JFS CURRENTS Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
I
Summer 2016
jfsatlantic.org
The Short List Cocktails for a Cause More than 220 guests enjoyed cocktails, bourbon tasting and prize wheel during “Cocktails for a Cause” on February 4th at Resorts Atlantic City, which raised nearly $50,000 for essential JFS services.
JFS CURRENTS
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
I
jfsatlantic.org
JFS CURRENTS
Co-chair Farah Burns wins a prize as co-chair Eric Goldberg cheers her on.
Volunteers Wanted
JFS is looking for volunteers to year’s House Tour May features amazing jfsatlantic.org help with food pantry, friendly Jewish Family This Service of Atlantic & Cape Counties I properties like this beautiful Margate home. visits, meal delivery and more. Contact Eileen Dillon-Gantert at 609-822-1108 x 249 to learn more.
29th Annual JFS House Tour
Luxurious Homes, VIP Transportation & Spectacular Prizes
W
ith state-of-the-art gourmet kitchens, custom woodworking, and breathtaking views, each home featured on the JFS House Tour is absolutely spectacular. The JFS House Tour offers an exclusive tour inside the area’s most luxurious homes on Monday, August 1, 2016 from 11 am – 4 pm.
Eileen Dillon-Gantert and Samantha McManus of JFS thank Ocean City Home Bank’s Jean Jacobson for her volunteer efforts.
Holocaust Luncheon
Local Holocaust survivors gather for a luncheon along with entertainment and educational presentations at Jewish Family Service each month. For more information or to attend an upcoming event, call 609-822-1108.
The tour will boast six to eight specialty houses along the beach and bay showcasing great designs, décor and furnishings. For those guests looking for design advice, experts are onlocation offering their design insight, expertise and tips. This year’s tour will infuse aspects that attendees love such as VIP transportation and back by popular demand, a complimentary lunch sponsored by Oasis Property Group. The tour also features a raffle offering fabulous prizes such as a white and cognac pave diamond ring set in 18K white gold from Roberts Fine Jewelers, a 2-night stay and $300 food credit at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, 2-night stay and $300 resort credit at Caesars Atlantic City, a 2017 Summer Membership to the Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center and a $100 Downbeach Express pass. Raffle tickets are available for $20 each or 6 for $100. Tickets are available to everyone. Tour attendance is not necessary to win. House Tour tickets are $50 after July 1st. Proceeds benefit Village by the Shore. The agency hopes to raise more than $60,000 to provide essential programs and services for adults and older adults in our community. For more information about the 29th Annual House Tour or to purchase tickets, please visit www.jfsatlantic.org.
2-3 I Annual Meeting
Survivors and community members enjoy the March socialization luncheon at JFS.
9
4-5 I Programs & Services
10
6-7 I Village by the Shore
11
8
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
I
Development Update
12
I I I I
S pecial Events Community Connections Friends Donor Spotlight 1
State of the Agency It seems like just yesterday that I joined this community and JFS. In fact, it will be 10 years this August. In preparing my words, I thought what better place to start this year’s speech than the last ten years of annual meeting speeches, which provided me with a year-byyear picture of our agency. The needs of our community have varied, but the consistent theme throughout is a resilient agency with a strong staff, supportive Board and generous community. JFS is built on the strength and creativity of those who preceded me. Myra Eskin dedicated 22 years to JFS and was ahead of her time in building collaborations and diversifying funds to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. I was fortunate to be able to begin my work on Andrea Steinberg, LCSW her strong foundation and to work with Tom Ruben who devoted 31 years of his career Remarks presented during the to JFS and Atlantic County. I was privileged Annual Meeting 6/15/16. to learn from Tom and now look forward to continuing that work with a strong management team. Over the past 10 years the agency has experienced an annual average budget increase of 9%, going from 4 million to 11 million dollars. Consequently, we have built the necessary infrastructure to meet this growth.
JFS Annua
Installations, Recog for Those Ded The JFS Annual Meeting offers an opportunity for staff, board members, volunteers and supporters to join together to recap the previous year and express enthusiasm for the future. Held June 15th at Congregation Beth Israel in Northfield, the evening, led by emcee and Board member Eric Goldberg, featured installations, recognitions and awards. JFS President Richard B. Wise, M.D. installed Board Members and Executive Officers including Secretary Traci Werman, Lawrence A. Reich, DDS, Joel B. Frankel, D.M.D., Melissa RosenblumPisetzner, Esq., and Matthew Simpson (all for a one year term), Joel Caplan, Ph.D. and Ali Lieberman for a two year term and Eric Goldberg for a three year term. The agency also said thank you and farewell to board members Deena Dine and Beverly Rubin for their years of dedication and service.
The Cocktail Party was launched 10 years ago and in its first year raised $18,000. This year it raised $50,000. The House Tour remains a legacy event projected to generate $60,000 this year compared to $34,000 in 2006. The Golf Tournament has evolved into a combined fundraiser with the JCC and made $55,000 this May. JFS events and fundraising combined have increased more than 102% in the past 10 years.
In addition to a fond farewell, Wise recognized Beverly Rubin with the 2016 President’s Award for her dedication and support of the agency. Beverly joined the Board of Directors in 2004 and has served as Secretary and Vice President. Additionally she co-chaired the annual House Tour for five years and served on numerous committees. She was instrumental in the agency’s formation of Village by the Shore.
The evolution of JFS’ services over the past decade is remarkable. In 2006, JFS first embarked on the Jail Diversion program, which is now just one component we are providing to this population. Now in its third year, the Discharge and Reentry program serves 1,500 people annually.
