November/December 2012 Family Matters Newsletter

FamilyMatters Volume 22, No. 6 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

CAROL JEAN STEWART Story of Hope page 6 REEL HOPE 2012 December 10 page 8 GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT Mental Health Matters page 10

A PUBLICATION OF

JFS Colorado Senior Connections in Edgewater Program Spotlight page 4

From the CEO

By Yana Vishnitsky, LCSW President & CEO, Jewish Family Service

Welcome to the November/ December 2012 issue of Family Matters. This issue is packed

with inspiring stories of ways we are helping people every day and of ways you can get involved to bring hope to others during this holiday season. Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to provide a beautiful Thanksgiving meal for our families and buy Hanukkah and/or Christmas gifts for our loved ones. However, at Jewish Family Service, we see hundreds of families who struggle to feed their families on a daily basis and can’t celebrate these holidays without our help. As you read about our Thanksgiving food drive and Bright Holidays program, I hope that you will consider making donations so these families can have a memorable, happy holiday season!

Below are some of the features you can read about in this issue: • Discover some helpful tips for dealing with holiday stress from one of our therapists in the Mental Health Matters column (page 10).

• Be inspired by the help we are providing low-income, at-risk high school students through an innovative new senior mentoring program (page 4).

• Find out more about this year’s Reel Hope honorees and be sure to get your tickets to this film benefit fundraiser on December 10 (page 8).

• Learn about a wonderful gift one of our former board members and volunteers is giving to the JFS Group Home (page 13).

• Read about how we helped one senior get out of a toxic living situation and rebuild her life (page 6).

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FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

Yana Vishnitsky

• Help families in need celebrate Thanksgiving by contributing to the Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund or by donating holiday food (page 3).

• Discover easy, creative ways that you can make a year-end gift to JFS, or some simple at-home volunteer projects that you and your family can do together during winter break (page 11).

• Brighten the holidays for another family by purchasing Hanukkah or Christmas gifts.

Many individual and corporate donors have made this a holiday tradition with their families or coworkers. It’s a great way to give back (page 13).

B’shalom,

Cover photo: Dr. Len Wheeler, a volunteer with JFS Colorado Senior Connections, mentors a student at Jefferson High School.

See the Program Spotlight on page 4.

Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund Established Please Help Provide Thanksgiving Meals to People in Need!

In a recent survey, 87% of our

Weinberg Food Pantry clients said that they reduce the amount of money they spend on food in order to pay other bills, and 70% report that they have had to cut the size of meals or skip meals because there wasn’t enough money for food. Can you imagine trying to buy extra food to prepare a festive Thanksgiving meal if this is how you are living?

This year, thanks to a generous couple, we will be able to help more of our clients celebrate Thanksgiving. Justin and Cari Levy established the Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund at JFS, in memory of Justin’s mother, to ensure that people who might otherwise not be able to celebrate the holiday can have everything they need for a complete Thanksgiving meal.

“Like most, Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday for our family,” says Justin. “It’s a time for laughter, great food, and precious time together. I’ve always loved the fact that regardless of creed, color, or religion, all Americans take a moment to celebrate this wonderful holiday. One of my mother’s greatest joys was making others happy and creating a large, festive Thanksgiving meal for our family. She worked tirelessly for her family, supporting and lifting us up, always focused on taking care of those around her. The Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund is a reflection

of all she gave to her loved ones and to the community at-large.”

Please contribute to the Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund or donate any of these items: frozen turkeys, disposable aluminum foil roasting pans, canned yams or sweet potatoes, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned pumpkin pie mix, evaporated milk, canned cranberry sauce or jelly, canned beans, turkey gravy mix, fresh apples, and canned fruit. Grocery certificates for clients with special dietary needs are also greatly appreciated.

Because we can stretch your dollar by purchasing items directly from Food Bank of the Rockies at a reduced cost, we prefer cash donations. The approximate cost of a complete Thanksgiving meal is $36. Please make a contribution by using the enclosed envelope and indicate “The Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund” in the memo line or donate online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/donate. Choose “The Dorinda Levy Thanksgiving Fund” from the drop-down menu. Or you can bring food donations to Jewish Family Service, 3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231, by Wednesday, November 14.

Thank you in advance for your support to brighten another family’s Thanksgiving!

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.

FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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JFS Colorado Senior Connections PROGRAM Spotlight in Edgewater Since we started our first NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement

Community) program in 2004, JFS has been creating innovative programming for seniors. In its first phase, JFS Colorado Senior Connections (CSC) was a resident-driven program at the Berkshires at Lowry. It was a federally funded NORC project designed to help seniors continue to live independently in their own residences.

Over time, the program has evolved and moved to the city of Volunteer life Edgewater, where we provide coaches – retired education, recreation, educators, doctors, information and referrals, and artists – work in-home services, navigation for health care benefits, social in small groups and cultural activities, and with low-income volunteer opportunities for students. adults 55 and older.

Last school year, CSC began a one-on-one mentoring program in which retirees served as volunteer life coaches for low-income students at Jefferson High School. The program was

Volunteer life coaches and students meet in small groups at Jefferson High School.

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quite successful and led to a pilot mentoring program called Street Cred, which started at the high school this year.

The Daniels Fund generously provided a grant to create a curriculum for the program, which is based on the book Cowboy Ethics – What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West, by Jim Owens. The book discusses 10 core life principles learned from the iconic, hardworking western cowboy. Liz Hofmann, a retired Jefferson County School District teacher, is writing the class curriculum, and Dave Medicus, a Jefferson High theater teacher, is instructing the class, which meets five days a week.

Twenty students, who were recommended by the school’s social worker and guidance counselors, attend the class, which is based around discussion, critical thinking, ethical dilemmas, life skills, self-esteem, exploring values, and helping to give students a strong foundation for life after high school. Several guest speakers from area businesses will also speak to the class on subjects such as financial literacy and jobs. Every Thursday, eight or nine volunteer life coaches—retired educators, doctors, and artists—attend the class to work in small groups with the students on specific topics such as “creating your own brand,” “where you see yourself in five years,” and more.

While there are many Cowboy Ethics programs in schools today, Street Cred is the first one geared toward inner-city kids and the only one that includes kids and seniors working together. “These students are rarely asked how they feel about things in their lives, which

About Alison Joucovsky

JFS Colorado Senior Connections Coordinator is a common issue with lower-income kids,” says Alison Joucovsky, JFS Colorado Senior Connections coordinator. “At the beginning, it took some time for them to realize that people want to hear what they have to say and that their opinions count. It is amazing to see their self-esteem improve as they learn to think critically and express their opinions.”

Word is getting out in the school and many other students have asked to join the class. While the class is capped at 20 students, Alison is working to find additional qualified volunteer life coaches to meet with students individually, as they did last year. Other teachers in the school who run after-school clubs are also asking how they can incorporate the program into their curriculum. “Once the curriculum is completed, we will apply to The Daniels Fund for a larger grant so that we can continue the class next semester and expand into other schools,” says Alison. “The Daniels Fund is truly behind this project and believes it is replicable.”

Last year, CSC also started an intergenerational “Reading Buddies” program where seniors worked one-on-one with elementary school students who were reading below grade level. By the end of the year, all the children were proficient in reading. This year, CSC staff is expanding this program to be able to serve more children.

“We are so happy to offer these intergenerational programs in our community,” says Alison. “The seniors have so much to offer the students, and everyone benefits!”

After working as a geriatric clinical specialist at the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health

Network for two years, Alison Joucovsky joined the JFS team in October 2004 to lead the new Colorado Senior Connections program. A native of Ohio, she moved to Colorado in 1996 and served as coordinator of senior programs at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center for three years. She received her master’s degree in community counseling psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1999 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2001. While working on her master’s degree, Alison completed an internship at Jewish Family Service.

Alison loves her job. “It’s very positive and I like that it’s different every day since we offer so many activities,” she says. “With many of the agency’s other senior services, people’s health is starting to fail or they are struggling with their independence. With this program, most of the seniors are independent and thriving and our focus is keeping people well. If they start to fail or need help, they know we are here for them.” Alison says her job, which entails activating volunteerism, connecting with community members, helping people to be their best selves, and promoting wellness, is fun and she feels very lucky to come to work each day!

Alison Joucovsky with senior client Betty Nethaway

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Helping Carol Jeanne Move Past Story of Hope a Toxic Living Situation Carol Jeanne Stewart, 79, could

see magnificent views of downtown Denver and the entire Front Range from her seventhfloor apartment. But what was truly special was her view of the cross at St. Joseph Hospital lit up at night—it gave her peace. She loved her apartment and was happy there for many years. Then things took a turn for the worse.

