Volume 23, No. 3 • MAY/JUNE 2013

KIDSUCCESS Program Spotlight page 4 UNLEASH THE POWER OF AGE!

Seniors Matter page 7

LISA ZALES

Volunteer Spotlight page 8

A PUBLICATION OF

A Fresh Start for Sara Gebre Story of Hope page 6

From the CEO YOU make JFS Possible I write this with gratitude in my heart.

Thank you for all you do to make Jewish Family Service possible. Your contributions, volunteer service, leadership, and vision are what have made this agency the premier community resource that it is today. Thank you for your trust in me and in our talented staff to deliver the wide spectrum of services that we are able to provide. It’s all because of you.

Last month, I celebrated 35 years of service to JFS. Upon arriving in Denver from Russia with my young son in 1978, I was resettled by the very agency that has become my life. I went to work with JFS as a translator, helping other Russian refugees resettle in a foreign land. I never looked back. I was a lawyer and an engineer in Russia, but ended up going back to school to become a licensed clinical social worker, a skill I used at JFS for 25 years.

In 2001, I became the agency’s CEO. It was exciting, frightening, challenging, and even overwhelming. It has also been the most rewarding time of my life. It’s been a magnificent journey, with good times and joy—and hard times and even tragedy. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

Yana Vishnitsky

By far the most gratifying aspect of my work with JFS are the friends that I have made along the way. Whether you are a staff member, board member, supporter, volunteer, or client, you are my inspiration and the reason that I look forward to coming to work each day. Thank you for the support and for helping to bring hope to so many people with need in our community.

I’m not done yet—not even close. There’s far too much left to accomplish. I hope you’ll stand with me as we continue to serve, grow, and respond to the incredible human need in our community.

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.

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Thank You

to the JFS Executive Luncheon Sponsors!

The ninth annual

JFS Executive Luncheon, held April 24, featuring Mandy Patinkin was a tremendous success! Thank you to the sponsors (as of April 3, 2013) who generously supported the event. View a complete event recap including photos and video at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.

Presidential Sponsors

Chief Operating Sponsors Lynda M. Goldstein Joyce Zeff Chief Financial Sponsors Marshall and Helene Abrahams Albertsons ANB Bank CoBiz Financial ColoradoBiz Magazine David and Michelle Friedman Will and Sheri Gold Jack and Celeste Grynberg Charlie Gwirtsman and Dr. Nancy Reichman Steve and Elizabeth Kris Robert and Robyn Naiman Rose Medical Center Ryley Carlock & Applewhite TransVac Solutions The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation Executive VP Sponsors Michael S. Asarch Ed and Marlin Barad Berlin Investment Group Holdings Bernstein Global Wealth Management Bo and Lauren Brownstein Colorado State Bank & Trust EKS&H Fairway Asset Management, LLC Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Izbiky & Associates PLLC Lazarus Israel Opportunities Fund Jimmy and Debbie Lustig Alan and Peggy Mayer Millbrook Homes–Springbrooke Retirement

Community

MorEvents Murray & Stafford, Inc. Nothing Bundt Cakes Oak Tree Foundation Richard and Michele Right Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Chet and Louise Schwartz Stage 2 Studios Steele Street Bank & Trust Syntrinsic Investment Counsel, LLC UMB Bank Colorado Wellshire Event Center Gary and Terri Yourtz Associate VP Sponsors Nancy Alterman David and Anna Asarch Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management The Crown Family Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher Dependable Cleaners The Diner Family Gary and Shelly Dragul Feldman Mortuary, Inc. Foster, Graham, Milstein & Calisher LLP Jon and Sheryl Goodman Jerry and Lorna Gray James Joda Landmark Dental Studio Lippa & Associates Kathy Neustadt Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Jay and Lisa Perlmutter Mike and Arlene Perry Dick and Annette Pluss Roberts Levin Rosenberg PC Robinson Management Company Meyer and Geri Bader Saltzman Stewart Title Scott and Andrea Stillman Morey and Joni Troy Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Sam and Stephanie Zaitz Royce and Tara Zimmerman

Mandy Patinkin Photo: Newspix

FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/jfscolorado

www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo 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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PROGRAM Spotlight Through its KidSuccess

KidSuccess

school-based counseling program, Jewish Family Service provides counseling and case management for at-risk children and teens in 12 Denver public schools. Thanks to funding from foundations, the school district, and Medicaid, services are free for students and their families.

