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.
Boulder Hanukkah Celebrations
This year, our JFS Boulder team celebrated Chanukah at nine older adult facilities in Boulder County.
Celebrating the holidays throughout the Boulder community
Not a day goes by without our JFS volunteers making a difference throughout the Boulder area. Their impact is especially significant during times such as the High Holidays. During this time, our older adult neighbors may need a reminder that being a part of a community means people come together to show they care, whether it’s by offering holiday services or receiving sweet treats.
Supporting a thriving aging population in Boulder
Our JFS Boulder team is dedicated to helping individuals overcome life’s most challenging obstacles. When Hannah and Bill, a couple in their 70s facing some obstacles, needed help, JFS Boulder Programs Coordinator and Care Manager Stuart Feinhor, MA, MAHL, MFA, worked with the couple to provide resources that helped them feel supported, connected, and engaged in their community.
Meet our JFS Boulder volunteer and programs services manager
Nicole Hosack started at JFS Boulder three years ago and has been an integral part of the team. Now, we’re excited to introduce her as our new volunteer and program services manager. Nicole is thrilled to work closely with volunteers to grow our programs, holiday services and Shabbats within the older adult communities throughout Boulder County!
Meet JFS Boulder’s new development and community engagement manager
Our efforts to strengthen our outreach throughout the Boulder community have expanded with the addition of Miche Bacher to the JFS Boulder team as development and community engagement manager. Miche will primarily focus on creating relationships with potential, current, and past donors and partners within the Jewish community.
In-home support for Boulder older adults
Some older adults want to live in their homes as long as possible, and that’s when in-home care is sometimes necessary to meet to make this a viable option. JFS provides responsible and compassionate homemakers to assist older adults with a variety of tasks to help them remain independent.
Paying it forward
For 28 years, Abby built her business, raised her child as a single parent, and paid her debts. However, due to a series of missteps and challenges, she found herself unhoused, living in her car at night and spending her days trying to find work in the library. Our JFS Boulder team was ready to help Abby on her road back to self-sufficiency, and, in turn, Abby shared her story to pay it forward.
JFS Boulder is accepting mental health clients
JFS Boulder provides ongoing, high-quality outpatient support to adults, children, and families who need therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, grief, or trauma, we can help. Our skilled, compassionate, and professional therapists are ready to work with you to find solutions to whatever you are experiencing.
What’s on the Boulder horizon
Partnerships play a significant role in the work that we do and the success of the organization. Each day, we are excited and humbled to have the opportunity to help those who rely on our programs and services, and we recognize our work can only happen because of the support we receive.
Wrapping up our Boulder County Crisis Counseling program
Since the Marshall Fire roared through the Boulder area, JFS has responded to the community’s needs, including providing mental health support thanks to a partnership between the Community Foundation Boulder County and additional funding from the Red Cross and Boulder County Health and Human Services. Our administration of the Boulder County Crisis Counseling mental health program ended at the end of December 2024, and we’re excited to share our wrap-up.
Program spotlight: JFS Boulder
This month, we’re excited to spotlight our JFS Boulder program. We sat down with Melissa Mascareñas, Director of JFS Boulder, to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.
Building bridges to support our Boulder clients
Our JFS Boulder team is committed to helping those in need throughout our community. Every day, Stuart Feinhor, MA, MAHL, MFA, Programs Coordinator, Care Manager fills an important gap in providing services to help our clients, like Mary Beth, become connected, self-sufficient, and thrive.
Celebrating the holidays throughout the Boulder community
Not a day goes by without our JFS volunteers making a difference throughout the Boulder area. Their impact is especially significant during times such as the High Holidays when our older adult neighbors may need a reminder that being a part of a community means that people come together to show they care.
JFS Boulder volunteer retires after 52 years of service
Jerry Sloat has been sounding the shofar for JFS Boulder High Holiday celebrations at older adult facilities since 1971. In fact, Jerry has volunteered to sound the shofar at so many places over the years that he has lost count. After sounding the shofar for more than 50 years, Jerry is happy to let someone take over the mitzvah.
Don’t wait for a disaster to make a plan
Do you have a plan for you and your family in case an emergency occurs? If not, learn what to do before a disaster strikes because things don’t always go as planned—and if you already do, it’s a great time to reevaluate. There’s no better time than National Preparedness Month to get ready for the unexpected.
Introducing our new JFS Boulder director
We’re excited to announce Melissa Mascareñas has been promoted to the director of JFS Boulder. Since March 2023, Melissa has been the associate director, and she has continued to ensure that our Boulder clients receive exemplary services as they overcome difficult life challenges to reach their full potential and feel supported, connected, and engaged.
Passover 2024: Finding hope and joy, together
Bringing Passover celebrations to isolated older adults in retirement communities or their homes is such an impactful way to show we care for our Jewish friends. To all our supporters and dedicated volunteers, we thank you for making Passover special to those who rely on us. We truly appreciate your efforts to make these celebrations meaningful.
JFS Boulder volunteer gatherings
May, JFS Boulder held two volunteer gatherings for existing and potential volunteers to join our team, Guests learned about our JFS programs and volunteer opportunities while getting to know other volunteers and staff. We’re already looking forward to planning future informational sessions!