Fall 2022
Mental Health in the Spotlight
Thanks to support from event chairs Diane and Bill Goldstein and Julie and Jason Page, we were able to raise over $340,000 which will allow us to continue providing much-needed services to the more than 15,000 people who come through our door (actual and virtual), including behavioral health, older adult and safety net services.
We had to cancel our 2020 Spotlight event, but those in attendance this year were thrilled that Gary’s performance lived up to the hype from the past two years.
Our first in-person event since 2019, guests enjoyed a pre-glow dinner and a 45-minute set from the prominent comic who spoke with both humor and honesty about his struggle with depression. One attendee described Gary as “the perfect combination of funny and serious and Jewish and entertaining.” A candid Q&A after his set revealed deeply touching stories.
“It’s people like Gary, who have the courage to speak up, that are impacting the stigma of mental health issues,” said another guest.
The close to 350 community members who attended our annual Spotlight Event, sponsored by the Reva Stocker Lecture Series, would wholeheartedly agree.
On May 12, stand-up comedian Gary Gulman showed us that, sometimes, mental health issues can in fact be a laughing matter.
We are here for you. We are creative and open to serving and helping our community, and the broader community, in new ways. We have a lot of programs that people may or may not be aware of…so just ask. We will always try to find the answers for them.
Meet Our New Chairperson
Favorite Jewish holiday and why?
I remember from childhood my mother used to make veal schnitzel for me as a special meal.
Favorite Jewish food?
I was rolling off the board of another Jewish organization and wanted to find another home for that community involvement. My good friend Sheldon Stone was JFS’s board chair at the time and at his suggestion, I joined the finance committee for a year. Then I joined the board. I’ve always believed that people who are willing and capable should involve themselves in the community in general, and in the Jewish community in particular. That has been a part of my life since I was twelve years old.
How did you first get involved with JFS?
What would you like people to know about JFS?
Marc Bakst, a member of our Board of Directors since 2015, has stepped into a new role as board chair of JFS. An attorney with Bodman PLC for 30 years, his areas of expertise include creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, reorganization and insolvency matters. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, and DBusiness Top Lawyers. When he’s not busy working, Marc enjoys spending time working on the Bloomfield Township home he shares with wife Wendy and their puppy, Mr. Darcy. He is father to three adult children who bring him much nachas.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
Getting to know the board and staff and furthering our shared goal of serving as the safety net for our community in so many ways. JFS is consistent with a lot of things I believe in personally and professionally. I’m a bankruptcy lawyer. I believe in the importance of the safety net. People should be able to take risks and not suffer forever from financial mistakes. People struggling with mental illness or other health issues should not be abandoned or left without true community support. Being able to help people in the ways we do at JFS is appealing to me from both the personal and the professional perspective.
I suppose Passover would be at the top because Wendy and I often host one or more Seders. I enjoy the flashbacks to Seders past and thinking about family and friends who have joined us before, in addition to the good company each year.
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
Annual Meeting and Community Recognition
Barbara and Irving Nusbaum Volunteer of the Year
Allison Weinmann
Brooke Bendix Jenny Fritz
Norman R. Keane Lifetime Achievement Award
Patti Nemer Employee of the Year
Thank you to the members of our Board of Directors who helped us make a difference and who rolled off this year: Dorothy Barak, Karen Driggs, Ellen Tabak and Sara Voight.
Marvin Sonne Carolyn Tisdale
Marcia Garland
Motiashia Austin
New Board Members
We were thrilled to have over 150 community members and stakeholders join us at Temple Israel in June to celebrate the people and partners who helped JFS make positive impacts over the past year. We would not be able to do our critical work without the involvement of these supporters who help us further our mission.
Elana Schwartz Nachy Soloff Award WinnersSusanGoutkovitch
Community Partner of the Year
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
The Jewish Fund
When I’m not working…I’m reading, traveling, hiking and spending time with my 3-year-old and 7-month-old.
And while JFS has been providing mental health services to the community for decades, it is in response to the growing need for support for women who are pregnant, postpartum, or trying to have a baby, that we’re now offering a 6-week postpartum support group for mothers with babies 0-6 “Themonths.program will cover a wide range of topics, including mindfulness, self-care, social support, relationships and intimacy post-baby, reconnecting with your postpartum body, boundaries, coping with unsolicited advice, and the challenges of mothering in 2022,” says co-facilitator Julia Cohen, who holds an LMSW and a certificate in perinatal
working…I’m chasing my spunky 2.5-year-old around, reading a good book or spending time outside (preferably by water).
For more information, contact Julia Cohen at 248.592.2673 or jcohen@jfsdetroit.org.
