JFS Perspectives

Earlier this week, we said goodbye to Annie Reilly, care manager of the Hearts and Hands Homemaker Program, after 21 years. At her retirement party, we toasted and roasted her, shared tears of joy and sorrow, and celebrated her future endeavors over cake. A few past employees even came back to share their stories! JFS presented Annie with a photo book of memories and beautiful earrings as a token of our appreciation.



Thinking back on the wonderful party, we started to wonder what makes people want to work at JFS so long. We asked some of our staff members, who have worked here at least a decade, why they like working for JFS. Here are just a few of the many comments we received:

“When I started at JFS 33 years ago, I found a community and a place I belong. It was tremendous to find a place like this to not only work, but to know that I am doing something good every day.”

-Yana Vishnitsky, President & CEO

“I’ve served 14 years because we are not only a family service, but indeed a family, helping one another in our professional and personal lives.”

-Rabbi Eliot Baskin, Jewish Community Chaplain

“I’ve stayed with the agency 32 years because Jewish Family Service of Colorado has a heart and soul and dedication to quality service that cannot be found elsewhere. Our mission and values guide our operations and our operations are carried out professionally, yet passionately. Our leadership and staff are selflessly dedicated to helping people live healthy, happy and complete lives. Our philosophy of Tikkun Olam, to “repair the world,” is one in which I strongly believe. I am blessed and privileged to be able to come to work every day to an environment where all staff leave their personal “stuff” at the door and form a huge circle of love and support around each client and each other. JFS is the ultimate in our field and I am proud to be a part of it.”

-Arnie Kover, Director of Disability and Employment Services

“I’ve been here 11 years. Working at JFS is truly like having a second family. Not only are there the quirky and eccentric family members, but more important is the family support. We are all caretakers - not only of the community, but of each other. JFS is a magical place and I feel blessed every day to work with such amazing people to do such amazing things.”

-Dawn Richard, Development Director

While we haven't worked here for quite as long (but we're getting close!), here are a few of our favorite things about working at JFS: the staff and leaders of the organization, the office environment, getting all the Jewish holidays off, finding creative ways to tell the stories of the agency, the management trusts and believes in us and helps us grow our skills and interests, we always have fun at our jobs, and of course the fact that we help people in the community every day is fantastic!



And, JFS is hiring for several positions right now! If you want to join this amazing team of professionals and see what we're talking about first hand, check out our job openings!

-Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department