Archie Manning Headlines Executive Luncheon April 30

FamilyMatters
Volume 24, No. 2 • MARCH/APRIL 2014
KEEPING IT KOSHER
Program Spotlight page 6
TWO HOURS EVERY TWO WEEKS
JFS Homemaker page 8
BULLYING IN THE SCHOOLS
Mental Health Matters page 10
A PUBLICATION OF
Archie Manning
Headlines Executive
Luncheon April 30
See page 4
From the CEO
The Easter/Passover Denver
Community Food Drive
Involving all, regardless of age,
race, ethnicity, or faith
JFS has long been a lifeline of
support for vulnerable members of our
community. We proudly provide services to
all, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or faith.
We have always been driven by values steeped
in Jewish tradition, which is a fundamental
reason why we exclude no one.
In that spirit, we are working on an
exciting new initiative this spring that
brings together a broad array of faith-based
institutions and business community
leaders. We are participating in a
wonderful collaboration with our friends
at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints and Mile High United Way on the
Easter/Passover Denver Community Food
Drive to benefit the Weinberg Food Pantry.
The food drive is scheduled to run April
7-13, 2014, and we hope to raise 20,000
pounds of donated food to feed the hungry
Yana Vishnitsky at a time of year when food donations are
traditionally low.
The food drive is engaging companies,
churches, and synagogues throughout the
Denver metro area to help us in this interfaith
effort. The response to date is inspiring.
People from all walks of life are joining the
effort, most of whom are not Jewish and have
no prior connection to the agency. They are
human beings who simply want to help others
and make our community a better place.
I’m moved that so many generous people
are pitching in to support this program and the
vulnerable people who rely on it. I’m certain
that we will surpass our goal. What’s more, we
are making new friends along the way.
The Weinberg Food Pantry serves all
people. The only requirement is hunger.
We are the largest food pantry in southeast
Denver and an important source of food and
sustenance for people who have nowhere else
to turn.
Thank you to our Mormon friends, Mile
High United Way, and all the companies and
congregations that are supporting this effort.
If you or your company would like to join in,
please contact Shelly Hines at 720.248.4654
and we can set you up as a donation point
and provide you with all the materials you will
need to be successful. Look for more details
about this food drive on our website and in
our e-newsletter this spring.
JFS is guided by the Jewish principle of
Tikkun Olam: the obligation to make the world
a better place. I’m delighted that so many
people share in that belief.
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 23,000 people of all ages, faiths, incomes, and abilities.
For more information, call 303.597.5000 or visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org.
2
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
Summer Magic Is Back!
Jewish Disabilities
Network is planning Summer Magic
camp again this year! Children and young
adults with disabilities are invited on
exciting day trips to Shwayder Camp on
Wednesday, July 2, and to JCC Ranch Camp
on Monday, August 4. Contact Rita Singer at
rocky2323@aol.com for further information.
This program is made possible by a
generous donation from the Jay and Rose
Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado.
Harry Abramowitz and Sarah
Goldstein at Summer Magic
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.
FOLLOW US!
www.facebook.com/jfscolorado
Family Matters
is published bimonthly by
Jewish Family Service of Colorado,
3201 S. Tamarac Dr.
Denver CO 80231
www.jewishfamilyservice.org
www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
3
Football Legend and Humanitarian
Archie Manning
Headlines JFS Executive Luncheon April 30
Hear Archie Manning, a legend
in life, at the JFS Executive Luncheon on
Wednesday, April 30! The luncheon will be
held at the Grand Hyatt Denver, 1750 Welton
Street, Denver. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and
the program will start promptly at noon. Tickets
are $150 and sponsorship packages start at
$1,500. For more information or for tickets,
contact Dawn Richard at 720.248.4605 or
visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/luncheon.
Proceeds from the event will help support
all programs of JFS, including mental health
counseling, senior and adult
in-home care, disability and
employment services, and
family safety net services.
When you think of
Archie Manning, football
immediately comes to
mind. But Manning’s
appeal transcends his
athletic achievements.
People worldwide have
been inspired by his warm
personality, humor, drive,
and commitment to family
and community.
Manning and his
college sweetheart, Olivia,
had three boys, Cooper,
Peyton, and Eli. Archie and
Archie Manning
Olivia raised their sons with
the philosophy that, “It’s the right thing to do,
so do the right thing.” The result, which Archie
Presented by
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FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton
capture so clearly, is a tribute to the values that
Americans hold dear: work hard, stand up for
what you believe in, treat each person with
respect, and be grateful for what you have and
for what you have achieved.
The former NFL Pro Bowl quarterback
and league MVP, Manning enjoyed a fabled
football career, beginning at the University
of Mississippi where he was named an AllAmerican Quarterback and was the only Ole
Miss player to have his number retired. He was
elected to the 50-Year All-South Team (1940–
1990), named one of the Top 25 Athletes of
the Century in Louisiana, and he and his son,
Peyton, were named among the 100 All-Time
Greatest College Football Players.
In 1971, Manning was the second player
chosen in the NFL draft, and the number one
draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He
set Saints passing records, played in two Pro
Bowls, and was named the NFL Most Valuable
Player in 1978. His prowess on the field
and his sterling character have earned him
as many awards as he scored touchdowns.
