JFS
SPRING 2013
A PUBLICATION FROM JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF THE DESERT
IN THIS ISSUE 15th Annual HOUSE & GARDEN WALK Change of Life Change of Life Foundation JFS CONDUCTS Grief & Loss GroupS Kids First 2012 Patron Party
Join the JFS House & Garden Walk on th March 10
JFS Express INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM Kaufman SENIOR CARE FUND One Night Only
www.jfsdesert.org
On Sunday, March 10, 2013, the JFS 15th Annual House & Garden Walk showcases four stunning Mirada, Clancy Lane & El Paseo area estates. The event features an incredible array of architectural and interior design styles, as well as dramatic landscaping framed by exhilarating mountain views unique to the Coachella Valley. Continues inside Photo by Ethan Kaminsky
Letter from ED GUBMAN “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” ~ Robert Browning, poet You may be surprised at how far JFS has extended its reach to offer helping hands throughout the Coachella Valley. JFS delivers a growing array of desperately needed services where people need them, from case management for families in need in Desert Hot Springs to Spanish language counselors in the Desert Sands Unified School District; from providing a caring day “out” for homebound senior citizens in collaboration with the Joslyn Center, to intensive outpatient drug and alcohol counseling for teens in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. We don’t do this alone. To maximize efficiency we collaborate with a veritable alphabet of local agencies: Angelview, Borrego Healthcare, College of the Desert, Desert Sands, and more. Our staff is talented, flexible and willing to provide assistance in whatever ways make most sense for our clients and community. As a result, we are growing quickly. We see far more clients than ever— almost double from just a few years ago. Yet, our full-time staff has grown by just a few people, so productivity is soaring. We use independent, licensed counselors and interns, as appropriate, making sure we fit the right level of expertise to the problem. Your generous support makes all this possible. Your donations have increased to match our expansion. You give us the muscle we need to stretch our arms and cover the Valley. Thanks so much,
Ed Gubman
president of the board
JFS Partners with Change of Life Foundation to Alleviate Hardship For many Valley residents living on a limited monthly income, an unexpected expense may cause financial hardship or even physical suffering. JFS recently received a distraught call from “Kaye.” Kay was the sole caregiver for her 94 year old husband since his health began to decline. Dental problems had left Kaye in significant pain and she was in desperate need of a root canal and crown. Unfortunately, the couple had been the victims of financial fraud. They had lost much of their life savings and didn’t have the funds to pay for the dental work. JFS applied to the Change of Life Foundation on Kaye’s behalf and was awarded funds to pay for the needed dental work. Change of Life Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to provide emergency support to individuals and families when they have no where else to turn. An ecstatic Kaye was soon pain free. “I’m extraordinarily grateful to JFS and the Change of Life Foundation,” says Kaye. For more information about emergency financial assistance opportunities, contact JFS at (760) 325-4088.
Impacting Young Lives Through In-School Counseling Since 2005, JFS has partnered with local schools to provide counseling to several thousand elementary and middle school students. The program is currently offered in 15 schools in Palm Springs Unified School District, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Palm Desert, and Jewish Community School of the Desert. JFS also provides substance abuse education to students at Desert Sands Unified School District. Teachers, administrators and parents refer students ages 5 - 13 who are experiencing behavioral or emotional issues to JFS counselors. The counselors meet with children on-site at the schools in individual or group sessions. Counseling helps the children get at the root of their emotional issues, reducing depression and anxiety, and providing critical coping skills. Participation in KidsFirst can improve behavior, social skills and self esteem.
JFS Express Helps Seniors Maintain Independence Since 2008, JFS Express has provided hundreds of homebound seniors with transportation for medical care, critical service appointments and even grocery shopping. For homebound seniors who cannot drive, lack of transportation is one of the most significant obstacles they can face to maintaining their health and independence. JFS Express provides door to door service utilizing a cadre of committed volunteers to ensure the safe and secure transportation of the seniors in our program. “Violet”, a resolutely independent 90 year old, stopped driving several years ago. When her health deteriorated, she could not continue her habit of walking or taking the bus to her appointments or grocery shopping. A JFS volunteer now picks Violet up and brings her safely home. Without the support of JFS, it would be difficult for Violet to maintain her independence and live alone. “Marty”, age 87, is visually impaired and undergoing treatment for cancer that requires regular infusion appointments that can last as long as three hours. When his friends cannot take him for his treatments, he can rely on JFS Express so that he never has to miss a life-saving treatment.
