family matters sept oct 08 - denver human service agencyshe moved to denver in 1989 to attend the...

Reel Hope, Jewish Family Service’s annual movie premiere fundraiser, returns for its 13th year onThursday, December 4. Preparations are currently underway for an unforgettable evening! Steve

Kris is chairing the event as we build our leadership team. Once again, this event will take place at Regal Cinemas Continental

Theatre at 3635 S. Monaco Pkwy. Due to exciting theatre renovations,there are 250 fewer seats than in prior years, so don’t delay – reserve yourseat today! Tickets are $180 and include a box dinner and dessertreception. Please call Mary Linder at (303) 597-5000, ext. 365 or ordertickets online at www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

This year, we are delighted to honor Nancy Gary, PsyD, as the JackShapiro Community Service Award recipient, and Daniel Seff, CPA, CVA,as the Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year Award recipient.

Nancy has devoted her professional career to promoting the physical andemotional well-being of children. Initially trained as a child health associate, shespent many years evaluating abused children and ensuring their safety, protection,and recovery. Nancy returned to graduate school and earned her doctorate degreein psychology in 1992 with a specialization in child psychology. In This Issue

Spotlight on Staff 4

Volunteer Spotlight 6

Spotlight on Mental Health 8

Thank You for Caring! 10

Healing Center Art Exhibits 12

Grant Awards 14

Summer Magic 15

Family Safety Net 16

Babi Yar Memorial 17

Reserve Your Seat for Reel Hope–Take 13!

JFS Annual Meeting Honors Yana Vishnitsky for 30 Years of ServiceScott Friedman Receives Volunteer of the Year Award

Volume 18, No. 5 • September/October 2008

FamilyMatters

Jewish Family Service recently held its 2008 annual meeting at the CableCenter, celebrating President & CEO Yana Vishnitsky’s 30th anniversary with

the agency, honoring volunteer of the year Scott Friedman, installing new boardmembers, and bidding farewell to departing board members. Approximately 250guests — a record number for this event — enjoyed a complimentary cocktailreception and a festive musical performance by two members of Los Lantzmun.

After guests socialized in the Center’s Daniels Great Hall reception area,everyone assembled in the theater for the official program. David Friedman, pastJFS board member and longtime friend of the agency, added a touch of humorthroughout the proceedings as master of ceremonies. Rabbi Bernard Gerson,outgoing JFS board member and rabbi of Congregation Rodef Shalom, deliveredthe D’var Torah. Continued on page 3

Continued on page 2

A member of The Neuro-Developmental Centerin Denver, Nancy combines her expertise in childpsychology with neuro-psychology, speech andlanguage, occupational therapy, and educationremediation. In her work at the Center, Nancy

specializes in children who have sufferedtrauma, experienced high conflictdivorce, or display behavioral difficultiesthat interfere with their school and peerfunctioning.

Nancy also brings her leadershipand commitment to many communityorganizations that provide for the needsof children. She is a lifetime boardmember of The Children’s Hospital, andserves on the boards of Denver Academy,the Mental Health Center of Denver, andCreating Caring Communities.

At Reel Hope, Nancy will sharehow she first got involved with JFS —she is saving the story for the big night!However, she offers this teaser: “I recallone my earliest contacts with JFS when avery large family needed assistance. I wasimpressed at the talented group of profes-sionals and resources JFS assembled forthis family. There is always enthusiasm,

energy, and an interest in providing for all people.”She adds, “I have always felt it a privilege to

work with the extraordinary professionals at JFS. Ithank you for honoring me and letting me knowthat I, in turn, am appreciated.”

The 2008 Kal Zeff Business Leader of the year,Dan Seff, graduated from Emory University with aBBA in accounting. He then went to work forArthur Andersen & Co., where he specialized intaxation and auditing. Since 1993, Dan has been adirector and shareholder with The Seff Group, P.C.and has aided in building the practice from a four-employee firm to one with more than twenty staffmembers.

Dan is a member of the American Institute ofCertified Public Accountants, the Society ofCertified Public Accountants, and is a CertifiedValuation Analyst. He is also a member of TheNational Association of Certified Valuation Analystsand The Business Valuation Research Institute. Dan

is often invited to lecture on his areas of expertise tothe Bar Association and other business andcommunity organizations.

“This is an agency that touches everyone’s lives,from children to seniors, and I feel that with myinvolvement I am able to have a direct impact onthese people,” says Dan. “JFS is such a powerfulorganization and one of the greatest things about itis that the agency helps everyone!” Dan adds, “I havebeen a part of the board for a long time now, andreceiving this award really embodies my love andpassion for JFS. This award is not for me, but reallyfor my family.”

Join us December 4 as we pay tribute to thesecommunity leaders. For more information and topurchase tickets, please contact Mary Linder at (303)597-5000, ext. 365 or [email protected] packages are also available. l

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Reel Hope Take 13 Continued from page 1

Dan Seff

Dr. Nancy Gary

Thank you to our sponsors as of August 6, 2008

ProducerSteve and Elizabeth Kris

Production ManagersChotin FoundationWilliam and Sheri Gold

DirectorsDavid and Mia Berlin Harry and Kay FryerOak Tree Foundation

Casting DirectorsPeggy Goldman and Leonard CedarsRabbi Steven Foster and Joyce FosterLeonard and Debra Herz Meyer and Geri SaltzmanDon and Debbie Silversmith

Associate ProducersJordan and Essie PerlmutterEdward Robinson, Robinson Management Co.Stanton and Jane Rosenbaum Lani Silvers

FA M I LY M A T T E R S S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 8 3

Annual Meeting Continued from page 1

Chet Schwartz, board chair, reflected on manyof the agency’s accomplishments over the past year.He announced the installation of new boardmembers Randy Davis, Andy Klein, and MicheleRight. He also announced the appointment of RabbiSelwyn Franklin, rabbi of BMH-BJ Congregation tothe board. Chet thanked outgoing board membersRob Baumgarten, Jim Cohen, Rabbi BernardGerson, and Robyn Loup for outstanding anddedicated service to JFS.

The audience was brought to tears by an inspi-rational tribute video to Yana Vishnitsky for her 30years of exemplary service to the agency. The videocaptured Yana’s story, told in her own words in a2002 interview, of her journey to Denver from theformer Soviet Union and the struggles she wentthrough to attain the success she enjoys today. Thosein the room who didn’t already know first-hand ofher incredible compassion and dedication surely feltit strongly that night.

Charlene Loup, honorary life board memberand longtime friend of Yana’s, and Chet presented abeautiful glass art piece, “Les Inseparables,” byFrench glass master Ada Loumani, on behalf ofcurrent and past board members. The artist’s worksare owned by many famous people including BillClinton, Prince Albert, and Bill Cosby.

Yana spoke movingly about her tenure with JFSand how the agency is not only her place ofemployment, but has become her extended family.

JFS Group Home volunteer Scott Friedman washonored as this year’s Max Frankel Volunteer of theYear. A touching video portrayed the 23 years ofvolunteer service that Scott has lovingly given to theJFS Group Home residents. Arnie Kover, JFSDisability Services director, assisted by MarySchwartz, JFS Group Home staff member, andLaurie Greene, JFS Group Home resident, presentedthe 2008 Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year Awardto Scott.

As a professional motivational speaker, Scott wasright at home on stage as he humbly accepted theaward. He led the Group Home residents in a sing-along to the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming toTown” with moving lyrics he wrote honoring the lateMax Frankel.