The goals of KidSuccess are to overcome barriers to learning and, in turn, give students what they need to succeed in school: increased academic achievement, improved school attendance, better peer relationships, and decreased infractions resulting in punishments and suspensions. “What separates KidSuccess from other counseling programs is that this program places a specially “Being on-site trained staff of mental health prois critical to the fessionals in schools who partner effectiveness of with teachers, parents, and administrators,” says Melissa LaLonde, KidSuccess.”

LCSW, KidSuccess coordinator.

—Melissa LaLonde “Being on-site is critical to the effectiveness of KidSuccess; counselors can immediately respond to emergency situations, are available for students, and can consult with teachers and school staff.”

While in past years KidSuccess was in a variety of schools with different populations, the program is now focusing on the neediest schools, especially along the far northeast corridor, which runs along I-70 from Five Points to the Montbello area. Melissa says, “These are poorly performing schools, and the students are low-income, underinsured, or uninsured. There has been a huge increase in the number of children seen with trauma over the last several years, especially as we enter schools where students and families have little access to resources. These families experience insecurity, unstable home life and housing,

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job loss and unemployment, substance abuse, incarcerated parents, and other issues, which leads to an increase in depression and anxiety for the students.”

This year, we have a new partnership with Denver Health School-Based Health Centers at a Montbello location that includes students from fifth through tenth grades. A JFS counselor serves as a half-time mental health provider at this campus. JFS also now employs a child psychiatrist approximately 11 hours each month who provides psychiatric consultation and medication monitoring to KidSuccess clients.

In addition to providing individual counseling sessions with students and/or their parents, KidSuccess therapists facilitate small groups to teach skills on a variety of topics, such as bullying, leadership, anger management, friendship, self-esteem, and social skills. One counselor also leads a young moms’ group at Emily Griffith High School, and other therapists help with schoolwide suicide intervention and bully-proofing programs.

Last fiscal year, the KidSuccess program served more than 800 students, 300 family members, and 265 staff. Another 87 family members and staff participated in presentations.

Thank you to the following therapists who tirelessly work in these schools: Kate Andres, LCSW; Kristen Simpson Chandler, MA, LPC; Dora Dunning, MA, LPC; Amanda Factor, MSW candidate (intern); Laura Grushcow, LCSW; Amy Hill, LCSW; Gabriela Jaramillo, MA, LPC (temporary employee); and Amy Topelson, MA, LPC. KidSuccess is funded by The Anschutz Foundation, The Denver Foundation, Harry W. Vicksman and Louis L Vicksman Trust, In Jesus’ Name Fund, The Piton Foundation, RLC Foundation, and Rose Community Foundation.

Dora Dunning, MA, LPC Since 2010, Dora Dunning, MA, LPC, works as a KidSuccess therapist at Whittier K–8 School one day per week. She uses an individual client-centered play therapy approach, in which the kids lead the sessions and take control of what they want to accomplish. She also helps families problem-solve, connects them with community resources (including the JFS Weinberg Food Pantry), and offers support.

“The students I see do not come from intact families,” says Dora.

“I have cases where one parent is incarcerated, some families don’t know who the father is, and other children live in foster homes. These families are often lacking basic resources like food and housing and they look to the school to be their support system.” She recently helped one family in crisis by picking up food from the Weinberg Food Pantry and bringing it to school.

“I have to be careful because there’s a fine line between helping and enabling,” Dora says. “I constantly evaluate what motivates a family and what prevents them from meeting their basic needs, and do what I can to help them become self-sufficient. Progress is sometimes slow and I don’t always see it, but I just have to try to plant the seeds.”

