March 18 - JFS Weekly Insider

WEEKLY Insider Welcome to the updated Weekly Insider!

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MARCH 18TH 2024 ISSUE

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE JEDI SURVEY! Thank you to the 62 staff who complete the JEDI Survey over the last three weeks. Your feedback is being reviewed by the survey team and the JEDI Committee will use these results to inform our work in the coming months. If you attended one of the community conversations, you’ll be hearing from the JEDI Committee with an invitation to join us.

Didn’t attend a community conversation and interested in joining the committee? Email Sierra Johnston and Danielle Bernas to let them know you are interested.

LEAVE PAY ENDING The CDC recently issued new guidance on COVID which now matches public health advice for flu and other respiratory illnesses: “Stay home when you’re sick, but return to school or work once you’re feeling better and you’ve been without a fever for 24 hours”.

JFS had voluntarily been continuing to provide COVID leave benefits to our employees despite regulatory requirements to do so having ended months ago. However, with the new CDC guidance, the timing is appropriate to discontinue this practice which has distinguished COVID from the multitude of other illness that you might encounter.

Going forward, should you contract COVID, please utilize your accrued PTO sick time. If you have any questions, you should continue to reach out to Jennifer McNamara.

3/21,David Jankowiak, Community Engagement

GOODBYE FROM MATI

After nearly 10 years with JFSWNY, leaving my role as VPHR to retire is truly bittersweet. Together, we have faced challenges head-on, celebrated triumphs and, under Molly’s leadership, experienced

unparalleled growth as an agency. It has been an honor to work alongside such a passionate and talented team! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support, collaboration, and camaraderie received over the years. Although leaving, I will always carry with me the fond memories and relationships forged here. I prefer not to say “goodbye” but rather “until we meet next time.” I hope that you will stay connected as I embrace the next phase of my journey. You have made my time at JFS truly memorable, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Mati’s Goodbye Reception will be held at Resurgence Brewing on March 22nd at 2PM. Stop by to say goodbye.

Click here for directions to the party!

WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY IS TOMORROW!!

In honor of World Social Work Day on March 19th, JFS is providing Paula’s donut holes and coffee to all staff.

Due to Ramadan, expect the treats at an office near you after April 9th.

Additionally, two of our wonderful PSS interns will be hosting a 10-15 minute mindfulness meditation moment at 10AM and 2PM via Zoom. Click the links below to add the 10AM or 2PM invites to your calendar.

10AM Meditation

2PM Meditation

PONDERING WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY’S THEME

By: Danielle Bernas, Director of RICH As we celebrate World Social Work Day this week, I ask everyone to consider this year’s theme of “Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change.” So, what exactly does this mean and how does it tie into our work at JFS? Social work has continued to view human services through a more global lens that adopts community-led perspectives, community wisdom, and community participation in implementation and provision of services. Innovation and inclusion of communities is key to providing services that are accessible and engaging for all of the populations that we serve.

It is with the collaboration of communities that sustainable transformative change occurs.

At JFS, our mission to provide culturally responsive services that are built on values of trust and partnership transforms and empowers our local community and encourages healing and recovery from trauma. No matter your background, your education, and your experiences, you have the power to bring innovative approaches and perspectives into your work with clients to help them transform their lives and regain a sense of wellbeing.

Thank you to all of our social workers and our social work aligned staff. Your contributions to your clients, the community, and our agency is noticed and appreciated.

MY SOCIAL WORK JOURNEY

By: Katie Diebold, Director of Care Coordination Originally, when I finished undergrad at SUNY Fredonia in 2007, I thought I was going to become a gender scholar and was pursuing a master’s in women’s studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. After one semester, I realized that I didn’t want to pursue academia at that point in my life, as I deeply missed being involved in the community. I moved back to Buffalo and took my first human services job at the International Institute of Buffalo in the refugee resettlement department.

Shortly after starting that work, it became clear to me that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in social work, which I completed in 2011.

Shortly after graduation, I joined Evergreen Health, where I worked for 12 years. I worked with several different populations including people living with HIV/AIDS, the LGBTQ+ population, sex workers, people living with chronic medical and mental health conditions, and people who use drugs. I developed a passion for working with people with serious mental illness (SMI), who often represent that most vulnerable in our community due to being high risk for homelessness, substance use, self-harm, and suicide.

Working with the SMI population has taught me one of the most valuable lessons in my career and my life, which is embracing the concept “dignity of risk.” “Dignity of risk” implies that all people have the right to live the life they choose, even if that way of life may be harmful to them or considered unacceptable by society at large. Under this principle, the role of the social worker is not to save the client or make choices for them. Our role is to provide clients with resources and information, without judgement or telling the clients what they should do. When I embraced this concept, the work got a lot easier because I was able to release the notion that I somehow had control over people and that it was my job to fix everyone’s problems. Fixing is an impossible task, especially when most of the problems people face in our field are rooted in systemic failures and injustices like racism, sexism, and classism.

Embracing “dignity of risk” is easier said than done and requires ongoing self-awareness and reflection, which is where the second most valuable lesson comes in—the importance of self-care. To continue to do this work effectively, I must care for myself. To sum up my thoughts on self-care, I will quote Audre Lorde, who said “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and this is an act of political warfare.” For me, self-care is walking my dog, running, hiking, spending time with family and friends, going to therapy, cooking, sometimes indulging in mindless tv, and continuing to pursue my life goals. In March 2023, I accomplished a life goal, which was to earn a doctorate in social work and do research. I also returned to private practice where I provide EMDR to people who have experienced trauma.

In closing, the opportunities offered to me by social work are endless. Social work challenges me every day, I am constantly inspired by clients and co-workers, and I’m never bored. I am proud to be a social worker and I am grateful for the many life lessons this profession has taught me.

JFS TEAM AT ROOTS/SHORASHIM/JUDUR SEEKING UNITY AMONG DIVERSITY AT RECENT ADULT AND YOUTH EVENTS ON MARCH 3RD AND 4TH By: Bijoux Bahati, TST-R Manager

To say it was a transformative experience is an understatement. It was an honor for those in attendance, over 80 adults and almost 100 youth from local high schools and Providence Farm Collective, to witness speaking and modeling of what a peaceful relationship between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs could look like, especially in times of war and distraction.

“Belonging, knowing your neighbors, recognizing the humanness of the person on the other side, you don’t have to be wrong for me to be right” are just a few words shared by Rabbi Hanan and Noor, that will continue to echo in the consciousness of many.

“Make room in your heart to learn about the ‘other’ and still be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Expand your sense of what is true,” they continued. In times of conflict, it is impossible to think and act on hope, reconciliation, peace, healing, recognition and dignity but Rabbi Hanan and Noor, showed that it is possible through meaningful partnership.

It was such a relevant message and learning opportunity for all, especially the TST-R team in our work with young people and those of us who work with diverse, multifaceted communities who generationally and historically have been marginalized.

Shoutout to Hannah Ziske, TST-R clinician, for transportation and moral supporting to some PFC youth to ensure they take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Rabbi Hanan and Bijoux Bahati

Checkout their website to learn more: https://www.friendsofroots.net/

JFS LEADERS FEATURED ON WBFO JFS' very own Bijoux Bahati and Danielle Bernas were live on WBFO's "What's Next" to discuss the tricky navigation of resettlement, mental health and cultural diversity in refugees and how those all intersect here at JFS. Bahati is the manager of the TST-R program and Bernas is the director of the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Healing.

Click here to listen to the broadcast!

THANK YOU, HOWARD UNIVERSITY!

On March 5th, 15 students from Howard University engaged with residents at the Jewish Federation Apartments as part of their Alternative Spring Break program.

Throughout the week, the group volunteered across WNY with a range of nonprofits.

AXE THROWING WAS A BLAST! Thank you to all who came to the Employee Engagement Axe Throwing Event on Thursday, March 7th. Held at Lasertron, JFS staff had a blast throwing axes, grabbing some bites and spending time together! Join us next month for Spring Sweep on April 20th from 10AM-12PM. Sign up below!

HELP US MAKE RAMADAN BOXES! On Thursday, March 21, JFS staff and volunteers are packing 40 boxes to distribute to clients recognizing Ramadan on Monday, March 25.

If you're interested in packing or distributing boxes, please reach out to Emily Wirth at ewirth@jfswny.org.

NEED A RIDE TO THE HALF DAY RETREAT? OR TO PROVIDE ONE?

If you can't make boxes but would still like to donate, we're accepting the following items: dates, canned chickpeas, tea, rice, oil, lentils JFS staff will attend a half day retreat on April 8th from 9AMand beans.

11:30AM. The retreat will be mandatory and the focus will be on self-care and burnout. A breakfast buffet will be provided.

The retreat’s location is TBD. If you would like to offer a ride to fellow staff or need a ride, please complete this form.

VOLUNTEER AT THE RETREAT

Want to help on April 8th at Retreat?

We are looking for a few good people to assist in setup and tear down on the day of the event. To sign up, please complete this form.

HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH! The month of March is Women’s History Month. In celebration, we will be highlighting a local woman in history every Insider.

This week’s highlighted woman is Eva Bateman Noles.

By: Rabbi Yonina Foster, Jewish Community Engagement Specialist

Eva Bateman Noles (1919-

More on the Purim story...

Last week you met King Ahas, evil Haman, and Queen Esther. Now there was also Queen Esther’s cousin, or uncle Mordechai, a wise man who listened well and heard of the evil to be done. He told Esther to go before the King and tell the truth so the Jews could defend themselves and survive. There was great fear.

Where was God in this story? Hidden and revealed as the story progresses. How would the people be saved?

Unless the King called for his Queen, Esther could be killed. For three days she fasted, prayed, and asked all the Jews to do so. When Esther approached the King, he listened, and the Jews were able to defend themselves and live.

Today Purim is celebrated with festivals where games are played and shpiels - silly versions of the story - are shared. We do acts of righteousness, known as mitzvot, by giving to the needy, and we share “shalach manot,” small bags or baskets with some food goodies so all can join in the celebration. One of the goodies is usually hamantaschen filled with fruit, poppy seeds, or chocolate. The three-cornered pastry represents Haman’s ears or hat. May you know good from evil and reveal the good in yourself and those around you.

When there is fear have the courage to stand up against injustice, as did Esther. As employees of JFS of WNY most of us are already doing just that.

2015) was the first African American nurse trained in Buffalo, NY. In 1936, she was accepted into the Buffalo City Hospital nursing program and graduated at the top of her class. She worked at E.J. Meyer Memorial, Sisters of Charity, and Columbus Hospitals.

In 1945, she became the first African American nurse hired at today’s Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and would retire as the Director of Nursing from Roswell Park. Eva Noles’ nursing uniform is currently on display in History Makers II, downstairs, off the Penfold Portico.

LET US KNOW YOUR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

In an effort to be sensitive to all staff allergens and dietary restrictions, please take this anonymous survey to advise the Employee Engagement Committee for future events.

Specifically, we are going to be utilizing the results of this survey for the Agency Potluck.

This survey will be available to complete for the next month.

GET TO KNOW YOUR EAP TRAINING Weds March 20th 12:00pm – 12:20pm This event is open to all EAP members. We recommend watching this 3-minute C+FS EAP Quick Start Guide prior to this event.

Learn more and register here for: Get to know your EAP

OPEN Refer a new employee and get a bonus!

JOBS

Every two weeks, JFS staff receives an email titled, "Job Referral Opportunities." To ensure that you receive credit for the referral, make sure that the applicant either uses the links provided in the email or lists your name as the referring party.

Click here for all the open positions at JFS.

To sign up for committees, contact the following people: Employee Engagement: Meghan Stith (mstith@jfswny.org) or Kara Kane (kkane@jfswny.org) Health & Wellness: Jennifer McNamara (jmcnamara@jfswny.org) or Meghan Stith (mstith@jfswny.org) JEDI, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Sierra Johnston (sjohnston@jfswny.org) or Danielle Bernas (dbernas@jfswny.org) Safety: Todd Warfield (twarfield@jfswny.org)

LOOK OUT FOR THE LEADING EDGE SURVEY JFS is committed to creating an incredible place to work, so we want to hear from you! Each year, Leading Edge launches a survey to help us learn about how our team is doing and compare that to other Jewish agencies across the US. The survey tells us how we can better support you and the important work you do.

Look out for a link on April 9th from surveys@leadingedge.org.

Insider Contributors: Meghan Stith Madison Ruffo Rabbi Yonina Foster Emily Wirth Katie Diebold

Jennifer McNamara Lauren Maguire Danielle Bernas

Bijoux Bahati Matilda Lorenzo Nikki Ronan Molly Carr Megan Brenner-Zwara

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Submit your ideas here!