Family Matters Winter 2022

FamilyMatters

Creating a New Home in Colorado

It’s unimaginable to have to leave your home, your country, and what and who you know and flee across the world to hope for a better life. While these stories are heartbreaking by virtue of their circumstances, they are also inspiring for families like the Lalzais.

The Lalzais family fled the horrors in Afghanistan to begin a new life and fulfill their dreams in Colorado in January 2022. The then-family of five was the first JFS helped with resettlement services.

Shortly after arriving in Colorado, Mrs. Lalzais learned she was pregnant and was due in May 2022.

The family was eager to adjust to life in their new county and were fortunate that part of their family had also relocated to Colorado. Mr. Lalzais was one of the first to start ESL classes, and his language skills continue to get stronger.

Learn more about the Lalzais family at youtu.be/ A5Xe3ngvhCk and read about our newly named resettlement program on p. 4.

Dear Friends,

In the fall, my husband, son, and I visited Vermont to spend much-needed time with my daughter and her family, and, as a side benefit, we enjoyed the gorgeous foliage. Our family visit, JFS’s 150th anniversary, and the holidays remind me how important it is to stop, reflect, and have gratitude for what is important in our lives. When our days become hectic, it’s challenging to take the time to do so, and yet I find myself appreciating even more the experiences with those I care about and helping others who are struggling.

At JFS, we continue to see needs increasing throughout our community for all our programs and services. And we also continue to see how our supporters help us strengthen our existing services and create new, innovative programs so our clients can rebuild and transform their lives. Throughout our 150th anniversary, I have witnessed such compassion, commitment, and generosity at our events, through our donation drives, from our many volunteers, and each and every day in big and small ways. Our neighbors are struggling, but you are helping those who rely on us today, as well as the next generation, and I am extremely grateful for your support.

In this issue, you’ll read more about our year-end appeal, but I want to share our three greatest needs and let you know that your donation will help us:

• Provide food and other basic necessities to more than 150 families who come to our Weinberg Food Pantry daily.

• Strengthen our services to address the growing mental health crisis an estimated one million Coloradans face.

• Assist refugees from countries enduring political unrest to resettle and adjust to life in Colorado.

I know that in 2023, we’ll need your support more than ever to help individuals and families overcome the hardships they are facing. Together, we can meet the next crisis and be there for those affected by whatever is on the horizon, whether it’s a wildfire, an influx of refugees, or a pandemic. Believe me when I say that your commitment to JFS means the world to us. We can’t thank you enough.

With warm regards, Linda P. Foster

Shaping Tomorrow Together

Since 1872, thanks to generous supporters like you, JFS has existed to help our clients thrive. Now, you have the power to make our future more storied than our past.

As we wind down our anniversary celebrations and close the year, we are reminded to look to our values and ask ourselves what is important and how we want to be connected to—and make a difference in—our community. We can be a part of something meaningful when we let our values guide our generosity and make an investment to ensure that JFS continues to be here for our community for the next 150 years.

As you consider your 100% tax-deductible gift, please remember that we’re not only fundraising for today; we’re building for our future. Together, we can meet the challenges facing 21st-century Coloradans. Visit jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/22 to make a donation and help our clients overcome life’s daily challenges.

37,000

total services provided to 18,984 clients across multiple programs.

2,877

volunteers donated their time.

14,497

meals provided to kids last summer through the Lunchbox Express program. 1,817

individuals and families in metro Denver received emergency financial assistance to pay their rent, mortgage, utilities, and more.

87

Holocaust survivors supported with in-home personal care, homemaker services, food boxes, support groups, and emergency assistance for groceries, medication, home repairs, and more.

15

public schools and one private school had students benefit from mental health services through our schoolbased KidSuccess program.

831,818

meals served through the Weinberg Food Pantry to 4,907 households.

88

adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities received a variety of support services and participated in inclusion activities.

Giving Youth the Support They Need To Be Healthy

In response to our youth’s worsening mental health crisis, Colorado passed a bill establishing a temporary behavioral health services program in the summer of 2021. The I Matter program is the first in the nation, and since its inception, JFS has been an ardent supporter and participant.

The I Matter program is open to those 9 to 18 years old or those younger than 21 if they receive special education services. Participants can receive up to six free behavioral health sessions with a licensed clinician. Sessions are confidential and can be either virtual or in-person, depending on the provider, giving youth the tools they need to help manage their overall mental well-being.

“Often, we’re the first face to what therapy is for these kids and young adults, and it’s important to create a safe, friendly space,” shared JFS therapist Nina Respeto, MSW, SWC. “So far this year, our JFS therapists are seeing challenges mainly around anxiety. For younger kids, it’s about starting school, being back fully in person and in larger groups, and feeling judged. Older kids and young adults are more focused on what’s next and what that chapter looks like.”