Julia Cohen, LMSW, PMH-C Youth Mental Health Coordinator
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
Rina Hennes Sabes, LMSW Clinical Therapist
“We want to provide support, friendship and resources for moms who are all going through the same stage of life together,” says Rina Hennes Sabes, LMSW and co-facilitator. “We want moms to know that they are not alone and that this group is for any mom, whether you are struggling or not. We are here to support you on your pregnancy, postpartum and mental health journey—wherever that takes you.”
I’ve been at JFS… about six Whatyears.I
mental health. “Parenthood is a joyous occasion, but it can also be extremely difficult. We want to provide care for new moms and have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.”
like most about my job is…meeting with people regularly and helping to support them as they work through challenges. It’s a privilege and Inhonor.the
like most about my job is…having the ability to be creative, see a community need and work to implement a Insolution.thefuture, I’d like to…continue to offer this group as well as more specific postpartum support groups that acknowledge the needs of different Whenpopulations.I’mnot
I’ve been at JFS… a little over a Whatyear.I
future, I’d like to…expand our mental health support services for women and families in the community, including programs for specialized groups, such as women diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety or women struggling with infertility.
MEET THE STAFF
Giving Birth to a New Program: Postpartum Support Group
Research shows that approximately one in six women experience a postpartum mood and/or anxiety disorder.
Join
When it Comes to Fun, We’re Raking it in!
How do you make raking leaves less of a chore and more of an activity you’ll adore?
Sunday, November 6, 2022 Family-friendly volunteer event All Ages Welcome
To sign up, visit jfsdetroit.org/fallfixup. Questions?
By joining us for our 26th annual Fall Fix Up event! Help older adults stay safe in their homes through the winter months by raking leaves and doing other outdoor cleanup tasks. You’ll rake leaves. You’ll wash windows. You’ll make a difference in the lives of those served by JFS. (And you’ll also have fun!) us for a pre-cleanup breakfast and registration starting at 9:30am. CONGREGATION SHAAREY ZEDEK 27375 Bell Road, Southfield Contact Alyah Al-Azem at 313.662.5687 or alyah@jfsdetroit.org.
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
Barbara remembers her very first hospice patient. “I was quite nervous,” she says. “When I walked into the room, they said, ‘I really shouldn’t be here but I fooled the doctors.’ That made me laugh and put me at ease.”
A self-professed people person, it’s no surprise that Barbara Cohen has spent the past 17 years volunteering as a friendly visitor through Jewish Family Service.
From there she volunteered with hospice patients as a result of JFS’s partnership with Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network.
“I started working with hospice patients after my mom passed away,” she says. “Jewish Hospice was so good with her I vowed that I would give back.”
Jewish Family Service has multiple opportunities for you to spend your time making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
“It’s not like you’re a salesperson where you’re trying to sell something,” she says. “You’re trying to make a connection with a person who is alone and isolated. If you bring some of yourself to the client, it makes a big difference.”
“He thought it would be a good way to connect with others,” Barbara says of the volunteer opportunity made available thanks to JFS and Jewish Senior Life.
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
Whether you’re looking to volunteer once or once a week, in-person or virtually, we would love to hear from you.
In addition to talking with her clients about all sorts of topics, Barbara will sometimes play Yiddish music for them as well. And given her background in physical therapy, she has also been able to perform range of motion exercises, especially for those who are bedbound.
VOLUNTEER PROFILE: BARBARA COHEN
If you would like to volunteer like Barbara, contact Alyah Al-Azem at 313.662.5687 or alyah@jfsdetroit.org.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back?
We could use a hand.
In addition to her work as a friendly visitor, Barbara volunteers with her synagogue, Congregation Beth Ahm, cooking for shelters and delivering food for temple members who are ill. She’s an active member of CHAIM (Children of Holocaust Survivors Association in Michigan) and a speaker at the Zekelman Holocaust Center.
The retired physical therapist started as a Yad B’Yad companion, visiting with Holocaust survivors in their homes. A survivor herself, Barbara got involved after speaking with Dr. Charles Silow, director of the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families at Jewish Senior Life.
When she’s not of service to others, she keeps busy playing visitorbeingbeanyoneBarbaragrandkids.visitandswimming,tennis,readingtravelingtoherkidsandencourageswhomightinterestedinafriendlytogiveitatry.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide in 2020, with 1.2 million of them making an attempt.
I’ve been at JFS… for seven Whatmonths.Ilike
that we’re able to do this work and it’s sad that the work is needed.’”
The trainings provided are for both the mental health professional and the layperson and are designed to give people the necessary skills for helping those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. safeTALK is an introductory training that lasts 3.5 hours; ASIST, a two-day program, delves a bit
STRIVING TO SAVE LIVES
“Ourdeeper.hope
Mayim Meyers, LMSW-C Suicide Prevention Coordinator
If you would like to learn more about our suicide prevention efforts or sign up for a training, contact Mayim Meyers at 248.592.2694 or mmeyers@jfsdetroit.org.
