Project EM: Embracing, Empowering, Employing Our Community
Whether you’re out of a job or need to make a career change, we know that looking for work can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to go it alone thanks to Project EM and JFS. Learn more about jump-starting your employment journey today.
I Matter: Making sure youth have the support they need
In the summer of 2021, Colorado passed a bill establishing a temporary behavioral health services program in response to our youth’s worsening mental health crisis. And, JFS is proud to be one of the participants in the I Matter program, which is the first in the nation. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind program and how it might help you.
The 150th Anniversary Executive Lunch is in the books
The JFS 150th Anniversary Executive Luncheon with Amy Schumer proved that laughter is the best medicine—especially when you also make a life-changing difference for thousands of families who come to JFS to rebuild their lives.
Shout-out to our volunteers!
At JFS, we often talk about how we could not do what we do without the work of our volunteers. It’s not a secret that JFS has some of the most dedicated and compassionate volunteers any organization could hope to have. Our volunteers’ efforts can be seen and felt throughout the organization and community. While we appreciate our volunteers every day, during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, this remarkable group of people deserves to be recognized for their impact and celebrated for their commitment to JFS.
Women of JFS: past and present
March is National Women’s History Month. In honor of the impact women have had on JFS’s 150-year history, we’d like to highlight our founder and a few of the current women who continue to help shape the organization to have the greatest impact for the greater good.
How JFS is helping wildfire relief efforts
Since the Marshall Fire roared through the Boulder area at the end of 2021, Jewish Family Service (JFS) has been actively responding to the community’s needs in the aftermath of this tragedy. Thanks to JEWISHcolorado’s Boulder Fire Relief Fund, CFBC’s Boulder County Wildfire Fund, and donations to JFS’s wildfire fund, we have responded to 328 applications and more than 900 individuals. In addition, we have provided referrals, case management, 125 computers, $12,000 in gift cards, and $288,6000 in direct financial assistance.
Families like the Engel’s . . .
Partner Spotlight: Dependable Cleaners
The Toltz family has supported JFS for decades, and Steven Toltz, president of Dependable Cleaners, continues their legacy of giving. “Besides a generational understanding, I have several friends and family who have volunteered at JFS or sat on its Board,” said Toltz.
Caring for Holocaust Survivors
JFS is dedicated to providing financial assistance and resources to Holocaust survivors so that they can live with the peace, comfort, and dignity they need and deserve.
JFS Awarded $500,000 for Vocational Training Program
Congresswoman Diana DeGette’s request was approved by Congress for nearly $13.3 million to fund 10 important projects in the Denver area designed to make more housing, employment, and health care services available to those in need. The requests were also supported and championed by Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper.
Fighting Food Insecurity While Inflation Rises
March is National Nutrition Month, and it was created to call attention to making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. It’s also an excellent time to talk about JFS’s Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Food Pantry.
When Is Helping as Easy as Shopping?
Did you know that every time you buy milk or fill your gas tank at King Soopers or purchase that Instant Pot or weighted blanket on Amazon, you can help those who need it most through JFS? If you’re looking for a simple, convenient way to support JFS by doing what you usually do at no additional cost to you, we’ve got two programs to share with you!
Partner Spotlight: FirstBank
At JFS, we work collaboratively with partners who support our mission, programs, and services, creating a community of success to help those who need us most. When we work together, remarkable things occur—through grants, donations of funds, food, and supplies, or volunteering—and our partners’ commitment makes all the difference.
Voices of JFS: Jill Miller
Jill Miller and her family have a long history of volunteering with JFS. We talked with Jill to learn more about how she got started, her involvement with the organization, and why she chooses to spend her time helping JFS. Let’s learn about Jill’s dedication to JFS in her own words.
Providing a Non-judgmental Safety Net
What do you do when you need life-saving medical treatment but don’t have insurance or even enough money for rent or food? Unfortunately, this was the dilemma Corey found himself in about 10 years ago when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Corey was already struggling with diabetes, having enough food to eat, and paying his rent, and on top of all of those challenges, he lost his health insurance.
Claims Conference Announces $720 Million USD to 300 Social Welfare Organizations Globally to Support Holocaust Survivors
Gideon Taylor, President of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), announced today the allocation of $720 million USD in funds to more than 300 social welfare organizations globally to support home care and supportive services for frail and vulnerable Holocaust survivors.
JFS 150th Anniversary Executive Luncheon Featuring Amy Schumer
On Monday, April 4, 2022, JFS will host its 17th annual Executive Luncheon at the Colorado Convention Center. This special event will honor and celebrate the organizations 150th anniversary and feature Emmy and Peabody-Award winning Jewish comedian, actress, writer, producer, director, mother, advocate, and caregiver, Amy Schumer.
Helping a Family Find a Place to Call Home
Through our Rapid Re-Housing program, we recently helped a single dad with three children under the age of 10 find housing for the family.
Thank You to Boulder JCC for Partnering in Fire Relief Efforts
Almost immediately after the Marshall Fire ended and the crisis emerged as many Boulder-area residents found themselves homeless, the Boulder JCC mobilized a community of volunteers to help JFS Boulder staff handle the large influx of people coming for help. JCC consultant Susan Rona shares how and why she and the JCC team quickly jumped into action to support JFS and the fire victims.
JFS is Helping Marshall Fire Victims One Family at a Time
Since the Marshall Fire roared through the Boulder area at the end of 2021, JFS has been actively responding to the community’s needs in the aftermath of this tragedy. We have served more than 200 households with financial support so far. Jill Ruggles lost her home of 30 years in the fire. She shares her account of what happened and how JFS came to her family’s rescue when they needed to find immediate housing.
Define Your Needs So You Can Get Back to Work
Our employment landscape has shifted drastically from an employer’s market to a jobseeker’s market. If you are a jobseeker, you are in control, and it’s important to ask yourself certain questions as you determine a smart approach to your return to work. Read tips from our Employment Services team and learn about our new workshop, “Conversations with a Career Coach.”