After theproceedings,guests gatheredagain in theGreat Hall for atraditionalRussian vodkatoast in Yana’shonor. Jill BorgSpitzer, CEO ofJewish FamilyService of SanDiego, a formercolleague andlongtime friendof Yana’s, laudedYana for theamazing litany of accomplishments that JFS hasexperienced under her tenure. As an added touch,attendees received a commemorative shot glasshonoring Yana.

JFS congratulates the executive committeemembers for fiscal year 2008-2009: Chet Schwartz,chair; Steve Kris, chair elect; Joyce Foster, immediatepast chair; Shelley Krovitz and Alan Mayer, vicechairs; Chuck Gross, secretary; and Barry Silvestain,treasurer. Eric Pollock, Howard Lerman, Perry Moss,Dr. Dean Prina, and Jane E. Rosenbaum wereappointed to serve as at-large executive committeemembers. Joyce Zeff is emeritus life member. l

New board members (l to r) Randy Davis,

Michele Right, and Andy Klein.

Scott Friedman, Max Frankel Volunteer of the Year,

and Yana Vishnitsky, JFS president & CEO.


Not everyone at JFS works directly with theindividuals we serve, yet they’re indispensable

to the inner workings of the agency. In this issue ofFamily Matters we want you to meet the accountingdepartment — some of the employees who do theirjobs quietly behind the scenes, yet without whomthe agency would not run!

Thank you to Gail Pennington, directoraccounting and finance, and Peggy Vold, controller,for their excellent guidance and leadership of thisdepartment. It is clear that the team works as acohesive unit and enjoys working together.

Marlene Adam just celebrated her 11th anniversarywith JFS as payroll accountant. When Marlene firstjoined the agency, payroll was just a piece of her multi-faceted accounting position. Now that the agency hasgrown to 180 employees and 120 clients who receivepaychecks for their work at SHALOM Denver, payrollhas become Marlene’s main responsibility.

Of course there is more to payroll than merelywriting paychecks! Some of Marlene’s many job tasksinclude setting up new employees, calculating leavetime and holidays, double-checking employees’timesheet calculations, reviewing entries in the payrollsystem and sending the data to the payroll companyfor processing. After the payroll is processed, shegenerates payments for the 401k Plan, Health SavingsAccount, and Flexible Spending Account and preparespayroll related journal entries. In addition, Marleneworks closely with human resources, performs recon-ciliations, and prepares documents for several audits.Fortunately Marlene receives help from a dedicatedvolunteer, Mark Krivel.

Marlene was born and raised in Minnesota andworked in a variety of fields including accountingand administration. She spent time working in ameatpacking plant and as a night attendant in aresidential home with 15 residents with disabilities.She moved to Denver in 1989 to attend the DenverParalegal Institute and spent some time as a paralegalfor attorneys, but ultimately went back toaccounting when she decided that the work was “tooheartbreaking to handle.”

Marlene appreciates the variety of programs andservices JFS offers to the community. “I feel a

kinship with the resettlement program because myparents immigrated to the United States fromBelgium with the help of my mother’s uncle whosponsored them,” says Marlene. “I wish they wouldhave had a place like JFS to turn when they resettledin Minnesota.” Marlene also likes working at JFSbecause of the “flexibility and friendliness.”

When she is not working or visiting family andfriends in Minnesota, Marlene enjoys hiking, biking,skiing, and playing Duplicate Bridge.

Sue Frakes, accounts payable specialist, iscelebrating her five-year anniversary with JFS thisOctober. While most people know that accountspayable entails paying the bills, there is much moreto Sue’s job! Among her many responsibilities, Suetracks invoices to ensure we do not have duplicatesand are not charged tax, reimburses employeeexpense reports, helps with risk management byentering employees’ auto insurance expiration datesand declarationpages into adatabase, keepstabs on the bulkmail account,pre-paid postageaccount, and postage meter, reconciles monthlystatements from vendors, and much more. She takesgreat pride in getting vendors paid on time to helpmaintain employees’ strong relationships with them.

Sue comes from a dual professional backgroundof sales and marketing and accounting. Many yearsago she owned a sewing and alterations business,which led into a career selling sewing machinesnationally. After awhile, she migrated into adminis-trative work, including some temporary positionswhich led to her accounting profession.

“JFS feels like a second family as everyonesupports each other with both work and personalissues,” says Sue. “I also love the agency-wideteamwork and the sense of community involvementI get by indirectly helping the people we serve. Ireally enjoy attending the monthly staff meetingsand seeing the bigger picture of what the agencyaccomplishes and the impact it has in the

“I love the agency-wideteamwork and the sense ofcommunity involvement.” —Sue Frakes

Spotlight on StaffAccounting Department

Continued on next page


community.” Sue also likes helping to plan agencypicnics and holiday parties, and volunteering atfundraising events.

An avid skier and former ski racer, Sue movedfrom Boston to Denver in 1963 to be closer to themountains. A true athlete at heart, Sue has partici-pated in a number of horse-riding activities over theyears, was a Ladies Autocross Champion ofColorado in the early 1970s, and now spends muchof her time on a road bike. She participates in atleast one out-of-town tour per year with the DenverBicycling Touring Club. Sue also has a creative side,as she makes silk flower arrangements, sews, andgardens frequently.

Sheryl Noven, accounts receivable specialist, hasworked for the agency for eight months. Sheryl isresponsible for processing fee-for-service billings inaddition to maintaining deposits and accountsreceivable files. She also works closely with thecounseling department to keep authorizations up todate and ensures that the agency is kept apprised ofalways-changing insurance protocol.

Prior to coming to work at JFS, Sheryl workedin a dental office for 17 years and then owned amedical billing company which she ran from herhome. Once her three children were grown, shebegan to explore opportunities that would providenew challenges and more social contact than her selfemployment situation afforded. A friend whoformerly worked for JFS informed Sheryl of theaccounts receivable opening at the agency andthought it would be a good fit. “During theinterview process, I met a significant number ofpeople who worked at JFS. I was taken by the factthat each and every one of them could not sayenough about what a great place this is to work,”says Sheryl. “It was at that point in time that Irealized I’d come across a unique opportunity. Iwork with a great group of people and feel goodabout the work we do in the community. I feel veryfortunate to be here.”

Like Sue, Sheryl is a Boston native and avid biker.She moved to Colorado after living in Los Angeles for16 years, wanting to raise her children in a healthierenvironment. Her time outside of JFS is spent biking,

hiking, cooking, rock climbing, and travelingwhenever she gets the chance. Sheryl’s mother recentlymoved here from Florida so she will be spending timegetting her acclimated in her new home. Sheryl isexpecting her first grandchild in February and looksforward to her new role as “grandma.”

Melina Sommers, billingspecialist, joined JFS in June. Asbilling specialist, she ensures allinvoices for the agency’s fee-for-service programs are correct andsends them out to be paid. This task includes billinginsurance companies for counseling services andsending invoices to JFS at Home’s homecare clients,to people who pay for JFS Senior Solutions and CareConnection services, and others who pay for services.

Melina was born and raised in the Ohio Valleyand held a variety of jobs including phone companyoperator, hospital switchboard operator, and hospitalbilling administrator. She then lived in Florida for19 years, and worked in billing for a major hospitalnear Daytona for 17 years. Melina moved to Denverthree years ago to be with her daughter and newborngrandson, Dylan.

Continued on page 19

Front row (l to r): Romina Zalcman, Melina Sommers, Marlene Adam, and

Sheryl Noven. Back row (l to r): Sue Frakes, Peggy Vold, and Gail Pennington.