Archie Manning concluded his 15-year NFL
career in 1985.
Manning has since devoted his life to his
family and to causes he believes in, supporting
the Special Olympics, Boy Scouts of America,
The Salvation Army, and the United Way,
among others.
Thank you to Executive Luncheon cochairs
David Friedman and John Keith for their
leadership to make this a successful event!
Thank you to our current sponsors (as of February 13, 2014):
Presidential Sponsors
Chief Operating Sponsor
Brent and Julie Morse
Chief Financial Sponsor
Joyce Zeff
Executive Vice Presidential Sponsors
Colorado Real Estate Journal
Colorado State Bank and Trust
Cuvee Ventures
D. H. Friedman Properties
Will and Sheri Gold
Jack and Celeste Grynberg
Steve and Elizabeth Kris
Robert and Robyn Naiman
Otten Johnson Robinson Neff +
Ragonetti PC
Eric and Ellen Pollock
Vice Presidential Sponsors
Berlin Investment Group Holdings
CoBiz Financial
Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard
Izbiky & Associates
John and Leslie Keith/
Harvard Communities
Stuart and Janet Kritzer Family
Foundation
Oak Tree Foundation
Michael Opatowski and Ruth
Malman
Mile High Honda, Acura, Mitsubishi
Quiat Companies
Richard and Michele Right
Associate Sponsors
Asarch Center for Dermatology &
Laser
David and Anna Asarch
Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher
Denver Retirement Partners
Dependable Cleaners
Feldman Mortuary, Inc.
Lezlie Goldberg
Barbara Goldburg
John and Sheryl Goodman
Joel and Janet Kaufman
Lippa & Associates
Rocky and Suzi Miller
MorEvents
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Chet and Louise Schwartz
Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe
Corporate Tables
Alberta Development Partners, LLC
Rob and Sam Baumgarten
Berkeley Homes
Moda Man on Larimer Street
Stephan and Kerry Shelanski
George and Mary Sissel
UMB Bank
The Wenner Group, LLC/Transitions
Wealth Management, LLC
JFS
Volunteers
Lead Passover Seders for Seniors
More Volunteers Needed to Help Make Seders Special!
Jewish Family Service will
carry on its long-standing tradition of hosting
Passover Seders for socially isolated Jewish
community members of non-Jewish long-term
care facilities, assisted living facilities, a mental
health center, and several correctional institutions beginning the week of April 14.
Thank you to dedicated JFS volunteer
para-chaplains Paula Breese, Bob Epstein,
Leland Huttner, Allan Kantrowitz, Elliott
Magalnick, Allan Markman, Jay Miller, Robert
Rottman, Dawn Spector, Sheldon Spector, and
Michelle Stern for leading services at 16 senior
communities in metro Denver.
Our para-chaplains can’t do it alone …
they need your help to make these Seders
extra special for the senior residents!
Help create community and beautiful
memories by visiting with seniors, distributing Haggadot, and serving food.
Seniors have also requested more
music during these Seders. If you or your
child (middle school or older) is musical, in
a choir, or loves to sing, we’d love your
help in adding this festive component
to our services.
To learn more about volunteering or
providing music at these Seders, please
contact Beth Lippa at 720.248.4599
or blippa@jewishfamilyservice.org by
April 9.
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
5
PROGRAM
Spotlight
Keeping It Kosher
Space Available in Kosher Meals
on Wheels Program!
JFS currently has room in its
Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program for
more seniors to receive kosher meals delivered
to their homes. To receive meals, an individual
must be at least 60 years old and assessed as
homebound. He or she must be Jewish or have
a spiritual need to receive kosher food. There
is no cost to receive meals, but an optional
monthly donation is appreciated.
A hot meal is delivered Monday through
Friday and special meals are delivered prior to
Jewish holidays, such as Passover and the High
Holy Days. Clients get nonfat dry milk powder
twice per month and a small emergency box
of shelf-stable items in the fall. If JFS will be
closed for a holiday, a frozen meal is pre-delivered. Each meal consists of an entrée and sides,
such as vegetables, fruits, and breads, which
are needed to provide at least one-third of the
The meals are prepared in Shalom Cares’
kosher kitchen and blessed by a rabbi.
6
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
recommended
“Many clients
daily nutrients
develop a personal
for older adults.
relationship with
However,
the driver and look
this program is
forward to their
about so much
daily visits.”—Buffy Fox
more than food;
it is also about reducing social isolation and
increasing peace of mind. Buffy Fox, JFS care
manager and KMOW coordinator, says, “The
participants like that someone [the driver]
comes to their home every day and that they
have someone to talk to. There is also the
comfort of knowing that someone is checking
on them and that there is a support system in
place. Many clients develop a personal relationship with their driver and look forward to
the daily visits.”
Sandy, a KMOW recipient, says, “Cheryl
[my driver] is wonderful. I love seeing her smile
every day. She really cares how I am doing and
always helps if I need it.”
KMOW has an important safety
component. Drivers never leave meals
outside; he or she must deliver it to the client
personally. If the client doesn’t answer, the
driver calls the emergency contact. “In most
cases, the senior doesn’t answer because he or
she is asleep,” says Buffy. “However, we have
had a few cases where someone had fallen
and our driver was able to help.”
