Spring 2020
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Standing Up For Mental Health Mental health issues are no laughing matter. Unless you’re Gary Gulman. One of only a handful of comedians to perform on every single late-night talk show, Gary offers candid reflections on his struggles with depression in his first HBO comedy special, The Great Depresh. Executive produced by Judd Apatow, The Great Depresh features Gary’s witty and unflinchingly honest routine, which covers his experience with dozens of medications, a three-week stay in a hospital psychiatric ward and electroconvulsive therapy. This nationally renowned talent will be performing at Jewish Family Service’s Spotlight Event, as part of the Reva Stocker Lecture Series and chaired by
Gail Danto and Art Roffey, on May 20, 2020. While speaking to issues of mental health, his routine often includes observations on a number of topics, including his admiration for millennial attitudes toward bullying, the intersection of masculinity and sports, and how his mother’s voice is always in his head. Come join us as Gary, a former scholarship college football player, accountant and high school teacher, takes to the stage and delivers an evening of his signature confessional storytelling, guaranteed to make you laugh. Your support will help Jewish Family Service continue to provide comprehensive services to the community, including mental health counseling and suicide prevention trainings. For registration and sponsorship information, call 248.592.2339 or visit jfsspotlightevent.org
The Embodiment of JFS: Edie Resnick The 41st annual Goldberg Thanksgiving Distribution helped families served by JFS celebrate the holiday by providing 144 baskets of food containing everything needed for a complete Thanksgiving meal. Those arriving at Yad Ezra to pick up their baskets were greeted—and have been for over 30 years—by Edie Resnick’s lovely smile and happy holiday wishes. And it’s this warmth Edie can’t help but radiate that nourishes struggling families almost as much as the food. “It’s remarkable what the Goldberg family has done,” Edie says. “They give of themselves and they have instilled that value in their children.” In addition to her Thanksgiving duties, Edie has also wrapped presents for Adopt a Family, driven meals to homebound adults and winterized homes for Fall Fix Up. “I raked leaves for someone ten years younger than me!” she chuckled. Edie has contributed to the very shape of Jewish Family Service, serving as a passionate board member for thirty years. With her level of caring and commitment, Edie is the true embodiment of everything JFS stands for. Her involvement with community began at a young age. “I became a Girl Scout when I was ten,” she says. “When my kids were little, I ran a troop all the way through their high school years.” At ninety-three years young, Edie’s community involvement is still going strong. She started two clubs at her independent living facility. “One is called ‘Movies That Make You Think.’ We show films and have discussions. The other is called ‘YOU’ or ‘Your Own University.’ We bring in speakers, musical groups, even dancers, from all over.” It’s thanks to Edie’s dedication and countless hours that JFS is able to serve our community. “JFS has grown,” she says. “The services are more extensive but that same caring is still there at the core. I love that we can help so many people. Our community would be out of luck without JFS.”
If you would like to be a volunteer like Edie, contact Emily Croitori at 248.592.2317 or ecroitori@jfsdetroit.org.
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Coming Together for the Community:
Gallagher Insurance
At last year’s Fall Fix Up, almost 600 community members raked leaves, winterized windows and prepared more than 50 sites, including the homes of many older adults, for winter. One of those community members was Linda Kurkechian. She and her colleagues at Gallagher Insurance have been supporters of the program for many years; two years ago they started joining us for a day of raking leaves and camaraderie. “We love working side by side with each other—employees, family and friends,” Linda says. “We’re all bundled up and working together on a crisp, fall day. The kids are amazing—they love a good challenge! We also love when the residents come to their door and greet us. They are always so appreciative of our lending a hand with their yard work.” The Gallagher team loves participating in Fall Fix Up. “It’s an easy commitment that brings warmth to our hearts on a chilly morning,” Linda says. “When we all attack the work at a particular home, it gets done very quickly. Then it’s on to the next home on our list. Before we know it, we’re packing up and heading home. Everyone leaves smiling and happy.” Linda highly recommends Fall Fix Up to other companies or groups looking to give back to the community. “The work is quick and easy and everyone gets to know each other better outside of work while doing good for others,” she says. “Falling leaves lead to rising spirits.”
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Giving the Gift of Dignity More than 400 volunteers shopped for those served by JFS as part of our Adopt a Family program. Sam* was just one of the 850 individuals who received holiday gifts, and he can’t begin to express his appreciation. The program allows him and his wife to give their children gifts they would not have otherwise been able to afford. “Donor families go above and beyond at the holidays,” he says. “The quality of the gifts is always amazing. I can tell that the donors really take holiday shopping and our family to heart.” When giving the gifts to their kids, Sam and his wife let them believe that they were stored at Sam’s office. “The donors really want families to appreciate the holiday without feeling second class,” he says. “It allows us to keep our pride as parents.” But the beautifully wrapped packages the family opens on Hanukkah aren’t the only gifts Sam and his family receive. It’s the dignity with which Sam is treated by JFS social workers that he appreciates the most. “The social workers understand that you’re doing everything you can, but that sometimes it is a set of circumstances that’s causing a need for extra help,” he says. “They look at the whole family picture. For instance, if you have a child who needs costly mental health services, they will give you information about services right here at the agency. I can talk to them about anything that our family is dealing with and they will try to find a way to help.” *Client’s name has been changed to protect his privacy. It’s easy to give during the holidays. But those we serve need help meeting their basic needs all year long. And we need your help making that happen. Visit jfsdetroit.org to learn more about the many ways you can help make a difference or all Amy Newman at 248.592.2327.
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Finding Purpose in the Paperwork: Naomi Trager “Coming to JFS gives me purpose,” says Naomi Trager, an office administration volunteer who has been helping the volunteer services department for three-and-a-half years. She particularly enjoys organizing and filing. “I like the old way,” she says. “No computers, no phones.” A Holocaust survivor who arrived in Detroit with her three-month-old daughter in 1948, Naomi walks about two miles a day. She prefers to walk to JFS when the weather permits.
“I love when Emily calls me. Coming here gives me something to do and we are actually helping people here.”
Naomi has four children, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a great sense of humor. On her first day at JFS, Volunteer Services Supervisor Emily Croitori asked if she wanted something to drink. Naomi responded, “Well, I only drink champagne!” Needless to say, she’s known as the “Champagne Lady” around the office. “I love JFS,” Naomi says. “I love when Emily calls me. Coming here gives me something to do and we are actually helping people here.” If you’re interested in making a difference in our community like Naomi, visit jfsdetroit.org/volunteer to explore all our opportunities or contact Emily Croitori at 248.592.2317 or ecroitori@jfsdetroit.org.
Your Words COULD WIN $$$ Know a high school junior or senior who has a way with words? It could earn them a college scholarship. The 100 Mensches essay contest, now in its fifth year, is once again seeking submissions from Jewish high school juniors and seniors on the following prompt: Teenagers are not immune to unhealthy relationships as dating abuse affects around 1.5 million teens annually. What do you see as the reason for such high rates and what do you think you and the Jewish community can do to address this issue? How can Jewish values help guide and promote healthy relationships? The winning entry will receive a $1,000 college scholarship with second place receiving $500. For more information on the contest, or to join the 100 Mensches, please visit 100mensches.org.
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Make Mom’s Day Mother’s Day is May 10, so it’s not too soon to start thinking about how you’ll celebrate the special women in your life. But does your mom really need another piece of jewelry? Does your sister want yet another candle? This year, give a gift that makes a difference and send a tribute from The Joy Project. Started by Elanah Nachman Hunger in 2009 as a way to honor her mother Joy Nachman, The Joy Project helps provide critical services to more than 3,000 women and children served by Jewish Family Service. Your donation will help those in need and your loved one will receive a beautiful Mother’s Day card. For more information, visit jfsjoyproject.org or contact 248.592.2345 or joyproject@jfsdetroit.org.
Lev Detroit In our ongoing effort to best serve all members of our Jewish community, JFS recently launched Lev Detroit. This initiative allows culturally sensitive staff to provide guidance, compassion and reassurance to members of Detroit’s Orthodox communities. Individuals and families seeking help will have access to the depth and breadth of JFS’s services spanning the areas of older adults, mental health and wellness, and safety net, as well as more tailored services such as Passover assistance, the Magen Yeladim Safety Kid program and school-based social work services. For more information, contact Sammie Rosenbloom, Orthodox Resource Coordinator, at 248.592.2244 or srosenbloom@jfsdetroit.org.