“I’m very happy to work atJFS...it feels like a family.” —Melina Sommers


In this issue of Family Matters, we get to know afew of the Friendly Visitor volunteers who spend

about one hour each week with an older adult whoutilizes JFS’s Senior Solutions services. Thesevolunteers provide much-needed companionshipand, as you will see in the profiles below, the rela-tionship is equally beneficial for the volunteers!

Diane Rubinstein began volunteering as a FriendlyVisitor more than two years ago. “My husbandpassed away more than four years ago of cancer,”Diane explains. “In the last year of his life, he had toundergo a lot of chemotherapy, I was working and

we needed help. I called JFS andwe had a wonderful experiencewith the help we got taking careof my husband and I wanted togive back to the agency.”When she called to volunteer,

she was open to a variety ofopportunities, but since she was

still working, the time commitment of being aFriendly Visitor best fit her schedule. Initially Dianeonly wanted to make a six-month commitment, asshe was planning to retire in that timeframe andthought she would travel frequently. However, her

positive experience withGertrude Schreiber, thesenior she visits, hascaused her to continuevolunteering indefinitely.

“Gertrude is such anincredible person,” says Diane. “She is almost 91years old and lost her eyesight just a few years ago.Her mind is so sharp and she’s very easy to talk to.She has become a mother-figure to me and weopenly share things about our lives. I truly enjoy ourtime together!” The feeling is mutual, too. Gertrudesays, “I am very happy to have Diane. I just adoreher!”

In the last two years, Diane has only missed ahandful of times to visit Gertrude because she wason vacation, but as long as she is in town, she isthere for Gertrude. In fact, Diane lives in Parker andstrives to leave her house as early as she can eachweek to arrive at Gertrude’s so that they can betogether as much as possible. “I started out visitingwith her for one hour each week,” says Diane, “butnow I am usually there for at least 90 minutesbecause we have so much fun together!”

The pair spends most of their time togethertalking at Allied Jewish Apartments, where Gertrudelives, and like to chat outside as much as the weatherpermits. They often attend a Jewish culture class orcurrent events class held at the apartment complex,as well. Through attending these classes, Diane hasgotten to know many of the residents, which givesher new perspective on the challenges of aging andbecoming dependent on others to accomplish dailytasks or to go out and socialize.

“I highly recommend the Friendly Visitorprogram to others,” says Diane enthusiastically. Sheplans to continue her visits with Gertrude for aslong as possible because she has “become very closewith her and can’t imagine telling her I won’t becoming anymore.”

Pat Stein, JFS care manager, also recognizes thevalue of the Friendly Visitor volunteers. “The rela-tionship that is often developed between the seniorand the volunteer is invaluable,” says Pat. “Theylearn lessons from each other, enrich each other’s


Volunteer Spotlight Friendly Visitors

Diane and Gertrude

“Gertrude has become amother-figure to meand we openly sharethings about our lives.” —Diane Rubinstein

“I’m very happy tohave Diane. I justadore her!” —Gertrude Schreiber


Thank you to our current group of dedicated Friendly Visitors:

Jennifer Anderson-Moews

Al Axelrod

Linda Carney

Nancy Collier

Carol Corn

Cindy Gallard

Sherry Goodman

Mindy Holder

Karen Karvonen

For more information on being a Friendly Visitor

or other volunteer opportunities, please contact

Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer

resources, at (303) 597-5000, ext. 369 or

[email protected].

Reka Kluver

Dawn McArthur

Rae Negreann

Lynn Owen

Diane Rubinstein

Sandra Schmitt

Robin Schreier

Lisa Zales

lives, and the volunteersprovide somethingspecial that familymembers cannot. Plus,the Friendly Visitorsprovide great supportand respite for familymembers.”

Pat adds, “I believevolunteers are like a rare and precious stone thatshould be greatly recognized and appreciated. Theymake such an amazing commitment and devote alot of time and energy to people who start out asstrangers.”

One of Pat’s clients, Marvin Harmatz, hasdeveloped a close relationship with his FriendlyVisitor, Dawn McArthur, who has been visiting himfor nearly three years. “She is very helpful andflexible,” says Marvin. “Since I am blind, she readsmy mail to me, sets my washing machine and otherappliances, takes me to stores, and we go out todinner.” Dawn even helped Marvin buy newappliances by researching them online and takinghim to buy them.

Marvin is quite impressed with Dawn’snever-ending energy and devotion. “She is astockbroker, so her day starts early,” explainsMarvin. “After work she runs six miles almostevery day, swims frequently, visits me once perweek, and volunteers with other organizations.She is amazing and quite unusual!”

Mirella Schreiber, another JFS caremanager who primarily works with Holocaustsurvivors, says, “Friendly Visitors make adifference for Holocaust survivors who areoften isolated and lonely. It is nice for them tohave someone who cares for them, for them toreciprocate those feelings, and to have a senseof belonging.” l

“Volunteers are likea rare and preciousstone that should berecognized andappreciated.” —Pat Stein, JFS care manager

Sign up for JFS E-Newsletter!Now it’s even easier to stay connected to JFS and all its

happenings. Simply go to www.jewishfamilyservice.org

and sign up for the free E-Newsletter! You will receive

monthly news and tidbits from JFS as well as information

about special events, volunteer opportunities, and more.


Family Matters recently sat down with an extraor-dinary young man with an important mission to

reduce the stigma of mental illness and encouragethose battling mental illnesses to seek help. We arepleased to introduce Evan Silverman…

Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.A: I am 33 years old, grew up in Denver, and haveworked at the Tattered Cover Book Store for 11years. When I interviewed for my position at thebookstore, they asked me to describe myself in threewords and I answered “fun, fair, and honest.” I feelthose words still fit me today. However, I wish lifewas that simple. After many years of battlingdepression, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorderafter graduating college in 1996. Then my diagnosischanged to schizophrenia in 1999, which changedmy life in many ways.

Q: Since there are many miscon-ceptions about schizophrenia,please inform our readers aboutthis illness.A: First I’ll tell you what it is not.Schizophrenia is not “splitpersonality” or “multiplepersonality.” It is very rare forpeople with the illness to becomeviolent. According to SchizophreniaDigest, schizophrenia is a biological-ly based brain disease that affectsapproximately one percent of thepopulation worldwide. It is a formof psychotic disorder, which means

it can cause people to have difficulty interpretingreality. Schizophrenia often manifests itself in amarked change in thinking, perceptions, andbehavior.

Q: What are some of the symptoms?A: “Positive” symptoms are disturbances that are“added” to someone’s personality, which may includehallucinations (false sensations), delusions (falsebeliefs), disorganized thinking and speech, andagitation and movement disorders. “Negative”symptoms, or capabilities that are “lost,” include

lack of drive or initiative, apathy, social withdrawal,and flat affect (emotional unresponsiveness).

Q: What have been the most difficult parts ofliving with schizophrenia and how have youovercome them?A: Before I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I wasin a psychiatric hospital and diagnosed with bipolardisorder. A psychotic depression hit me hard and Ithought the angst would never go away because Iwas evil and the doctors would find a way to keeppeople alive forever. No medication seemed to helpthe depression. I went in and out of the hospitalover the next few months and the doctorsrecommended electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Istarted to feel a bit better, which made me rethinkmy idea that I was being punished for evil. Finally,with help of my psychiatrist and two sets of ECTtreatments, I slowly came out of my depression.