Ann, a spousal caregiver of her wheelchairbound husband, says the KMOW program
“takes away the stress. Especially when we
have a hard day getting him showered and
dressed and ready to go, it’s nice to know I
don’t have to make lunch, too.”
Those who are not assessed as homebound
but need kosher meals and want to socialize
with other seniors, can go to the Volunteers of
America (VOA) kosher lunch program each
weekday at 11:45 a.m. at the JCC for a
recommended donation of $2.50.
This program is a collaboration of
Volunteers of America (VOA), Jewish
Family Service (JFS), Shalom Cares, and
JEWISHcolorado.
For more information or to sign up
for Kosher Meals on Wheels, please
contact Buffy Fox at 720.248.4665 or
bfox@jewishfamilyservice.org.
A JFS driver, Cheryl (right) picks up the
meals she will deliver that day from Shalom
Cares’ employee Mela.
Help Buy Food for Passover!
As you prepare to celebrate Passover,
please join us in helping people in
our community who are struggling to put together a Seder. This year, you can help us make sure
that everyone can participate in this holiday tradition.
Through the Community Passover Program, Jewish Family Service and the
Synagogue Council of Greater Denver will provide families in need with a kosher
chicken as well as other necessary kosher-for-Passover items.
Give the community a “chai five” by donating at least $90 for this program—the
cost to purchase food and nonperishable items needed to make the Seder complete
for a family of four. This year, we expect to serve at least 60 families, which means we
need to raise more than $5,000.
Please donate online today at www.jewishfamilyservice.org/passover or mail your
check in the enclosed envelope with “Holiday Food” in the memo line.
If you would prefer to donate nonperishable kosher-for-Passover food items,
including matzo, matzo meal, grape juice, borscht, gefilte fish,
macaroons, cake mix, and candles, please drop them off at JFS
by Wednesday, April 2.
With your help we can ensure that every family in our
community will celebrate Passover this year!
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
7
TWO
HOURS
Every Two Weeks
It takes JFS homemaker
Phaleacha Shinault about two hours to whip
a dusty, dirty home into sparkling show-home
condition. It means scouring bathrooms from
top to bottom, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming,
and dusting. There’s wiping down counters,
taking out the trash, and cleaning out the fridge.
It’s hard work, but she’s a study in efficiency
and attention to detail.
Everyone likes a clean house and JFS
client Evelyn Sullivan is no exception.
Evelyn and Phaleacha
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FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
A little help from a JFS
homemaker makes life
livable for a senior in crisis
Evelyn is 63 years old and has had her share
of challenges lately. After a long career as
a pharmacist, Evelyn was forced to go on
disability because of an illness and now has a
limited fixed income. A few months ago, she
broke her foot—badly—and still can’t put any
weight on her knee-high cast, which means
that she can’t drive. She suffers from severe
asthma. And, on top of all that, she is the sole
caregiver for her 97-year-old live-in mother,
who is blind, hard of hearing, and has her own
health issues.
Evelyn was in over her head. She
physically couldn’t manage her life, and
certainly not her home. After she spent a few
months in a cast, her house had become a
shambles. It was filthy and unsafe for Evelyn
and her mother. A social worker from another
agency visited the home to check on Evelyn’s
mother and recommended that Evelyn contact
Jewish Family Service for help.
A JFS care manager visited the Sullivan
household and immediately arranged for
a homemaker to come to the rescue. With
Evelyn’s fixed income, JFS was able to provide
housekeeping services at a rate she could
afford. She assigned Phaleacha to work at
Evelyn’s house for two hours every two weeks.
It may not seem like much, but for Evelyn it’s
everything.
“Phaleacha walked in and immediately
took control,” says Evelyn. “After her first
visit, I could see my reflection in my kitchen
cabinets. I could see out my kitchen window
for the first time in months! The housework
had been neglected for so long and the mess
was stressing me out. I have always kept up my
house, but now I simply can’t do it. My mother
is my only priority.
“Having Phaleacha come in every couple
of weeks lifts a big burden off my shoulders.
I don’t have this sense
“Phaleacha puts
of ‘how am I ever going
the ‘family’ in
to get this done?’ Plus,
Jewish Family
she’s the sweetest, kindest
person I’ve met in a long Service.”
—Evelyn Sullivan
time.”
Evelyn is extremely
grateful for JFS homemaker services, which are
intended to give seniors the little bit of help they need
to remain living independently. She also appreciates
the sliding-fee scale. “I couldn’t afford this service on
my limited income,” she admits. ”But I’m glad I can
pay something so I don’t feel like a charity case.”
Phaleacha loves her work with JFS. “It’s all about
the relationships I build with my clients,” she says.
“I get joy from making a difference in people’s lives.
I do the simple things that Evelyn can’t do right now
and I know it’s making such a difference to her. Evelyn
thanks me constantly, but she really doesn’t need to.
I can see in her smile that she appreciates me. I love
coming here. Evelyn is such a special person, and I
adore her mother.”
“Phaleacha is family,” declares Evelyn. “She puts
the ‘family’ in Jewish Family Service, at least for me.”