Seven year old “Andy” was doing poorly in class. He complained of headaches and physical ailments but teachers and parents believed these symptoms were psychosomatic. He was sent to a JFS counselor who suspected a physical cause for complaints and suggested he be medically tested. Andy was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and a tumor was discovered on his spine. Andy was treated before the damage was irreversible and is back at school doing remarkably well. “Justin” was experiencing behavioral issues and constantly seeking attention. His father had been recently incarcerated. After several sessions with a JFS counselor, Justin shared that his heart was broken because he missed his father. As a result of being able to share his pain, his behavior improved and became more appropriate. “Ryan” became disruptive in class and began throwing temper tantrums at home. After losing his mother at seven years old, he was now living with his grandmother and two aunts. Through his sessions with a JFS counselor he was able to work through the grief of losing his mother. Ryan’s behavior improved at home and school.
Correction from Fall 2012 Voices In the Fall 2012 issue of Voices, we inadvertently omitted noting the generous contributions of the Gary Broad Foundation for $5,000 and Cicely Lawson for $1,000 from our complete list of donations for the previous year. We apologize for this omission and thank these donors for their extraordinary generosity.
Continued from cover
House & Garden Walk This year’s tour runs the gamut from a Palm Desert estate transformed into an African Village – complete with exotic wildlife – to a Tuscan Villa nestled in an estate in the Renaissance off of Clancy Lane. The event features museum-caliber art collections, including rare ancient Etruscan and Oriental pottery and statues. The JFS House & Garden Walk has a well-deserved reputation as one of the “must see” events of the season. The event is renowned for spotlighting spectacular designs by the desert’s top interior designers and architects. The event is co-chaired by Joan Kerns, Michael Phipps and Mike Russell. Babs Schrager chairs the program book committee. Media sponsors include KMIRTV, My KPSE 13, Palm Springs Life, The Beacon and Money Talk Radio 1200 AM. The tour begins at noon and ends at 4pm. Tickets are $75 per person and available only through JFS by telephone at (760) 3254088 or on line at www.jfsdesert.org.
Top photo by Ethan Kaminsky Remaining House & Garden Walk photos by Karen Buxbaum
Patron Party Highlights On Thursday, December 6, 2012, more than 150 guests attended the 10th Annual Patron Party held at the enchanting Big Horn home of Bobbi & Mike Resmo in Palm Desert. JFS extends our deepest appreciation to Bobbi & Mike, along with committee chairs Barbara Fromm and Carol Fragen for their contribution towards making this one of the most successful Patron Parties in the agency’s history. Hosts Bobbi & Mike Resmo
Patron Party photos by Mari Abril
Thank You to the Patrons for Their Generosity Angel Patrons Gary & Wendy Broad – Gary Broad Foundation Henry & Joyce Freund Nora Kaufman Maurice & Myra Paperny Mike & Bobbi Resmo Bob & Nina Wernick Benefactor Patrons Ed & Rachel Gubman Mark & Pearle Rae Levey Phil & Elle Winn – Denver Foundation Madeline Zuckerman M. Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations, Inc. Champion Patrons Joseph & Audrey Bernstein Manley & Carol Feinstein Hal & Joyce Frank
Drs. Bart & Terri Ketover
Barbara Fremont Marshall Gelfand & Jackie Rudman Eli Glassman & Joan Holland Shelli Goodman Judi Gottesman Howard & Samita Jacobs Jerry & Barbara Keller Tom Ostwald Bill & Bette Pattis Lila Rauch Bernard & Janet Reiter Ron & Aviva Snow Joyce Wolff Sandy Seplow Advocate Patrons Sidney & Elaine Blitz Bonnie Carmell Jean Carrus John Conboy
Cicely Lawson Seymour & Sonia Levinthal Bertel Lewis Isabel Louis Donna MacMillan Don & Joni Maltzman Moe & Cyndy Muscatel Irwin & Marcia Narter Joseph Noren & Marnie Miller Harold & Mimi Paley Bonnie Pauker Norman & Deanna Pearl Mark Perlmutter Bob & Rita Philip Stan & Gail Richards Manny & Linda Rider Bob & Gail Scadron Arthur Schiff Lois Schnitzer
Walter & Esther Schoenfeld Howard & Sherry Schor Bab Schrager Mickey & Esther Shepard Stanley (Bud) Slosburg Michael & Linda Stafford Mickey & Debra Star Don Stein Rick & Marcia Stein Jerry & Helen Stern Roberta Susskind Royal & Myra Taxman Alfred & Ladda Toelkes Milan Tojagic Helen Varon Mitzi Webber Mary Werksman Richard & Lynda Zionts Marilyn Zirn