Three years later, I planned a gigantic party thatnever happened as I became psychotic and ended upin the hospital for two months. My diagnosis wasthen changed to schizophrenia. The scariest part ofthe hospitalization was being in an isolation roomfor 13 days. However, I managed to keep my spiritsup by joking with the nurses that I was “putting inmy two weeks” when I was ready to leave!

I left the hospital and moved into KarisCommunity Center, a facility for people with seriousand persistent mental illness. After 20 months atKaris, I moved into an apartment — first with aroommate for nearly six years — and now on myown for about a year. My circle of support, whichincludes my parents, Karis, my psychiatrist, andTattered Cover, has helped me overcome the difficulttimes in my life.

Q: How did you get connected with JFS?A: About a year and one-half ago, I had the desire towrite and tell my story. After a few months, Ifinished an article and submitted it to several publi-cations before Schizophrenia Digest accepted it. Thearticle, which appears in the magazine’s Winter 2008issue, is entitled “My journey, my gifts.”

My family and I are very proud of the article

Spotlight on Mental HealthEvan Silverman

Evan SilvermanCourtesy of Nathan Armes and Magpie

Media, Inc.



and sent it to many family members and friends,including Dawn Richard, development director atJFS. I met with Dawn and Stacey Weisberg, JFSCounseling Center director, regarding ways I couldget involved with JFS. After meeting with them andlearning more about the agency, I decided tovolunteer at the Food Pantry and help out in anyway I can, whether it is talking to others battling amental illness or lending a hand around the office.

In August, I began volunteering a few hours perweek in the Pantry, and over the next several monthsI will be exploring other ways to help. I believe JFSis a healthy community that I want to be part of andI am happy that I have time each week to volunteer!

Q: Do you have advice to others battling amental illness?A: Yes, I have a few thoughts on that subject:• Educate yourself about your illness — go online

and find out as much as possible.• Find a community that works for you — that’s

bigger than yourself — such as a church orsynagogue or JFS. I believe that a healthycommunity values everyone for theiruniqueness and there is a sufficient amountof love for everyone. When we makepositive choices within a healthycommunity, we transform that communityand by extension, we transform the world.This further changes us.

• Find someone you trust such as a sponsoror mentor and people to help you with yourweaknesses, if necessary. For example, awoman comes to my apartment once/weekto help me stay organized. I am alsofortunate to have a caring network ofsupport from Karis Community Center.

• Set manageable goals to improve yourmental health.

• Find love — it is so powerful!

Q: Do you believe you can “recover” fromyour illness?A: Recovery to me means leading a “normal”life — being gainfully employed, havingfriends and a social life, and looking back at

my life to see what can be incorporated into thepresent. I am, however, very excited about my futureand my “non-plan” for it. Basically, I believe I canstay in one place and let the things around mechange. As they change, G-d will make sure thatnew opportunities will open up for me. My faith hashelped get me through a lot of life’s challengesalready.

Q: What other lessons have you learned that youwant to pass along?A: Working at the Tattered Cover has taught me alot of great lessons that apply not only to my job,but to life in general. I have learned great customerservice, how to treat people the way they deserve tobe treated, and the value of listening. I believe we areimperfect beings, but we can learn a lot if we listen,gain perspective, and live meaningful lives. l

To learn more about mental health resources at JFS, please visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org or call (303) 597-7777.

Call JFS at Home and discover an exceptional standard of home care right in your neighborhood.We know you care deeply about your loved one. And, we know you could use alittle “you” time. Even running out for simple errands can seem like a challenge.Let us help. We place only screened, experienced caregivers in your home so thatyou can get out for a bit.

For a FREE consultation, call 303.750.4000 today, or email [email protected].

JFS at Home is a division of Jewish Family Service of Colorado.

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Thank you for your generosity! Your supportmakes all our good works possible. Please accept

our apologies for any omissions or errors.

The following reflectsdonations received duringthe period of June 1, 2008to July 31, 2008.

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIES

Saralee and Pete BlackNorman Aaronson and

Evelyn HuttBruce and Esther Flossic

Mary SymontonSheldon and Ellen

FriedmanStanton and Jane E.

RosenbaumRonnie and David Hauptman

Jon and Sheryl GoodmanJordan and Rachel Kortmeyer

Mary SymontonJoe and Nita Silberstein

Burt and Claire SeidenRuth and Bernie Springer

Mary SymontonBernard and Sharon Witkin

Byron and Evelyn Shafer

IN HONOR OF B’NAI MITZVAH

Aaron GurinBenjamin and Amie

Valore-CaplanAlec Sarche

Justin and Sharon RothJoshua Steinberg

Edward Stanley Sanditen

IN HONOR OF BIRTHS

Benjamin Douglas DeBoskey

The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service

Yana Vishnitsky and Jim Wolfe

Russell GreensteinThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceYana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeMiriam Kaufman

Lani Silvers Elliot Skylar Starosta

Lani Silvers

IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYS

Phyllis AbramsonRobert AbramsonHarvey and Nancy Cohen

Lisa EngbarFloyd and Edythe Sunshine

Ida GarnekHoward and Tilly Rollin

Jacquie HoffmanMichael and Devra Ochs

Charles JacobsRobert Berger

Bette KaplanStewart and Marilyn

Greene David Naiman

Cynthia ChapmanJustin and Sharon RothTerry and Pam Stearman

David SavitzGerald and Linda Kernis

Yana VishnitskyGray Investments Arnold and Karen Stein Tsesarsky Family

Philanthropic Fund

IN HONOR OF ENGAGEMENTS

J.J. and BrynnJeffrey and Sandra Barter

IN HONOR OF GRADUATIONS

Jordan, Madison, JosephInscriptions, Inc.

Charlie MillerMarguerite Oxman

Ari RosenbaumGary and Joyce Lozow

Brian SteinWayne and Janie Leiser

IN HONOR OF

Elaine and Max AppelSchneider Consulting Group

Elaine AsarchRichard and Michele Right

Rabbi Eliot BaskinLisa Eller Davis

Noa BaumgartenKenneth and Shauna

LevinsonHarlan Bockman

Howard and Donna LutzBeryl Brasch

Mortimer Gordon

The Handler FamilyMichael and Estelle

HandlerNona Feiner

Ken and Linda HellerScott Friedman

Marsha GardenswartzMarvin and Nancy GartRobert and Barbara NiederRichard and Michele Right Stanton and Jane E.

RosenbaumZelda Gutman

Sally Steele Metzger Cynthia Heller

Estelle MeskinJoshua (Yohashoah) and Elisheva Hoffman

Nora SchruttGary and Joyce Lozow

Richard and Linda MishkinJay and Judy Lutz

Richard and Cathie Lutz Janet Mordecai


Essie PerlmutterTerry Fenner and

Dawn RichardBecky Powers

Mary Eichelberger Jeffrey and Jennifer Pringle

Bruce PringleRoberta Reinfeld

Roger Vossler David Richman

Jeffrey and Sandra Barter Mark and Susie BarterSeth and Rivka Weisberg

Alexis and Daniel RoitmanDavid and Toni Roitman

Stanton RosenbaumThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceYana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeMallory Rubin

Jonnie and Donna PizerDan Seff

Harry and Kay Freyer Ida Silverman

Max Silverman Pat Stein

Jerome Mark and Dorothy Gotlieb

Leo StillmanSteve and Sandy Berkowitz

Francine TopelsonJan and Lezlie GoldbergKen and Linda Heller

Yana VishnitskyRobert Abramson Marlene Adam Greg and Sandi Banks Marvin and Nancy Gart Barbara GoldburgPeter and Sherri Goldstein Adele GordonBenjamin Newman and

Marcee GordonJerry and Dorothy GrossfeldMelvyn and Roberta Klein Andy and Renee Raabe Stanton and Jane E.

RosenbaumJustin and Sharon Roth

IN HONOR OFWEDDINGS

Adam and Olivia AsarchJeffrey and Sandra Barter

Russell Volk and Sandy Farber

Stephen and Lois Nadler Claire Yoelin

Ruth and Sidney FreemanArnold and Karen Stein

A. Barry HirschfeldGary and Joyce Lozow

Liz HoffmanAnne Angerman

Audrey HuttAnne Angerman

Linda Shapiro and David Manning

Linda ShapiroTerri Kaye and Mark Walters

Bennie and Joan Bub

IN HONOR OF A SPEEDY RECOVERY

Ilene BergsmannTerry Fenner and

Dawn RichardNorman Goldberg

Eleanor PerlmutterPatricia Kaufmann



Lisa KoenigsbergTerry Fenner and

Dawn Richard Yana Vishnitsky and

Jim Wolfe Max Leder

Les and Estelle Levitt

Thank You for Caring!


Adele LermanTerry Fenner and

Dawn Richard Phillip Wolf

Donald and Henny Kaufmann

David NaimanNora Schrutt

Gail NussbaumThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and

Dawn RichardDean Prina


Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard

Don WaskoChet and Louise SchwartzTerry and Pam Stearman

Carla WeeksTerry Fenner and

Dawn RichardMildred Zerobnick

Cynthia ChapmanLes and Estelle LevittTerry and Pam Stearman

IN MEMORY OF

Mark AdamThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family Service Peggy Hermann Don and Linda Neuman Sheryl NovenYana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeAnna Asarch

Richard and Michele RightMinnie Bain

Les and Estelle Levitt Stanton and Jane E.

RosenbaumMickey Barter

Gerson BarterAlice Baumoel

Mark and Susie BarterBobbi Beeler

Adolfson and Peterson Construction

Bruce and Linda Mittleman

Irene BeinJeff and Lisa Hainline

Sylvia BergerMark and Susie Barter

Dorothy BernsteinTrude Bershof David and Nancy

Benyamin The Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceCharles and Harriet

Goldberg

Grace Horvat Ann LockhartRichard and Cathie Lutz Don and Linda NeumanTerry Fenner and

Dawn RichardEdith SullivanBen and Dee Trasen Yana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeReuben Berzin

Nancy FinkRobert Berzin

Bill Townsend and Dawn Reinfeld

Paula BiegenBeth Barnet Donald and Henny

KaufmannDavid and Joni Lane Neusteter Colorado

Company Carolyn SamuelFloyd and Edythe Sunshine

Janie BoberHenry and Miralee

GoldsteinMyer Brandon

Samuel and Dorothy Parris Elaine Bromberg

Anne AngermanDeryll B. BanningJoan Barnes David and NancyBenyamin Margaret Bernstein Barbara Bloom The Board & Staff of

Jewish Family Service William Bromberg Joan Daniel Judy Fox Arthur and Jackie Frazin Martin and Beth Goldstein Ralph and Berta Goodman Tom and Liliana GripRobert and Barbara

Guttsmann Donna Kornfeld David and Beth Lippa Glenn Jr and Mary

MoweryI. Bernard and Leba

Munishor R. and S. OwensLeon Spies and Janet

PetersonHank and Bobette RobinsonStanton and Jane E.

RosenbaumJack and Charlene ShafferArnold and Annelie

SherwoodCarolyn WoldKendrick King and

David Wright

Deena BrooksAkiko AkiyamaDennis and Jo Battock Barry and Florie Belstock The Board & Staff of

Jewish Family Service Andrew and Laurie Brock Cynthia Chapman Dorothy CohenIra and Claudia CohenAlan and Anita EisenbergBobbi FeinsteinThomas and Amy Fortner Jane Fruchtman Wayne and Faye

Gardenswartz George and Roz Goldstein Jerry and Lorna GrayBud and Marilyn Hyman Gary and Joyce Lozow Stan and Sharon Marks Gary and Joey Mosko Don and Linda NeumanNeusteter Colorado

Company Eleanor PerlmutterTed and Sandra Pomeranz Henry and Renee RecklerRichard and Michele Right Justin and Sharon RothSeff Group, P.C.Chet and Louise Schwartz Barbara Sidon Terry and Pam Stearman Richard and Terri StraussStephen and Lou Ann

Van DaeleRonald and Ellen Wedgle Lynne Weinberger Stephen and Sherri

WeinsteinYana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeMorton and Helene

ZerobnickCelia Cohen

Max SilvermanMaurice Cohen

Berkowitz & Associates, Inc. Mildred Cohen

Max SilvermanMary Danon

Shirley Duman June Davis

Rob and Sam BaumgartenSidney Driman

Ken and Linda HellerSidney Duman

Belden and Jeanne Lerner Ronald and Rhoda Resnick

Sally DworkinPhyllis FriedJoel and Frieda Levine Oscar and Selma Sladek

Norma EdlinCynthia Chapman

Neal and Kathy Kimmel Stan and Sharon MarksRoger and Linny PretekinChet and Louise Schwartz Terry and Pam Stearman

Indy EinhornMark Einhorn and

Carolyn SteuerAnn Faxstein

Marion Goldstein Abraham Feldesman

Stephen and Lois NadlerMillie Feldman

Kathryn RubinWalter and Claire Felsenburg

Jerome Mark and Dorothy Gotlieb

Dorothy FleischmanBarry and Florie BelstockCynthia Chapman Ron and Joyce FishmanThomas and Amy Fortner Sheldon and Ellen

Friedman Ken and Linda HellerHerbert and Jill Lee Chet and Debra Luby Stan and Sharon Marks Richard and Michele RightJustin and Sharon Roth Terry and Pam StearmanRonald and Ellen Wedgle

Marsha GardenswartzMark and Susie BarterThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServicePeter and Bonnie KudlaArnold and Karen Stein Jorge and Francine TopelsonYana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeMelba Garner

Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum

Rabbi Daniel GoldbergerDaniel and Ida Goldberger

Richard GreengardGary and Joyce Lozow Stan and Sharon Marks

Efraim “Fred” HoffmanThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeSusan Jacobs’ Mother

Myrtle Shor SidmanSol Kaplan

Chet and Louise SchwartzPatricia Kaufmann

Howard and Donna LutzNatalya Kaufman

David KaufmanEdward Khazanov

Yana Profilet

Continued on page 13


Rafael Spiritual Healing Center Hosts Mizel Museum Artist Exhibits

The Mizel Museum and the Rafael SpiritualHealing Center are proud to announce two art

exhibits and a November 19 artist reception forartist Marilyn Lande at the Healing Center. Theexhibits are part of an ongoing program showcasingthe artwork of Colorado Jewish Artists Guild(CJAG) members at the Healing Center, located inthe Jewish Family Service building at 3201 S.Tamarac Dr.

The current exhibit, featuring the photographyof Darcy Lewis and the mixed media abstract worksof Jan Steinhauser, runs through October 16. Thistwo-woman exhibit is the third in the series ofColorado Jewish Artist Guild exhibits curated by theMizel Museum to be held at the Healing Center.

Jan Steinhausercomments, “My pieces inthis exhibit represent twoseparate, yet very personal,forces that impel thecreation of my art. The firstis the expression of myemotional and intellectualties to Judaism, which havealways provided theframework for my political,social and ethical beliefs,my love of history, mysearch for spirituality and apassionate attachment tothe land of Israel. Thesecond force is mychallenge as an artist toexpress all this with anaesthetic integrity thatenables me to touch thespiritual chord in otherswhile giving expression tomy ideas.”