Evelyn with her dog Brooklyn
THANK YOU for Caring!
In-Kind Donations DECEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014
Albertsons
Amstar
Beth Ami Congregation
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints
Congregation Beth Evergreen
Congregation BMH-BJ
Congregation B’nai Havurah
Congregation Har Hashem
Congregation Hebrew Educational
Alliance
Congregation Rodef Shalom
Denver Academy
Denver Business Journal
Denver Jewish Day School
Eastern Star Masonic Center
Ekar Farm
Holland & Hart LLP
J & B Realty
Jay’s Valet Parking
King Soopers Reclamation
Mass Mutual Colorado
Monroe Group Ltd.
MorEvents
Murdock’s Grooming Salon
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Promontory Condo Association
Safeway
Sagewood Middle School
Sisterhood of Congregation Emanuel
Sisterhood of Congregation Rodef
Shalom
South Denver Fencing Academy
Temple Emanuel
Temple Sinai
Visa
Walgreen’s
Westin Tabor Center
Whole Foods at Tamarac
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
9
MENTAL HEALTH
Matters
Bullying in the Schools
By Melissa LaLonde, LCSW
KidSuccess coordinator
According to the National
Association of School Psychologists, more
than 160,000 students miss school each day
due to fears of being bullied.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive
behavior among school-aged
children that involves a real or
perceived power imbalance. The
behavior is repeated, or has the
potential to be repeated, over time.
Bullying includes actions such as
making threats, spreading rumors,
attacking someone physically or
verbally, and excluding someone
from a group on purpose. It can
threaten students’ physical and
emotional safety at school and can
Melissa LaLonde negatively impact their ability to
learn.
Kids who are bullied are more likely to
experience:
•Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness
•Changes in sleep and eating patterns
•Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
•Health complaints
•Decreased academic achievement
•Missing, skipping, or dropping out of school
Kids who bully others are more likely to:
•Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence
and as adults
•Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop
out of school
•Engage in early sexual activity
•Have criminal convictions and traffic citations
as adults
Kids who witness bullying (bystanders) are
more likely to:
•Use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
•Have increased mental health problems,
including depression and anxiety
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FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
•Miss or skip
Bullying can
school
threaten
Parents, school
students’
staff, and other
physical and
caring adults have
an important role to emotional safety
at school and
play in preventing
bullying. They can: can negatively
•Help kids
impact their
understand
ability to learn.
bullying. Talk
about what bullying is and how to stand up
to it safely. Tell kids that bullying is unacceptable and make sure students know how to get
help.
•Keep the lines of communication open. Check
in with kids often, listen to them, know their
friends, ask about school, and understand
their concerns.
•Encourage kids to do what they love. Special
activities, interests, and hobbies can boost
confidence, help kids make friends, and
protect them from bullying behavior.
•Model how to treat others with kindness and
respect.
Whether your child is a bully, victim, or
bystander, you should expect school administrators, teachers, and staff to take bullying
problems seriously and enforce written school
policies and rules against bullying, harassment,
and intimidation.
Melissa LaLonde, a licensed clinical social
worker, coordinates the JFS KidSuccess schoolbased counseling program. She has counseled
children, youth, and families in a variety of
settings, including public schools, outpatient
treatment settings, and residential treatment and
crisis centers.
SENIORS
Matter
By Laura Harter, MSW, LSW
JFS Senior Solutions care manager
Bullying is a hot conversation
topic these days, especially when it comes
to school-aged children and the effects that
bullying can have on their lives. Bullying is a
serious problem in schools today, but the conversation rarely goes outside of that age group.
In reality, bullies can affect a person at any
age, and the senior population is no exception.
For seniors in a new community, whether it
is a new living situation or a new social group,
making connections
and feeling like a part
Bullying
of the community
can affect
can be especially
a person at
daunting. When a
any age, and
senior is making that
the senior
transition and starts
population is to feel bullied, it
no exception. can quickly lead to
feelings of depression
and isolation. If you are a senior feeling
bullied, there are several ways you can cope
with this challenging situation:
•Go easy on yourself. Change is especially
hard later in life and building relationships
takes time. Don’t get down on yourself if
you don’t click with people right away.
Remind yourself of ways you’ve coped with
hard situations in the past.
•Slowly build and maintain positive relationships with other community members. If
someone seems nice and invites you for tea,
say yes! Having a positive relationship, even
if just an acquaintance, can help you feel
less alone.
•Connect with a professional in the
community, like an activity director, social
worker, or program coordinator. The professionals in senior communities have helped
Bullying Isn’t Just for Kids
other new people adjust in the past and they
can certainly do so for you!
•If you’ve moved into a new living
community, develop a routine to nurture
both your private life and your social life.
Get involved in activities and outings, but
also devote time to being in
your new home and engaging
in activities you’ve always
enjoyed like reading a book
or telephone calls with family.
•Reach out for help. If the
situation has escalated and
you are concerned for your
safety, contact a professional
or the police immediately.
Each stage of life, including
the senior years, has its own
challenges. If you need support,
JFS Senior Solutions can
offer care management and
Laura Harter
counseling services to help in
times of transition. As seniors
make changes and adjustments in later years,
it can help them to know that support is just a
phone call away! Call us at 303.597.5000 or
visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/services/
senior-solutions for more information.