• Provides support to all departments within JFS
is that these trainings will help both professionals and laypeople develop the skills to have important conversations with someone who is having thoughts of suicide,” says Mayim Meyers, LMSW-C, suicide prevention coordinator at JFS. “And to reduce the stigma around the word suicide.”
most about my job is…that no two days are the same!
In the future, I’d like to…develop lasting relationships with community organizations, create more community trainings and shift toward a more sustainable support network for Wheneveryone.I’m
not working…I love being in the water, mindfulness meditation and yoga, and a hot cup of coffee on a brisk morning. Whether we are baking or enjoying time up north, my husband, kids and our one-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo pup always have a good time.
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
MEET THE STAFF
• Supports individuals who want to learn more about creating a more suicide safe community by providing trainings and connecting people to support groups and trained therapists
The most important thing Meyers wants community members to know is that JFS is here to help. “If someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, or even if you just think they might be, please reach out,” she says. “If we aren’t the right team, we will happily connect you with the most appropriate fit.”
“We realized we were both investing in suicide prevention in our communities,” says Meyers. “So we decided to partner and now share an employee who is funded by grants from the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and The Jewish Fund. As [JFS CEO] Perry says, ‘It’s a blessing
To that end, JFS is proud to be partnering with Black Family Development to provide these critical trainings within the Detroit Tri-County area.
Given these staggering numbers, JFS is working to create a safer community through a three-point approach that:
• Provides support to local organizations in the form of consultation and training for staff, volunteers and program participants
When I’m not working…I love spending time with my family—my husband, our 6 kids and our dog, Mr. Roscoe.
What I like most about my job is…interacting with clients and knowing I’m able to offer a service that can help impact their health and well-being.
While we know that making changes to our health can have a tremendous impact on the quality of our life, taking the appropriate steps isn’t always so easy. Fortunately, the certified health coaches at JFS can help.
“Working with a health coach can be a life-changing experience for those looking to transform their health behaviors,” says Joely Lyons, LMSW, CHC, and one of five health coaches on staff at JFS. “Many people struggle with health-related issues, such as losing weight, getting better sleep or managing stress, but don’t know how to accomplish these changes on their own. JFS health coaches will support them throughout this process step by step.”
If you would like to learn more about health coaching, contact Joely Lyons at 248.392.0767 or jlyons@jfsdetroit.org. jfsdetroit.org
I’ve been at JFS… for one and a half years.
In the future, I’d like to…expand our services, with JFS becoming a leader in the community for providing high-quality health coaching services.
Mackenzie Steele, LMSW, CHC Health Coach and Program Coordinator, Mind University
When I’m not working…I’m usually spending time with my family or reading a good book.
“There is no cookie-cutter approach to the kind of support each individual may need to meet their health goals,” says Mackenzie Steele, LMSW, CHC. “Our role as health coach is to help each person form a personalized plan that works for whatever may be happening in their life.”
Visit us:
I’ve been at JFS… for nine Whatmonths.Ilike
MEET THE STAFF
most about my job is…having the opportunity to offer support to clients in a way that provides them with the knowledge, confidence and agency to meet their health goals, all while getting to work with my passionate co-workers!
Joely Lyons, LMSW, CHC Health Coach and Supervisor, Health and Wellness
“We are fully invested in the health of those we work with,” says Joely. “As a coach, there is never any judgement or criticism. My job is to discover the barriers that are holding people back from reaching their goals.”
JFS Is Getting in the Game: Health Coaching
In the future, I’d like to…work on increasing the community’s knowledge of this program so we can continue to expand services.
• Analyzing employment, pay and benefit structures to ensure competitive packages across the agency
• Performing a comprehensive program assessment to optimize operational and functional performance while meeting community needs
Ten for Ten!
Jewish Family Service…A Look Ahead
For the tenth year in a row, Jewish Family Service has attained the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. This rating is a reflection of the agency’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency and sets JFS apart from its peers by demonstrating its trustworthiness.
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
• Exploring and implementing policy changes based on agency-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion learnings and discussion
Since 1928, JFS has been helping the community. First, the Jewish community, and now, the Jewish and broader communities. We’re planning on being here long after our 100th birthday, relying on tools like our strategic plan to help us evaluate the needs of our community, respond to shifts and trends and continue to improve how we serve thousands of people each year, and to remain the heart of a stronger community.
If you would like to view our strategic plan in its entirety, visit jfsdetroit.org/strategicplan.
Last year, JFS embarked on a strategic planning process and adopted a strategic plan that was implemented on June 1, the beginning of our fiscal year. This plan will serve as our roadmap amidst what will undoubtedly be challenging times. While there are 17 initiatives we plan to tackle over the next five years, these are the four we are currently addressing:
• Expanding our suicide prevention program across the region, including enhancing training and development
Questions? Contact Donna Kramer at 248.970.2655 or dkramer@jfsdetroit.org. To make a donation, visit jfsdetroit.org/adopt or call 248.970.2655
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org jfsdetroit.org Jewish Fami l y Service
TO SIGN UP, VISIT JFSDETROIT.ORG/ADOPT
Help us make this year just as festive.
PLEASE NOTE: FAMILIES WILL BE ASSIGNED IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
Let the Shopping Begin!
Adopt a Family
GIFT DROP-OFF IS DECEMBER 5-9 FROM 9AM-5PM AT JFS IN WEST BLOOMFIELD.
You can bring light and joy to those we serve by participating in this year’s Adopt a Family program. Shop from an individual or family’s personal wish list, donate gift cards or make a monetary donation to the program. However you choose to participate, you will be brightening the holidays for so many. Thanks to your generosity, 830 people were able to enjoy a happy holiday last year.
• Navigate to the main menu
You’re already ordering dog treats, socks, gifts for loved ones and more from Amazon. Why not make every purchase count by signing up for AmazonSmile?
Easy Ways to Make an Impact
Amy Singer - Secretary
To sign up online, just visit smile.amazon.com and designate JFS as the charity recipient.
Jerry SamuelTerranMarySylviaBenjaminJohnEdytheMerleAmyEdwardJosephJaniceMarcyArnoldSandyMarvinAlbertSuzanSusanBielfield*CitrinF.CurhanM.Colman*C.DaitchMuskovitzDantoFaudman*FeldmanB.FriedlanderGarson*D.GoldHoffmanHaimannHarris*Jackier*E.Jacobs*E.Jaffe*Jaffe*Lakoff*LeemisL.Levin*
Past Presidents Mina Bargman*
Shelly Rubenfire - Vice-Chair
Anita JeriRabbiEmilyRhondaBlenderBrownCamienerLeviDubovFishman Karen MargieDavidJordonAllisonReneeCarolynBeccaMarvinNachySandyElanaAviRandyMelissaRabbiSueBillAllanJennyMichelleFreedland-BergerFreemanFritzGaleGoldsteinHershMarlaHornstenOrleyLaxOrleyRubinSchwartzSchwartzSoloffSonneSteinman-DeGrootTisdaleUngerWeinmannWertheimerWittenYaker
To sign up using the app, just follow these steps:
• Search for and select Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile
• Once AmazonSmile has been activated, future eligible app purchases will generate a donation directly to JFS!
Jerry PerryAndiJulieJasonHelenFrohlichKatzPageRothsteinWolfeOhren–CEO
Theodore R. Levin* John D. Marx Mark
When you designate JFS as your charity recipient, we’ll receive .5% of eligible purchases automatically. So now when you get what you need, you’ll also be helping JFS support community members in need. Every dollar you spend adds up to more ways JFS can continue to serve others.
• Tap on Settings and select AmazonSmile
Danielle DePriest
Julie Teicher - Immediate Past Chair
Executive Committee
Members Brooke
2022-2023 Board of Directors
Marc Bakst - Chair
David Gach - Treasurer
Board Bendix
*OfBetsyKathleenMelvilleBelleStewartBrentGeorgeSheldonBernardAbrahamGilbertHerbertHelenMaxLawrenceDonaldMilfordMilgromR.Pregerson*RochlenH.Seltzer*M.Shaye*DanteShevin*P.Sillman*B.Silverman*Srere*StollmanStoneM.Stutz*S.TriestWeinerWelt*S.Welt*Wilson-FinkG.WinkelmanBlessedMemory Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
• Open the Amazon Shopping app
Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit Southfield,#618MI OLDER ADULTS Assistive ElderCareTechnologySolutionsof Michigan Friendly Visitors Geriatric Care Management Health Coaching Services Holocaust Survivor Assistance Home KosherCareMeals on Wheels Mind TransportationUniversity MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS A Single Soul Suicide Prevention Community Education JewishCounselingAddiction Resource Alliance We Need To Talk Youth and School-Based Services Our Services SAFETY NET Domestic Abuse Intervention Family Support Services Health Care Navigation Legal Referral Service ORTHODOX COMMUNITY* Lev Detroit Resource Center Passover Assistance Safety School-BasedKid Services Uniform WelcomeAssistanceBaskets RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY* Translation and Interpretation *Members of these communities have access to all JFS resources as well as these specialized services. 6555 West Maple Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322