JFS partners with Justice Necessary for High Holiday Food and Hygiene Drive
Food and hygiene insecurity is all around us — from girls who miss school because they don’t have access to adequate personal care products to families who can’t diaper their babies to community members who miss work because they can’t afford toothpaste or soap — necessities that we take for granted every day that are not covered by federal programs like SNAP and WIC.
Fight hygiene insecurity
Hygiene insecurity is all around us—from girls who miss school because they don’t have access to adequate period products to families who can’t diaper their babies to our neighbors who miss work because they can’t afford toothpaste or soap—necessities that we take for granted every day that are not covered by federal programs like SNAP and WIC. During this year’s High Holidays, you can make a difference with a tax-deductible donation to end hygiene insecurity.
Reflect and create connection and belonging during the High Holidays
Did you know a direct correlation exists between social connection and improved overall mental and physical health? During the upcoming High Holidays, we encourage everyone to consider our social connections and values. Can we enhance our relationships, especially with people with disabilities? What can we do to make new connections? JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates has created two new resources to share suggestions and help you get started.
Success is being more independent than before
The internet has become inherent to everything we do, from ordering groceries, communicating via email, finding community events, and so much more. Thanks to JFS’s new Computer and Internet Safety class, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to learn how to safely use a computer, the internet, and apps to increase their independent living skills and social opportunities, and decrease loneliness and isolation have the chance.
Expanding Our Roots in the Community
JFS is growing with the purchase of Altius Farms! In August, the organization officially added JFS Altius Farms to our family, and we’re excited to share a bit more about Altius and why we believe in the purchase.
Doing good in our community
If you’re looking for a way to commemorate a special occasion by giving back to your community or simply wanting to help those in need, you’re in luck! We’ve created three service project toolkits with everything you need to make getting involved in your community easy. We also have suggestions about other ways to get involved and make a difference to those who need a little extra support.
Five back to school tips for kids and parents
The long and not necessarily lazy days of summer break are coming to an end. While the start of the school year ushers in new beginnings that can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. JFS KidSuccess Program Manager Amanda Carter offers suggestions about how to prepare for the academic year and ease into a new routine.
JFS Expands Reach with Acquisition of Altius Farms
JFS announces the acquisition of Altius Farms, a leading urban agricultural enterprise located in the Five Points/Curtis Park neighborhood in Denver. This acquisition reinforces JFS's dedication to serving the community and aligns with its mission of creating positive and lasting impacts on individuals and families.
Join JFS for a Family-Friendly Concert Experience
You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to support the life-changing work of JFS at their family-friendly event—JFS Family Concert Experience\ featuring Ozomatli.
Closing the Skills Gap
Finding a job, learning a new skill, or developing exiting ones can feel daunting. Thanks to the new JFS Vocational Training program, practical learning opportunities and hands-on experience could be what you need to take your skills to the next level. Our new program supports personal skills growth with three different learning opportunities.
Are you ready to fight hunger?
The amount of food insecurity we’re seeing is staggering and continues to grow. Due to the reduction in SNAP benefits, inflation, and rising costs for food, gas, and other essential items, there is an unprecedented demand for food and other necessities. Together, we can combat hunger wherever it exists.
Ready to Work
Our JFS Job Fair was a success with job candidates who practiced their elevator pitches, had headshots taken for LinkedIn, learned about JFS programs and services, signed up for classes, and enjoyed lunch. Most important, however, was the opportunity for job seekers to apply and interview on-site for positions.
Volunteer Satisfaction Survey Results
Thanks to all of you who completed the annual volunteer satisfaction survey last month. Your feedback will help JFS to improve the volunteer service program and other programs. The survey is not one and done, of course. Please know that Volunteer Services wants to hear from you - both the challenges and the successes.
Meet our Volunteer of the Year
Since 2015, Eve Verderber has shared more than 728 hours of her time volunteering for JFS with her dedication to the Boulder Advisory Committee, Golden West Ambassador, and Friendly Visitor programs and holiday celebrations and the Reel Hope event. We are honored to announce Eve as this year’s JFS Boulder Volunteer of the Year Award recipient. Read about how Eve truly personifies the spirit of JFS.
Celebrating Our Mobile Food and Hygiene Pantry
The Mobile Food and Hygiene Pantry travels to Denver neighborhoods and housing complexes with high percentages of food insecurity and community and recreation centers to bring healthy, fresh, and culturally relevant foods and hygiene items to these areas.
Celebrating Pride
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and is dedicated to uniting our community, honoring diversity, and sparking awareness as we generate conversations around the issues our neighbors face. At JFS, we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to make the world a better place regardless of a person’s faith, race, age, income, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Join us and celebrate Pride during month’s festivities!
Death, birth, and peace, a day with Rabbi Brody
In times of need, compassion and comfort help heal and bring peace. For JFS’s Rabbi Rick Brody, who leads the JFS Baskin Jewish Community Chaplaincy program, in a single day he experienced a first—being in the presence of one person who was dying and another human being who was just born. Rabbi Brody shared his reflections on these meaningful experiences.
Changing the narrative around aging
May is Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme is “Aging Unbound.” The awareness month is dedicated to exploring diverse aging experiences and providing an opportunity to discuss how communities can fight stereotypes, change thinking around aging, and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
JFS KidSuccess: making sure youth have the support they need
We are currently in the middle of a mental health crisis, and it’s hitting youth hard. In the past year, 40% of youth experienced depression, and more than half reported feeling increased daily stress today compared to 2019. Colorado’s youth are 37% more likely to use drugs and 15% more likely to use alcohol than the average American youth. These statistics are alarming, and during National Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share how JFS’s school-based mental health program, KidSuccess, is helping to combat this growing and concerning trend.
Older Adult Survey Offers a Snapshot of Needs
In different ways, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected all of us, but we also saw unexpected benefits. Throughout JFS, for example, we found new ways to connect with people throughout our community, identified ways to adjust our programs to be still able to help people, and became even more aware of the importance of meeting their needs. And, our Aging Care and Connections team continues to find ways to serve the older adult population better.