Supporting youth with increased safety concerns
From increased screen time and social media to easy and available access to global news to peer challenges, kids are experiencing elevated levels of stress and anxiety more than ever. To help our school-based KidSuccess therapists reinforce the conversation around suicide assessment and deterrence, last month they participated in an insightful half-day training session along with other JFS client-facing staff.
A future with opportunities
Cairo Rudacyahwa’s wife and children had already moved to Colorado from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he was excited for their reunion and beginning a new chapter in his life.
Elevating refugee voices
Each year, Colorado Refugee Speakers invites new refugees to apply and join the Bureau. This year, we’re excited that two of our Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement clients were accepted and spoke at their recent annual event, sharing their journeys, experiences, and perspectives, with messages of resilience and hope.
The gift of sharing your story
In 2015, Naila Siradji and her family left their home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to safety concerns. They moved to Uganda, hoping for a better life, including more educational opportunities. Then, in 2023, the family moved to Colorado, and Naila was excited to build the future she had always imagined.
JFS Boulder Celebrates the High Holidays with the Community
JFS Boulder celebrated the High Holidays by bringing meaningful traditions, connection, and community to older adults throughout Boulder County. JFS partnered with local older adult communities to host 11 High Holiday services, reaching 157 participants.
JFS Vaccine Clinic
King Soopers pharmacy will provide vaccines for JFS clients, staff, and neighbors (age 3+). Anyone wanting vaccines can sign up on the King Soopers clinic portal for the vaccines they need.
September Volunteer of the Month, Stewart F.
We are excited to introduce Stewart F., our September Volunteer of the Month. Stewart volunteers at the Weinberg Food Pantry, helping clients shop and ensuring community members have access to nutritious food and essential hygiene products.
Finding job success with JFS employment services
Suzanne and her partner were eager to move to Colorado to be closer to her sister, who just had a baby. Finding a job proved challenging for Suzanne until she learned about JFS’s employment services and met with a career specialist. Then, she went from having four interviews in seven months to four interviews in a week with Gabe’s help.
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.