Laura Harter, a licensed social worker,
provides care management and counseling in
the JFS Senior Solutions department. Laura has
worked with individuals and families across
the lifespan, but has enjoyed the vibrancy and
thoughtfulness that seniors personify. Laura
loves hearing the life stories and memories that
senior clients share.
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
11
JFS Celebrates Volunteers in April – and Every Day
By Audrey Friedman Marcus
April 6-12, 2014, marks the 40th
National Volunteer Week. For Jewish Family
Service, the week provides an opportunity to
recognize, praise, celebrate, and thank the 836
volunteers who are helping the agency make
a huge difference to the Jewish and general
communities of Denver and Boulder.
I grew up in a home in which volunteering
was a priority, so when I moved to Denver in
the 1950s, I became involved in a number of
organizations, and before long I was elected to
the board of Jewish Family Service.
It was immediately clear to me that
I was serving an outstanding and
worthwhile agency, and I quickly
became a committed JFS volunteer.
Some years later, I learned that JFS
was seeking para-chaplains to visit
hospitals and retirement facilities.
Intrigued, I enrolled in the mandatory
orientation class. From knowledgeable teachers, rabbis, and social
workers, we learned how to engage
clients in conversation and ideas for
Audrey
activities in which to engage them.
Friedman Marcus
There was valuable information
about the elderly population, Jewish attitudes
on aging, information on privacy issues, how
to introduce Judaism and prayer, and much
more. After completing the course, I felt ready
for the challenge, and for a number of years
visited several amazing elderly women.
Today, in addition to volunteering as a
freelance writer for JFS, I’m a member of their
Holocaust Advisory Committee. All of the
volunteer jobs I’ve held have been exciting
and worthwhile. Not only have I learned an
enormous amount, but I always feel esteemed
and appreciated by the professional staff. They
are consistently warm and friendly, as well as
12
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
approachable and helpful. While it’s clear that
they are aware of the huge monetary value of
volunteers to the agency, they never lose sight
of the human equation. Not surprisingly, this
assessment is shared by other JFS volunteers. I
recently spoke to two of them.
Bernie Papper, a new JFS volunteer,
recently retired after 26 years at the Intermountain Jewish News and decided to seek
an opportunity to give something back to
the community. Because he knew many
individuals who had been helped by JFS, he
made an appointment with Nancy Benyamin,
Volunteer Services director at JFS. She
suggested he make thank-you calls to donors
on behalf of the development department.
Bernie is enjoying this responsibility so much
that he’s looking to do even more for the
agency. “All the volunteers feel very valued,”
states Bernie. “It’s an incredible place doing
incredible work. The dedicated staff is like a
family—and I get lots of hugs from them all
whenever I go there.”
After the sudden death six years ago of her
48-year-old daughter, Lorri Stonbraker knew
she needed to develop an interest—something
that would engage her mind and give her a
renewed interest in life. Retired from a stressful
job, she wanted to be involved in something
low-key where she could make a difference.
The JFS Weinberg Food Pantry turned out to be
the perfect fit. For six years, Lorri has loyally
shown up once a week for a worthwhile,
hands-on experience that she says is always
interesting. She helps clients shop, hands
out food, answers questions, soothes ruffled
feelings, and helps in any way she can.
The clients are a diverse group—
Ethiopians, Arabs, Russians, and—of
course—Americans. Some dress up as if for
an outing when they come. Others, who have
lost everything, including their pride, are
embarrassed to be there—and sometimes even
burst into tears. Lorri sees it as part of her job
to help everyone
“We are really
feel comfortable,
and she’s always
like one big
ready with a joke
happy family.”
or a hug. She leaves —Lorri Stonbraker
each time with a
feeling of worth, and the challenge takes her
mind off her own sorrows. It’s a cause that’s
easy to believe in, she says.
Those on Lorri’s shift have become very
close, which provides a social aspect to the
task. They help each other, calm those who
are upset or ill, explain how to prepare certain
foods, dry tears, and tell the women who are
dressed up how nice they look.
Lorri can’t say enough good things
about the hardworking, friendly staff at the
Weinberg Food Pantry. “They don’t take us
for granted,” she says. “They’re considerate
and respectful and show their appreciation at
every turn. They want us to be content in our
jobs and always back us up. They’re so kind,
gentle, and sweet. We are really like one big
happy family.”
Because of her positive experience, Lorri is
a persuasive recruiter, and has brought several
friends on board as JFS volunteers.
Nancy Benyamin, the knowledgeable
JFS Volunteer Services director, delights
in meeting with prospective volunteers to
discuss their talents and availability, and
seems to have an instinct for the ideal
placement for each. She is generous with
her praise and encouragement. “Jewish
Family Service began as a volunteer organization many years ago,” states Nancy, “and
volunteers are still a vital part of the agency
today. We are so grateful for all the help they
provide to our programs. We simply couldn’t
do all we need to do without them!”