During the evening, JFS recognized agency donors, Hafetz & Associates, Andi & David Goldberg, Ocean City Home Charitable Foundation, Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay/7311, Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly, Wells Fargo and Wise Family
Supportive Housing has grown from a single program to a primary service line. This year JFS received three expansion programs adding 15 new subsidies, six fulltime employees and a per diem staff to provide services 365 days a year. JFS older adult services added a fee-based program 10 years ago to help stabilize funding and assure that the services continued. Today, we have fully implemented Village by the Shore, a membership-based program with enhanced services for adults and older adults. Also in 2006, JFS received its first grant to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. JFS is a vendor of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and is launching PAWS, a consumer-staffed pet walking business that employs young adults with disabilities. In addition to building on the existing services, I was tasked with increasing the visibility of JFS. JFS regularly appears in local papers and has come to be a go-to agency in the community. Atlantic Homeless Alliance (AHA), which is in its third year, has assisted 5,500 people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. ICMS serves some of the most vulnerable in the community with serious mental illness. There has been a steady growth to the outpatient counseling department with expertise in trauma treatment. This year our Cape May division relocated to a new larger facility located in Cape May Court House adding space for an additional full-time therapist. We have also increased services in Atlantic County through our main location in Margate and satellite office in Atlantic City. JFS was approved as a Behavioral Health Home known as Links to Health. This program model offers care coordination, mental health and medical services as well as wellness workshops, all through an integrated approach. I am proud of JFS’ work over the past 10 years and look forward to our future accomplishments. With an eye on the needs of the consumers, JFS remains poised to continue meeting the growing needs of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
2
Staff Promotions & Jewish Family Service has grown exponentially and expanded programs to meet the increased needs in the community. With more than 30 program areas that serve 8,500 individuals and families each year, the agency is proud to announce promotion of the following employees: Jim McGuigan, former Associate Director of ICMS, has been named the Director of Links to Health and ICMS Initiatives. Links to Health, a new JFS program, is a Behavioral Health Home model that offers case management, mental health and medical services as well as wellness workshops. The program offers services to current JFS consumers and extended services to those who have transitioned out of an existing program. Laura Rodgers, LCSW, formerly Senior Director of Mental Health Services, is now Chief Program Officer. In this position, Laura will have continued roles in Mental Health programs as well as oversee expanding service areas. In her 20 years with JFS, Laura has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Commitment to Companssion Award (NJAMHA) and Top 40 Under 40 (AC Weekly). Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
l Meeting
nitions and Awards icated to JFS Eye Center, for their generous donations to the agency. Diana & Mitchell Gurwicz & AtlantiCare also were acknowledged for their continued support of the agency.
In addition to recognizing the nearly two dozen Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers, JFS honored Bob Cohen & Jordan Kleinman with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Both Bob and Jordan are a staple delivering Kosher Meals on Wheels every Thursday. Their dedication and time devoted to the agency is invaluable. CEO Andrea Steinberg commended Rene Kane for her selfless dedication and support with the Community Support Award. From assisting after Superstorm Sandy to serving on the JFS House Tour Committee to collecting hundreds of prom dresses, Rene finds ways to help not only JFS but the entire community. The strong impact JFS has in the community is due to the dedication of its staff. The 2016 Annual Meeting recognized ICMS Case Manager Christopher Barone, Outpatient Counselor Kate Mattleman, ICMS Case Managers Sandra Rosario and Jasmin Shelley, CEO Andrea Steinberg and Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Witkowski for their 10 years of service to the agency. In addition, Jennifer Wagner (Outstanding Service), Stephen Murray (Emerging Professional), Kathleen Powell (Heart & Soul), Christina Bailey (Leadership) and Naomi Jones (Above & Beyond) were honored with staff awards for their hard work, dedication and professionalism.
Program Expansions Ann Thoresen, LCSW, has been named Senior Director, Atlantic Homeless Alliance and Justice Involved Services. In this role, Ann continues to lead the Atlantic Homeless Alliance, which assists individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Atlantic County, with added duties in the areas of Housing and Justice Involved Services. Lisa Witkowski, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, moves into an expanded role as Chief Human Resources Officer. In this position, Lisa will guide the overall commitment to JFS current and future strategies serving the workforce as well as amplify visibility in the area of risk management. During her 10 year tenure, Lisa has overseen all aspects of talent acquisition as the agency has nearly tripled in size. “JFS is fortunate to have these exceptional employees that will continue to help the agency meet the needs of consumers,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS CEO. “JFS strives to achieve best practices for our community as well as a strong commitment to leadership development.”