In addition to seeing several individual students and their parents, Dora conducts two groups. One is for a second grade class of 30 students, in which she provides classroom lessons about social skills, problem solving, bullying, and empathy. The other is a girls’ mentoring group with fifth graders and kindergartners. She is also available for managing crises and doing mediations between students.

“Every day is different,” Dora says. “It challenges me to evolve and question my own practices in how I can better serve my clients in the community. I enter the school each day with an image of my arms wide open because I don’t know what will be thrown at me, but I have the security of knowing I have the proper training and I will have the right words at the right time. I know that I have the support that I need through JFS—I’m not out there all by myself.”

Dora Dunning

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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Story of Hope A Fresh Start for Sara Gebre Sara Gebre is a gentle, soft-spoken

woman who came to Colorado from her native Ethiopia in 2004 to be with her husband. The couple had three boys and Sara enjoyed her role as mother and homemaker to her growing family.

Last year, Sara separated from her husband, which put enormous stress on her. She had no income and no experience working in America.

She had been a secretary in Ethiopia, but those skills didn’t transfer easily to Colorado. She faced numerous barriers to employment, the largest of which was her difficulty with the English language.

Sara took English classes at Fairview Elementary School and her teacher encouraged her to go to college. After she got some confidence, she went to Emily Griffith Technical College and graduated from the Professional Office Skills Program in June 2012.

With no income, Sara applied for welfare benefits and went to work on finding a job.

She enrolled in SHALOM Denver’s employment training program so she could find work and build a future for herself and her children. “You could tell that Sara was very uncomfortable with her classmates because of her strong Ethiopian accent,” says Jaimie Vela-Davis, SHALOM Denver case

Sara Gebre

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manager. “She doubted that she would be employable in America because it had been so long since she had worked.” None of that stopped Jaimie, who committed to find Sara a great employment option.

Jaimie knew the challenge would be great, but not impossible. Sara began her community-based training as a translator and office assistant with Lutheran Family Services.

Jaimie helped Sara get some counseling and arranged to get her car repaired. Sara began volunteering with Colorado Humanities as an office assistant to gain more work experience and to work near her former English teacher, who had become her close friend and mentor.

Sara expressed a strong interest in working at Colorado Humanities, but was told that the agency would not have the funds to hire her for several months.

Jaimie partnered with the Denver Office of Economic Development and its Wage Subsidy Program to see if they could come up with the funding to cover Sara’s salary.

Jaimie succeeded and was able to create a position for Sara much sooner. Sara has been working full-time for eight months at Colorado Humanities as an office assistant with the agency’s Motheread/Fatheread program, which helps prepare young children for school through reading.

For the first time in years, Sara is optimistic about her future. “I am so grateful for everyone at SHALOM Denver who really cared about me as a person and helped me overcome the language and cultural barriers that I have,” says Sara. She was so grateful for the support that she made Ethiopian injera bread for the entire staff as a token of her gratitude.

SENIORS

Matter Unleash the Power of Age!

By Jillian Whittier, MSW, JFS Senior Solutions care manager

Since 1963, the month of May has been

designated as a time to celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older Americans and their contributions and achievements. It is a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to honoring the value that older adults continue to contribute to our communities.

Each year, a theme is chosen for the celebration. This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Unleash the Power of Age.” This theme is intended to turn the month of May into a time to celebrate the influence, impact, and powerful presence of older Americans in our country, and to encourage seniors to share their life experiences, wisdom, and skills with their loved ones and communities. Older Americans across the country are actively involved in volunteering, mentorship, arts and culture, and civic engagement, and this May is the perfect opportunity to recognize them as a valuable asset in strengthening our communities.

Many older Americans unleash the power of age every day at Jewish Family Service— in a variety of ways. A number of seniors volunteer their time and talents with JFS to make a significant contribution to the Denver community doing things like mentoring youth, visiting isolated community members, assisting other older adults with grocery shopping and errands, and more. At JFS, we realize and appreciate the impact that older Americans have in our organization and in our community as a whole. We acknowledge and celebrate, along with our nation, Older Americans Month!