Darcy Lewis says, “Myart aims at capturing thedetails that surround us,

but which we are rarely conscious of: the interplay oflight and shadow, positive and negative space, andthe often bizarre forms found in nature. I encourageeveryone to be more mindful of the flickering lightof trees rustling in the breeze, the shape and gleamof ice-wrapped branches, the stunning effects of lightreflecting off clouds — the colors made moreintense by the pollution in the air — andconsciously admire the awesome world that we passby as we rush about our daily lives.”

Darcy, formerly very active as a JFS volunteer,recently opened a women’s boutique featuringvarious local artists.

On November 19, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., theHealing Center will host an artist reception for pho-tographer Marilyn Lande. This exhibit will introduceher new works entitled “MECHITZAH — HERStory Metamorphosed, A Magazine.” The work isfiguratively about seeing Jewish women through themechitzah (the partition between men and women inthe synagogue). Not only is Marilyn a talented artist,but a dedicated and selfless JFS volunteer andsupporter. For many years, JFS has been able tocount on Marilyn to lend a hand with an array oftasks including helping with the Party with aPurpose centerpiece program, volunteering atfundraising events, and assisting with anything elseshe is asked to do.

Recently, Marilyn has lent her Photoshopexpertise to JFS’s in-house graphic designer, KariAlpen, to help her produce top-notch marketingpieces. In addition, Marilyn donated some of herphotos to JFS, which have been used to create newthank you cards that are mailed to donors who maketribute gifts.

You can now purchase blank note cards featuringMarilyn’s artwork! A bag of eight cards is $15 andavailable at the Jewish Family Service reception desk.For more information, please call (303) 597-5000 orvisit www.jewishfamilyservice.org.

For information about the art exhibits or tomake viewing arrangements, contact the RafaelSpiritual Healing Center at (303) 597-5000, ext.391 or ext. 392. l

Jan Steinhauser poses with Cynthia Heller,

Rafael Spiritual Healing Center coordinator.

Darcy Lewis with her artwork in

the Healing Center.

FA M I LY M A T T E R S S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 8 1 3

Throughout the months of September and October, JFS willhost High Holy Day services for Jewish residents of long-term

care facilities, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, amental health center, and four correctional institutions in metroDenver. Boulder JFS will sponsor retirement community HighHoly Day services in Boulder.

Denver area services will be led by Donna Lutz, JFS NursingHome Outreach coordinator; Rabbi Eliot Baskin, JFS Jewishcommunity chaplain; Dr. Leonid Baksht, and JFS Bikur Cholimvolunteer para-chaplains Paula Breese, Bob Epstein, Deb Fowler,Dr. Tony Gotlieb, Barb Hahn, Leland Huttner, Susan Karp, ElliottMagalnick, Jay Miller, Sheldon Spector, and Michelle Stern.

The JFS Nursing Home Outreach Program assists Jewishclients and their families in selecting a nursing care facility that meets theunique care needs of each client. The program also provides counseling andadvocacy for Jewish residents of non-Jewish nursing homes.

Information: Donna Lutz, JFS Nursing Home Outreach coordinator,(303) 597-5000, ext. 303 or Boulder JFS, (303) 415-1025. l

JFS Nursing Home Outreach Program Hosts High Holy Day Services

Volunteer Para-chaplain Barb Hahn led a High Holy

Day service at Holly Heights nursing home in 2007;

Donna Lutz, JFS Nursing Home Outreach coordinator,

accompanied on the guitar; and Para-chaplain

Vickianne King sounded the shofar for the service.

Ruth KlatskinRichard and Michele Right

David LeeperThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceAlan and Anna Lazaroff Yana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeLynn Lehmann

Cynthia Chapman Gary and Joyce Lozow

Dorinda LevyMelvyn and Roberta Klein

Pauline MarkmanGeorge Baum & Company Trude BershofThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceDorothy CohenMarion GoldsteinMarleen Konieczny Sharon LaskyHoward and Donna Lutz Sande Markman Ruth MyersDon and Linda NeumanMartha Pfeiffer Justin and Sharon Roth

Margaret MeiningerThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceWilliam Michaels

Rachel Pollack

Abe OlshanskyDennis and Jo Battock Marilyn BernsteinThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceRichard and Evelyn

SalimanSteve and Linda GoldsteinBarbara Valls Ronald and Ellen WedgleCary and Dianne Weinman

Irving OxmanStephen and Florainne

OxmanMarion Rabin

Kevin Cohen and Laura Grushcow

Edward and Lisa Huttner Ron Rabin and Marilyn

Sacks-Rabin Mary Schwartz

Sol RosenfeldLes and Estelle Levitt

Hope RudnickPaul and Lynn Coffee

Luz SanchezGrant and Gina Taylor

Joan SapiroDaniel Recht and

Elaine SelsbergLorraine and Steven Sekerak

Michael SekerakFreda Shankman

Claire Yoelin

Dorothy SheldonLes and Estelle Levitt

Nick SiegelThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceAnn Cohen Yana Vishnitsky and

Jim WolfeNoah Siegel

Jorge and Francine TopelsonBarbara Silverman

Jordan and Sue HochstadtIrwin Hoffberg Peggy Markson Kappy Jon and Cindy Orenstein Jorge and Francine TopelsonMorton and Helene

Zerobnick Deena Spivak Strauss

Ruth Oppenheim Irwin Sunshine

Les and Estelle LevittKenneth Tasky

Charles and Harriet Goldberg

Christine Reisinger Jorge and Francine Topelson

Frank UhlmannThe Board & Staff of

Jewish Family ServiceLeonard Weiner

Ron and Joyce FishmanLawrence Winograd

Edy Winograd-Burns

IN-KIND GIFTS

Albertson’s BakeryAurora Community PharmacyBeth Shalom SynagogueBeverage Distributors Corp.BMH-BJ CongregationB’nai ChaimBrownie Troop 744 –

Ms. Nanci GoldinChurch of Jesus Christ of

Latter Day Saints’ AuroraCannery

Congregation EmanuelCongregation Hebrew

Educational AllianceGreat Harvest Bread CompanyHerzl Jewish Day SchoolKing Soopers at BelcaroKing Soopers at HampdenKing Soopers ReclamationPizza Hut at HavanaPizza Hut at LeetsdaleRocky Mountain Hebrew

AcademySafewayTattered Cover Book StoreTemple SinaiWhole Foods at Cherry CreekWhole Foods at TamaracZera Abraham

Thank You for Caring! Continued from page 11


JFS is Pleased to Announce Recent Grant Awards

In the past several months, JFS has received grantsfrom the Daniels Fund, The Denver Foundation,

and Rose Community Foundation to fund itsprograms and services. We are grateful to thesefoundations for their continued financial support.

Colorado Senior Connections — a NORC (Naturally Occurring RetirementCommunity) Program

JFS received an operating support grant of$83,847 from the Daniels Fund for Colorado SeniorConnections (CSC) at Berkshires at Lowry (formerlyCrestmoor Downs). JFS is the lead agency for CSC,

a program which helpsseniors live independentlyin their homes byproviding activities andcommunity resources toenhance their health andsocial networks. Inaddition to supportingCSC programming atBerkshires, The DanielsFund grant also will allowJFS staff to serve as aresource for state and localgovernments, nonprofits,

and others interested in developing NORC sites inDenver and throughout Colorado. NORC sites areneighborhood or residential complexes with a highconcentration of seniors who are aging in place.With previous support from the Daniels Fund,Colorado Senior Connections has become anintegral part of this service paradigm that recognizesthe importance of the community for successfulaging.

The Daniels Fund operates the Daniels FundScholarship Program and the Daniels Fund GrantsProgram in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, andWyoming. The Fund was established in 1997 by BillDaniels, a pioneer in cable television known for hiskindness and generosity to those in need.

KidSuccess — a School-Based Counseling Program

The Denver Foundation provided $22,500 tosupport KidSuccess, JFS’s school-based counselingprogram for the 2008-09 school year. For more thana decade, JFS has played a leading role in helping tocreate school environments that support positiveacademic performance and developmental success byaddressing the mental health issues that oftencompromise student performance. The DenverFoundation has helped fund this program for manyyears.

The Denver Foundation is a communityfoundation dedicated to improving life in metroDenver through philanthropy, leadership, andstrengthening the community. Communityfoundations are endowments — permanent pools ofmoney contributed by donors to benefit a specificgeographic area. In 2006, The Denver Foundationawarded $37 million to nonprofit organizations.

JFS Strategic Plan

JFS has demonstrated that even successful andestablished agencies can — and should — adoptbest practice models to ensure their responsivenessboth to the public and to supporters. For JFS,engaging in strategic planning has made a tremen-dously positive impact on the agency, and in turn,on the over 21,500 people it serves each year.

JFS is lucky to have as a long-term supporter,Rose Community Foundation. Rose understands theimportance of building a nonprofit’s organizationalfoundation as well as providing programmaticsupport. In recognition of this need the Foundationawarded a $24,300 grant for the development ofJFS’s strategic plan for fiscal years 2010-2012. Thisgrant will provide the funds needed as JFSundertakes a professional and thorough strategicplanning process to set direction for the agency’sgeneral operations as it moves into its 14th decade ofservice.

Rose Community Foundation makes grants toorganizations and institutions serving the seven-county greater Denver community in the areas ofAging, Child and Family Development, Education,Health, and Jewish life. l

Summer Magic, a program of the Jewish Disabili-ties Network, held two fun July events for young

people with disabilities that offered day campingexperiences at Shwayder Camp and JCC RanchCamp.

A diverse group of 12 Summer Magic partici-pants, comprised of young people with disabilitiesand buddies accompanying them, left Denver onJuly 8 for an action-packed day at Shwayder Camp.In an informal survey in the van back to Denver,first-time camper Ethan reported that his favoriteparts of the day were “meeting new friends andteaching the Shwayder kids to break-dance after artsand crafts.”

Other participants were equally enthused. Jason,who also was an entertaining break-dancer, enjoyedlunch and “hanging out.” Shoshana loved horsebackriding and Robin loved “everything.” Michael wasphilosophical about being rained out of his famousbasketball exhibition and says he’ll get to do it “nexttime.”

Rita Singer, Summer Magic coordinator, says“Shwayder Camp was amazingly generous andwelcoming. They transported us back and forth incamp vans and the staff and campers were friendly

and inclusive. We all learned a lot about each otherand arrived back at Congregation Emanuel smilingand exhausted.”

On Thursday, July 31, seventeen campers andbuddies spent a terrific day at Ranch Camp. Theyworked on art projects, rode horses, had a sing-a-long, ate adeliciouskosher lunch,and best ofall, hung outwith newfriends.

“We arevery gratefulto DirectorsMiriam andGiladShwartz andtheir staff forcarefullyplanning a fun-filled day for us,” says Rita.“Everyone involved was hospitable and inclusive.We all learned a great deal about successfulinclusion of people with disabilities.” l


Happy Anniversary to JFS Staff Members!The following staff members are celebrating anniversaries with the

agency in the months of September and October.

Summer Magic Focuses on Fun and Inclusion

September

Ann Reilly 18 years

Sara Leeper 15 years

Rabbi Eliot Baskin 11 years

Dawn Richard 8 years

Elias Tedia 7 years

Marcie Jacobs 6 years

Terri Edwards 5 years

Peggy Hermann 4 years

Melissa LaLonde 3 years

Valdemar Alekson 2 years

Jeff Laner 2 years

Michelle Smith 1 year

October

Nicolette Chacon 17 years

Cathy Grimm 14 years

Laura Grushcow 11 years

Brenda Stephenson 8 years

Filigonio Arellano 6 years

Sue Frakes 5 years

Mirjana Bijelic 4 years

Alison Joucovsky 4 years

Alaina Green 4 years

Amy Hill-Roots 3 years

Judith Kunze 3 years

Joana Clottey 1 year

Janet McCarthy 1 year


JFS Hosts Successful Summer Lunch Program

This summer, the Weinberg Food PantrySummer Lunch Program provided food and

books to more than 50 children! Each childreceived a week’s worth of lunches everyMonday as well as a new, age appropriatebook. The program serves the children ofthose Pantry clients who are at risk forhunger during the summer and cannoteasily attend school lunch programsoffered by local school districts due totime and transportation constraints. In

addition to receiving lunches and abook, participants enjoyed a celebratorypicnic and school supply distribution at

the end of the program. l

Thank You to Youth CorpsVolunteers!

Many thanks to the outstanding teens who par-ticipated in the Youth Corps this summer. All

student volunteers were over the age of 13 and madea commitment to volunteer in the Pantry over thesummer. As part of their responsibilities, they packedboxes, sorted groceries, and helped clients. Theirassistance is integral to the functioning of thePantry during the summer when many of ourregular adult volunteers are on vacation. l

Gifts Needed for Bright Holidays Program

It is not too early tobegin planning for the

winter holidays — lastyear the Bright Holidaysprogram provided giftsfor over 280 seniors,families, and children. If youcan help, please contact ShellyHines at (303) 597-5000, ext. 319 by December 1stto sign up for this program. l

Thanksgiving Food Needed

The Pantry is in need of Thanksgiving items thisyear for clients who might not otherwise be

able to celebrate the holiday in these difficulteconomic times. We are in need of cranberry sauce,stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, gravy mixes, piefillings, and grocery certificates for clients withspecial dietary needs.

Please bring all donations by Monday,November 17th to Jewish Family Service, 3201 S.Tamarac Drive, and leave them either in the Pantry

or in the barrel outside thereception area.

Thank you inadvance foryour support! l

Family Safety Net

Youth Corps volunteers


The Mizel Museum and Jewish Family Servicewill present an annual memorial program on

Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m. to noon at Babi YarPark, observing the tragic anniversary of themassacre of Jewish residents of Kiev, Ukraine in1941. Members of the Russian, Ukrainian, andJewish communities gather with students, Holocaustsurvivors, and community leaders to remember thetragedy that occurred at the Babi Yar ravine.

Rabbi Richard Rheins from Temple Sinai willserve as emcee of this event. Josh Hoffman, whosegrandmother, Lillian Hoffman, worked fervently tobring Jews from Russia to the United States in the1970s and 1980s, will deliver the Eyl MalayRachamim prayer. Josh was in a near fatal accident ayear ago and became a quadriplegic. Aside from hisrecent wedding in July, this will be his first publicappearance since the accident.

“We are fortunate to have Josh participate inthis event,” says Deanne Kapnick, special projectsmanager for the Mizel Museum. “He shows similar

measures of commitment and determination in hisfaith as his grandmother did.”

