Changing the narrative around aging
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is “Aging Unbound.” The awareness month is dedicated to exploring diverse aging experiences and providing an opportunity to discuss how communities can fight stereotypes, change thinking around aging, and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
JFS KidSuccess: making sure youth have the support they need
We are currently in the middle of a mental health crisis, and it’s hitting youth hard. In the past year, 40% of youth experienced depression, and more than half reported feeling increased daily stress today compared to 2019. Colorado’s youth are 37% more likely to use drugs and 15% more likely to use alcohol than the average American youth. These statistics are alarming, and during National Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share how JFS’s school-based mental health program, KidSuccess, is helping to combat this growing and concerning trend.
Older Adult Survey Offers a Snapshot of Needs
In different ways, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected all of us, but we also saw unexpected benefits. Throughout JFS, for example, we found new ways to connect with people throughout our community, identified ways to adjust our programs to be still able to help people, and became even more aware of the importance of meeting their needs. And, our Aging Care and Connections team continues to find ways to serve the older adult population better.
ACC and ACE: Cultivating Community Engagement
Lunch at the JCC is about more than enjoying a kosher meal. It’s about catching up with friends and making new ones. Now, thanks to JFS’s cross-departmental collaboration, our Congregant Meal program, which aims to reduce social isolation, takes a new twist to spark connections—and that goal is expanding in the best way!
Afraid to stay; scared to leave; excited to start over
For Sandra and her family, life in El Salvador was filled with terror. “Life was very complicated,” shared Sandra’s son-in-law, Moises. “Money was sparse. Getting ahead was really challenging, and when you did, they would take it away from you. Our days were very stressful and violent. We never knew if it would be safe when we left the house and if we would return home. It was dangerous to get basic needs—knowing if we went to the shops, we might die. To grow up like that was so hard, always living in fear.”
Start a Conversation About Inclusive Workplaces
Creating a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, respected, appreciated, comfortable, and welcomed is critical to building an inclusive workplace. Like most things, it starts with education, and our JFS employment specialists are ready to create opportunities for a conversation over lunch.
JFS Executive Luncheon
2023 Executive Luncheon featuring author Michael Lewis. A sharp observer of politics, finance, and the evolution of American culture, Michael Lewis combines keen insight with his signature wit, making him one of today’s leading social commentators.
Shop and Support JFS
Did you know that every time you buy milk or fill your gas tank at King Soopers, you can support JFS? That’s right. Your weekly shopping can help those who rely on JFS. If you’re looking for a simple, convenient way to help JFS by doing what you usually do at no additional cost to you, we’ve got a program to share with you!
Make Connections and Find Support
If you live with a chronic health condition or illness and experience misunderstanding, isolation, or loneliness, the JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates Chronic Health Conditions Support Group can help. In this monthly group, you’ll find emotional support, learn coping strategies, and much more.
What You Need to Know About the Reduction in SNAP Benefits
Coloradans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will see a reduction in their monthly benefit amount after February 2023. The temporary additional benefit amounts, called Emergency Allotment, were approved by Congress as part of the Public Health Emergency, which began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between The Lines: A Conversation With Author Michael Lewis 2023 JFS Executive Luncheon
We are excited to announce the 2023 Executive Luncheon will feature New York Times best-selling author Michael Lewis. You don’t want to miss this always inspiring event on April 28 at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel and help JFS continue to make the greatest impact for the greater good for those who rely on us most.
Rabbi Rick Provides Healing, Comfort, and Spiritual Needs
In times of need, compassion and comfort help heal and bring peace. For Tsivya, JFS’s Rabbi Rick, who leads the JFS Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy program, provided the necessary solace she and her husband, Barry, needed during a difficult time. Tsivya shared the couple’s story with our readers to bring light to the good work being done through Rabbi Rick.
JFS Boulder Expands Mental Health Services
JFS headquarters, based in Denver, has a robust Mental Health department providing services to the community for more than 40 years. JFS Boulder is building upon this infrastructure and has expanded its mental health services to provide ongoing high-quality mental health services for anyone needing therapy, including those impacted by the Marshall Fire or Straight-Line Wind Event in Boulder County.
Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz –Birkenau, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Kavod Senior Life is hosting a ceremony on January 27, it is free and open to the public. The event starts at 1:00 p.m. at Kavod Senior Life, 22 S. Adams Street, Denver CO 80209.
Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month
Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, educator and the first blind woman to enter the rabbinate, will describe patterns of isolation among those with a variety of disabilities. Rabbi Julia Appel, Senior Director of Innovation at Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, will teach us key principles in designing for belonging.
Making Digital Equity a Reality
PCs for People is a national nonprofit social enterprise that works to get low-cost quality computers into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits for those who are economically vulnerable.
Monthly Giving Benefits You and Our Neighbors
Did you know that monthly gifts to JFS help create a steady source of funding for the vital programs and services our clients rely on to succeed?
Do a Little Good
At JFS, we couldn’t help our neighbors thrive without our volunteers—both within the agency and throughout the community.
So Much Thanks
Because of you, our generous supporters, our pantry shelves were stocked with food, families enjoyed traditional Thanksgiving meals, refugees received help settling into their new homes and lives, children opened presents this holiday season, and so much more. You made it possible to bring joy and light to our neighborhood friends.
Creating a New Home in Colorado
It’s unimaginable to have to leave your home, your country, and what and who you know and flee across the world to hope for a better life. While these stories are heartbreaking by virtue of their circumstances, they are also inspiring for families like the Lalzais.