Michelle Anstadt, Don Levy, event co-chairs Carol Fragen & Barbara Fromm, & Ed Gubman
Audrey Bernstein, Joan Maltzman, & Joe Bernstein
Sheila & Ira Stone
Marvin & Babe Conney Jeffrey & Suzanne Feder Vi Felix Bob & Cheryl Fey Edward & Sande Fineman Dr. Ronald & Carol Fragen Robert & Rosemary Frank Michael & Royle Freund Bernie & Barbara Fromm Philip & Ellen Glass Myra Gordon Keith & Randy Harwood Sally Helfer Ernest & Harriet Karmin Marc Kashinsky & Eileen Eisenberg Pat & Joan Kerns Alyce Klein Ian & Joy Kravitz Chuck & Ellen Lane
Bernie Plack & Shelli Goodman
Jean Carrus
Henry & Joyce Freund
Carol Moses, Bruce Landgarten, Dr. Ron Fragen, & Celia Norian
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program Turns Young Lives Around For local teens grappling with issues of substance abuse, there are all too few treatment options in the Coachella Valley. In 2008, JFS stepped in to meet this critical need with the Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP). The program serves teens ages 12 to 18 who are abusing, misusing or addicted to substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substances. IOP teaches teens about the physical and psychological consequences of substance abuse so they can decrease—and eventually stop—substance use. The program also addressed participant’s emotional and behavioral disorders. Last year, more than 100 local youth participated in IOP, which is now being offered in both JFS offices in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. JC was expelled from his high school for his third offense of possession of Marijuana. He is on probation for robbery. He is fifteen years old. His school mandated that he attend IOP as a condition of readmission.
JC was angry that he was forced to attend the group. He was determined to say whatever was necessary to complete the program, including lying about his drug use decreasing. But JC began to experience something he didn’t expect: His drug began to decline. He learned that there were “triggers” the caused him to use and that drugs had been his way of coping with the pain and hurt in his life, including the hurt caused by his father’s abandonment at age five. From a very young age he had been responsible for taking care of himself and his younger sister while his mother worked to support the family. By the time he graduated the program, JC had not used drugs for three weeks. His school and home life have improved and he has learned to cope with his feelings rather than mask them. JC believes that his life has finally turned around. And no one is more surprised than JC.
David and Nora Kaufman Senior Care Fund Throughout their lives, Nora and David Kaufman always believed that helping others was a privilege. When David passed away last year, Nora could think of no greater testament to her husband than to ensure that his legacy continued to make a difference in the lives of those in need. In David’s memory, Nora has established the “David & Nora Kaufman Senior Care Fund” through a generous contribution to JFS. This fund will enable JFS to provide care to low- income Valley seniors who require special attention to enable them to live independently in safety and with dignity. The Fund allows for JFS professional care managers to provide support and care to seniors who lack family support, or whose families are unavailable to oversee direct care. JFS senior care managers help seniors and their families identify needs, as well as advocate and liaison with other service providers. They help with decision-making, problem solving, resolving family conflicts, application for benefits, obtaining legal services, coordinating home maintenance, and ensuring timely bill payments. For families who live far from their loved ones in the desert, JFS staff serve as their “eyes and ears”, providing much needed peace of mind. Nora resides in Winnipeg, Canada and Rancho Mirage. In both communities, she is committed to acting on her strong belief in Tikun Olam—“repairing the world.” “I established this fund so valley seniors would not be alone and uncared for in their advancing age,” explains Nora. For more information on our senior care management services, contact JFS at (760) 325-4088.