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April 15 MIND UNIVERSITY BRAIN HEALTH WORKSHOP: A WORKOUT FOR THE MIND 1-2:30pm at JVS Human Services RSVP: Mary Martella at 248.788.MIND or MindU@jfsdetroit.org May 20 JFS SPOTLIGHT EVENT FEATURING GARY GULMAN 7:15pm at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Southfield Join us as comic Gary Gulman takes to the stage in an unflinchingly honest stand-up performance as he reflects on his struggle with depression. Registration and sponsorship information: jfsspotlightevent.org or contact Wendy Eisenshtadt at 248.592.2339 or wendy@jfsdetroit.org
June 3 JFS ANNUAL MEETING 4:30-6pm at the Jewish Community Center West Bloomfield A celebration and community recognition of those who help make JFS the heart of a stronger community. RSVP: Sarah Strasberger at 248.592.2267 or sstrasberger@jfsdetroit.org October 13 CANCER THRIVERS ANNUAL MEETING 12-2pm at Jewish Family Service, West Bloomfield Join as the Thrivers celebrate another year of thriving and look forward to what the new year has in store. RSVP: Sarah Strasberger at 248.592.2267 or sstrasberger@jfsdetroit.org
2019-2020 Board of Directors Executive Committee Julie Teicher – Chair Michael Berke – Vice Chair Todd Schafer – Treasurer Gail Danto – Secretary Suzan Curhan – Immediate Past Chair Marc Bakst – Member At Large Dorothy Barak – Member At Large Helen Katz – Member At Large Mara Moss – Member At Large Shelly Rubenfire – Member At Large Amy Singer – Member At Large Perry Ohren – CEO Board Members Michael Baum Rhonda Brown Beth Davidson Rabbi Levi Dubov Michael Eizelman Michelle Freeman
Jerry Frohlich Bill Goldstein Micki Grossman Rabbi Marla Hornsten Danielle Newman Melissa Orley Lax Randy Orley Jason Page Mark Picklo Julie Rothstein Avi Rubin Sandy Schwartz Nancy Solway Erin Stiebel Ellen Tabak Renee Unger Sara Voight David Witten Andi Wolfe Margie Yaker
Past Presidents Mina Bargman* Jerry Bielfield* Susan Citrin Albert M. Colman* Marvin C. Daitch Sandy Muskovitz Danto Arnold Faudman* Marcy Feldman Janice B. Friedlander Joseph Garson* Edward D. Gold Amy Hoffman Haimann Merle Harris* Edythe Jackier* John E. Jacobs Benjamin E. Jaffe* Sylvia Jaffe* Mary Lakoff* Terran Leemis
Samuel L. Levin* Theodore R. Levin* John D. Marx Mark Milgrom Milford R. Pregerson* Donald Rochlen Lawrence H. Seltzer* Max M. Shaye* Helen Dante Shevin* Herbert P. Sillman* Gilbert B. Silverman* Abraham Srere* Bernard Stollman Sheldon Stone George M. Stutz* Brent S. Triest Belle Welt* Melville S. Welt* Stewart Weiner Kathleen Wilson-Fink Betsy G. Winkelman *Of Blessed Memory
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Non Profit Org. US Postage
PAID
Permit #618 Southfield, MI
Sally & Graham Orley and Suzanne & Joseph Orley Building 6555 West Maple Road West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Our Services
Exercise Your Brain
Mind Aerobics classes are forming for March, April and May at both our West Bloomfield and Oak Park locations. Please contact Mary Martella for more information at 248.788.MIND or MindU@jfsdetroit.org.
OLDER ADULTS Assistive Technology Chronic Disease Management ElderCare Solutions of Michigan Friendly Visitors Geriatric Care Management Holocaust Survivor Assistance Home Care Kosher Meals on Wheels Mind University Transportation MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS A Single Soul Suicide Prevention Cancer Thrivers Network for Jewish Women Community Education Counseling Mentor Connection
SAFETY NET Basic Needs Assistance Domestic Abuse Intervention Family Support Services Health Care Navigation Housing Resources Legal Referral Service Public Benefits Enrollment ORTHODOX COMMUNITY* Passover Assistance Safety Kid School-based Services RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY* Mental Health Translation and Interpretation *Members of the these communities have access to all JFS resources as well as these specialized services.