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
President’s Report As I reflect upon my first year as President of JFS, I continue to be optimistic that this agency has positioned itself as the model organization of our community. With a strong Board of Directors, staff and community supporters, we have managed to maintain our budget of more than $11 million despite the growing challenges in our area. During this annual address, I will try to highlight some of the many accomplishments that have occurred during the year. The main focus of the first half of the year was geared towards preparing for and implementing a Board retreat with the concentration on Board Engagement. During this process, many Board members went on a Board Tour where they visited a JFS Program Richard B. Wise, M.D. such as the Atlantic County Jail, the Atlantic Remarks presented during the Homeless Alliance or under the Boardwalk Annual Meeting 6/15/16. as part of a homeless outreach program. The Board then formed three “break-out” groups that worked on Programming, Board Roles and Responsibilities, and Finance and Budget. This all culminated with a Board retreat in January at Shore Medical Center. Chaired by two past Presidents, Sissy Feldman and Marc Lowenstein, and moderated by Laura Otten from the Non-Profit Center at LaSalle University’s School of Business, the Board was able to have a “Day of Clarity” to reflect upon the roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board. The good-better-best practices continuum of a Board was the theme of the day. It is now up to us as Board Members to decide which of these practices we want to endorse to fit the mission of this agency. Over the upcoming year, the Planning Committee will be preparing a new strategic plan led by Dr. Joel Caplan to help guide these principles. JFS remains strong due to the leadership of the agency. As most of you are aware, this is Andrea Steinberg’s 10 year anniversary as CEO. Although she had big shoes to fill by replacing Myra Eskin, she has managed to grow the agency tremendously and continues to expand the range of services our organization can provide. In particular, she has been instrumental in developing and expanding our supportive housing programs over this past decade. This has been a tough year for Andrea and the agency when Tom Ruben retired as our Chief Operating Officer after 31 years of service to JFS. Tom was a respected and highly regarded executive in the mental health field. Tom epitomized the work of JFS and was committed to assuring services.The agency held a farewell in his honor in January. However, with every loss comes new opportunities and we are confident that our new COO will continue to expand upon Tom’s legacy just as Andrea has with succeeding Myra. With the shift to fee for service eventually occurring, it has produced some major budgetary challenges. However, our agency has been preparing for this shift for the past 3 plus years. Mara Bienstock was hired almost two years ago as our Chief Financial Officer and has been instrumental in ensuring the transition remains smooth from a budgetary standpoint. Thanks to all of our community supporters who have either donated their time or money to help provide the services that are desperately needed in our area. With more than 30 program areas that serve over 8,500 individuals and families, these contributions are really appreciated. Our major gift donors have become too numerous to thank individually but we really appreciate your trust in these programs. A special thanks to our chairs of our Cocktail Party, Claudia and Eric Goldberg, Farah and Michael Burns, Antoinette and Eric Wood, and Sherri and David Anapolle, for raising $50,000 to benefit children and family services. Once again, Darren Matik co-chaired the 3rd Annual JCC & JFS Golf Tournament last month with enormous success and raised $55,000. JFS has taken home the Golf Tournament trophy for the past two years. Our House Tour will once again be chaired by Johanna Perskie and Stephanie Lutz-Koch on August 1st with a goal of raising $60,000, and our 3rd Annual Village by the Shore Card Party will be hosted by Harbor Pines Golf Club on August 18th. Finally, the highly anticipated Herb Dinner is set for November 9th at Steve and Cookie’s By the Bay. I will conclude by continuing my tradition of quoting Ronald Reagan who once said “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”.
3
Programs & Services
PAWS Pet Care
JFS Consumer Staffed Dog Walking Business The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in Atlantic County is 28.2%. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development reports that only 48% of working-age people with disabilities in our county have entered the workforce compared to over two-thirds of people without disabilities. With these astounding statistics, JFS has founded PAWS Pet Care, a consumer staffed pet walking business which offers meaningful training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. The program, which serves Absecon Island, has begun the training process by providing pet care certification and animal behaviorist training to consumers. The business is set to officially launch this summer.
JFS staff began exploring ways to generate employment opportunities in consultation with Extraordinary Ventures, a successful social enterprise business and with the Small Business Development Center at Stockton University. The collaborative noted that the flexibility in pet care service delivery ventures and the demand for such services made it a strong potential business option. Many consumers expressed enjoyment from working in settings with less people, flexible schedules and stated that they liked to work with animals, making PAWS the perfect business opportunity for these individuals with disabilities. “Social enterprise businesses have shown great promise for increasing employment opportunities for a number of g r o u p s that are underrepresented in the labor market, including lowincome women, disconnected youth and people with disabilities,” said Nina Stolzenberg, Director of Children’s Services at JFS. “We are excited to bring this model to our community and provide employment to individuals with disabilities.”
With funding from the Kessler Foundation and Hafetz & Associates, this project will foster job and social skills and will accommodate the growth of career, personal and community adjustment. It will also provide an income and more financial independence for the consumers. In addition to pet care services such as dog walking, companionship and pooper scooping, employment positions may include scheduling, billing and the development of marketing materials. With 8-10 anticipated consumer staff members, they will be matched with their job responsibility based on level of interest and aptitude for that specific task. Employees will have the opportunity to develop job skills and experience, which they can use for possible promotion, to seek other employment and to explore starting their own micro-business. Dog walking begins at $15 per visit and discounts are available for service packages. For more information about PAWS Pet Care or to receive a free initial consultation contact 609-822-6817 or PAWS@jfsatlantic.org.
Client Spotlight: Stephen’s Success Story Several years ago, JFS met Stephen through its ongoing homeless outreach efforts in Atlantic County. He was an older adult living on the streets and in and out of the homeless shelter due to a lack of affordable housing and limited income. JFS worked hard over several months to build a trusting relationship with him. Case managers spent a lot of time with Stephen, who has a quick wit and a love of baseball. After he felt comfortable and accepted the agency’s help, Stephen set a goal to gain admission to a Veterans nursing home. During his years on the streets, he experienced some intense mental health symptoms and was jailed for minor offenses which created barriers to acceptance at the nursing home. Our staff saw that he had mellowed and believed in his goal to live at the Veterans home. JFS advocated strongly that the admission team at the home get to
4
Links to Health JFS was recently awarded a contract by the State of New Jersey for a new program, titled Links to Health. This program is a Behavioral Health Home model that offers care coordination, mental health and medical services as well as wellness workshops all through an integrated approach. Links to Health provides a continued level of care to individuals over 18 years old with serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) who have or are eligible for Medicaid. The goals of JFS’ Links to Health program is to provide healthcare encouragement, linkage and coaching that fosters the participant’s capacity to stay healthy, out of the emergency room and out of the hospital. The program will also prioritize the facilitation of communication among behavioral and medical care providers in both acute and on an ongoing basis. Through Links to Health, consumers will receive many benefits including: • Individualized coordination of medical and behavioral health services • Access to a network of professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, health coaches, etc.) • Nutrition support such as weight management and assistance creating a grocery list • Self & skilled management such as monitoring blood pressure, stress reduction, and diabetes • Medication monitoring • Targeted medical screenings for cancer, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, depression and other chronic diseases The Links to Health team will be led by Program Director, Jim McGuigan and comprised of five full-time staff members. Staff includes a consulting physician, nurse care manager and care coordinators, health and wellness educators and peer support staff. The agency has an ongoing commitment to helping consumers by offering the best programs and services available. JFS will provide Links to Health services to approximately 250 consumers per year.
know him and not judge him by his past record. Stephen is so proud of his service to our country and wished to live out his years in a home where his Veterans status would be honored and he felt sure about getting good care. JFS helped him get his documents in order, made appeals to have him reconsidered for admission, and took him to meetings so that the staff at the home could get to know him. He was admitted and so happy to leave the streets behind him. JFS staff made sure that he had new clothes and other items that would help him settle into his new permanent home. On the JFS social worker’s last of several follow up visits after he moved in, he saluted her and said that she would have made a good Marine if she hadn’t gone into Social Work! Even years later Stephen’s success story stands out. Without JFS reaching out, supporting, and advocating for consumers, like Stephen, they would remain on the streets.
