JFS Perspectives

With Independence Day next week and many people celebrating this weekend, we asked some of our staff members what this holiday means to them, how they are spending it, or what independence means to their clients. We hope you enjoy this sampling of responses! We’d love to know what this holiday means to you, so please leave your comments below.

Cathy Grimm, JFS Senior Solutions and JFS at Home director:
For our senior clients, independence means the ability to say in their homes and age in place. Independence offers me the ability to open my mouth and insert my foot, and only I have to take responsibility for what I say!

Ann Veenstra, administrative services director:
Summer goes by too quickly and the 4th of July is a time to relax and enjoy. We usually cook something on the grill and I make homemade ice cream and bake a pie. This year it will probably be berry...Yum!

Ron Crowell, home-based services coordinator:
With a little help from our homemakers, many senior clients are able to maintain independent living.

Dawn Richard, development director, Lisa Mehl, development associate, and Kari Alpen, graphic designer, all said they are either doing nothing or going to the pool. Sounds wonderful after a busy week!

Randie Winograd, administrative support:
Celebrating with friends, no fireworks display this year, and hoping that Colorado will soon be FREE of fires.

Alaina Green, associate director of marketing and communications:
Spending time with my family, including my sister and her boyfriend who are visiting from California, and enjoying some time off.

Happy 4th of July to you and your families! We hope you have a fun and meaningful holiday!

-Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department

If you haven't already committed to attend Celebrate JFS on Monday, June 25, here are the top 10 reasons you should join us!


The lobby of Palazzo Verdi

10. Check out an awesome venue, Palazzo Verdi (6363 South Fiddler's Green Circle, Greenwood Village) and view the world-class art in the Madden Museum.

9. Visit with friends, JFS staff, volunteers, and board members, and meet new people.

8. Bid farewell to outgoing board members: Doug Antonoff, Sheryl Feiler, Elaine Gampel, Sherri Goldstein, and Perry Moss.

7. Pick up a copy of the JFS 140th anniversary special section that was in the Intermountain Jewish News on June 8.

6. Enjoy delicious Italian hors d'oeuvres and sip on wine or the signature cocktail, Peach Amoré.

5. Welcome the new board members: Ed Barad, Charlie Gwirtsman, Gareth Heyman, and Jamie Sarché.

4. Commemorate JFS's 140th anniversary and learn more about the agency's history.

Kay and Aubrey Knight

3. Toast the Max Frankel Volunteers of the Year, Kay and Aubrey Knight, who have dedicated more than 2,000 hours to the Weinberg Food Pantry in the last six years.

2. Celebrate the successful work of the staff, board, and volunteers over the past year.

And the number one reason to attend Celebrate JFS is...

1. It's free! And what better offers do you have on a Monday night?

We hope we've convinced you! Please RSVP today by filling out this form or by contacting Lisa Mehl at 720.248.4633.

-Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department

On June 5, Colorado Senior Connections (CSC) hosted a fabulous picnic in Edgewater. In partnership with the City of Edgewater, the picnic hosted more than 60 Edgewater seniors, their family members, city employees, and volunteers.

Patrick, from Edgewater parks and recreation, preparing for an evening full of hot dog grilling.

The picnic served as a small token of thanks and recognition to our fabulous Edgewater volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Thanks to the Edgewater volunteers, CSC is able to provide a broad variety of life-enriching programs and activities for the hundreds of older adults living in and around the City of Edgewater.


Ada Menzes, our amazing volunteer, passing out delicious watermelon.

The picnic was a success thanks to the cooperation of businesses and volunteers throughout the Edgewater community. The picnic featured live jazz music by The Unknowns, a local band that we discovered performing at the Edgewater Coffee Company. City parks and recreation employee Patrick fired up the grill and served hot dogs to the hungry picnic guests. Local volunteer and chef extraordinaire, Ada Menzes, prepared potato salad, pasta salad, and coleslaw. Thanks to her expertise and generosity, the picnic went off without a hitch.

-Buffy Fox, CSC Volunteer and Activity Coordinator

 

Alicia Ramirez recently completed an internship at SHALOM Denver and wrote the following letter thanking the staff for the positive experience:

I would like to take this moment to thank SHALOM Denver for giving me an opportunity to be an Administrative Intern with the company.

I had the most amazing time working in the workshop with all the clients in assembling and packaging and then working with the awesome staff members as I worked as a Vocational Specialist/Clerical Intern at the front desk.

Overall, my experience has been phenomenal. I have learned that working with disabilities clients, involves listening, learning, having patience, and understanding. Also, they taught me the meaning of the phrase, “If there is a will, there is a way.” Working with all the professional front desk staff members has given me the opportunity to enhance my skills in being ready for a great job opportunity.

At SHALOM, I have written a professional résumé and cover letter, received a HIPPA certificate, and have completed the Career Ready 101 online course. From attending classes, I have gathered information that can guide me through my future in working with others and being able to perfect my leadership skills. Thank you!

In conclusion, I am looking forward to having a stable job for myself and family.

Sincerely,
Alicia Ramirez

Thanks, Alicia, for sharing these kind words with us! Congratulations on completing your internship!

-Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department