A profile in giving: Tamara Weil
Tamara Weil, Legacy Society Member
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.
In the late 1980s, Tamara was introduced to JFS when her former husband joined the Board of Directors. (He later led the capital campaign to build the Tamarac office and conducted the national search that resulted in hiring Yana Vishnitsky as JFS president and CEO in 2000. Tamara fondly recalls Yana, especially how on food pantry days, she would help and spend time with our clients, particularly the Russian speakers, her native language. “She was a force,” shared Tamara.)
After volunteering for many years as a friendly visitor and in other capacities at JFS, Tamara began serving with Boomers Leading Change, an AmeriCorps program, providing health navigation services to refugees who fled their countries for better lives in Colorado with the JFS Refugee Mental Health department. “I was a patient navigator, working mostly with Iraqi and Afghan older adults who had mental health and physical challenges and really was a liaison to connect them to resources and services,” shared Tamara “I’ll never forget helping a client become a naturalized citizen—studying for the test and going to the ceremony. It was so powerful and moving.”
When Tamara’s term ended, a position at JFS opened, and she transitioned to a part-time patient navigator role, where she worked until 2021.
For Tamara, revising her will and estate plan was the perfect time to consider which organizations she supports. “JFS leadership and staff are dedicated to the mission and the success of its programs. Denver and Colorado are better because JFS exists. I want to be a good steward of my resources and support programs and agencies that make a difference,” shared Tamara.
Our Legacy Society donors, like Tamara, are the driving force behind keeping our doors open for those who rely on us most. Thanks to the vision and commitment of those who came before us, JFS has evolved to meet our community’s needs for more than 154 years. Without their support and generosity, JFS would not be the vital resource it is today.
Learn more about our JFS Legacy Society today.