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.
There’s still time to make an impact in 2025
Choose a donation opportunity that speaks to you before the end of 2025 and help JFS continue to make a difference throughout our community despite increasing needs and decreasing finding. Whether you decide to donate a Thanksgiving meal, attend our Faces of JFS event, or give to our year-end appeal, you have the power to make our community stronger.
Advancing women’s empowerment
JFS hosted a three-day career development program designed to connect refugee and immigrant women with opportunities for meaningful employment through individual support, panels, discussion groups, and workshops. Our first New American Women Empowerment Employment event provided practical career guidance and peer support, helping participants build confidence and community.
October Volunteers of the Month
We are excited to introduce David and Marla N., our October Volunteers of the Month. David and Marla's dedication and teamwork truly make a difference for the Mobile Food & Hygiene Pantry. We're so grateful for their commitment and the positive impact they have on the community.
Bright Holidays
You can bring light and joy to those we serve by participating in this year’s Bright Holidays program. Sponsor an individual or family’s personal wish list, donate gift cards or make a monetary donation to the program.
Faces of JFS Presents Van Jones: Speaking Up and Speaking Out
JFS invites the community to the 2025 Faces of JFS event on Wednesday, November 12, at the Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour for mingling, a creatively curated dinner, and a short, informative program highlighting the powerful impact JFS makes throughout the community.
Meet our Denver Volunteer of the Year
Since July 2023, Robert Gore has supported numerous JFS programs, including the mobile food pantry, JCC food deliveries, transportation assistance, and hands-on help across the Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program. Bob’s impact goes far beyond the hours he gives, and we are excited to introduce him as our 2025 Denver Volunteer of the Year.
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.
JFS Food Pantries to Support Furloughed Government Employees During Shutdown
In response to the current federal government shutdown, Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) is here to assist furloughed workers with immediate services and resources, such as food and mental health support.
JFS Responds to Nonprofit Layoffs with Career Coaching Program
In response to the growing number of nonprofit professionals facing layoffs, Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) has launched a new career coaching program specifically designed for individuals who have recently lost their jobs in the nonprofit sector. Funded by The Denver Foundation, the program is free to eligible participants and offers one-on-one, personalized support to help professionals move forward.
We must help Holocaust survivors
Awareness of the JFS Holocaust Survivor’s Assistance program has grown, and more individuals are looking to the agency to provide services that help them live with dignity and in comfort and security. However, as costs associated with age-related care continue to increase, JFS needs your help to ensure that this vulnerable population receives consistent care and assistance in creating a robust support system for them and their families.
September Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Blair R., our September Volunteer of the Month.
Program Spotlight: JFS Employment Services
Whether an individual is unemployed or looking for a career change, our Employment Services department can help! We offer a variety of workshops, trainings, and support groups to help job seekers re-enter the workforce or find new opportunities
KidSuccess: Providing early intervention for 30 years
Over the year, we’ve celebrated the 30th anniversary of our KidSuccess program with stories from school and JFS staff about our collaboration to reach youth to help them work through and heal from mental health struggles. KidSuccess School-based Therapist Sydney Ankenbrandt completed her third year at Samuels Elementary School, and she shares her thoughts on her role and experiences.
Quieting the silence: Visible and invisible disabilities
Join us on September 9 at 7:15 PM EDT for an evening of storytelling and community where three brave speakers will share their personal stories of living with visible and invisible disabilities and how their experiences have impacted their mental health. The program will be on ZOOM, run for approximately 90 minutes, and conclude with a Q&A.
Toss like a boss with Team ACE
JFS Team ACE had an incredible performance at the Special Olympics Regional and State Bocce Competitions this summer! We were so excited to cheer the team on and proud of their dedication and enthusiasm this bocce season. Next up? ACE is starting its bowling team in September because that’s how we roll!
Kavod on the Road: How to advocate for yourself and loved ones
Becoming a strong advocate for yourself or family members is central to the care process. At this year’s Kavod on the Road Conference, Rachel Rotach, MSW, JFS Director of Aging Care & Connections, and Heidi Wald, MD, MSPH Member, JFS Board of Directors, presented on “How to advocate for yourself and your loved ones as you age.”
August Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce Sandi R., our August Volunteer of the Month.
Three tips to ease back-to-school anxiety
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.
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!