Fall 2019
On May 29th, close to 500 community members joined Jewish Family Service ]for our annual Spotlight Event featuring author and mental health advocate Liza Long. Her book, The Price of Silence: A Mother’s Perspective on Mental Illness, details the compelling and sometimes heartbreaking story of raising a child with (at the time, undiagnosed) bipolar disorder, and her years-long search to find him proper treatment. Long captivated the audience with a message that resonated with
so many in attendance. She shared practical ways to help as well as a vision of hope. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors and event chairs Diane and Randy Orley, Jewish Family Service raised over $330,000. This money will go toward supporting all services provided by JFS, and specifically, mental health services such as counseling and suicide prevention trainings.
Maybe you know someone who’s celebrating a birthday, bar or bat mitzvah. Maybe there’s a holiday or other happy occasion right around the corner. Whether you need to offer your congratulations or extend your condolences, a tribute card from JFS is a lovely way to let people know you’re thinking of them. And now, when you open a tribute bank with JFS, you’ll always be prepared to acknowledge any occasion. Simply open your account with a minimum deposit of $180 and each time you wish to send a card, we’ll deduct the amount from your bank. To set up your tribute bank, contact Wendy at 248.592.2339 or wendy@jfsdetroit.org. (248) 592-2300 – jfsdetroit.org
6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit
(248) 592-2300 – jfsdetroit.org
6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Sally & Graham Orley and Suzanne & Joseph Orley Building Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit - 6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Sally & Graham Orley and Suzanne & Joseph Orley Building
(248) 592-2300 – jfsdetroit.org
6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Sally & Graham Orley and Suzanne & Joseph Orley Building Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit - 6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit - 6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
In February, Jewish Family Service finally made the leap beyond Facebook to share our story on Instagram. Be sure to follow us @JFSdetroit.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. JFS proudly serves and advocates for community members affected by domestic abuse. Together, 100 Mensches and the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)—programs of JFS—and the Jewish Women’s Foundation are working toward ending the intimate partner violence affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men. JFS has also partnered with Haven, bringing in their specialists for multiple presentations. And thanks to a grant from The Jewish Fund teen board, we were able to host a “Bringing in the Bystander” training. This curriculum teaches students how to become positive bystanders in instances of sexual and interpersonal violence and harassment. In addition, this year’s 100 Mensches essay contest welcomed entries from both high school juniors and seniors who shared their ideas for fighting domestic abuse as well as their experiences growing up in the #metoo movement. The top three winners were awarded $3,000 in college scholarships: 1st place Tom Sherman, now a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School 2nd place Elena Hirsch, now a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School 3rd place Samuel Gawel, now in his first year at Dartmouth College
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Sunday, November 10th
Three Ways to Fix Up Fall
ALL AGES WELCOME
Congregation Shaarey Zedek 27375 Bell Rd, Southfield
9:30am breakfast and supply pickup Groups will meet and travel to pre-assigned locations.
YOUNG ADULTS B’nai David Cemetery 9535 Van Dyke St, Detroit
10am breakfast
In partnership with NEXTGen, Repair the World, Hillel of Metro Detroit and The Well
6th-12th GRADERS Adat Shalom Synagogue 29901 Middlebelt Rd Farmington Hills
1-3:30pm Groups will meet and travel to pre-assigned locations. In partnership with J-Serve
Julie Teicher, a member of our Board of Directors since 2012, is now moving into the driver’s seat as Jewish Family Service’s board chair. Julie is a shareholder at Maddin Hauser Roth & Heller and concentrates her practice on business-related insolvency and bankruptcy matters. When she’s not busy with work, she enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking, gardening and her grandson, Remy. How did you first get involved with JFS? Past JFS Chair Sheldon Stone asked me to be on the board, but I was already somewhat familiar with JFS as one of the social workers worked with my father, Harry Klein. He was terminally ill with multiple myeloma and my mother, Shirley Klein, had just passed away. The social worker saw my dad until he died and he really enjoyed her visits. We were glad he had someone outside of the family to share his thoughts with and to help him through a very difficult time. I did not, however, have a deep understanding of all of the wonderful services that JFS provides until I got on the board in 2012. What are you most looking forward to in your new position as chair? The ability to help the agency continue to move forward in providing the best services possible to the Jewish community and others whom we serve. Favorite Jewish holiday and why? Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I think it is a great time for personal reflection and really taking time to step back from daily life. Favorite Jewish food? Sweet noodle kugel.