This May, as all older Americans are encouraged to think about ways in which

they can unleash the power of age on their own lives and communities, take time to think about what you can do.

• Is there a younger family member or neighbor you can offer encouragement to by sharing your own life experiences?

• Do you have a special musical or artistic talent you can share with someone you care about, or maybe a unique skill you can teach to a child or grandchild?

• Do you have time available to volunteer with an organization that is meaningful to you?

There are countless ways in which older Americans are making special contributions across our country. This May, we hope you can find a unique way to unleash the power of age in your own life, and in the lives of those around you.

Jillian Whittier

May is an opportunity to recognize older Americans as a valuable asset in strengthening our communities.

Jillian Whittier, MSW, serves as a care manager in the JFS Senior Solutions department. She works to connect older adults in the Denver area with resources that are available for their individual needs. Jillian also coordinates the Senior Companion program at JFS, which connects senior clients who are in need of assistance with grocery shopping and appointments to senior volunteers who are able to assist with these needs.

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VOLUNTEER

Spotlight

Volunteering has always been

Lisa Zales

important to Lisa Zales. “When I was a preteen, volunteer work was part of an afterschool program I attended,” says Lisa. “I signed up to visit an elderly woman who had vision problems and wanted someone to talk with and to read with her. That experience was very rewarding and stuck with me for years.”

In 2006, Lisa wanted to get more involved in volunteering within the Jewish community and came to JFS seeking a volunteer opportunity with seniors. “I missed “Gloria has my grandparents and thought that become part of my family.” being a Friendly Visitor would be a nice way to spend time with —Lisa Zales seniors,” she explains. “Plus, that population tends to be lonely and isolated, so it felt like a great way to help.”

Lisa is currently working with her third senior, Gloria, a Holocaust survivor from Poland. For the past five years, Lisa has visited Gloria every other week, providing compan-

ionship and help with errands. They enjoy going to movies and musicals, out to lunch, to the park on nice days, or just sitting and talking at Gloria’s house. They have also attended several Holocaust survivor events together, and Lisa has brought Gloria to her friends’ houses for Thanksgiving and other holidays. “She has become part of my family,” says Lisa. “My husband, Brian, has even joined us for lunch several times.”

Since Lisa works from home as a freelance editor for a publishing company, her schedule is flexible and she is able to spend more time with Gloria when the need arises. For example, two years ago when Gloria had knee-replacement surgery, Lisa made frequent trips to the hospital, the rehab center, and Gloria’s house to bring her food and check in on her.

“I love this volunteer opportunity because I can brighten Gloria’s days in simple ways that make a big difference in her life,” says Lisa.

“Gloria has become a good friend and really cares about me, so I get just as much out of the relationship as she does. Plus, the fact that Gloria is a Holocaust survivor is even more meaningful and I feel that I am honoring an important piece of our history.”

If you are interested in being a Friendly Visitor volunteer, please contact Beth Lippa at 720.248.4599 or blippa@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Lisa Zales and Gloria

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Lisa Zales shares her experiences of visiting Gloria for five years.

In February, JFS hosted its second

annual Lunch ‘n Learn program for 30 Friendly Visitor volunteers and JFS Senior Solutions care managers. Lisa Zales shared her experiences of visiting Gloria for five years.

The volunteers and care managers broke into small groups to share stories and memories of working with clients; the care managers gave suggestions and answered questions, and in turn gained great insight into what volunteers do when they visit the seniors. “I got very positive feedback from both the volunteers and the care managers after the luncheon,” says Beth.

“The volunteers enjoyed meeting the care managers and getting advice from them as well as connecting with other volunteers so they could support each other.”

Volunteers and care managers broke into small groups to share stories and memories.

Reminder: Para-chaplain Training Begins May 21 Help create a warm Jewish connection for isolated members of the

Jewish community by becoming a Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick) para-chaplain. This year’s four-week training will be held May 21, May 28, June 4, and June 11 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at JFS. 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.