If you are interested in learning more about
volunteer opportunities at JFS, please contact
Nancy Benyamin at 720.248.4642 or
nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Audrey Friedman Marcus is a volunteer
writer for JFS. She was founder and executive
vice president of A.R.E. Publishing, Inc. for
30 years before retiring in 2001. She also
founded the annual Fred Marcus Memorial
Holocaust Lecture and authored the book
Survival in Shanghai: The Journals of Fred
Marcus 1939 to 1949 (Pacific View Press).
STAFF
Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following staff
members celebrating their anniversaries
in March and April:
25 years: Anthony Montoya,
SHALOM Denver driver/maintenance
20 years: Ann Veenstra,
administrative services director
10 years: Shelly Hines,
Family Safety Net director
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
13
THANK
YOU
for Caring!
The following donations reflect tribute
gifts received from December 1, 2013 to
January 31, 2014. 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.
IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES
Arnold Kover
Stephen and Cheryl Cohen
Bernard and Roberta Naiman
Cynthia Chapman
Ruth Epstein
Marlene Weiner
Julius and Rose Pluss
Norma Kurtz
Mickey and Louann Miller
Arthur and Gerri Shenkin
Gilbert and Jane Hermann
Neal and Myrna Tyson
Cynthia Chapman
IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF A BABY
Porter Hillman
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Micah Issner
Michael and Lani Kessler
IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS
Myndel Cohen
Bernard and Leba Munishor
Selma Friedman
Ruth Epstein
Eli Gien
Adam and Malena Jackson
Bradley Greenwald
Brett Miller and Heather Taussig
Sheila Gutterman
Neal and Kathy Kimmel
Pam Naiman
Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum
Ron Kempton
Marvin Tyor
Neal Kimmel
Peggy Bernstein
Cathy Kravitz
Marvin Tyor
Amy Pogrebin Bremenstuhl
Mark Pogrebin
Stanley Rubel
Helen Bernstein
Charlene Loup
Phyllis Goodman
Dorothy Schwab
Norman Schwab
Lisa Soicher
Robert and Robyn Loup
Wendy Sturniolo
Edward and Judith Rosenthal
IN HONOR OF HANUKKAH
Mark and Gayle Eskanos
Craig and Vicki Eskanos
IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENTS
Josh Samet and Paula Mermelstein
Michael and Harriet Greenstein
14
Thank you for your generosity! Your support
makes our life-transforming work possible.
IN HONOR OF GRADUATIONS
Jon Futa
Jane Tannenbaum
Jeff Greenstein
Michael and Harriet Greenstein
WITH WISHES FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Alan Mayer
Irene Mayer
IN HONOR OF MARRIAGES
Wesley and Lisa Benoit
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Traci Lato
Anonymous Donations
IN HONOR OF THE KAL ZEFF
BUSINESS LEADER AWARD RECIPIENT
Norman Brownstein
Peggy Goldman
Stan and Sharon Marks
Howard and Carol Torgove
IN HONOR OF THE JACK SHAPIRO
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Rabbi Steven and Senator Joyce Foster
Daniel Bennett and Devorah Uriel
Mike Boxer
Ronald and Roni Brown
Richard and Andra Davidson
Sheldon and Janet Fisher
Kenneth and Judy Friednash
Peggy Goldman
Edward and Dianne Green
Lee and Barbara Mellman Davis Fund
Ron Leff
Jay and Lois Malawsky
Stan and Sharon Marks
Howard and Carol Torgove
Barry and Randie Winograd
IN HONOR OF VOLUNTEER
EFFORTS AT JFS
David Zucker
David and Beth Lippa
IN HONOR OF
Ken Bardach
Anonymous
Carla Bartell
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Rabbi Eliot Baskin
Jim and Linda Chalat
Janet Slate
Neal Bobrick
Howard and Donna Lutz
Libby Bortz
Brad Schuster and Patricia Bortz
William and Elaine Bromberg
David and Marilyn Bromberg
Deborah Bronstein
Joseph Kelly
Paula Burger
Harold and Marilyn Lande
Lin Carleen
Stanley and Paula Gudder
Frances Cohen
Illona Weiman
Jennie Creasey
Susan Cable
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
Jeff Dunn and Family
Geo and Genie Hindall
Jeff and Cindi Dunn
Bud and Teena Slatkin
Katie Dunn
Jeff Dunn
Victoria Norton
Cathy Summer
Doris Fasbender
Rick Rohr and Ingrid Swords
Jay Schusterman and Mary Lee
Schusterman
Shawn and Alan Epstein
Stanley and Paula Gudder
Hollis Fasbender
Elizabeth Otto
Jennifer Fenniman
John and Susan Fenniman
Steve and Marion Fredman
Stanley and Paula Gudder
Mike and Cindy Friedman
Jon and Betty Heller
Steve and Lisa Friedman
Michael and Mary Frank
Joan Frumkin
Martin and Jane Frumkin
Mark George and Pamela Eisenbaum
Alison George Briscoe