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
Programs & Services
Community Garden
More than 15 volunteers, staff and community members gathered on May 9th to plant the JFS Community Garden in Pleasantville. Everyone participated in different ways such as shoveling mounds of dirt, preparing the garden, planting vegetables and flowers and watering everything that was planted. Beautiful weather and great participation made for another successful planting day. With three raised beds, the garden currently contains a variety of warm weather vegetables and herbs such corn, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, parsley, radishes, and a watermelon. Beautiful yellow and orange Marigolds were planted to accent the garden and yard. Laura Engelmann of AtlantiCare organized the planting and was on hand to answer questions, guide the planting day and ensure maximum results. Now in its third year, the JFS Community Garden in Pleasantville, funded by AtlantiCare’s Growing Green initiative, was created to improve the nutrition and physical activity of the community and to encourage social interactions among mental health consumers. The JFS Community Garden will be sustained from May through October. Volunteers are needed throughout the summer to help weed, water and harvest the garden. JFS will also offer health and wellness programming with AtlantiCare throughout the year including a healthy dinner made with vegetables from the garden as well as nutrition workshops. If you are interested in volunteering at the Community Garden, please contact Eileen Dillon-Gantert, JFS Volunteer Coordinator, at 609-822-1108 x 249 or edillongantert@jfsatlantic.org.
JFS Provides Rapid Rehousing at Atrium Apartments
As an expansion of its best practices in ending homelessness, JFS will be providing affordable housing through a new Rapid Rehousing Program for 10 families in the Atrium Apartments in Egg Harbor Township. With one, two and three bedroom units, the Atrium project targets homeless families who are either residing at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission or are precariously housed. The apartments set aside for JFS are allotted for families referred by the Atlantic Homeless Alliance (AHA). Each individual is first screened by an AHA housing locator who assists with the initial paperwork before being connected to a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager who completes the application process, helps obtain documents and overcome other barriers. Atlantic Homeless Alliance, led by JFS, offers clients assistance with deposits, moving costs and furniture. Ongoing, colocated case management supports are also available to ensure a smooth transition and to identify or work through any housing issues. JFS is in the process of moving all ten families into their units. A single mother and her two children, ages three and eight, became one of the first Atrium residents. The woman had exhausted assistance for housing when the program provided funding to assist this family with shelter in a motel until a room was available at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Upon moving to the Mission, the mother obtained employment and then began working with the Housing Locator for long-term housing assistance. In May, this family officially moved into their new home at the Atrium Apartments. Through the generosity of Ashley Furniture, CORT Furniture and community member Jon Rosky, many families will have new furniture in their apartments. From beds to sofas to kitchen tables, these items will allow individuals to not only have furniture that they can call their own, but truly make them feel at home, a concept many of these families have never experienced.
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
5
Village by the Shore jfsvillagebytheshore.org
JFS Village Embraces Community Something for Everyone
W
here JFS was once known for “older adult services,” Village by the Shore has begun to experience a shift in generations from the “older adults” to the “Boomers”. Members span several decades of life from their 50s to their 90s. The different perspectives are adding richness to our discussions and activities, whether political, science and technology, the arts, religion, or Israel and the world. While Village by the Shore is not a physical location, it is a neighbors helping neighbors initiative. There are three program branches, members, service partners, and volunteers. Each branch of the Village intermixes together to create a stronger, happier and healthier community. Members continue to share a vibrant and active lifestyle with family and friends as they build new relationships within the Village network. Most recently, membership benefits have expanded to include a variety of services from new educational programs to technology support and even meal delivery. In January, Village by the Shore vastly grew its social and cultural programming based upon member requests. Activities vary, offering something for everyone, including current event conversations, needlework gatherings, luncheons and even multimedia art. Transportation has always been one of Village by the Shore’s most requested services. From trips to the store to doctor’s appointments, every Village member receives two rides per month included in their benefits. To meet the rapidly growing need for door-to-door transportation, the Village has four dedicated drivers as well as a fleet of clean, reliable vehicles.