For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact Beth Lippa at 720.248.4599 or blippa@jewishfamilyservice.org.

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MENTAL HEALTH Psychiatric Medications

Matters

By Leonid Baksht, mental health counselor

Most people,

regardless of age, experience periods of sadness, worry, anger, frustration, and low energy, and moments of confusion and forgetfulness. For older adults, these conditions can be longer in duration, more intense, and more easily triggered. The death of a lifelong partner, coping with a long-term or potentially fatal health problem, relinquishing car keys leading to a loss of independence, or having to leave a home can trigger significant bouts of depression and/or anxiety. To help lessen these emotional struggles, treatments can include counseling, psychoactive medications, or a combination. Additionally, older adults are more likely to experience medical problems such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and Leonid Baksht thyroid difficulties. These Photo: Chris Schneider medical conditions also necessitate additional medication, which needs close monitoring and awareness of the risk of side effects and potential reaction with other medications.

With older adults, in the case of mild depression, it is often recommended to start treatment with cognitive or behavioral therapy in conjunction with physical activities—breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, and walking— rather than medication. Since older adults can be more sensitive to psychoactive medications, it is important to be aware of a number of factors that can impact their use.

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for the Elderly

It is important to It is critical begin medication in for the patient small and tapering or family doses; antidepressants may take longer member to maintain close to start working contact with in older people the physician than they do in younger individuals. or specialist Poor adherence involved. to directions for taking medications for physical conditions can make it difficult to detect interactions between psychiatric and other medications. Often the elderly don’t remember how or when to take their medications, may overdose or underdose, and may not remember what all of their medications are for. Medications can be very useful in treating mental health conditions in the elderly, but they must be carefully managed.

When using medication as the primary treatment or as an adjunct to counseling, it is critical for the patient or family member to maintain close contact with the physician or specialist involved. This can include the primary care physician, psychiatrist, neurologist, or other medical doctor, as well as the mental health counselor. Elderly patients often find themselves taking a constellation of medications and it is critical that this be overseen.

Leonid Baksht, mental health counselor, has worked in the Russian Mental Health department at JFS for more than 15 years. A native of Latvia, he was certified in general psychiatry in the Latvian Psychiatric Association and had 25 years of experience in that country.

In his current position, he counsels adults and elderly people with psychological and social problems. His areas of specialty include memory problems, depression and anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Jeannie Ritter Headlines JFS Mental Health Event Former Colorado First Lady

Jeannie Ritter led a provocative discussion on mental health issues at a JFS-hosted event on April 10. The “Mental Health Matters” forum brought more than 45 community leaders to Denver’s Cableland to discuss the importance of mental health for ourselves, our families, our children, and our community.

Ritter, a passionate mental health advocate, began her talk with two bits of advice that are profoundly applicable to everyone’s mental wellness as we navigate our stress-filled lives.

First, she encouraged attendees to “let go of exhaustion as a status symbol.” In today’s world, it truly has become a mark of success when we deplete every bit of our energy. We like to talk about our exhaustion. But is that healthy?

She further recommended that we “let go of productivity as a measure of our own selfworth.” Our society has become so focused on output that we have lost sight of what’s really important: our families, our friends, and our health. Ritter stressed the need to take the time to “quiet the mind, find peace, and relax.”

The event highlighted the mental health services offered by Jewish Family Service, including quality therapy for individuals and families. Laura Grushcow, MSSA, LCSW, a therapist with JFS since 1997, provided an overview of the agency’s expertise. JFS sees clients from age five to 80 and helps people through depression, bereavement, relationship issues, children and family concerns, and life transitions, among other issues. Services are offered on a sliding-fee scale and most insurance plans are accepted, making quality therapeutic services accessible to everyone.

The program also included an overview of JFS’s innovative KidSuccess program that offers school-based counseling to children in 12 public schools throughout Denver and Aurora. Kenneth Hulsander, principal at Ashley Elementary in Denver, spoke about the difference the program has made at his school.