A new neighbor across the hall started threatening to kill Carol Jeanne’s dog and frightening her. The apartment building was poorly managed and the staff did nothing to help her solve this problem. Carol Jeanne no longer felt safe or happy in the building. She felt threatened.

“In addition to being scared of my neighbor, the elevators no longer worked, the management had eliminated all of the community elements of the building, including names on mailboxes. It no longer felt like home,” explains Carol Jeanne. “But I loved my view and was on a fixed income so I didn’t think I could move.

I tried to make the best of it for as long as I could.”

In 2009, she had back surgery and couldn’t do anything on her own. Her doctor referred her to Jewish Family Service and Yvonne Sylvan, JFS Senior Solutions care

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FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

manager, came to visit Carol Jeanne. “I shared my story with Yvonne and explained how stressful the situation had become. It was negatively impacting my health,” recalls Carol Jeanne. “I knew I needed to move out of my apartment, but didn’t know how I could make that happen. Yvonne was patient and very wise. She encouraged me to get out of the toxic situation and set out to help me.”

Carol Jeanne applied to live at Allied Jewish Apartments, which offers subsidized senior housing. At first her application was denied.

Yvonne assisted her with the appeal and Carol Jeanne presented her case to the grievance committee. “I explained that I was depressed and couldn’t function after living through seven years in a bad situation,” says Carol Jeanne. Her application was finally accepted.

“I moved into Allied Jewish Apartments in

Carol Jeanne Stewart

“I feel safer and more taken care of…I feel whole again.”

–Carol Jeanne Stewart

February 2011.

On my second night there, I looked out my window and saw the lighted Mount Lindo Cross in the foothills. It took my breath away. It was just like the cross on St. Joseph Hospital that I could see from my old apartment!” exclaims Carol Jeanne. “I knew right then that this really is my new home and that everything would be okay.” Carol Jeanne has been so happy at her new apartment—she loves the meals and has made great friends to enjoy them with. “We always laugh and have fun at our table. It’s made such a difference in my life,” she says.

Since Carol Jeanne has nerve pain and limited mobility, JFS sends a Senior

Companion volunteer to take her to the store and to get her prescriptions. Through a grantfunded program at JFS, a homecare provider also comes every week to clean her apartment.

“The house would be such a mess without her help and having a clean place to live keeps me from getting depressed,” says Carol Jeanne.

In addition to the help Carol Jeanne receives from JFS, she is seeing a therapist recommended by her neurosurgeon, has a pastor from her Methodist church visit twice per month, and attends church when she can.

“All the assistance I have received from Yvonne and JFS has changed my life!” says Carol Jeanne. “I feel safer and more taken care of. I don’t feel limited or handicapped; I feel whole again. All of their support makes getting older less traumatic.”

24toHours Give Where You Live Support Jewish Family Service on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 4, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like ours. Last year, a remarkable $12.8 million was distributed to Colorado nonprofits.

Presented by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day asks you to give to your favorite charities through the website GivingFirst.org, an online giving resource featuring every nonprofit participating in Colorado Gives Day. Give generously and be sure to designate Jewish Family Service of Colorado.

• One hundred percent of your donation will come to us.

• When you give online anytime on December 4, the value of your donation will be increased by the FirstBank Incentive Fund.

Donate online at GivingFirst.org/jfscolorado anytime during the 24-hour period of December 4 to “give where you live”!

FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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Reserve Your Seat Today!

Reel Hope 2012 is December 10 Reel Hope, Jewish Family Service’s

annual benefit film screening, returns for its 17th year on Monday, December 10, at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at 14th and Curtis in Denver. We are delighted to honor Elaine and Max Appel as the Jack Shapiro Community Service Award recipients, and Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Gareth Heyman of MorEvents as the Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year Award winners. From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., attendees will enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Kevin Taylor. The awards program will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by an early private screening of the film Emperor starring Matthew Fox and Tommy Lee Jones.

Event cochairs are 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.

Tickets are $180 and sponsorship packages start at $1,500. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ReelHope or contact Lisa Mehl at 720.248.4633 or lmehl@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Learn more about the honorees!