For members who are looking for companionship, whether a chess partner or walking mate, Friendly Visits have been life changing for our members and our volunteers. The Village has also started phone reminders to keep members up-to-date with the latest programs, activities and service partners. The Village by the Shore network of Service Partners is rapidly growing each month. These quality, reliable and trustworthy businesses include cleaning services, HVAC contractors, handyman services, pet care services, local restaurants, non-medical support services and hospice care. Village by the Shore has added a dozen Service Partners to our resource and referral network. The Village has also welcomed its first Restaurant Retail Partners. The most recent listings of the Village partners can be found on the Village by the Shore website (www.jfsvillagebytheshore. org) under vetted Service Partners. The Village has dozens of volunteers helping with everything from trash valet to running errands. Volunteers are the backbone of the Village as they infuse knowledge, creativity, energy, and care into everything they do. In late February, Village by the Shore hosted a Volunteer Appreciation event at Sofia Restaurant in Margate. Nearly 30 attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting to celebrate and thank them for all they do every day for members and the community. This was the first of many “thank you’s” for an incredible group of people. For more information about Village by the Shore, please contact Tina Serota at 609-822-1109 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Boomer Spotlight
Connecting With Family through Technology
F
rom the original word processor to laptops and now tablets, technology has progressed to become a mainstream way of interacting. Whether answering a call on the Apple Watch or sharing a picture on Snapchat, technology is ever changing the way we communicate, especially with younger generations. Digital technology offers a convenience that has not always existed. From shopping to paying bills to staying in touch with family, technology plays a large role in today’s world. With a click of a button almost any information imaginable is at your fingertips. Studies show that Boomers who embrace new technologies feel more enriched, informed, younger and in touch with others. Want to know what song your teenager is listening to? Shazam is a mobile app that recognizes music and TV around you. It is the best way to discover, explore and share the music and TV you love. Are you curious how your son added a cartoon of himself in a text message? Bitmoji enables you to create an expressive cartoon avatar that fits your personality and style. How about seeing your granddaughter’s school play live from four states away? Facetime or Skype allow you to live stream video and audio from your tablet or smart phone. With constant and different ways of communication, from texting, to Facebook, to Skype, geographical distances no longer matter
6
when it comes to building relationships and staying in touch with family. Parents and grandparents have better and more communicative relationships with their family. From apps to emojis, boomers and older adults are actively embracing younger behavior in terms of style, culture and of course, technology. Just as society is influenced by the lifestyles of younger generations, so is the boomer generation when it comes to technology.
To teach technology to someone else or to learn more yourself, contact Tina Serota at 609-822-1109 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org. Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
This is an excerpt of the Village by the Shore Spring/Summer 2016 newsletter. To receive the newsletter in its entirety, contact 609-822-1109 or villagejfs@jfsatlantic.org.
Engaging in Volunteerism Have you considered getting involved in a new group or hobby? Are you looking for an activity to do in your spare time? Volunteering is a great way to do both. Studies show that volunteering strengthens your mind, body and soul allowing you to live a longer, more full-filling life. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at JFS engages adults 55+ in community service. Volunteers choose the amount of time to give, how and where to help, and whether to draw on their own skills or develop new ones. When deciding how and where to volunteer, ask yourself, do I want to... • • • • • •
make my community better meet new people travel to new places try something new do more with my hobbies get healthier
Use your background in accounting to help a senior organize their bills or share your tech savvy to help a senior see pictures of their grandchildren on Facebook. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference in the lives of others. In addition to giving back to the community, there are a variety of benefits to being an RSVP volunteer. RSVP purchases insurance coverage for its volunteers, which provides benefits to individuals when they are partaking in RSVP assignments. The program also hosts an annual recognition event to celebrate volunteers’ collective achievements.
Once you have determined what areas you care about, it’s time to find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. RSVP offers volunteer opportunities through JFS and Gilda’s Club (Atlantic County) as well as various non-profits located in Salem County. Volunteer opportunities include arts & crafts, cancer support, food pantry, friendly visitor, fundraising, grocery assistance, meal delivery, and more.
Not only is volunteering important by helping others in need, but it increases self esteem, helps mental sharpness and has proven to have health benefits such as less stress, lower rates of heart disease and better physical fitness. RSVP is one of the largest networks of volunteers in the nation. Each year, nearly 430,000 adults age 55+ provide community service through more than 740 locally sponsored RSVP programs. Funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through Senior Corps, RSVP engages nearly 5 million Americans in service each year.
From walking the Boardwalk to organizing a book discussion or even helping stock food pantry shelves, there are countless ways to get involved.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information about RSVP, please contact RSVP at 609-822-1108.
Volunteer Spotlight: Carol & Harry Marder
A
fter many summers at the shore, Carol and Harry Marder decided to make their shore home in Ventnor their permanent residence in 2014. As they settled into the community, the Marder’s, both retired, saw an article in the newspaper looking for help at the JFS Food Pantry. They decided that helping the agency would be great use of their time. Since then, Carol and Harry, who are volunteers through RSVP, have been dedicated and reliable JFS volunteers. The Marders help the agency in a variety of ways throughout the year. When a 94 year-old client mentioned he was lonely, JFS immediately thought of Harry Marder. Once a week, Harry volunteers as a friendly visitor. They discuss current events, watch TV and talk about the shows, and go to the pool. Not only is this visit beneficial for the client, but for Harry as well. In 2013, Harry fell and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Having brain-stimulating conversations is good for his recovery. Seeing how Friendly Visits was enriching not only the JFS client’s life but also her husband’s, Carol was paired as a walking partner with a 90 year-old woman to help keep her mobility. The Marders Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
are the perfect friendly visitors, not only do they help these clients but they also get something out of the visit. “JFS is such a pleasant place to volunteer and we are lucky and blessed to be able to give back in such a meaningful way,” said Carol. “It makes us so happy to see people getting the help that they need, whether it is from the food pantry or another service, JFS does so much for our community and we love to volunteer in any way that we can.”
Program Spotlight Get Social: Village Events and Activities
I
nterested in meeting new people or acquiring a hobby? Looking for more socialization in your day to day life? Want to stay sharp both mentally and physically? Village by the Shore is excited to offer dozens of activities, classes, workshops, seminars etc. to both Village members and non-members in our community. From needlework, to memoir writing, to coffee and conversation, there is something for everyone. Research has shown that social interaction offers older adults many benefits including good physical and emotional health as well as maintaining cognitive function. Socialization can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, Alzheimer’s disease, mental health issues, lower rates of heart disease and lower blood pressure. Village by the Shore has a number of socialization and educational activities each month, and will continue to add more events throughout the year. E a c h y e a r, Village by the Shore offers the community a Card Party where attendees enjoy Bridge, Canasta, and Mah Jong (see page 9). On the third Friday of each month, Village by the Shore, in partnership with the JCC, presents Coffee Klatch: Current Events Beyond the Headlines. This free coffee and conversation event offers insightful, animated, fast-paced conversation with friends. Attendees enjoy refreshments while talking about politics, technology, world events, the arts, religion, and more. Village by the Shore also offers Lunch Around Town, a monthly group luncheon at a local restaurant that features a pre-fixed menu at a discounted price. This is a great opportunity to have lunch with friends or meet new people. With the recent expansion of Village by the Shore, the program looks forward to offering activities such as gardening, art classes, concerts and more. All Village events are open to the public. While some events are free, others will have a fee which is discounted with a Village membership. Looking to get social in the community? Have an idea of events, classes or workshops the Village should offer? Email your suggestions to Tina Serota, Associate Director Village by the Shore, at tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Carol and Harry have become a friendly face at JFS whether stuffing envelopes for mailings, checking in guests at fundraising events, organizing the pantry or offering companionship, they are wonderful volunteers.