(L to R): JFS President & CEO Yana Vishnitsky, JFS Mental Health and Community Services Director Stacey Weisberg, and Former First Lady of Colorado Jeannie Ritter.

“Having this resource available at no cost to our children and families has transformed our school,” he said. “The quality of service is what makes the difference.”

“We hosted this event to showcase the incredible level of expertise offered by Jewish Family Service in the mental health arena,” says Yana Vishnitsky, JFS president and CEO. “It was an eye-opening discussion.”

Jeannie Ritter addresses the audience.

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Thank You for Supporting the Community Passover Program Thank you to everyone who contributed money or donated

A volunteer loads Passover food into an elderly client’s car.

food for the Community Passover Program JFS hosted in conjunction with the Synagogue Council of Denver. We’re happy to report that, with your help, we raised enough money and collected enough food to provide kosher-for-Passover food to 185 individuals from 98 households, including 20 households who could not come to the pantry to pick it up. Each household received about 40 pounds’ worth of kosher-for-Passover food and fresh produce! Thank you to Rocky Mountain Spice for donating cinnamon for the charoset recipe we include in the food box and to La Vie Catering for helping us get the fresh produce donated.

A special thank-you to all of our volunteers who packed, distributed, and delivered the Passover boxes: Laurie Cummings, Gary Friedland, Eileen Lambert, Aaron Lebovic, Sharon Magnus, Mike Sosniak, Stan Stahl, Alison Tobin, Amber Wolf, and Jason Wolf, as well as Mitzvah Corps teen volunteers Bradley Craig, Joe Eigner, Emily Feldman, Ian Fletcher, and Mara Osteburg.

We’re proud of the community for coming together in this effort!

Teens Are Invited to Volunteer in the Food Pantry This Summer!

Is your teen looking for a Bar

or Bat Mitzvah project, needing to complete community service hours, or just wanting to help the community? We have the solution! The Weinberg Food Pantry has an exciting monthly volunteer opportunity called Mitzvah Corps that enables teens, ages 12 to 18, to fulfill the Jewish mitzvah of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. Mitzvah Corps participants will learn more about hunger and poverty issues in our community and help in the pantry.

The first 30 minutes will feature a fun educational component that includes videos, games, guest speakers, and other activities. For the remaining 90 minutes, they will stock pantry shelves, sort food, pack meal bags, and help set up for clients. This meaningful program is a great opportunity for kids to gain a deeper un-

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derstanding of issues facing our community and a chance for them to give back while spending time with people their age!

The summer schedule is: Thursday, June 6: 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 11: 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 1, 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Beginning in October, Mitzvah Corps will continue on the first Thursday of every month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Teens can come a few times or every month, depending on their interest and availability. However, they must contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org to RSVP for each session.

Dates Are Filling Up Fast for Summer Magic Camp!

Young people with special needs (ages eight to 25) and

volunteer “buddies” are invited to Summer Magic camp, where they will make new friends and enjoy horseback rides, arts-and-crafts projects, sing-alongs, and basketball! Summer Magic, presented by the Jewish Disabilities Network, takes place at JCC Ranch Camp near Elbert on Friday, June 21, and at Shwayder Camp near Idaho Springs on Monday, August 5.

The fee is $20 per day, which includes lunch and transportation from Temple Emanuel. Some scholarships are available.

Fun, responsible teens and young-at-heart adults who are looking for an important volunteer opportunity can join Summer Magic as a “buddy” on one or both days. No experience is necessary and training will be provided.

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

Join Us to Celebrate JFS on June 24 Mark your calendars for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and

celebration on Monday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. At this event, entitled Celebrate JFS,* we are celebrating another year of success thanks to a dedicated board, staff, and volunteers.

Please join us as we present the Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year Award and install new board members.

There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. RSVP to Lisa Mehl at 720.248.4633 or lmehl@jewishfamilyservice.org by June 17, or online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/CelebrateJFS.

*Formerly known as the Annual Meeting.

STAFFAnniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in May and June: 10 years: Dee Trasen, JFS Senior Solutions therapist 5 years: Jobita Felix, personal care worker; Richard Hecht, personal care worker; Ruth Skinner, personal care worker; and Melina Sommers, accounts receivable

Photo: Howard Lutz

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from February 1 to March 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 Shirlee Cook Richard and Michele Right Vicki Kruger The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Dick and Miriam Snyder Owen and Debbie Herman IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES Ernest and Phyllis Abramson Barry and Randie Winograd Jan and Dell Bernstein Linda Roberts Zinn Stanley and Judy Kippur Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss IN HONOR OF BAR MITZVAH Andrew Seidenstat Barry Seidenstat and Deanne Durfee IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY Poppy Goldstein Don and Linda Neuman Ben and Dee Trasen Dan and Ann Veenstra Marlowe Rosenthal Edward and Judith Rosenthal Olivia Vinnik Jerold and Judy Bootzin IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS Marie Cardin Sandy Cardin Ron Crowell Mirella Schreiber Agnes Davis Martin and Jeannine Fox Geraldine Goldberg Marc Littmann Michael Fisher Steve and Dottie Resnick

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

Jack and Celeste Grynberg Brent and Maya Lynn Gareth Heyman Steven Peckar and Mindy Levy Peckar Roger Kempton Marvin Tyor Shelley Krovitz Michael and Harriet Greenstein Jill Lee Thomas and Amy Fortner Jay Miller Diane Miller Ira Miller Aaron Stambler and Elaine Miller Alon Mor Martin and Marilyn Warren Frank Robinson Mirella Schreiber Naomi Shor Michael and Harriet Greenstein Wesley Stark Donn and Eileen Spector Philip Winn Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENT Anita Wenner’s Grandson Harold and Marilyn Lande IN HONOR OF Erica and Billy Sidney and Susan Greenwald Marie Cardin Cardin Family Philanthropic Fund Jennifer Fenniman John and Susan Fenniman Edward Green Edward and Dianne Green Alex and Jennifer Greenwald Sidney and Susan Greenwald Michael Greenwald Sidney and Susan Greenwald Jack and Celeste Grynberg Barbara Goldburg Olivia Jacobson Lawrence and Lisa Jacobs Bruce and Florrie Katchen Jeff Cohn Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Irving Shaeffer Rita Morris Ilana Steinberg and Family Bonnie Merenstein

Cathy Summer Doris Fasbender Royce and Tara Zimmerman Alan and Peggy Mayer IN HONOR OF THE RECIPIENT OF AN HONOR Sue Parker Gerson Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard IN HONOR OF RETIREMENT Don Goldman Michael and Harriet Greenstein IN HONOR OF THE WORK YOU DO Cathy Summer David Friedman and Rabbi Tirzah Firestone Friedman IN MEMORY OF Ralph Auerbach Dan and Ginger Dinner Gerson Barter Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Peter and Irene Bein Jeff and Lisa Hainline Phillip Berger Ralph and Berta Goodman Elliott and Gloria Husney Sherman and Lois Rich Stan and Yvonne Stahl Edward Berkell Bill Waldman Morris Catalan Stacy Pocrass and Terri Tilliss Glenn Howard Cooper David and Gayle Ann Weinstein Marvin Feldman Arthur and Lee Feldman Dorothy Forman James and Toby Sachen Ronald Freund Irene Freund Louis Gilson Selma Friedman Betty Gindes LexisNexis Max Gold Shelley Gold Alvin Goldberg Arthur and Lee Feldman