Elaine and Max Appel, 2012 Jack Shapiro Community Service Award Recipients Elaine and Max Appel could not be more deserving of the 2012 Jack Shapiro Community Service Award. They have supported JFS in various ways for more than a decade. Their generous contributions have helped benefit a range of JFS programs—all that help people Elaine and Max Appel stand proudly in front of the new sign that bears their name. The Appels’ generous philanthropic contributions to JFS will help sustain the agency for years to come.

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FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

in crisis situations with food, rent assistance, utility bills, medical supplies, and prescriptions through the JFS Family Safety Net program.

Thanks to their philanthropic leadership, hundreds of families in our community have avoided homelessness. And because of their continued support of the most vulnerable in our community, the lower level of the JFS building now bears their name: The Elaine and Max Appel Family Safety Net Atrium.

The Appels are inventors and entrepreneurs who have owned several companies, mainly in the eco-friendly household and cleaning products industry. They founded Orange Glo International, renowned for its Orange Glo and Oxi Clean products. After building the company for nearly 20 years, they sold it in 2006. Before Orange Glo, Max was a professional fundraiser for many years, primarily for Jewish and environmental groups.

Elaine is retired, but consults on projects occasionally, and enjoys spending time with their seven grandchildren.

The couple has chosen to support JFS for so many years because “the agency does a lot of good in the community and we like that people don’t have to be Jewish to benefit from its services,” says Max. Elaine adds, “JFS helps people with all kinds of life challenges.

And the needs in the community have been magnified with the current economy.”

In addition to supporting JFS, the Appels contribute to several other local charities, including Clinica Tepeyac, Denver Urban Coalition, Food Bank of the Rockies, Rainbow Alley, the Youth Drop-in program at the GLBT Community Center, and Urban Peak. Elaine serves on the board of the Jewish Historical Society and she and Max will take the helm as copresidents this winter.

Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Gareth Heyman of MorEvents, 2012 Kal Zeff Business Leaders of the Year In addition to running a successful company, Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Gareth Heyman are generous philanthropists who donate their time and resources to many local charities.

In addition to being a proud member of the Jewish Family Service Board of Directors, Gareth serves on the boards of the AntiDefamation League and Congregation Beth Evergreen, and is on the Green Meeting

Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Gareth Heyman

Industry Council. Betsy serves on the boards of the Bard Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Denver, the Denver Film Society, and the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center. Together they are active with Denver Hospice, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Judi’s House, Project PAVE, the University of Denver, and Women’s Foundation of Colorado.

The couple runs MorEvents, recognized as one of the nation’s premier event management companies. Based in Denver, the company has offices in Miami, Los Angeles, Nice, and Tel Aviv, and facilitates events around the globe for Fortune 500 companies, the federal government, and nonprofits.

“It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of others who have received the Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year award. We admire and respect them all deeply,” says Betsy. “Our son, Stone, has been taught the merits of tzedakah (charity) from a very early age and receiving this award helps to reinforce our philanthropic values to him.”

Reel Hope sponsors, page 12 FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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MENTAL HEALTH Holiday Tip:

Matters

Give Yourself a Gift

By Marcia Vaziri, MA, BCPC Therapist, Jewish Family Service

On September 5, my 1:00

appointment began with “It’s almost the holidays and you know how much I hate the holidays, Marcia.” I could see the stress on his face and feel the tension. Already the worry was beginning, which would lead to more clients sharing those same sentiments with me.

The holidays are filled with family rituals and traditions, wonderful gatherings with friends, gift-giving, and excitement. However, it’s those very things that make it not always a joyous time for everyone.

People feel conflict inside when they dread this time of year, yet cannot express it amidst the parties, family traditions, decorations, and what seems like constant celebration.

What do people do with this dissonance? It often manifests in sadness, anxiety, withdrawal, irritability, and even anger.

People have shared with me that they feel “put-upon” to “keep up,” that everyone wants a piece of them, yet they have nothing left to give. They can’t live up to Marcia Vaziri the expectations to imbibe more alcohol, eat all the fabulous desserts, buy all the newest toys, and act “happy.” It’s especially unbearable when you’ve lost a loved one to pretend that you’re okay without him or her during this time.

So what can we do to help us cope when the celebrations start to overwhelm us? Here are some holiday “gifts” for you to give yourself:

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FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

• It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to attend every event or offer to make a dish or buy everyone a gift.

• “Doable doses.” Break tasks down into small parts that are realistic. Don’t try to do everything at once. It’s okay to ask for help.