7
Development News Bank of America More than 40,000 Atlantic County residents do not have enough nourishment to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Battle Against Hunger Bike Ride
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to help support critical needs in the community. Through the JFS Food Pantry, this funding will help provide access to much needed food supplies and services to feed individuals, children and families.
Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly, CPA This past winter, JFS welcomed Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly CPA, as a Builder Donor; their support spans more than five years. W ith their dedication to supporting the community, FBK has been an annual sponsor of the JFS Cocktail Party and Golf Tournament since 2011. A business committed to giving back, FBK also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters, Knights of Columbus and the Community Food Bank.
Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay / 7311 has been a supporter of JFS since 2011. In 2013, the restaurant strengthened their commitment by becoming a JFS Builder Donor. Now, the restaurant has increased their support and has pledged to become a Chai Donor. From sponsoring events, to donating gift certificates for raffles to hosting the JFS Herb Dinner and collecting funds for Thanksgiving meals, Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay / 7311 is a true supporter of JFS, helping those in our community.
Wise Family Eye Center
Local community members and cycling enthusiasts Doug Stanger and Rachel Ludwig participated in the 13th Annual Battle Against Hunger Bike Ride in fall 2015 to raise funds for the JFS Food Pantry. On April 18th, Stanger and Ludwig presented JFS board members with a check for more than $1,500 which will help keep the pantry stocked and fulfill the growing needs of the community (pictured above). This year’s Battle Against Hunger Bike Ride will take place from September 9-11, 2016. The annual ride begins in Gettysburg, PA and ends in Washington Crossing, PA. Doug and Rachel have already committed to ride for JFS. To support Doug and Rachel as they ride, visit https://www.firstgiving.com/team/324364. Interested in participating in the Battle Against Hunger Bike Ride to support the JFS Food Pantry? Contact JFS at 609-822-7409 or development@jfsatlantic.org.
Hafetz & Associates Supports PAWS The mission statement of Hafetz & Associates says, “As we strive to be our industry’s best on a daily basis, we remain devoted to our family, our colleagues and our community; and thus we encourage our employees to give back through active participation in community and charitable activities.” Owner Scott Hafetz holds true to this mission making charitable giving and volunteerism an integral part of the company’s culture. His first donation of $5,000 in 2006 for the Family Life Center enabled the agency to jump start a multi-faceted program including ongoing educational workshops, wellness events and support programs. Over the next ten years, the support of Hafetz & Associates has enabled the agency to continue to expand our services and serve the community. In 2016, Hafetz & Associates generously pledged $30,000 to the agency over the next two years. This contribution allocates $10,000 to the PAWS program which provides essential vocational education through a hands-on business model. This support enabled this consumer-led dog walking business to become a reality. In addition to the financial support, Scott and his staff volunteer for the agency throughout the year. Hafetz & Associates also hosts complimentary Medicare Seminars at JFS each fall.
Susan G. Komen® Central & South Jersey Affiliate With funding from the Susan G. Komen® Central & South Jersey Affiliate, JFS founded the Women’s Health Network six years ago to offer breast health awareness and reduce barriers to mammography diagnostic screenings. This program was funded again in 2016.
As a supporter of the agency for more than a decade, Wise Family Eye Center has increased their funding and now is an agency Leader Donor with a $10,000 pledge over 2 years. From sponsoring the Golf Tournament and Cocktail Party, to volunteering with his family, Dr. Richard Wise’s support of JFS is unparalleled.
Utilizing nursing and case management support, JFS has helped at least 2,000 women learn risk factors associated with breast cancer through educational workshops and personalized consultations since the program’s inception in 2011. More than 750 of these women have received potentially lifesaving mammograms and follow-up diagnostic tests. By promoting education, JFS increases participation in annual and diagnostic breast cancer screenings among women age 40 and older.
Allstate Grant
Wells Fargo funds Vocational Programming
JFS has received a $1,000 Helping Hands in the Community grant from the Allstate Foundation. This grant was awarded in honor of local agent David Lieberman and his wife Ali’s service and dedication to the agency and community.
8
As a Visionary Donor of the agency, the Central and South Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen® has provided more than $330,000 in funds to JFS over the last six years. As a Komen® grantee, JFS supports the Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey Race for the Cure® scheduled for Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. All are welcome to join JFS and the Central and South Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® by signing up as a walker, runner or donor at www.komencsnj.org/race.
JFS has received a $5,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support the agency’s vocational services program, Project Aware WORKS. This program enables young adults (18+) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to gain valuable training, education and work experience with the goal of ultimately gaining permanent employment. Grant funds will also support the Financial Literacy School, a new component of the program.