Michael Childers’ One Night Only Returns on April 24th On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, one of the desert’s most popular events returns as Michael Childers presents One Night Only at the McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts. For the sixth consecutive year, this extraordinary theatrical production benefits JFS. In Michael’s journey as a producer and international photographer, he has been privileged to work with legendary entertainers and on award-winning film and theatrical productions. In the “Music of My Life,” Michael shares this incredible journey, spotlighting the work of these iconic performers and productions with a stellar cast of more than 20 Broadway and Hollywood performers.
JFS Offers Grief and Loss Groups JFS offers two ongoing Jewish faith-based grief and loss groups. If you have experienced the death or loss of someone close to you and would like a caring and supportive group to help ease you through this difficult time, please join us. The groups provide a supportive environment while helping participants learn about living again. Groups meet Wednesdays: JFS Palm Springs Office 801 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 202 3.30- 5.00 p.m. Temple Sinai Palm Desert 1:00pm – 2:30pm Reservations are not required. For more information, contact JFS at (760) 325-4088.
JFS Tribute Cards Sam Harris
Loretta Devine
Von Smith
The cast includes Loretta Devine, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, James Barbour, Bill Atherton, Kaye Ballard, Spencer Day, Tony DeSare, Barrett Foa, N’Mon Ford, Peter Gallagher, Danny Gurwin, Suzanna Guzman, Sam Harris, Shana Blake Hill, Michele Lee, Sal Mistretta, Pamela Myers, Naturi Naughton, Valerie Perri, Kelli Provart, Linda Purl, Von Smith, Gary Shaw, and Donna Theodore. All performers donate their time so appearances are subject to availability. Returning Director Calvin Remsberg is joined by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Music Director John McDaniel and Choreographer Mark Esposito. Honorary Chairs include Annette Bloch, Helene Galen, Barbara Keller and Harold Matzner. Barbara Fromm and Terri Ketover serve as Event Chairs. A VIP reception with the cast follows the performance at Acqua Pazza California Bistro in the River. Helene Galen & Jamie Kabler will host a private cast party on April 23rd.
$15 EACH OR EIGHT FOR $100 You can support the vital work of JFS while honoring your family and friends with beautifully designed, contemporary cards for all occasions. Anniversary Adoption Birth Announcement Birthday Bar/Bat Mitzvah Congratulations Get Well Graduation Memorial Thank You
Non Profit Org POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #149 Palm Desert CA
801 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, #202 , Palm Springs, CA 92262
Board of Directors Officers
Ed Gubman, president Keith Harwood, vice president Deanna Pearl, vice president Barry Kaufman, treasurer Barbara Fromm, assistant treasurer Annabel Goldstein, secretary Don Levy, immediate past president
Board Members Audrey Bernstein Carol Cornell Carol Fragen Shelli Goodman Sally Helfer Joan Kerns Bertel Lewis Cindy Muscatel
Past Presidents
Violet Felix Murray Felson Merv Lemmerman Sam Oberman Barbara Pitts
Honorary Board
Eve Chaiken
Joyce Freund Tom Ostwald Maurice Paperny
Babs Schrager Sandy Seplow Nona Solowitz Daisy Spitzer Michael Stafford Royal Taxman Howard Vogel Judy Wallis Joyce Wolff Dee Dee Raskov Sam Rosenthal* Martin Russell Jane Sallo Molly Saltman* Judy Wallis Bernice Posner* Joan Rose Marion Schaefer * Deceased
Executive Director Michelle Anstadt
Contact Us Palm Springs Office
801 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, #202 Palm Springs, CA 92262
Palm Desert Office
73750 Catalina Way, Suite A Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: (760) 325-4088 Fax: (760) 778-3781 Email: info@jfsdesert.org Website: www.jfsdesert.org
Our mission is to provide for the social service needs of the Jewish and general community throughout the greater Coachella Valley with a commitment to promote the well-being of persons of all ages, incomes and lifestyles. . SERVICES & PROGRAMS Camp Scholarships Intensive Outpatient Program KidsFirst Counseling Friendly Visitors JFS Express Transportation Peace of Mind Senior Care Management Senior “Day Out” Program Emergency Assistance Food Assistance Grief and Loss Groups
Holiday Gift Giving Program Information and Referrals JFS Speaker’s Bureau K9 Visitors Mental Health Counseling Positive Life Series Café Europa Camp Scholarships Jewish Holiday Programs Shabbat in a Bag
JFS is a beneficiary of the United Way of the Desert and a member of the Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies.