The Charlotte Jewish News - January 2024 - Page 10
Family Services How JFS Charlotte Impacts Jewish Volunteers & Donors November 2023 Community and National Social Services By Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist Many in the Charlotte Jewish community are familiar with Jewish Family Services' (JFS) impact, whether through mental health services, senior support, or its food pantry. However, the broader contributions of JFS staff, both locally and nationally, are less known. JFS, committed to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, actively participates in social service development to enhance quality of life. Locally, JFS staff collaborate in various initiatives, improving social services in the greater Charlotte area. Leading these efforts is JFS’ Executive Director, Howard Olshansky. He has chaired the Mecklenburg County Child Fatality Prevention and Protection Team for many years, reviewing child deaths and recommending system improvements. Olshansky also helped secure county funding for a Child Abuse Prevention Plan in Mecklenburg County. JFS staff are part of the Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Coalition, organizing annual Pinwheel Gardens, including one at Shalom Park. Olshansky has chaired a team distributing federal funds for food and shelter under United Way, deciding how to allocate
these funds in Mecklenburg County. Sheryl Gerrard, JFS senior engagement manager, serves on the Mecklenburg Council on Aging's board. She spearheaded a Senior Transitions program at Shalom Park and will co-chair the council's Legislative Breakfast. The council advocates for senior services across the county. In mental health, Rachel Green, JFS director of programs and services, and Olshansky serve in various roles. Green represents JFS in the CHAT Collaborative, addressing childhood trauma, while Olshansky chairs the mental health sub-committee for The Children's Alliance, focusing on mental health needs of children and youth. He also serves on the Green Light Fund Charlotte Advisory Council, a national organization funding innovative service models. Recently, Olshansky was part of a team introducing new mental health technology for children and youth in Charlotte schools. Nationally, JFS Charlotte influences mental health service delivery. Green chairs the Clinical Net group of the Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA), introducing new practices and training clinicians in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. Olshansky chairs the Small Agency Net Group for NJHSA and has
been part of the leadership team for their national conference. JFS of Greater Charlotte pioneered the Mental Health Initiative (MHI), a comprehensive program responding to growing mental health needs and increasing suicide incidents. The MHI has inspired the Jewish Federations of North America's BeWell Initiative, now a national program. Olshansky notes, "Our involvement in these initiatives enhances service quality and provides access to resources and best practices for JFS Charlotte clients and our Jewish community."
Volunteers: Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Suzy Catenazzo, Harvey Chesler, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Terri Fishman, Rachel Friedman, Robert Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Richard Goldsmith, Jennifer Golynsky, Gail Halverson, Rebecca Hockfield, Oren Hubara, Tara Hubara, Dawn Hubbs, Bob Jacobson, Rikki Kinitsky, Etti Krause, Jennifer Koss, Elliot and Stephanie Kreitman, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Gene Marx, Frada Mozenter, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Marilyn Schuster, Janice Shubin, Cindy Siesel, Louis Sinkoe, Harry Sparks, Lorin Steifel, Steve Teich, Gail Vogel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman Mitzvah Baskets: The Gonedes Family in honor of Sam Gonedes’ bar mitzvah, The Rosenberger family in honor of Sofia Rosenberger’s bat mitzvah
Food Drives: Charlotte Jewish Preschool Hadassah Meal Preppies: Linda Greenfield, Lindsay Strasser, Penny Kreiger, June Hirschmann, Maggianos, Johnson and Wales, Andrea Schewitz, Gina Bonfiglio, Judy Kaufmann, Famous Toastery, Roz Cooper, Margie Bower, Lisa McGinley, Cheryl Alley, Shari Box, Alysha Miketa, Patricia Johnson, Vivian Sternweiler, Lisa Boudreau, Gina Robbins, Yvette Jacobson, Shari Baum, Vivian Scharager, Francine Smith, Fran Sameral, Ellen Altman, Melissa Gleissner, Marci Lotter, Helene Schilian, Donna Lerner Shalom Green: Thank to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients Food Pantry Donations: Thank you to our generous community for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building at Shalom Park.
January Is Mental Wellness Month By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director Happy New Year and congratulations on navigating the holiday season, spanning Thanksgiving through New Year’s. This
period often shifts our focus to others, from hosting guests and organizing work celebrations to preparing for school breaks and buying gifts. However, January, recognized as Mental Wellness Month, offers a chance to prioritize self-care. Many people experience a slump in January, a common time for heightened depression, underscored by Blue Monday — the third Monday of January, dubbed the year's most depressing day. The post-holiday shift from constant activity can leave a void, making this an ideal time to attend to your emotional well-being. Setting goals for mental health is as vital as those for physical health or finances, playing a key role in achieving broader life objectives. So, where to begin? Here are some tips to enhance mental wellness: Assess Your Current Mental Status: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and evaluate your feelings. Whether calm, anxious, or happy, this gives an insight into your mental health. Remember, consistent practice of mental wellness is crucial, just as with physical health. - Create a Mental Health Wellness Plan: Develop a guide with coping skills, contacts for stressful situations, and enjoyable activities. This helps balance thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. - Practice Self-Acceptance: Use the New Year as a chance for self-acceptance and boosting self-esteem. - Prioritize Self-Care: Daily
self-care is essential. Engage in meaningful activities that bring joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. - Learn a New Skill: Taking up creative hobbies can foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. - Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. This could include walking, cycling, fitness classes, or team sports. - Cultivate Gratitude: Daily gratitude practice can enhance feelings of thankfulness and optimism, aiding in challenge management. Forgive yourself for mistakes, as everyone makes them. - Maintain a Balanced Diet: Good nutrition supports both physical and mental health. - Ensure Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly and limit caffeine intake after lunch. - Practice Mindfulness: Slow down and consciously notice the positive aspects of your daily activities. - Seek help when needed: It's a sign of strength to reach out to resources and supports when your mental wellness is suffering. If you find that your depression, anxiety, or stress is interfering with your ability to manage your day-to-day activities, contact Jewish Family Services at (704) 364-6594 or email info@jfscharlotte.org. If you or a loved one are in crisis and need to talk or get immediate help, call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.