• STOP. Literally just stop what you are doing and take a minute to settle. Take three deep breaths. Deep breathing can change your brain’s chemical balance to calm you down.

Stop and take a walk and drink more water.

• Laugh. Remember to keep your sense of humor and laugh heartily at the absurd!

Laughter will release those endorphins and you’ll feel better.

• Ask yourself the three-month question.

When feeling the pressure to say yes to one more thing, always ask yourself: “Three months from now is it really going to matter to anyone that I said no to making the latkes this year?”

The JFS Counseling Center offers supportive therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Contact us at 303.597.7777 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Marcia Vaziri is a therapist at the JFS Counseling Center. She has 28 years of experience providing psychological counseling to adults and couples. Her areas of specialty include anxiety disorders and depression, trauma, grief counseling, marital therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Marcia also facilitates “Strength Through Sharing,” a support and educational group for those dealing with a mentally ill family member.

JFS Offers Creative Ways to Make

Year-End Gifts

With the holiday season and

end of the calendar year upon us, we ask you to consider supporting JFS. In addition to making a financial contribution using the enclosed remittance envelope or donating online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/donate, there are many other ways you can greatly help the agency while receiving potential tax benefits for 2012. Please check out the list below and make your contribution by December 31!

Clothing and Household Item Donations • JFS Healing Minds collects clothing and household item donations, and proceeds benefit the JFS Counseling Center.

To schedule a pickup and to view a list of acceptable items, please visit www.healingmindspickup.org.

Vehicle Donations • Make a difference in the life of a JFS client on his or her journey to self-sufficiency and empowerment by donating your car, SUV, truck, van, motorcycle, boat, or RV. For more information about the program and to donate a vehicle, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/ vehicle-donation.

Enterprise Zone Tax Credits • Taxpayers who make a contribution to eligible enterprise zone development projects in predetermined zones may be able to claim tax credits. To qualify for the credit, the contribution must be for purposes that are directly related to job creation, job preservation, assistance programs for the homeless, or community development.

SHALOM Denver, a program of Jewish Family Service that provides job training to people with barriers to employment, is an eligible enterprise zone project. The amount

of the credit is 25% of the value of the contribution, up to $100,000 (12.5% for in-kind contributions).

For more information on the credit for these contributions, visit www.colorado.gov and search for “Enterprise Zone,” or consult your tax advisor.

Food, Toiletry, and Diaper Donations • It is an unfortunate reality that the Weinberg Food Pantry is always in need of nonperishable food, toiletries, and diapers. The need is especially great during the winter and holiday season. In addition to donating food, please consider organizing a food drive with your synagogue, church, school, or local community group to maximize the impact. For more information on how to organize a drive, contact Nancy Benyamin, JFS director of volunteer resources, at 720.248.4642.

Support JFS by Shopping • You can help JFS just by doing your regular grocery shopping each week! Purchase a $20 reloadable King Soopers gift card from us, add money to it at the store when you go shopping, and use it to pay for your groceries. 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 at jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/kingsoopers-gift-cards or contact Dawn Richard at 720.248.4605.

Give the Gift of Time • During the holiday season, when you and your family are taking time off to celebrate, please consider giving continued on page 12 FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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Reel Hope 2012

from page 9

Thank you to the following sponsors to date (as of October 12, 2012): Producers Elaine and Max Appel David and Terry Appel, Joel Appel,

Amy and Dan Feldman,

and Linda Appel Lipsius and

Adam Lipsius Steven and Elizabeth Kris Joyce Zeff Production Managers The Infinite Monkey Theorem,

An Urban Winery

MorEvents—Betsy Mordecai Heyman

and Gareth Heyman

Phil and Elle Winn Directors Albertsons The Chotin Foundation ColoradoBiz Magazine

Ken and Rebecca Gart Will and Sherri Gold Charlie Gwirtsman and Dr. Nancy

Reichman Otten Johnson Robinson Neff +

Ragonetti PC Eric and Ellen Pollock Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Gary and Teresa Yourtz Casting Directors Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP David and Vicki Dansky Dependable Cleaners Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard David and Michelle Friedman Green Manning & Bunch, Ltd. Julian Izbiky and Jennifer Rothschild JSF Financial, LLC Robert and Robyn Naiman National Jewish Health Michael Opatowski and Ruth Malman Julius and Rose Pluss Associate Producers Gary and Donna Antonoff Brian and Elise Barish

Year-End Gifts

Cinematographers Art Seiden Judy Shine Morey and Joni Troy

from page 11

one of the most valuable gifts possible: your time. We have several low-impact, high-yield volunteer projects you can tackle from the comfort of your home, including bagging rice, bundling diapers, and purchasing toiletry items. Please visit jewishfamilyservice.org/ volunteer/family-group for details and contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer services, at 720.248.4642 or nbenyamin@ jewishfamilyservice.org to get started.