As an organization, JFS works toward reducing barriers around mental health, including erasing the overall stigma attached to addressing these needs. In our last fiscal year, JFS therapists helped approximately 23 youth through 100 sessions as part of the I Matter program in addition to 600 school-based mental health clients we supported.

“The I Matter program can be a very beneficial tool to get to those children who are looking to begin the therapeutic process and gain insight as to what taking care of your mental health could look like,” said Nina.

While the number of sessions a client can participate in is limited, a care navigator team is on hand to help with other resources, including crisis intervention and referrals for continuing therapy. No client is abandoned after participating in I Matter.

Funding for the I Matter program has been extended to continue offering services through at least June 2023.

Interested in being matched with the best therapist for you or your child or learning more? Visit imattercolorado.org

“

THE I MATTER PROGRAM CAN BE A VERY BENEFICIAL TOOL TO GET TO THOSE CHILDREN WHO ARE LOOKING TO BEGIN THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS AND GAIN INSIGHT AS TO WHAT TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH COULD LOOK LIKE.”

Announcing the Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement Program

In June, JFS lost one of its most ardent supporters when Yana Vishnitsky passed away. Spanning her 38-year career with JFS, Yana was a case manager, director of the Russian Resettlement department, and associate executive director of the agency before becoming president and CEO from 2000 to 2016. Her influence continues to be felt throughout JFS and the community today.

Yana was a pioneer, advocate, and leader. The lifechanging work JFS does is better because of her dedication, strength, compassion, and vision. To celebrate Yana’s contributions, our resettlement program is now the Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program.

You can read more about Yana’s remarkable story and contributions to JFS at jewishfamilyservice.org/150/ blog/yana-vishnitsky and support the Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Series

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that impairs memory and other mental functions. It is the most common form of dementia and is responsible for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Understanding brain health is vital for families and our communities.

JFS Boulder, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Boulder JCC are offering several classes around the critical topic of Alzheimer’s. Sessions are free, and participants can join one or all of the Alzheimer’s Association Education Series classes in-person or virtually.

EVENT DETAILS

Location: In-person at the JCC, 6007 Oreg Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303; Virtually through Zoom*

Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

Dates and topics:

January 12: Effective Communication Strategies February 9: Healthy Living for Brain & Body

Registration is required and can be done online at boulderjcc.force.com/s/registration or at 800.272.3900.

Join us and find the knowledge and support you need to navigate Alzheimer’s.

*If you plan to attend virtually, Zoom information will be sent to you after you register.

Oh, What a Night!

Our Gala Celebrating JFS: 150 Years in the Making was an incredible event! Guests enjoyed learning about the organization and commemorating 150 years of JFS as we wrapped up our anniversary celebrations. It was impossible to listen to Henry Winkler’s presentation and not be inspired by his poignant memories and musings.

Our event sponsors are what make it possible for JFS to have such a meaningful impact on those in our community. We are so thankful for their continued dedication. To see more photos from the evening, visit jewishfamilyservice.org/event/photo-galleries

Friendly Visitor Program: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The JFS Friendly Visitor program in Boulder and Denver promotes connection, engagement, and fun between older adults and volunteers. Volunteers are individually matched with an older adult to provide an hour or so of companionship each week.

Our volunteers find that they establish a rich connection with the individuals they meet. We ask our volunteers for a minimum commitment of six months, which gives them time to develop a relationship and form a bond.

Let’s look at some of the examples fun-loving and fascinating people you could be paired with in this program!

A medical doctor by training, a woman in her mid-80s is deeply interested in ancient history, Jewish history, Judaism, music, and fitness. She would prefer a female volunteer, but a male history buff is OK!

A recent Florida transplant, a woman living in an independent living residence is looking forward to doing more activities in and out of the facility. She is an intelligent, funny, and engaging conversationalist, ready to explore her new hometown.

If you enjoy spending time with older adults, like meeting new people, and are looking for a meaningful way to give your time, the Friendly Visitors program may be for you. To become a volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/jfsfv.

Marshall Fire Resources

As the one-year anniversary of the Marshall Fire approaches, JFS is offering resources to support those impacted by the fire.

Virtual Group EMDR

This group is designed to help increase your sense of balance, calm and ability to manage disturbing thoughts, feelings, and memories. You will be asked to draw and/ or write phrases while practicing bi-lateral tapping techniques to support your nervous system to process your experiences. Several dates and times are available.

Boulder County Crisis Counseling program

JFS and Community Foundation Boulder County have partnered to offer mental health counseling services to Boulder County residents affected by the fire. The program offers ten individual or family counseling sessions and provides a pool of licensed providers from which to choose.

Learn more at jewishfamilyservice.org/blog/marshall-fire-resources

Jewish Family Service of Colorado Joyce and Kal Zeff Building

3201 South Tamarac Drive Denver CO 80231-4360

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Social services for Jewish victims of the Holocaust have been supported by a grant from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.