More than 35 years ago, visionaries in Denvercame together, as the Babi Yar Park Foundation, tomemorialize a tragic and senseless act of terror witha gift of life — a 27-acre park standing as the city’ssymbol against man’s inhumanity to man. Today, theFoundation has partnered with the Mizel Museumto revitalize the park and extend its message ofconscience and hope throughout the world.

Babi Yar Park is a living memorial to thethousands of Jews, gypsies, Ukrainians and others,murdered from 1941-1943 at the Babi Yar ravine onthe outskirts of Kiev. With its gateway of two talland proud black marble slabs signifying resolutenessin upholding the right and dignity of all people,Babi Yar Park serves as a reminder that the deeds ofmen past, present and future stand unforgotten andaccountable.

For more information, contact Deanne Kapnickat (303) 394-9993, ext. 104. l

Babi Yar Park Memorial Program to Be Held September 28

JFS Legacy Society Thank you to our JFS Legacy Society members to date. These are our supporters who had the vision to include JFS as a beneficiary in their estate plans.

Anonymous

Judy Altenberg

Rabbi Eliot & Dr. Hilary Baskin

Bruce and Jennifer Bendell

Steve Berkowitz

Estate of Jack Bernstone

Jerry & Bobbie Carr

The Winters Creasey Family

Sheryl, Ken, Melyssa & Jake Feiler

Estate of Terry Fisher

Rabbi Steven and Joyce Foster

Estate of Max Frankel

Brad and Laurie Friedman

Estate of Lewis J. Goldsmith

Estate of Louise F. Guggenheim

Sharon and Jeff Haber

Estate of Betty Ann J. Halperin

Peggy Hermann

Estate of Sally Herz

Lisa and Roger Koenigsberg

Estate of Lottie R. Klebe

Estate of Elizabeth S. Krash

Steven and Elizabeth Kris

Robert and Shelley Krovitz

Marilyn and Harold Lande

Estate of Mary Latanik

Blanca T and Howard R Lerman

Estate of Gus and Rona Levin

Estate of Edith Lewitt

Sylvia and Leonard Litvak

Bob and Robyn Loup

Irene S. Mayer

Barbara Altenberg McDonald

Sally Steele Metzger

Estate of Edith Schwartz Meyer

Estate of Ruth Milzer

Perry and Susan Moss

Lois and Steve Nadler

Gail Nussbaum

Gail Pennington

Ellen and Eric Pollock

Dean Prina, M. D.

A & R Raabe

Dawn Richard

Estate of Corinne Rottman

Estate of Minnie Rothchild

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Sanders

Chester and Louise Schwartz

Dan and Marian Seff

Estate of Pearl Shames

Amy Shapiro

Estate of Ruth Shapiro

Donald & Debra Silversmith

Barry & Regina Silvestain

Estate of Lillian Stein

Estate of Samuel H. Sterling

Estate of Susie Strait

Lisa and Lynn Taussig

Francine and Jorge Topelson

In memory of Walter and

Irma Vasen

Dan and Ann Veenstra


Estate of Alan Irwin Wandel

Estate of Sandor Weisz

Eleanor G. and Philip D. Winn

Debra Zimmerman and

Chuck Van Gundy


Celebrate your next special occasion while making a contribution to those lessfortunate. When you order a “JFS Party with a Purpose” centerpiece, bimah basket,

or head table arrangement for your next event (B’nai Mitzvah, baby naming, wedding,anniversary, graduation, dinner, or luncheon), you will be helping to feed the hungry!

Centerpiece proceeds support the Harry andJeanette Weinberg Food Pantry and each basket isdesigned to recognize your generosity. Delivery andpickup are provided for your convenience.

New designs are now available — order your Party with a Purpose centerpiece today! Contact Kari Alpen at (303) 597-5000, ext. 340 [email protected]. l

Good Food • Good Party • Good Works The Centerpiece that Changes Lives

In conjunction with its new branding, JFS willproudly launch a new Web site in the coming

weeks. The site will feature a more user-friendly

layout and navigation, a new blog, client stories,event photo galleries, agency videos, an eventscalendar, a search function, and much more!

“We believe people will have an easiertime finding what they’re looking for andwill enjoy the updated look of the site,”says Ed Galemba, marketing and publicrelations director. “The new site moreaccurately reflects the JFS brand andshows how we are Improving Lives.Rebuilding Hope.”

In addition, SHALOM Denver and JFSat Home will have their own new,improved Web sites.

Watch your e-mail for news of theofficial launch date! If you are not amember of the e-newsletter list, please go to www.jewishfamilyservice.org to sign up. l

New and Improved JFS Web Site Coming Soon!

FA M I LY M A T T E R S S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 8 1 9

Upon first moving to Denver, Melina worked asan interior designer for a flooring company, whichshe greatly enjoyed. She left that job to have surgery.While recuperating, she saw an ad for a part-timebilling specialist at JFS and thought she would enjoyhaving long weekends to spend with her grandson!

“I’m very happy to work at JFS,” says Melina.“Everyone is so friendly, considerate, and respectfulof each other. It feels like a family!” She commentsthat it is nice to work with people from a variety ofage groups, especially the large number in her ownage range. “I also value the strong work ethics of theemployees. It’s a great place to work!”

In her spare time, Melina enjoys gardening,working out at the gym, swimming, and spending asmuch time with her family as possible.

Romina Zalcman joined JFS six months ago as thesenior accountant. In her position, Romina isresponsible for reconciling the bank accounts andgeneral ledger accounts, preparing grant invoices,recording donations, preparing financial statementsand reports, and performing smaller tasks as they arise.

A native of Argentina, Romina received anundergraduate degree in accounting from theUniversity of Buenos Aires. She aspired to learnEnglish and go to graduate school, so she and her

husband relocated to Denver seven years ago. Theychose Denver because Romina’s best friend fromhigh school lives here. Romina spent two yearslearning English before attending Regis Universityand earning an MBA in finance and accounting. Sheworked in public accounting for eight years (five inArgentina and three in Denver)before she had a baby and took a fewmonths off to be with her son, Lucas.Once she had a taste of motherhood,she decided to look for a job withless stress, fewer hours, and withouttravel so that she could spend moretime with her family.

“I found out about the senior accountantposition at JFS through a friend who works thereand the job sounded perfect for me,” says Romina.“I am really happy at JFS — it is such a niceenvironment with friendly people and much lessstress than my previous job. Plus, I like working fora nonprofit, as I feel that I am contributing to agreater cause.”

While most of Romina’s free time activities nowrevolve around spending time with her 11-month-old son, she also enjoys hiking, biking, snowboard-ing, and traveling. l

Spotlight on Staff Continued from page 5

“I like working for anonprofit, as I feel thatI am contributing to agreater cause.” —Romina Zalcman

Help JFS Make a Difference. Donate Your Vehicle.Donate your car, truck, van, boat or RV! Your tax-deductible donation will benefit

JFS’s wide-ranging programs and services. Car donations are handled by our

nonprofit partner, Cars for Charity. Please visit www.carsforcharity.net

or call (303) 853-GIVE (4483) and request JFS as the beneficiary of

your contribution.

NON PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE

PAID

DENVER, COLORADO

PERMIT NO. 1217

Joyce and Kal Zeff Building3201 South Tamarac DriveDenver CO 80231-4394

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

tel: 303-597-5000fax: 303-597-7700www.jewishfamilyservice.org

Beneficiary Agency of Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and Mile High United Way

Save the Date for Reel Hope–Take 13!See page 1 for details.

family matters sept oct 08 - denver human service agencyshe moved to denver in 1989 to attend the...

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