Ben Goldstein Michael and Harriet Greenstein Ronald Greenberg Paul and Lynn Coffee Gail Harrison The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sam Izbiky Mark and Ilene Dell’Aqua Envision Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Buzz and Shelley Krovitz Alan and Peggy Mayer The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Lisa Japha Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Rose Kaplan Marvin Tyor Arnold Levine Lou and Andrea Rosenthall Irving Levine Linda Arnold Barbara Dey Robert Fiori Charlotte Seltzer Lynn Stockton The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Harold Locketz Janice Temple Marilyn Markowitz Israel Markowitz Abby Meisterplass Eudice Lewkowitz Harold Milavsky Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC David Perlman Mark and Susie Barter Verne Primack Bruce and Julie Shaffer Gerald Quiat Rocky and Suzi Miller Sol Radam Ruth Ann Quick Judith Ravdin Ted and Marci Laurvik Khaya Reznik Tanya Maliyevsky Sherry Roth Mark and Susie Barter Stanley Rubenstein Gregory Ressler Yedida Rudawsky Irv and Roz Ash Trude Bershof Columbine Lodge 147 AF & AM Mary Grasso Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum Rosalie Martin Herzl and Hazel Melmed Douglas and Marion Nutt Jon and Jamie Sarche Oscar and Selma Sladek

The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Steve Tilliss and Debra Fine Esther Sachter Ronald and Roni Brown Harvey and Judith Cohen Gary and Janet Friedland Marshall Greenstein and Mary Ellen Rich Jordan and Sue Hochstadt Sharon Lasky David and Beth Lippa Howard and Donna Lutz Seff Group, P.C. Philip Stahl Bobby Saipe James and Wendy Berenbaum Evelyn Saliman Joseph Bilett Betty Karsh Steve and Dottie Resnick Richard and Michele Right Lou and Andrea Rosenthall Justin and Sharon Roth Alan and Karen Stein Anonymous Richard and Evelyn Saliman Michael and Rabbi Sara Gilbert Shirley Siek Mark and Rachel Saliman Patrick Sperlak Jeffrey and Roni Cruz Joan Spitz James and Debbie Shpall Burton and Mildred Sternburg Fred and Lauren Sternburg Sidney Stillman Mark and Cathlyn Huttner Phillip Tyor Marvin Tyor Norman Udevitz Dan and Ginger Dinner Shirley Vajda Barbara Stern Stanley Wagner Joseph Bilett The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Julia Weil Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Paula Weil The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jacob Weiss Mark and Susie Barter Ann Winokur Barbara Goldstein Mrs. J. Wirecki Andy and Robyn Levy Abe Wolpo Frances Wolpo Marcia Yoches Joy Pulitzer Sgt. David Zuckerman Ernest and Mary Russo

WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Geegee Brunschwig Betty Karsh Les Levitt Louis and Marian Gelfand Genevieve Mellman Ruth Epstein Sheldon and Ellen Friedman Lisa Herschli James Miller The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Richard Radetsky Michael and Harriet Greenstein Patti Ross Donald and Henny Kaufmann Sherrie Zeppelin Justin and Sharon Roth Stephen and Enid Wenner IN-KIND DONATIONS Albertsons AlliedBarton Security ARC Thrift Stores Breadworks Bakery and Café Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP ColoradoBiz Magazine Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation B’nai Havurah Congregation Emanuel Religious School Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance Congregation Rodef Shalom Denver Jewish Day School Girl Scout Troop #703 Greenwood Elementary D1 Thinker Linkers Greenwood Elementary School King Soopers Reclamation Safeway Sprouts Temple Sinai Whole Foods at Tamarac

FAMILY MATTERS MAY/JUNE 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 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.

Save the Date for Third Annual Tour de Farm Bike Ride July 28 Support urban farming

and share the harvest by participating in Ekar Farm’s fourth annual Tour de Farm on Sunday, July 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

On this 16-mile bike ride along the Highline Canal bike path, you will stop at Sprout City Farm at Denver Green School, then go on to Delaney Farm for a break and fresh Palisade peaches, and then back to Ekar for grilled Colorado Olathe corn and live bluegrass music! There will also be a five-mile “Lil’ Farmers Tour” with snacks and games for younger riders.

All proceeds directly benefit Ekar’s programming and its generous donation of fresh vegetables to Jewish Family Service’s Weinberg Food Pantry. Cost: $25 per rider, $70 per family. Learn more at www.ekarfarm.org and stay tuned for details.

DENVER, COLORADO PERMIT NO. 1217