JFS Boulder: Creating a cultural connection
Food and traditions unify people, and last month, 16 volunteers gathered in the Boulder JCC’s kitchen for a Purim hamantaschen baking event. The group made more than 500 cookies for JFS and the JCC to distribute. Thank you to everyone who joined us, baked, shared memories, and helped to create joy so that others could commemorate Purim!
A Full-Circle Moment: How Abbas Built a Career and Gave Back
Abbas and his family arrived in the United States in 2023 through the JFS Refugee Resettlement program. As someone who sets goals and follows through, Abbas worked with his JFS refugee employment specialist to meet his goal: working at Walmart (“because everyone knows Walmart”). Today, Abbas leads a team of 35 employees with diverse backgrounds in Walmart’s online pickup and delivery department, and he reached out to JFS to hire four new employees, a full-circle moment for both Abbas and our agency.
ACE: Serving up pickleball
Playing sports provides an opportunity to be a part of a community, increase self-esteem, and build confidence while getting exercise, all of which improve our overall well-being. And thanks to our ACE Activities Specialist Kim Badger’s passion for pickleball, participants now share her enthusiasm for the game both in-house and in the community.
February Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Joanie R., our January Volunteer of the Month. Joanie volunteers with our Employment Services team as an English in the Workplace teacher, helping individuals learn English and gain confidence in speaking in the workplace.
Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) Community Events
JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates and our JDA Partner Organizations will focus on expanding access and deepening engagement in Jewish life during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) and throughout 2026. Together we can cultivate a culture of belonging and strengthen the fabric of Jewish communal life.
Delivering help and hope
When the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany contacted us to distribute grocery gift cards to local Holocaust survivors, staff, volunteers, and Board members made the experience meaningful for them and the recipients. Bringing joy to Holocaust survivors, especially in challenging and uncertain times, fosters unexpected goodness when it’s most needed.
Holocaust Remembrance Day thanks
JFS Boulder and Balfour Longmont hosted a l Holocaust remembrance event in January where Holocaust survivors Joe Juhasz and Asher Ben Basat shared their experiences. We thank everyone who participated and made the event memorable for all.
When games and good deeds equal fun
When Parker began thinking about her Bat Mitzvah project, she thought about how she enjoys interacting with older adults when she volunteers with her synagogue, and her idea came to life—a game afternoon at the Golden West Senior Living. With games, puzzles, cards, and snacks to enjoy, memories were made.
Stepping up to meet the needs
Our food programs are a vital component of the wraparound support that JFS provides to the community. Each year, we serve more than 20,000 individuals through our food pantries, and this year will be no different.
TRUA Eviction Prevention Program Emergency Assistance Impact Report
Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) wants to extend our deepest appreciation for your incredible support of the TRUA Eviction Prevention Program through your Donor Advised Fund at Rose Community Foundation. Through this powerful partnership between JFS, Denver Public Schools, the Denver Department of Housing Stability (HOST), and you, we are ensuring that families with children in Denver schools receive vital financial support, case management, and access to community resources. The ultimate goal is to stabilize families, prevent evictions, and ensure children remain in a safe, secure learning environment.
January Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Michael R., our January Volunteer of the Month. Michael volunteers for the JFS Community Table Lunch program, helping to enrich the social and emotional well-being of older adults by providing lunch and social engagement.
JFS AutoCAD course helping to create new beginnings
Upon arriving in the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa from Afghanistan, Rafi was ready to settle into his new home and find meaningful work. In Afghanistan, Rafi had a career as a civil engineer but faced barriers returning to this field in his new country. That was until he discovered the JFS AutoCAD Drafting and Design course, and thanks to a generous scholarship, he registered and completed the class.
Strong enough to ask for help
Stacey is a busy, single mom of seven, with children ranging from toddlers to teens. A survivor of domestic violence, she wants the best for herself and her children. When she faced financial hardships and learned about JFS, Stacey received the support she needed to overcome them.
Boulder Hanukkah Celebrations
This year, our JFS Boulder team celebrated Chanukah at nine older adult facilities in Boulder County.
Volunteers needed
Are you looking for a meaningful way to connect with someone who could really use a friend? Our one-on-one companionship programs match volunteers and clients based on shared interests and needs to foster meaningful connections, helping reduce isolation and create lasting friendships. Right now, we have several opportunities in our Denver and Boulder communities.
Mental Health FY25 Impact Report
JFS partners with clients, families, and the community to create opportunities to achieve emotional wellness and stability. Our team of skilled mental health professionals is committed to helping, improving, and making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues, such as loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and medication management.
December Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Fran S., our December Volunteer of the Month. Her dedication and commitment shine through in all she does, making a meaningful impact across our community and beautifully embodying JFS’s mission to support and strengthen others.
Overflowing hearts, full tables, and an abundance of thanks
We shared the comfort of Thanksgiving with our neighbors who could benefit from a little extra support this holiday—a time when homes are warmed by friends and family, when we reflect, show gratitude, and share kindness.
Important update regarding upcoming changes at JFS Altius Farms
To foster strategic, sustainable growth and create an innovative new experience for our community, we will be temporarily pausing a portion of our JFS Altius Farms operations.
November Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Bob S., our November Volunteer of the Month. Bob’s dedication and teamwork truly make at JFS Altius Farms and The Weinberg Food Pantry. His dedication and commitment have made a meaningful impact – not only through his hands-on support at JFS Altius Farms but also in the way he embodies the spirit of JFS’s mission to nourish and strengthen our community.