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What’s your recipe for the perfect Thanksgiving? Ours is to take families in need and add our secret ingredient: the incredible generosity of our community. Now in its 41st year, the Goldberg Thanksgiving Distribution—a generous tradition started by the Goldberg family—ensures struggling families have what they need to enjoy a proper holiday meal. Just $50 provides a complete meal for one family. Rather than bringing your holiday host a gift this year, consider making a donation and giving a meal in their honor. The Goldberg Thanksgiving Distribution is just one of the many ways JFS assists community members who may not have enough to eat, including public benefits enrollment, emergency food vouchers and Kosher Meals on Wheels. To donate, visit jfsdetroit.org, use the enclosed envelope or contact Wendy at 248.592.2339 or wendy@jfsdetroit.org.
Do you have a b’nai mitzvah student looking to fulfill service hours? Because We Care is a program that offers fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunities through our Monthly Mitzvot. Kids can join us for one (or all) of these opportunities and learn about the support offered by JFS while engaging in meaningful service. Because We Care can also provide step-by-step guides and ongoing support for your child’s individual project idea. October 20 November 10 December 8 January 19 February 9 March 8
Sukkot Family Festival (The Shul, 12-2pm) Fall Fix Up (Various community sites) Hanukkah Helpers (Jewish Family Service) The Great Challah Bake (Temple Israel) Chicken Soup for the Soul of Detroit (Adat Shalom Synagogue) Soothing Sunday (Jewish Family Service)
All programs are from 1-2:30pm, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, visit jfsdetroit.org/becausewecare or contact Erin Lederman Thackray at 248.880.3787 or elederman@jfsdetroit.org.
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The holidays are a wonderful time of year, and most of us look forward to them with great excitement. But the same can’t be said for families struggling to make ends meet…for older adults living far from loved ones… for community members facing a mental health crisis. But you can change that. By joining our Adopt a Family program, you can give people in need not only a gift to unwrap, but the knowledge that someone is thinking about them. Participation is easy: you can choose to shop for a specific family or individual from their wish list, donate gift cards or make a general donation to the program. Last year, generous community members ensured 854 people served by JFS were able to have a happy holiday. To sign up, visit jfsdetroit.org/adopt. Questions? Contact Lindsay Leder at 248.592.2309 or lleder@jfsdetroit.org. To make a donation, visit jfsdetroit.org, use the enclosed envelope or contact Wendy at 248.592.2339 or wendy@jfsdetroit.org. Please note: Families will not be assigned until November. Gift drop-off is December 9th-13th from 9am-5pm.
JFS is proud that Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities, has for the seventh year in a row, awarded JFS a 4-star rating for our demonstration of strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency.
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Maybe you have a clunker in your garage gathering dust. Or maybe you have a parent or grandparent who recently stopped driving and you’re not sure what you’ll do with their car. JFS has partnered with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), in order for community members to donate their unused cars (trucks, boats and motorcycles, too) to the agency. Participation is simple and CARS will schedule a free pickup from anywhere in the US. Donors will receive a tax receipt within 30 days of the sale of the donation. And JFS will receive much-needed funds that will allow us to serve the needs of our community. For more information, call 855.500.RIDE or visit jfsdetroit.org/cars
Health Coaching Have you been struggling to drop ten pounds? Or add exercise into your daily life? Whatever your health goal may be, a Certified Health Coach can provide in-depth and personalized guidance and help you create a path to success. JFS has coaches on staff who are available to work with you on any number of issues, including chronic disease management, self-care, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and more. For more information, contact the Resource Center at 248.592.2313 or resourcecenter@jfsdetroit.org. Behavioral Health Navigation In our continuing efforts to support teen mental health, and in recognizing the difficulty parents face in identifying the right help for their child, JFS has added Behavioral Health Navigation to the agency’s extensive array of support services. If you’re feeling lost about how to help your child, JFS can guide the way. We’ll do more than just hand you a list of names and numbers. We’ll put you on the right path to finding an appropriate mental health provider, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. For more information, contact Barrett Harr at 248.592.2666 or bharr@jfsdetroit.org.