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
Special Events
JFS Reclaims Trophy During 3rd Annual Golf Tournament vs JCC
The 3rd Annual JFS vs JCC Golf Tournament, a collaborative fundraising event between Jewish Family Service and the Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center raised $55,000 to benefit both agencies. On May 26th at Linwood Country Club, 120 golfers teed off in a rematch for the trophy. The reigning champions JFS were able to hold onto the title and once again claim the trophy, which will be displayed at the agency’s Margate office until next year’s rematch. In addition to friendly competition, the JFS vs JCC Golf Tournament featured many exciting on-course contests such as putting, inside the circle, hit the boat and chip off the back deck. Many holes also featured fun activities including liquor tastings, water ice and more. Golfers walked away with great prizes such as foursomes to area golf
courses, manicures and pedicures, restaurant gift cards and wine. One lucky winner claimed the “Dine Around for a Year” raffle grand prize which included gift certificates to 12 local restaurants. Other attendees won prizes such as Phillies tickets, hotel stays, car details, concert tickets, and more. Attendees enjoyed a Cocktail Dinner reception featuring a wine tasting, craft beer tasting and photo booth. “Each year our goal is to make the tournament more interactive and exciting”, said Darren Matik, Team JFS co-chair. “It was great to see so many golfers having a fun time for two great causes.” If you are interested in joining the committee to help with next year’s event, please contact Beth Joseph at 609-822-7409 or bjoseph@jfsatlantic.org.
JFS Village By the Shore Card Party Bridge, Canasta & Mah Jong Love the clicking sound of Mah Jong tiles or hearing the shuffling of cards for your next Bridge game? How about the excitement of winning a hand in Canasta? Join us for the 3rd Annual Village by the Shore Card Party on Thursday, August 18th at Harbor Pines Golf Club. The 2016 Card Party will feature a variety of prizes and auction items including wine, gift cards, restaurant dining certificates, and more. With approximately 100 attendees at last year’s Card Party, the agency is looking forward to making the 2016 Card Party an even bigger success. Tickets are $50 per player and Village members receive a 20% discount. Whether organizing your own table or playing with someone you just met, this year’s Card Party is sure to be a fun-filled and memorable day! To purchase Card Party tickets or sponsorships, please visit www.jfsatlantic.org.
Barbara Cohen, Bonnie Spector, Gloria Tragbar, Gert Novin, Lois Fogel, Eileen Kanefsky, Susan Adelman, Miriam Hirsch, and Roberta Muchnick enjoy the 2015 Card Party. Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
9
Community Connections
Bocca Coal Fired Bistro Vocational service consumers visited Bocca Coal Fired Bistro on May 11th for a hands-on pizza making workshop.
Needlepoint Village by the Shore hosts a weekly needlepoint workshop for Village and community members to enjoy conversation and comradery while they knit.
Cape Bank Food Drive Volunteers from Cape Bank held a kick-off food drive at ACME in Somers Point on June 3rd. As part of the Cape Bank Summer Food Drive food donations can be dropped off at any branch location.
Passover Staff members from JCC and JFS united over the Passover traditions as they enjoyed a Seder on April 27th.
RSVP Freeholder Alex Marino and Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo visited JFS on April 5th to help stock the food pantry and thank more than a dozen volunteers for giving their time to the community.
Lunch Around Town Village by the Shore hosted its first Lunch Around Town on April 13th for both Village and community members.
Harry Hurley Donation MLK Day JFS staff volunteered at Sister Jean’s Kitchen along with five other locations organizing donations, serving food, collecting food and cleaning a thrift store as part of the MLK Day of Service on January 18th. 10
JFS Board Member, Matthew Simpson accepted a $2,500 donation generously donated from the Harry Hurley Golf Tournament on June 17th.
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
Friends
Esther, a Holocaust Survivor, was living on a fixed income. A sudden illness left her feeling alone and needing expensive medication. JFS was able to assure she had proper care, medicine and maintain current payments through financial support. Once a month, Esther now attends the Holocaust Survivor luncheons where she connects with people that have similar life experiences. The luncheons bring her much needed socialization and support. JFS provides support to Esther and more than 8,500 of our neighbors, friends, colleagues and family members each year. From Village by the Shore, to a food pantry to counseling, JFS relies on donations from our Friends to meet the growing needs of the community. You can provide light and hope to those in need by supporting the JFS Friends Campaign.
A tax-deductible gift can be mailed to 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402 or made securely online at jfsatlantic.org.
Thank you to our Friends... Friends Contributions December 16, 2015–June 15, 2016 Mr. & Mrs. Allan Abramowitz B'nai B'rith Lodge 1622 Dr. & Mrs. Howard Barsky Mr. & Mrs. Irwin Belitsky Mr. & Mrs. Herb Bierig Ms. Sandra Bookach Dr. & Mrs. Mitchell Brezel Mrs. Henrietta Brown Mrs. Elaine Brumberg Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Bush Ms. Janice Cambron Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Casel Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cohan Mrs. Joan Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Cook Mrs. Florence Cotler Mr. & Mrs. James Dine Downbeach Deli Mr. & Mrs. Barry Dunayer Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Eisen Mr. & Mrs. Francis Fee Mr. & Mrs. Jack Feinberg Ms. Kay Fitzgerald Ms. Inga Fixler Mr. & Mrs. Bennett Flax Dr. & Mrs. Brett Foxman Mr. & Mrs. Norton Freedman Mr. Joel Friedman Mr. & Mrs. Paul Friedman Mrs. Michelle Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Gash
