JFS Group Home reunion celebrates lifelong friendships
Former residents, staff, supporters, and volunteers of the JFS Group Home recently spent an afternoon together reconnecting and reminiscing. The time was filled with hugs, laughter, games, wonderful food, and countless stories as old friends caught up and celebrated the special community that JFS helped create.
Partnerships create stronger support for refugees
Allyson Sawtell, Co-chair of Wash Park United Church of Christ at the Mosaic Community Campus Solidarity in Social Action Team, worked with JFS to propose funding through their Work in the World Fund, which distributes grants to nonprofit organizations, prioritizing projects and initiatives that advance justice, mercy, and community well-being. We’re excited to share that a proposal was submitted and approved for JFS to distribute nearly $85,000 to prevent homelessness for refugee households in crisis.
Promoting well-being in schools
For 32 years, KidSuccess, our school-based mental health program, has been welcoming children and adolescents, making a difference, and providing the resources they need to heal. This year, we are expanding KidSuccess to four new schools across two school districts (Denver Public Schools and Adams 12 Five Star School District), serving a total of 23 elementary, middle, and high schools with higher needs.
A profile in giving: Lori and Lou Sigman
It’s easy to be passionate about JFS when you believe in its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families throughout Colorado. But before that can happen, you need to learn about the important work JFS does throughout the community, which is one of the reasons why hosting events is essential for introducing new people to the agency. It’s how Lori and Lou Sigman became involved with JFS and began their legacy with the organization.
August Volunteer of the Month, John C.
We are excited to introduce John C., our August Volunteer of the Month. John volunteers to help recently resettled refugees navigate their new lives in Colorado. Helping with important tasks like housing, applying for documentation, and providing support and guidance to ensure they have all they need to settle in.
Community Resource Fair
The JFS Community Resource Fair is an in-person event that features a variety of community partners and is designed to provide helpful information about JFS programs and services and beyond—all to benefit individuals and families within our community.
Three mindfulness tips to get back-to-school ready
The beginning of school will be here before you know it. Some kids may feel anxious, while others feel excited. No matter the emotion, this is always a time of transition, and that’s a great reminder to get back-to-school ready and help calm stress and anxiety using mindfulness techniques.
Building resilience in older adults
Aging is a natural part of life, and at JFS, we strive to create a community where aging is supported, yet many people don't learn about available resources until they face a crisis. Conferences on aging help challenge common misconceptions about growing older and highlight the many ways people can remain active, engaged, and independent as they age.
July Volunteer of the Month, Ruth L.
We are excited to introduce Ruth L., our July Volunteer of the Month. Ruth volunteers as a Community Table Lunch Companion, helping serve nutritious lunches to older adults and providing them with an opportunity to share a community meal with their peers.
Shavuot community celebration
JFS Boulder’s Development and Community Engagement Manager, Miche Bacher, participated in a panel reflecting on what it means to build and sustain sacred community in honor of Shavout, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the receiving of the Torah. Hundreds of community members came together late into the night to learn, reflect, and consider how we can show up for one another with care and intention.
JFS food pantries: The face of hunger
Another food pantry day has come and gone. Selections were made, bags were filled, and individuals and families will have food on their tables. But once our doors close, a harder question remains: What does the face of hunger look like in our communities? The uncomfortable answer is that it’s probably not who you initially think about.
June Volunteer of the Month, Paul B.
We are excited to introduce Paul B., our June Volunteer of the Month. Paul volunteers with our Arts & Community Exploration, helping to coach our Special Olympics basketball team for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
3 ways to celebrate Pride Month with JFS
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and is dedicated to uniting our community, honoring diversity, and sparking awareness as we generate conversations around the issues our neighbors face and strengthen our community. At JFS, we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to make the world a better place regardless of a person’s circumstances, age, ethnicity, race, faith, income, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Celebrate Pride and join us for the festivities!
Lil Shaw: Embracing gratitude, connections, and joy
Lil shows up, gives of herself, and cares deeply. After you read this story, make someone smile, do an act of kindness, or just think about something you’re grateful for, like Lil does every day, which would be such a wonderful tribute to a lovely lady.
May Volunteer of the Month, Katie Z.
We are excited to introduce Katie Z., our May Volunteer of the Month. Katie volunteers in the Weinberg Food Pantry, helping ensure members of our community have access to culturally relevant and nutritious food.
April Volunteer of the Month, Myra L.
We are excited to introduce Myra L., our March Volunteer of the Month. Abbey volunteers with employment services, helping with essential data entry to help staff understand our clients and their needs.
Strengthening women’s empowerment
Fifty-one women participated in our second New American Women Empowerment Employment event, which connected refugee and immigrant women with opportunities for meaningful employment through individual support, panels, discussion groups, and workshops.
A profile in giving: Tamara Weil
For Tamara Weil, volunteer, writer, businesswoman, proud mother and grandmother, investing in JFS to protect the agency’s programs and services for future generations is more than a gift; it strengthens her legacy and speaks to her values.
Mental Wellness Tips
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, JFS Refugee Mental Health Systems Navigator, Lawahiz Abbas, shares her recommendations for small daily actions that can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections.
JFS Receives $5 Million Gift to Support Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
JFS has received a $5 million gift to establish the Appel Family Foundation Strategic Growth and Sustainability Initiative, which will strengthen the organization’s impact, drive innovation, and increase financial investments.