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Helping Helen Helen Bodzin, 78, understands the importance of volunteering. As part of the JFS Fall Fix Up program, volunteers have been coming to her home each fall for the past several years to rake leaves and wash the outsides of her windows. "The volunteers do an excellent job. They are so friendly. Sometimes they bring their older children with them. I love that."
“If it wasn’t for JFS, I don’t think I could remain in my house.”
The spirit of volunteering is close to Helen's heart as she herself has donated many years to different organizations, including Providence Hospital where she learned computer skills and offered doctors her valuable medical dictation talents. What started as one day per week eventually turned into four. "I did this for a long time. Until my husband told me I'd better go out and get a paying job!" When I explain to Helen that her story will appear in our newsletter, she lights up. "My years volunteering all started because I saw a newspaper ad. I know how important it is to share my experience with others." Helen shares that Fall Fix Up along with other JFS programs and services, has allowed her to stay in her own home. “If it wasn’t for JFS,“ Helen says, “I don't think I could remain in my house."
If you would like to be a volunteer and help others like Helen, contact Emily Croitori at 248.592.2317 or ecroitori@jfsdetroit.org.
2019-2020 Board of Directors Executive Committee Julie Teicher – Chair Michael Berke – Vice Chair Todd Schafer – Treasurer Gail Danto – Secretary Suzan Curhan – Immediate Past Chair Marc Bakst – Member At Large Dorothy Barak – Member At Large Helen Katz – Member At Large Mara Moss – Member At Large Shelly Rubenfire – Member At Large Amy Singer – Member At Large Perry Ohren- CEO Board Members Michael Baum Rhonda Brown Beth Davidson Rabbi Levi Dubov Michael Eizelman Michelle Freeman
Jerry Frohlich Bill Goldstein Micki Grossman Rabbi Marla Hornsten Danielle Newman Melissa Orley Lax Randy Orley Jason Page Mark Picklo Julie Rothstein Avi Rubin Sandy Schwartz Nancy Solway Erin Stiebel Ellen Tabak Renee Unger Sara Voight David Witten Andi Wolfe Margie Yaker
Past Presidents Mina Bargman* Jerry Bielfield* Susan Citrin Albert M. Colman* Marvin C. Daitch Sandy Muskovitz Danto Arnold Faudman* Marcy Feldman Janice B. Friedlander Joseph Garson* Edward D. Gold Amy Hoffman Haimann Merle Harris* Edythe Jackier* John E. Jacobs Benjamin E. Jaffe* Sylvia Jaffe* Mary Lakoff * Terran Leemis
Samuel L. Levin* Theodore R. Levin* John D. Marx Mark Milgrom Milford R. Pregerson* Donald Rochlen Lawrence H. Seltzer* Max M. Shaye* Helen Dante Shevin* Herbert P. Sillman* Gilbert B. Silverman* Abraham Srere* Bernard Stollman Sheldon Stone George M. Stutz* Brent S. Triest Belle Welt* Melville S. Welt* Stewart Weiner Kathleen Wilson-Fink Betsy G. Winkelman *Of Blessed Memory
Visit us: jfsdetroit.org
Non Profit Org. US Postage
PAID
Permit #618 Southfield, MI
Our Services OLDER ADULTS Assistive Technology Chronic Disease Management ElderCare Solutions of Michigan Friendly Visitors Geriatric Care Management Holocaust Survivor Assistance Home Care Kosher Meals on Wheels Mind University Transportation Julie Teicher • Board Chair
Perry Ohren • Chief Executive Officer
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS A Single Soul Suicide Prevention Cancer Thrivers Network for Jewish Women Community Education Counseling Mentor Connection
SAFETY NET Basic Needs Assistance Domestic Abuse Intervention Family Support Services Health Care Navigation Housing Resources Legal Referral Service Public Benefits Enrollment ORTHODOX COMMUNITY* Passover Assistance Safety Kid School-based Services RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY* Mental Health Translation and Interpretation *Members of the these communities have access to all JFS resources as well as these specialized services.