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Dan and Carla Bartell Ellen Beller Bo and Lauren Brownstein Stephen and Melissa Elken Feldman Mortuary, Inc. Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce

Foster Imprints Wholesale Jewish Community Foundation Michael and Lani Kessler 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 Richard and Michele Right Robinson Management Company Meyer and Geri Bader Saltzman Stephan and Kerry Shelanksi Jorge and Francine Topelson Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe

FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

For more information and other ways you can support JFS, contact Dawn Richard, development director, at 720.248.4605 or drichard@jewishfamilyservice.org.

JFS Volunteer Gail Nussbaum Wins Amgen Excellence in Volunteering Award JFS Group Home Receives $5,000 from Amgen Foundation

Gail Nussbaum, executive biophar-

maceutical sales representative with Amgen, was recently selected as a 2012 Amgen Excellence in Volunteering Award winner from the field staff for her work with JFS Group Home for adults with developmental disabilities. Gail has been deeply involved with the Group Home for 19 years—just one of many of her volunteer activities. She organizes and coleads a group of volunteers with Scott Friedman to take the residents on activities and outings, helps with household chores, is an active fundraiser, and served on JFS’s Board of Directors for six years. She created, organized, and executed an annual comedy charity event to raise much needed funds for the organiza-

tion. Gail’s goal is to make sure the residents and those in the community with disabilities have a life that is rich with friends and social experiences.

Because of Gail’s selfless commitment, the Group Home will receive $5,000 from the Amgen Foundation.

“Making a difference in other people’s lives has always been my mission,” says Gail. “Whether helping out at a food bank, mentoring underprivileged kids, or serving on a nonprofit board, I am always striving to make people’s lives better.”

Thank you, Gail, for your dedication to JFS and the Group Home residents for nearly two decades!

GIFTS NEEDED for Bright Holidays Program One in six children lives in poverty in Colorado, and buying holiday gifts is

impossible for many of these families. This holiday season, consider purchasing gifts for our clients who cannot afford to buy them for their own families.

Through our Bright Holidays program, donors like you can give Christmas or Hanukkah gifts to individuals and families in need. You will receive specific wish lists that our clients have provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to shop with your children to pick out items that these families want or need most. Our staff will then deliver the gifts to their clients.

Please contact Shelley Kolman at 720.248.4653 or skolman@jewishfamilyservice.org to let her know you’d like to sponsor an individual or family for this program. All Hanukkah presents must be dropped off at JFS by December 3 and Christmas gifts by December 10.

STAFFAnniversaries Congratulations to the following staff members celebrating their anniversaries in November and December: 20 years: Linda Neuman, receptionist 15 years: Leonid Baksht, Russian mental health counselor 10 years: Kelly Perry, SHALOM Denver TANF training supervisor 5 years: Kathryn Andres, school-based KidSuccess therapist FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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THANK YOU for Caring!

The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from August 1 to September 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 JFS of Colorado Leonid Simonovich Stephen Uslan Brent and Maya Lynn In Honor Of Anniversaries David and Myrna Garfield Sharon O’Hara Allan and Alberta Sulzer Edward and Elka Haligman Les and Estelle Levitt Oscar and Selma Sladek Sandy and Rosemary Hertz Striker Foundation Alan and Peggy Mayer Irene Mayer Arnold and Gwen Schatz Mark Saliman In Honor Of Dan Abrams and Sharon Pincus Brent and Maya Lynn Beth Barnet Jon and Sheryl Goodman Hollis Fasbender Doris Fasbender JFS Staff Claire Seiden Audrey Keller Brent and Maya Lynn Brent Lynn Brent and Maya Lynn Leba and Bernie Munishor A. Herbert and Myndel Cohen Justin and Sharon Roth Syril Beinhorn Eugene and Ruth Schorsch Brent and Maya Lynn Ruth Wakshul James Weidlein and Barbra Wakshul-Weidlein In Honor Of Bar Mitzvahs Zachary Greenberg Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Noah Lewis Al and Susan Lewis

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

Jack Sarick Edward Stanley Sanditen

Josh and Leah Singer Ann Angerman

In Honor Of Bat Mitzvah Sydney Felsen Donald Felsen

In Honor Of a New Career Maxine Morris Harold and Marilyn Lande

In Honor Of Births Ezekial Dunn The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Morgan Alexis McGee Howard and Donna Lutz

In Honor of the Work You Do Mirella Schreiber Mark Einhorn and Carolyn Steuer

In Honor Of Birthdays Gregg Farber Michael and Traci Sidon David Fried Jon and Sheryl Goodman Sheryl Goodman Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Larry Mizel Gary and Connie Levine Henry Mohr Elliott and Gloria Husney Melba Niernberg Phyllis Goodman Sheila Pallay Eileen Eller Esther Sachter Ronald and Roni Brown Kyle Wilensky Lee and Lori Erickson In Honor Of A Happy New Year The Reiff Family Irene Mayer

In Honor Of Marriage Ian Gardenswartz and Anath Charles Dan and Carla Bartell David and Sandra BenAmi Neil and Elizabeth Bogan Renee Cohen David and Peggy Marks Amy and Russ Goldstein Dean Prina, M.D. Andrea and David Gottlieb Sarah Dilley Natalie Hellerstein and Matt Bernstein Joe and Sandy Bean Abby and Steven Levine Joel and Frieda Levine Matthew and Lindsey Linkow Arnold and Karen Stein

FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

With Wishes for a Speedy Recovery David Bershof Ely Birnbaum and Shirley Londer Barbara Chapman Cynthia Chapman Stan and Sharon Marks Pam Naiman Myron and Nancy Neusteter Richard and Michele Right Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Seff Group, P.C. Arnold and Karen Stein Shell Cook Richard and Michele Right Arnold and Karen Stein David Friedman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Stephen Goldstein Ely Birnbaum and Shirley Londer Bruce Katchen Myron and Nancy Neusteter Susan McKinney Stan and Sharon Marks Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Arnold and Karen Stein Donald Neuman Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Ruth Toltz The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Claire Seiden Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Stacey Weisberg Jon and Sheryl Goodman Stephen and Marcella Wolf Richard and Michele Right In Memory Of Sylvia Baumgarten The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jan Cox Denver Agency Company Donald and Henny Kaufmann Charles Malek and Kim Schneider Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe

Selina Begun Roz Begun Sharon Bernstein Floyd and Edythe Sunshine Gayle Falbaum Barton and Marci Rivkin Gordon Friednash David and Cindy Goldberg Jon and Sheryl Goodman Marla Gilson Barbara Jenkins Walter Goldberg Barbara Goldburg Joel Goldberger Nancy Alterman Shirley Epstein Bill and Alaina Green Edward and Dianne Green Richard and Helene Levin Gary and Karen Levine Rocky and Suzi Miller Sally Steele Metzger Marguerite Oxman Fay Gordon Israel Markowitz David and Annis Gross Mark Pogrebin Estelle Handler Leonard Alban The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jack and Melanie Birnbach Ira Brenner Eleanor Epstein Gloria Fine Ben and Robyn Friedman Bernard and Carol Papper Howard and Tilly Rollin Lou and Andrea Rosenthall Justin and Sharon Roth Gaile Weisbly-Waldinger Leonard Herz Anonymous Nancy Alterman Ed and Marlin Barad James and Wendy Berenbaum Penny Berenbaum Jerry and Kathy Berenstein The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Denver Agency Company Feiner Family Foundation of Colorado Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Richard and Joann Fleischman Ben and Robyn Friedman Don and Jeanne Friedman Douglas and Jennifer Friednash GHP Investment Advisors, Inc.

Helen Ginsburg Gerard and Florence Goodendorf Phyllis Goodman Stephen and Celeste Gorden Robert and Diane Hochstadt John and Kyle Hughes Mark and Idi Jackson Diane Kaminsky Duke and Sandy Kaminsky Donald and Henny Kaufmann Marlene Lipman Les and Estelle Levitt Chet and Debra Luby David and Peggy Marks Stan and Sharon Marks David Miller and Lisa Farber Miller Pam Naiman Myron and Nancy Neusteter Ted and Sandra Pomeranz Ken and Judy Robins Rose Community Foundation Seymour Rubenstein and Charlene Loup Meyer and Geri Bader Saltzman Seff Group, P.C. Donald and Arlene Shwayder Michael and Traci Sidon Louis and Lori Sigman Muriel Sigman Cecille Silverberg Philip Stahl Jamie Stone Ken and Barbara Tasky Jorge and Francine Topelson Howard and Carol Torgove Stephen and Lou Ann Van Daele Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Wenner, Silvestain & Company Estelle Hilb Nancy Alterman Arnold and Karen Stein Albert Hoffman Michael Silverman and Elizabeth Hoffman Irving Hook The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Genna Farber Andre and Joan Klein Stan and Sharon Marks Rocky and Suzi Miller Brent and Julie Morse Michael and Devra Ochs Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Claire Seiden Jorge and Francine Topelson Lillian Weisbly

Ernest and Roselyn Jacobs Larry and Debra Jacobs Mollye Kahn The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe Sanford Kahn Marvin and Shirley Leff Jack Kamin Anonymous Charles Kaplan Marvin Tyor Dena Keller Jon and Jamie Sarche Edward Khazanov Yana Profilet Hayim Levi Ronald Hull and Eva Ruda-Hull Abe and Mollie Levine Don and Linda Neuman Barry Levine Don and Linda Neuman Anne Levisohn Norman and Sunny Brownstein Donna Licht Howard and Susan Licht Reva Malach Oscar and Selma Sladek Leah Faye Mandell Michael and Dona Mandell Peppy and Norman Markman Barry and Randie Winograd Sherman Markman Barry and Randie Winograd Hilda Markowitz Elisa Robyn Bob Meinzer Jackie and Marvin Cooper Vicki Eskanos Ruth Natan Molly Nunez Mark and Peg Neuman Don and Linda Neuman Benjamin Newman Jon and Sheryl Goodman Joyce Martin Dan Pulaski Stan and Sharon Marks Henrietta Redinski Leonard and Sylvia Litvak Herman Richman The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Sylvia Rifkin Richard and Patricia Levenberg Leonard and Liese Rothman David and Cindy Goldberg

Lillian Sapper The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ruth Schneyer Striker Foundation Lorraine Sekerak and Steven Sekerak Michael Sekerak Janet Solzberg Lou and Andrea Rosenthall Henry Teitelbaum Kevin and Marleen Konieczny Bobbie Tobias Bo and Lauren Brownstein Marla Eilson Tuvin Abraham and Selma Friedman Minnie Tyor Marvin Tyor David Weiser Alan and Peggy Mayer Mildred Weiss Gary Ruhl Harry Winograd Barry and Randie Winograd William and Selma Winograd Barry and Randie Winograd Jaime Zajd Romina Zalcman Ben and Louise Zeidman Bart and Barbara Valls Jim Zuckerman Stan and Sharon Marks

In-Kind Donations Aish-Denver Albertsons City & County of Denver, Colorado Congregation BMH-BJ Congregation Emanuel Religious School Denver Rescue Mission The Donut Maker Ekar Farm Food Bank of the Rockies Golden Acre Farm Gourmet to Go King Soopers King Soopers – Monaco King Soopers Reclamation Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library Rodef Shalom Sunday Minyan Safeway Sunflower Market Temple Sinai Temple Sinai Knitting for Charity Whole Foods at Tamarac Whole Foods at Cherry Creek

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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www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo FAMILY MATTERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID DENVER, COLORADO

Jewish Family Service of Colorado

PERMIT NO. 1217

Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4394 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED tel: 303.597.5000 fax: 303.597.7700 www.jewishfamilyservice.org Beneficiary Agency of Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and Mile High United Way

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.

Support JFS While Shopping at King Soopers!

Raising funds for JFS

is as easy as going grocery shopping. Simply purchase a reloadable King Soopers gift card from us for $20. Take your gift card to your King Soopers store and load more money on it before you start shopping, then swipe your gift card like you would a credit card to pay for your groceries. It’s that easy!

Every time JFS supporters reach $5,000 or more in reloads (as a group, not just you individually), we will receive a rebate check for 5% of the total amount.

Learn more and purchase a card by visiting www.jewishfamilyservice.org/KingSoopers!