Herbert and Ruth Giller
Roger and Jill Giller
Brian Gold
Robert and Marsha Gold
David Gold
Robert and Marsha Gold
Eric Gold
Robert and Marsha Gold
Ida Goldberger
Betty Naster
Peter Gottlieb
Perry and Della Jultak
Cathy Grimm
Arlen and Kathleen Meyers
Lotte Heimann
Roberta Beach
Jean Heller
Bette Heller
Hilton Herman
Mina Herman
JFS Accounting Department
Daisy Flynn
Aranka Jonap
Miguel and Aniko Mogyoros
John Keith
Jerry and Marilyn Snyder
Arnold Kover
Alan and Deborah Lazaroff
Howard Lutz
David and Peggy Marks
Sandy Manheimer
Stewart Gabel and Joan Manheimer
Evan Meltzer
Scott and Sharon Sagel
Ruth Nicholson
Gail Pennington
Daniel and Meg Quiat
Melinda Quiat
Steve and Dottie Resnick
Dirk Hansen
Susan Rosen
Joan Levine
James Sachs
Moussa and Mahassen Najjar
Jen Sarche
Cynthia Chapman
Don Schlesinger
Jim and Linda Chalat
Mirella Schreiber
Illona Weiman
Joel Schwartzman
Lawrence and Lisa Jacobs
Julie Shaffer
Leslie Kimerling
SHALOM Denver Employees
W. Scott and Elizabeth Carson
Bud Slatkin
Jeff Dunn
Marvin Stein
Anonymous
Bob and Janet Warren
Joshua and Jennie Feiger
Yana Vishnitsky
Tsesarsky Family Philanthropic Fund
Jaqueline Sprinces Wong
Mark and Tina Harrop
IN MEMORY OF
Shelley Altman
Jerry Altman
Ray Anzman
Jerry Gordon and Laura Goff
Esther Aronowski
Harvey Milzer
Ralph Auerbach
Donn and Eileen Spector
Agnes Badion
Steven Goldstein and Amy Wright
Sylvia Baumgarten
Gary Baumgarten and Kathy Brauer
Anne Bernstein
Douglas and Jennifer Friednash
Harold Blitt
Lois Blitt
Marjorie Moch
Aaron and Ellen Bregman
Marlene Siegel
Elaine Bromberg
David and Marilyn Bromberg
Edward Bronstien
Yury and Corinne Ablin
Alan and Karen Stein
Deborah Burger
Susan Grauer
Avery Clayton
Richard and Bonnie Horwitz
Barbara Coffee
Stuart Turgel
Elsie Cohen
Daniel and Margo Jacobson
Harold Cohen
David Cohen
Shirley Cohen
David Cohen
Helga Cooper
Al Axelrod
Alma Crowell
Sheryl Noven
Diane Dinner
Steve and Patti Coffin
Eckhardt Farms, Inc.
Stan and Sharon Marks
The Striker Foundation
Louis Duman
Herbert and Doris Rothenberg
Marion Eichberg
Cynthia Chapman
Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard
Lee Engbar
Lawrence and Rhoda CoBen
Howard Eiseman
Mark and Rachel Saliman
Jerry Feld
Harvey and Judith Cohen
Bernard and Leba Munishor
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Betty Finesilver
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Alan Fishman
Louis Fishman
Joyce Freeman
Ellin Keene
Ronald Freund
Irene Freund
Jean Glaser
David and Mary Glaser
Rabbi Daniel Goldberger
Betty Naster
Samuel Goldblatt
Hank and Sherrie Brandon
Mary Goldman
Larry and Debra Jacobs
David Goldstein
Bob and Rosey Godshaw
Judy Eisen Goldstein
Stan and Sharon Marks
Kenneth Gordon
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Cynthia Chapman
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Franz Huber and Karen Sugarman
Huber
Scott and Andrea Stillman
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Lena Gordon
David and Gayle Ann Weinstein
Leonard Gordon
Selma Gordon
Gerald Gray
Cynthia Chapman
Sheldon and Ellen Friedman
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Stephen and Celeste Gorden
Bev Harrison
Elliott and Gloria Husney
David and Beth Lippa
Gary and Joyce Lozow
Libby Marcus
Arnold and Gwen Schatz
Alan and Karen Stein
Arnold and Karen Stein
Vitaly and Jill Vishnitsky
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Howard Greinetz
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Ronald and Roni Brown
Bernard and Leba Munishor
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Martin Gross
Debra Herz
Gerald Hein
Marvin and Jackie Cooper
Craig and Vicki Eskanos
Stephen and Celeste Gorden
Barton and Marci Rivkin
Sandra Simons
Morris Hein
Elliott and Gloria Husney
Hannah Heinberg
Barry and Ruth Herman
Susan Higgins
Arnold and Karen Stein
Burt Hobson
Alice Gansfield
Marilyn Huttner
Donn and Eileen Spector
Sheldon Hyatt
Eileen Hyatt
Iboyla Illes
Ronald Colson and Karen Paul
Lynn Karelson
Pesia Lenczner
Gerald Kessel
Howard Eiseman
Basia Kononov
Dmitry Kononov and Olga Titova
Alan Laff
Lisa Laff
Sharon Lasky
Marlene Adam
Mark and Susan Barter
Marvin and Jackie Cooper
Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard
Marion Goldstein
Allan and Suzan Markman
Irene Morita
Don and Linda Neuman
Robert Rottman
Max Silverman
Alan and Karen Stein
Al Leebow
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Emilie Lellouche
Mireille Key
Adele Lerman
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Peggy Brody
Chapman & Roth, LLC
Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard
Arleen Gershen
William and Sheri Gold
Burton and Lee Levy
Lynn and Lisa Taussig
Richard Wedgle and Susan Mason
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Harold Letman
Howard and Susan Licht
Ida Letman
Howard and Susan Licht
Alan Levine
Vitaly and Jill Vishnitsky
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Dorinda Levy
Justin and Cari Levy
Bradley and Sara Nieder
Ina Mason
Nancy Alterman
Justin and Sharon Roth
Abby Meisterplass
Eudice Lewkowitz
Manya Milzer
Harvey Milzer
Isaac Milzer
Harvey Milzer
Natalie Mintz
Richard and Bobbe Cook
Gerhard Nebel
Linda Moery
Gertrude Nemirow
Marvin Berkowitz
Ami Opat
Walter and Joy Spita
Albert Eli “Yonny” Pepper
Trude Bershof
Cindy Powell Rudolph
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Annette Preece
Donald and Janet Frank
Jack and Celeste Grynberg
Gilbert and Jane Hermann
Lester Probst
Alyson Probst
Jean Radam
Ruth Ann Quick
Sol Radam
Ruth Ann Quick
Bob Radetsky
Albert and Janice Dinner
Dan and Ginger Dinner
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Debra Herz
Donald and Arlene Shwayder
Beverly Sigman
Ann Robicoff Schiffman
Marvin and Jackie Cooper
Dorothy Robins
Stan and Sharon Marks
Herbert Rose
Ron and Gale Kahn
Francine Rosenberg
Harold and Marilyn Lande
Adrian Rosenfelder
Arnold and Karen Stein
Aaron Rosenthal
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Debra Herz
Bertram Rothschild
Deborah Rothschild
Marilyn Rothschild
Deborah Rothschild
Bertha Rubin
Gerald and Kathy Berenstein
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard
Neal and Kathy Kimmel
Herb and Jill Lee
Gary and Joyce Lozow
David and Peggy Marks
Doug and Marty Meitus
Partners in Pediatrics, P.C.
Roger and Linny Pretekin
Dean Prina
Marlene Weiner
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Hubert Safran
Ronald Colson and Karen Paul
Debra Herz
Dick and Toby Meyer
Buzz and Nancy Neusteter
Ronald and Rhoda Resnick
Donald and Arlene Shwayder
Paul Saliman
Mark and Rachel Saliman
Linda Schatz
Leon Sherman
Eugene Sherman
Betty Silverman
Meyer and Judith Sussman
Louis Silverman
Meyer and Judith Sussman
Benny and Phyllis Silvestain
Cheryl Sanders
Phyllis Stern Fishman
Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti, PC
Burton Sternburg
Fred and Lauren Sternburg
Mildred Sternburg
Fred and Lauren Sternburg
Evelyn Sunshine
David and Gayle Ann Weinstein
Isadore Sunshine
David and Gayle Ann Weinstein
Albert Sussman
Meyer and Judith Sussman
Beatrice Sussman
Meyer and Judith Sussman
Gary Swenson
Cynthia Chapman
Josephine Tanzer
James and Janis Anderson
Milton Tanzer
James and Janis Anderson
Annette Tarlie
Ina Cherington
Lyn Taylor
Mark Pogrebin
Joseph Tyor
Marvin Tyor
Julia Verderber
Evie Verderber
Isadore and Grace Wedgle
David Gesundheit and Honey Wedgle-Gesundheit
Heinrich and Maria Weinberg
Adriana Weinberg
Carl Weinberger
Miriam Weinberger
Rowena Weinstein
David and Gayle Ann Weinstein
Sam Weinstein
David and Gayle Ann Weinstein
Lillian Weisbly
Donald and Ginni Freedberg
Marshal West
Mark and Susan Barter
Jack Williams
Scott and Trina Reisch
Margurite Williams
Scott and Trina Reisch
Michele “Mikki” Wolf
Nancy Alterman
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Libby Marcus
Lorayne Rosenfeldt
Jorge and Francine Topelson
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
WITH GRATITUDE FOR
Beryl Tesler
Cynthia Chapman
WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY
RECOVERY
Debra Aleinikoff
The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service of Colorado
James Wolfe and Yana Vishnitsky
Sue Miller
Werner and Gilda Kaplan
Donald and Arlene Shwayder
Lee Feldman
Arthur and Lee Feldman
Ellen Friedman
Libby Marcus
Tammy Goldstein
Robert and Toni Schiff
Frances Kessler
Michael and Lani Kessler
Robert Loup
Jon and Sheryl Goodman
Diane Morris
Harold and Marilyn Lande
Robert Silber
David and Nancy Benyamin
David and Beth Lippa
In Kind Donations, page 9
FAMILY MATTERS MARCH/APRIL 2014
15
NON PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
Jewish Family Service of Colorado
Joyce and Kal Zeff Building
3201 South Tamarac Drive
Denver CO 80231-4394
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
tel: 303.597.5000
fax: 303.597.7700
www.jewishfamilyservice.org
Beneficiary Agency of JEWISHcolorado
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.
DENVER, COLORADO
PERMIT NO. 1217