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Goldberg Mrs. Marcia Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. Eric Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. Jack Gorny Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Gosin Ms. Shirley Gottlieb Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Groff Ms. Merle Gross Dr. & Mrs. Howard Gross Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Gurwicz Mr. & Mrs. Ed Gurwicz Mrs. Susan Hamberg Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Harrison Mr. & Mrs. Larry Horowitz Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Jacobs Ms. Bess Fall Joftis Ms. Fran Jonas Ms. Rona Kaplan Dr. & Mrs. Abram Kaplan Dr. & Mrs. Howard Karp Mrs. Bonnie Kennedy Mrs. Judy Knight Ms. Shirley Kotzker Mrs. Cyla Kowenski Mr. & Mrs. Shy Kramer Kripitz Agency Mr. Bruce Kurland Mr. & Mrs. Yechiel Lehavy Dr. & Mrs. Irvin Levin Mr. & Mrs. Morris Levin
Mr. Dennis Levinson Mr. & Mrs. Ron Lewkowitz Hon. & Mrs. Jeffrey Light Ms. Sandra Luber Mr. & Mrs. Allyn Macintyre Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Margolis Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Markman Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mayer Drs. Jeff & Leslie Meltzer Ms. Sandra E. Miller Dr. & Mrs. Jerome Miller Mrs. Rosalie Mogell Dr. & Mrs. Isaac Mordecai Mr. & Mrs. Harold Moskowitz Dr. & Mrs. Jacques Nathan Mrs. Anne Neustadter Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Neustadter Mrs. Elaine Peskoe Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Pitel Mr. & Mrs. Jack Plackter Mrs. Carolyn Polisano Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Reynolds Mr. & Mrs. Sigmund Rimm Ms. Maureen Ritzel Ms. Laura Rodgers Mrs. Bessie Rosenbaum Dr. & Mrs. Norman Rosenberg Dr. & Mrs. Leslie Rosenthal Dr. & Mrs. Gary Rosman Roth-Goldstein’s Memorial Chapel Mr. & Mrs. Henry Roth
Ms. Elizabeth Roth Mrs. Nancy Rubin Ms. Jeanne L. Sackman Dr. David Sagransky Mrs. Phyllis Salad Salartash Surgical Associates Mrs. Judy Schlank Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Schwab Dr. David Seitman Mr. & Mrs. Jack Shakarshy Mrs. Jerry Shusman Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Simon Mrs. Miriam Stein Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Steinberg Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Stern Mr. & Mrs. Lew Stolzenberg Ms. Shirley Swerdloff Mr. Henry Taplinger Dr. & Mrs. Morton Waldman Mr. Michael Warren Dr. & Mrs. Barry Warshal Hon. & Mrs. Gerald Weinstein Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Weiss Hon. & Mrs. Michael Winkelstein Mr. Kirk Wisemayer Ms. Roberta M. Woessner Mr. & Mrs. Martin Wood Wood’s Loan Office Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Zapp John Zarych Esq.
A complete list of givers is at jfsatlantic.org under Ways to Give.
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
11
Jewish Family Service Atlantic & Cape May Counties 607 North Jerome Avenue Margate, NJ 08402 P 609 822 1108 F 609 822 1106 jfsatlantic.org
Chief Executive Officer Andrea Steinberg, LCSW President Richard B. Wise, M.D. Vice Presidents Johanna Perskie Jessica Goldstein Treasurer Darren Matik Secretary Traci Werman Past Presidents* Mitchell Gurwicz Eric Wood, Esq. Board Members Sherri Anapolle Joel Caplan, Ph.D. Joel B. Frankel, DMD Eric Goldberg Ali Lieberman Lawrence A. Reich, DDS Melissa Rosenblum- Pisetzner, Esq. Matthew Simpson * Previous Presidents º Deceased
Honorary Board of Directors* Gall Mackler-Carlino Kenneth Eisenberg Alice Epsteinº Anna Feldman Bethanie Gorny, Ed.D Larry Horowitz, CPA Shy Kramer Robert Lang, Esq. Marc Lowenstein, Ph.D. Arlene Potler Patti Reed-Rosenberg Carol G. Rimm Lois Rothenbergº Douglas Stanger, Esq. Kenneth Steinberg Golda Wood Community Advisory Board Linda C. Dolan Lois Fee Barry Goff, Jr. Douglas J. Heun, CPA Gary L. Hill Teresa Katz Geoffrey Rosenberger Dotsie Tuscano John Zarych, Esq.
JFS is an affiliate agency of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties and a partner agency with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Atlantic County
Donor Spotlight Supporting JFS for more than a decade, Roth-Goldsteins’ is an annual Spotlight sponsor Client of the Cocktail Party, Golf Tournament and a contributor to the Friends campaign. In 2015, Roth-Goldsteins’ Memorial Chapel made a multi-year commitment as an agency Builder Donor to ensure the agency can continue to provide essential services to the community. Roth-Goldsteins’ Memorial Chapel, with locations in Atlantic City, Philadelphia and Southampton, PA, is a full-service provider of Jewish funerals. Roth-Goldsteins’ is a supporter not only of JFS, but the entire community. Eric Goldstein is past President of the Milton & Betty Katz Jewish Community Center in Margate, a previous board member of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties and served as co-chair, with his wife Fran, for the 2014 JFS vs JCC Golf Tournament. Jason Goldstein, Vice President of Roth-Goldsteins’, is current Board Chairman of Seashore Gardens Living Center, an active member of the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation and frequently volunteers with his wife Jessica (who serves as Vice President of the JFS board) and their children by helping with the agency food pantry.
12
Agency Donors V I S I O N A RY CapeBank Charitable Foundation Hafetz Family Foundation Harry L. Katz Memorial Foundation Mr. James Klinghoffer Susan G. Komen Central & South Jersey The Jewish Community Foundation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties The David & Mary Krassenstein Foundation United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Atlantic County The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
CHAMPION AkPharma, Inc. Andi & David Goldberg Mazon
CHAI Bank of America Charitable Foundation Burns Property Group, LLC Church & Dwight
CHAI
(continued)
Harrison Beverage Ocean City Home Charitable Foundation Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay The Charles & Lynn Kramer Family Foundation
LEADER TD Charitable Foundation Wise Family Eye Center
BUILDER Allstate/David Lieberman Financial Services AtlantiCare Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly, CPA Fox Rothschild, LLP Galloway Auto & Tire Center Diana & Mitchell Gurwicz Mark Lippman Newman’s Own Foundation Roth-Goldsteins’ Memorial Chapel The Azeez Foundation The Herbert & Lois Rothenberg Charitable Foundation Wells Fargo Antoinette & Eric Wood
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties