Mojdeh Khaghan Danial and Shoshanna Stein

Congratulations to Mojdeh Khaghan and Robert Danial, as well as Shoshanna Stein! The Danials were feted at the recent Leave a Legacy Luncheon held at Jungle Island for their philanthropic contributions to JCS and the entire South Florida Community. Shoshanna was recognized for her status as an inspirational JCS Shalom Bayit success story.

Leave a Legacy® is a community program that assists non-profit organizations to implement and enhance charitable planned giving and spread the word about philanthropy.

A sincere and well-deserved Mazel Tov to Bonnie Schwartzbaum, who was honored by Israel Bonds at their Cuban Hebrew Dinner on May 2nd. Bonnie, our amazing JCS Kosher Food Bank Coordinator, was selected as the honoree from Temple Menorah and recognized for her community service, leadership and support of Jewish causes.

Richard Rhoads, Regional Dir. of Publix Miami Division; Denis Zegar, Pres./CEO Food For All; Eve Mart, JCS Dir. of Grants Development; Bill Fauerbach, VP of Retail Operations; Gary Correll, Dir. of Merchandising; Chuck White, Regional Dir.

Publix Super Markets Miami Division and its customers collectively raised more than $1.65 million for community non-profit partners through their 2012 Food For All holiday season campaign.  Jewish Community Services is proud to be the recipient of a $25,000 check as one of over 60 non-profits which received grants from the program.

JCS Board Chair Richard Hoffman and JCS President/CEO Fred Stock

The Shul publishes a weekly magazine which currently features an article about the recent Marc Chagall lecture presented by noted art historian and JCS Alliance member Laura Sheridan Raiffe.

Please click here to read the article and see the photos on page 15.

Don’t miss out on this topical program which is so important to ‘Modern Families,’ presented to the public at no charge from JCS.

Just a reminder, the Behavioral Health Services Division and other staff have their monthly In-service meeting this Friday, April 19th, 2013.  The topic is on Domestic Violence, presented by Claudia Ewald. It will take place from 9 am  – 12 noon at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in the Board Room. Please note that it was originally scheduled until 1 p.m. but Claudia requested that we finish at noon. Three CE credits will be provided.

Please remember to share this with your staff. Also, non-agency clinicians/therapists are invited, but there is a $25 charge. Reminder: this Domestic Violence in-service is a requirement for our licensure.

For more information, please contact Debbie Hurwitz at 786.866.2201.

Top Chefs Judy Pearlson, Mojdeh Danial, Johana Abraham, Rosita Zelcer, president of Temple Menorah, Aida Mitrani, Guta Huppert, Hana Olemberg, Silvia Rotbart

About 100 guests turned out recently for Temple Menorah’s Women’s Auxiliary Mitzvah Project called “Top Chefs of Temple Menorah,” where seven Menorah members showcased their culinary skills by preparing their signature dishes for all to taste and learn how to make (a recipe book was given out).

The entrance fee was a donation of breakfast, lunch and/or dinner items or a grocery gift card for the JCS Kosher Food Bank. The event raised over $3,000 in checks, about $900 in gift cards, 14 large bags of groceries, and seven centerpieces filled with kosher food.

Just a reminder, the Behavioral Health Services Division and other staff have their monthly In-service meeting this Friday, April 19th, 2013.  The topic is on Domestic Violence, presented by Claudia Ewald. It will take place from 9 am  – 12 noon at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in the Board Room. Please note that it was originally scheduled until 1 p.m. but Claudia requested that we finish at noon. Three CE credits will be provided.

Please remember to share this with your staff. Also, non-agency clinicians/therapists are invited, but there is a $25 charge. Reminder: this Domestic Violence in-service is a requirement for our licensure.

For more information, please contact Debbie Hurwitz at 786.866.2201.

Holocaust survivors and their descendants gathered recently for a ‘Café Europa’ Passover luncheon at Beth Torah Synagogue. Donations from the event went to the Miami-Dade Holocaust Survivors & Descendants Emergency Assistance/Mitzvah Fund.

An important part of this year’s Matzah Mitzvah & More was the JCS Alliance, which went Kiddush Clubbing. This group of young professionals visited with residents of Miami Beach’s senior residential facility, Federation Towers, and helped make their Passover more meaningful. The JCS Alliance, Federation’s The Network and The Next Century: Young Professionals of Beth David Congregation joined forces to celebrate this extra special Sunday together.

“I loved delivering the baskets to the residents in their apartments. They were so warm and adorable and offered us coffee and desserts,” commented Event Chair Monica Auslander.

“The highlight of the event for me was speaking with the residents about their history and experiences, particularly one woman I met who showed me some dance moves,” said Alexandra Lehson.

JCS Alliance Chairs

Jacqueline Berenson, Chad Klosky, Courtney Lenner

Event Committee Chairs
Monica Auslander, Jennifer Kramer, Amy Klosky, Alexandra Lehson

Get Involved!
If you are a young professional, have a passion for community and are ready to lead, please contact Marian Mendelsohn at mmendelsohn@jcsfl.org or 305.403.6539. We are always looking to grow our leadership circle.

Upcoming Events
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Enjoy the photos from this event.

Almost 550 volunteers from throughout Miami-Dade County came out on March 17th for Jewish Community Services to assemble and deliver Kosher for Passover food baskets to seniors, the disabled and homebound for the 2013 Matzah Mitzvah & More food distribution event.

Children hand painted pots containing plants and made Passover cards that were also delivered to seniors, activities sponsored by the PJ Library Miami and JCS Kids for Kosher Food Bank. Our gratitude goes to all the volunteers and our Chairpersons: Hillary and Jed Frankel, Nurit and Leonardo Frydman and Amy and Greg Saphier.

“This is a win-win situation for both the recipient and the family who visits because they’re able to provide emotional support to the older person who’s living at home, so it’s food for the body and food for the soul,” said Fred Stock, JCS President and Chief Executive Officer.

Please enjoy the photos from the day here. 

When Paul, son of JCS Vice President of Senior Adult Services Ela Goldfarb, visited 93-year-old Betty Bruce to deliver her Matzah Mitzvah & More food basket, he was surprised to receive a gift himself. Betty presented him with a Passover tray as an expression of her gratitude for this wonderful event.

Mazel tov to Shelley Niceley Groff, Immediate Past Chair of the JCS Board of DIrectors! Shelley was selected as a “Woman Worth Knowing 2013″ by the Miami Beach Commission for Women, which honors women who are actively involved in fostering positive change in the community through involvement in civic and/or professional activities. Shelley received her award at a presentation held recently at the Dream Hotel South Beach.

Read about the awards here. 

Our thanks to Vanessa and Gary Ressler, who celebrated their daughters’ birthdays by having Micah and Orli, along with their friends, do a mitzvah project together. During a series of play dates, the kids put together 96 toiletry kits for seniors served by JCS, filled with mouthwash, lotion, toothpaste, chapstick,and other useful items.

This is the message they put into each of the colorful cloth bags, which the family will deliver to seniors in the next few weeks:
“These small kits were assembled with love by very small hands! In celebration of our children’s 3^rd & 5^th birthdays, we decided to do a project together with our closest friends to show our gratitude for all we have.”

Vanessa said, “I hope that this kind of activity is contagious — it is wonderful to imagine how we could change our community together!” Mazel tov to Micah and Orli for this incredible act of kindness!

Senator Gwen Margolis and Representative David Richardson with Sylvia Goldsmith

JCS’ Sylvia Goldsmith and Ela Goldfarb attended a Legislative Breakfast at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation recently. State Senator Gwen Margolis and State Representative David Richardson were at this event, which was sponsored by Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council.

Judith and Arthur

The Board of Directors, Advisory Council and Executive Staff of JCS gathered together on Feb. 20th at Beth Torah to congratulate Judith Lieber, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services, on her engagement to Arthur Breakstone and wish them the best of everything as they begin life’s next chapter together.

Judith was also feted for her nineteen stellar years of service, during which time her commitment and caring made JCS a better agency and South Florida a stronger community.

Our thanks to Seth, Joshua, Allison and Noa Diener. This amazing family made a trip to Costco on Presidents’ Day to buy food and then deliver it to the JCS Kosher Food Bank.

Last year the Food Bank decided to try to provide double food in March so that families get the staples they need plus their Passover food. For the second year in a row, the Dieners have provided enough peanut butter for the entire month. This year they added jelly, nutella, and even some tuna. Bravo to the Diener Family!

The JCS Alliance has teamed up with Moishe House, AJC Access and the Repair the World Initiative to create a ‘cool’ event for young professionals — a Winter Wonderland!

The December 17th Senior Torah Academy lecture at The Shul called “Eat Right, Stay Fit: Nutrition & A Healthy Lifestyle” was filled with great information for the large audience in attendance. JCS’ Activity Coordinator Liora Ramati-Giron spoke about the importance of regular physical activity and the benefits of EnhanceFitness classes.

Mount Sinai Medical Center Nutritionist Kara Burnstine, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, explained dietary principals and answered a multitude of questions at this interactive event. Don’t miss the January 14th Life Education presentation in this series of Senior Torah Academy lectures at noon at The Shul. The topic presented by Mount Sinai Medical Center is “Preventing Hospitalization.”

For more information on these free lectures, contact JCS’ Marli Lutz at mlutz@jcsfl.org or 786.282.4707.

Gabriela Rascovsky and husband Adolfo “Fito”

JSA Principal Contributes for Chanukah and Year Round
Microwave and toaster ovens, fleece blankets, adult diapers, Chanukah toys and grocery gift cards are just some of the on-going gifts homebound seniors in the JCS Meals on Wheels program have been receiving thanks to Gabriela Rascovsky, Hebrew and Judaic Studies Principal at Jacobson Sinai Academy (JSA), and her husband Adolfo “Fito.”

With these gifts, Morah Gaby and Fito are making sure there will no longer be seniors eating defrosted meals they cannot warm up. They have also been grocery shopping for a 95-year-old client on a weekly basis. Every month, JSA students serve lunch to seniors at a JCS Congregate Meal Site and collect food for needy families through Kids for Kosher Food Bank. As Morah Gaby said, “The school is aware of the needs of others and knows what we can do to make people happy.”

Starr Stein with daughters Jade and Daisy

Starr Stein and Daughters Make it a ‘Star’ Luncheon
Approximately 40 older adults who participate in our Senior Nutrition Program at the JCS Congregate Meal Site in North Dade recently enjoyed a traditional Chanukah menorah lighting, chocolate treats and personalized home-made cards created by 6-year-old Daisy and 7-year-old Jade, daughters of Starr Stein.

JCS is participating in Give Miami Day, sponsored by The Miami Foundation to raise funds for local charities. This is your chance to support JCS, while making your contribution grow by matching funds from the Miami Foundation. Remember the date — 12/12/12!

Israel and Tania Lapciuc, Thomas Muhl, Jonas Roth and Fred Stock

‘An Evening of Art Mazel,’ this year’s Lapciuc Appreciation Dinner thanking significant donors to JCS, was an event to remember featuring the artwork of noted artist and Holocaust survivor Thomas Muhl, great food and spectacular views at the beautiful Miami Beach home of Tania and Israel Lapciuc.

Over 140 guests heard heartfelt remarks from University of Miami students Nicky Cassinera and Jennifer Bard, who participated in the Holocaust Survivors Internship Program. This program, which JCS does in collaboration with UM, provides valuable support to Jewish survivors of Nazi atrocities and gives students an opportunity to perform service oriented activities while making a real personal connection with those who survived the Holocaust. As Nicky and Jennifer so eloquently stated, these relationships change the lives of both students and survivors.

The Beth David Congregation presented “100 Years of Jewish Music,” a concert featuring 15 of the most talented cantors from congregations throughout Miami. As Cantor Julie Jacobs of Beth David explained, “This event  brought together different styles and traditions of Jewish music in celebration of our 100-year anniversary. We are gratified these cantors performed not just to honor our temple but to benefit a wonderful cause — the JCS Kosher Food Bank.”

Madelyn Merritt, Beth David congregant and former JCS Board member, attended the event and was delighted to see cantors from different temples uniting to support the Kosher Food Bank, and provide a memorable afternoon of joyous song. “It was a delightful celebration of Beth David’s first century, made more meaningful because it helped families who are struggling to put food on their tables,” she said.

Click here to read the Jewish Journal article on the event. Our thanks to photographer Ann Robbins-Udel for these photos.

For More Info on The Surf Bal Bay Club

JCS Activity Coordinator Liora Ramati-Giron conducts an EnhanceFitness warm-up at the Surf Bal Bay Club Launch event

JCS launched the Surf Bal Bay Club at the Surfside Community Center on November 27th. This new membership-based program for adults aged 60 and over offers concierge-level services; social and cultural activities; discounts on dining, shopping and home help; transportation; healthcare-related programs; and an in-home personal emergency response system.

Over 25 seniors from the community attended and enjoyed a program that included remarks from Sylvia Goldsmith, JCS Executive Vice President and COO, a fitness warm-up from JCS Activity Coordinator Liora Ramati-Giron and ‘Holiday Eating Tips’ from Dr. Grace Imson of Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Marli Lutz, Program Director of the Surf Bal Bay Club, was gratified by the response from the community, saying “This is such a good program and a great value for these seniors. We look forward to getting people signed up and beginning to make their lives richer and more rewarding.”

For more information on the Surf Bal Bay Club, please contact Marli Lutz at 305.403.6515, mlutz@jcsfl.org or visit our website at www.sbbclub.org.

Dr. Grace Imson from Mount Sinai Medical Center discusses ‘Holiday Eating Tips’

Surf Bal Bay Club Program Director Marli Lutz explains the benefits of the Club

Over 120 clients of JCS’ Senior Adult Division enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Day celebration at the South Shore Community Center, thanks to dozens of volunteers who came to assist at the annual event. Their enthusiasm made a real difference in the lives of those who attended, bringing a special spirit and extra dimension of caring to seniors who might otherwise have spent the holiday alone.

Our thanks to State Rep. David Richardson from District 113, which includes all of Miami Beach, for coming out to show his support. We would like to acknowledge the participation of several organizations which made this day extra special:

• The Mitzvah Teen Club of Harbor Island (MTCHI)
• Beth David Congregation and Gordon School
• Chabad Russian Center in Sunny Isles Beach
• Jacobson Sinai Academy for preparing the turkey centerpieces and creating greeting cards for each of the seniors
• And last but not least the JCS Alliance

We invite everyone to join us at JCS’ annual food distribution events. Our next one, called Matzah Mitzvah & More — where volunteers prepare and deliver Passover food trays to seniors throughout the community — will take place on Sunday, March 17th.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Dezer Kosher Wine Tasting Event led by the JCS Alliance.

The JCS Meals on Wheels Program currently serves approximately 150,000 meals to nearly 650 elderly homebound recipients, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, providing balanced kosher meals each week.

To donate to JCS’ Meals on Wheels, please click here.

To get involved with the JCS Alliance: Mmendelsohn@jcsfl.org or 305.403.6539.

We congratulate Event Chairs: Hinda Adler, Michelle Diener, Roberta Esquenazi, Sherri Lebwohl and Courtney Lenner. Special thanks to Jacqueline Berenson for taking these great pictures.

Vanessa and Gary Ressler, with daughters Orli and Micah, visit Ruth Triebwasser

JCS started the New Year off on a sweet note for 550 elderly, disabled and homebound people at its annual Milk & Honey event. The largest crowd ever – 600 volunteers –gathered on Sunday, Sept. 9th, to assemble and deliver kosher food baskets and spend time visiting with recipients to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

Co-Chair Marty Scheck explained, “This wonderful event is something our seniors, as well as the volunteers and children, looked forward to all year long. Volunteers spent one-on-one time sharing the joy of the holiday with seniors who often have no family. It’s a mitzvah that truly comes from the heart.”

The Milk & Honey food distribution campaign was strongly supported by a number of community leaders, including co-chairs Vanessa and Gary Ressler, Amy and David Scharlin and Hili and Marty Scheck. The JCS Alliance support group of young professionals — whose Milk & Honey committee chairs were Amy Klosky, Jennifer Kramer, Dana Richards and Laura Sheridan — also participated by going to Federation Towers, a residential facility for seniors on Miami Beach, to deliver food and provide music and refreshments.

Our thanks to Abe Rudman, Secretary of the Board of Directors, for taking this panoramic photo at the event. Click to view interactively: http://360.io/FRsT6c

Please enjoy these photos from the day. 

Monica Auslander and Alyssa Toland visit with Riva Shmukler from Federation Towers

Jennifer Kramer, Jacqueline Berenson, Dana Richards, Courtney Lenner, Monica Auslander, Alyssa Toland and Laura Sheridan

On Sunday, September 9th, the JCS Alliance – the young professional group of JCS — joined in the annual JCS Milk & Honey event by celebrating with residents of Federation Towers and helping to make their New Year holiday sweeter and more meaningful.

In addition to assembling baskets of holiday food and special JCS holiday mugs filled with candy, the JCS Alliance hand delivered the baskets and visited with the seniors. A party with refreshments and entertainment was also held to ring in Rosh Hashanah.

JCS Alliance Committee Chairs for Milk & Honey: Amy Klosky, Jennifer Kramer, Dana Richards & Laura Sheridan

JCS Alliance Chairs: Jacqueline Berenson, Chad Klosky & Courtney Lenner

Please enjoy these photos from the day. 

Fred Stock, Mayor Gimenez and Sylvia Goldsmith

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez recently visited the JCS Congregate Meal Site at the South Shore Community Center in Miami Beach. Mayor Gimenez spoke to the seniors in attendance and expressed appreciation for all the good work  JCS does in the community.

Representatives from various county departments were on hand to provide information about bus transportation for seniors and to distribute water reduction faucets, low-energy light bulbs and other materials. Mayor Gimenez was welcomed by Fred Stock and Sylvia Goldsmith, who thanked the mayor for honoring his commitment to maintain county funding for senior services.

Dr. Martin Karp, Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, generously invited the JCS Kosher Food Bank to do a “gleaning” recently at his home, where he has a tree with over 1,000 mangos. A group of JCS supporters showed up to pick the fruit, which was then donated to the Kosher Food Bank. Over 500 mangos were picked and there are still hundreds more that were out of reach near the top of the tree. Our thanks to Dr. Karp and everyone who came out to perform this mitzvah, which is greatly appreciated by our Food Bank clients.

JCS is sponsoring a Lunch & Learn Seminar on “Ethics & the Law” on Wednesday, June 27th.  Attorneys and other legal professionals are invited to join us for this complimentary educational event.

GMJF's President & CEO Jacob Solomon, JVC Chair Mark Kravitz and Immediate Past Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb present Anna and Brenda with their prestigious award

Anna Ostrowiak and Brenda Senders were presented with the Volunteers of the Year Award at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s annual community awards event. They were celebrated for their 12 years of service to JCS’ Holocaust Survivor Support Program.  Mazel tov to Anna and Brenda!

Newly installed JCS Executive Board Officers Richard Hoffman, Chair; Helen Chaset, Vice Chair; Abe Rudman, Secretary; Daniel Jacobson, Vice Chair; and Jonathan Raiffe, Treasurer

JCS held its 12th Annual Meeting on June 7th at Temple Beth Sholom with a focus on the valuable contributions of volunteers who enhance quality of life for the agency’s clients.

A program presided over by outgoing Board Chair Shelley Niceley Groff included the installation of officers, consisting of Richard Hoffman, Incoming Chair; Helen Chaset and Daniel Jacobson, Vice Chairs; Jonathan Raiffe, Treasurer; and Abe Rudman, Secretary.

Incoming Chair Richard Hoffman, CPA and consultant at CBIZ MHM. LLC, stated “We will continue to gauge the efficacy of JCS’ current programs and services, while evaluating the community’s future needs and build on our strengths so we can help the most people.” Shelley received proclamations and praise for her achievements as Board Chair since 2010. “She has maintained a high community profile, serving as a savvy representative of JCS who put her heart and soul into her duties,” said President and CEO Fred Stock.

Fred also discussed initiatives undertaken for the new fiscal year, stating “JCS is aggressively increasing its outreach efforts, partnering with local agencies to bring our expertise directly to the community outside of the usual office environment. We are also targeting services to previously underserved groups such as the Orthodox community through Yehi Ohr, expanding existing programs and developing new fee-for-service programs.”

In addition to many five, 10 and15 year honorees, the following staff were recognized for their extraordinary tenure: 30 year honorees Sylvia Goldsmith, Executive Vice President and COO, and Randi Adler, Clinical Director in Behavioral Health Services; and 25 year honoree Ellie Shapiro, Senior Meals Program Director. 

Awards were also presented in these categories: Community Partner: Michael A. Krop Senior High School; Community Leadership: Sharon Yudewitz, National Council of Jewish Women; and Outstanding Achievement: David Blasco, client in JCS’ Rehabilitation and Employment Division.

The following volunteers were recognized at the event for their amazing contributions to JCS:

Here are videos from the event:

Here are photos from the event:

JCS’ 12th Annual Meeting takes place on June 7th at 6pm.  Please view the invitation.

Judith Liber addresses the attendees

JCS held two presentations without charge called “Role Reversal: Helping Parents as Their Needs Change Over Time” on May 10th and 15th. Noted expert Judith Lieber, LMHC, JCS Vice President of Behavioral Health Services, discussed the best ways to talk to parents about ‘sticky’ subjects, such as: When is it time to stop driving? When is it time to get help with housekeeping, cooking or personal grooming? When is it time to intervene in parents handling their own finances? When is it time to consider a move to an Independent or Assisted Living Facility?

The people in attendance at both events learned how to navigate the emotional minefield of offering help to aging parents, who often resent interference from their children.  Many were interested in learning more about the services for seniors that JCS has to offer. Kudos to Marli Lutz, JCS Community Liaison, for planning and executing these successful events that raised the profile of JCS in the community.

Eve Mart, JCS Director of Grants Development, holds the check surrounded by Publix executives (seated) Chuck White and Richard Rhoads, Regional Directors, (standing) Denis Zegar, Food For All CEO, Bill Fauerbach, VP Retail Operations, and Gary Correll, Director of Merchandising

Publix Super Markets presented a check for $20,000 to JCS as part of its Food For All program, which raised $1,795,607 in six weeks to benefit local and regional non-profit agencies throughout South Florida. The seasonal fundraiser appeared in stores from November 13th through December 24th, 2011 and customers contributed by selecting a $1, $3 or $5 donation coupon at the register while paying for their groceries. Over 70 local charitable organizations received checks during a recent luncheon. We thank Publix for its beneficence.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation was thronged with over 300 community volunteers who came out for JCS’ annual Passover food distribution event on March 25th.  This year’s gathering was called Matzah Mitzvah & Much, Much More because it was done in collaboration with the Jewish Volunteer Center, a program of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; PJ Library Miami; and International Good Deeds Day/Ruach Tova. 

Activities included assembling food boxes for delivery, creating matzah covers and participating in children’s story telling, painting wall tiles for the JCS Miami Beach Senior Center, as well as delivering food and companionship (for those who completed their Level II background checks).  Over 600 seniors and disabled people received one of these special kosher for Passover holiday food packages, thanks to the efforts of all our committed and caring volunteers.   

A special thanks goes to our co-chairs: Lisa and Jay Massirman, with their children Jordan and Drew; and Joanna and Scott Segal, with children Sean, Nicole, Jonathan, Joshua and Elijah.
Please enjoy these photos from the event.  

Inspired by the sense of partnership between Jewish Community Services and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the JCS Alliance and The Network’s LDI spent an  evening recently learning about the JCS Kosher Food Bank. Participants heard a personal story from Libby Lerner, Food Bank recipient, about the impact the Food Bank had on her and her family’s lives. Fred Stock, President/CEO of JCS, Bonnie Schwartzbaum, JCS KFB Coordinator, and Jacqueline Berenson, Alliance and LDI member, opened the program and invited all to join JCS supporters on March 25th for JCS’ Matzah Mitzvah & Much, Much More.   

For more information about upcoming JCS Alliance events and/or involvement, please contact Marian Mendelsohn at 305.403.6539 or mmendelsohn@jcsfl.org. 

Despite overcast skies, the mood at the JCS Staff Picnic held on Sunday, February 26^th, was sunny and bright. Employees and their families enjoyed great food and activities, including face painting for the kids, baloon animals, a water balloon competition and an egg on a spoon race.

There was also a bake-off, judged by the head chef of the company that catered the event, Gold Coast Catering .  Mazel Tov to Laurie Turner, Employment and Career Counselor at ParnossahWorks Miami, for winning with her almond butter cake. Congrats also to Isabella Gobio, Youth Mentor at YAMI, for being the one who most closely guessed the number of pieces of candy in the container – Isabella’s guess was 478 and the actual number was 477. Both Laurie and Isabella received Target gift cards as prizes.

The extra food was donated to Caring for Miami, a volunteer organization that brings hope and assistance to Miami-Dade County through their Caring for Miami Centers and Mobile Unit.

Please enjoy this gallery of photos from the event. Thanks to Neil Goldsmith and Larry Lentz for the pics.

Eight-year-old Eduardo Halfen decided to help the JCS Kosher Food Bank for his mitzvah project.  And did he ever!  His mother Stephanie Halfen helped him organize the first ever “Race for Friends” on January 15th at Westlake Park.

As Stephanie wrote in thanking all the participants, “We raised over $5,000, which exceeded even our most ambitious expectations!  The funds will go to the JCS Kosher Food Bank to purchase basic baby necessities (such as diapers, wipes and formula) and food for families in need.  This team effort is all the more heartwarming as it exemplifies how our community can come together and work towards a common
goal.  Children from Jacobson Sinai Academy, Hillel Day School and Hochberg Prep joined forces and made this happen.”

Stephanie promises this will be an annual event.  We just want to thank her and her son for their efforts on behalf of JCS.  Mazel tov, Eduardo!

The Miami Beach Chanukah Festival, which took place on December 11th, 2011, was a big success.  The event was co-sponsored by JCS and featured a booth staffed by the kids from our Kids for Kosher Food Bank program.  Everyone was asked to bring one  can of kosher fruit or vegetables to donate to the JCS Kosher Food Bank.and they did — helping to fill bare cupboards and empty stomachs for those in need.

The Miami Beach Senior Center has a very talented Russian Choir called “Young at Heart” that performs in public venues throughout the community.  Please enjoy these video performances:

106-years-young Isabel Castano

Our oldest client at the Miami Beach Senior Center, Isabel Castano, recently celebrated her 106th birthday at the facility, complete with a party, cake and music. Isabel is remarkably healthy for her age and takes no medications – her only health issue is macular degeneration. She danced up a storm at her birthday party and attributes her positive outlook and physical status, in part, to the companionship and services she receives at the MBSC. Many, many happy returns, Isabel!

‘From Generation to Generation’ was the theme of Jewish Community Services’ Milk & Honey Reception Dinner hosted by Tania and Israel Lapciuc on December 6^th at their elegant Miami Beach home.  Over 130 guests gathered for an evening filled with good food, great company and a special program celebrating some of JCS’ most generous supporters.

This was the ninth consecutive year the Lapciuc Family graciously opened their home and their hearts to thank donors for contributing to JCS’ food distribution programs which help seniors and others in need throughout Miami-Dade County.  The evening included keynote remarks from Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alberto Carvalho and musical entertainment from a children’s choir.

The Milk & Honey campaign takes place each year during Rosh Hashanah when volunteers deliver 500 food baskets to frail older adults  It is just one of JCS’ critical food distribution programs, which include the JCS Kosher Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, five congregate meal sites and the Matzah Mitzvah & More campaign.

Click here to enjoy photos from this special evening. 

Israel and Tania Lapciuc with Alberto Carvalho

Steven Schwartzbaum and Sara Jove setting up for the party

Sara Jove recently hosted her annual Ladies Night Chanukah celebration to benefit the JCS Kosher Food Bank with the theme ‘Martinis, Massage, Music & Mitzvahs.’ Three professional message therapists were on hand with massage chairs to put guests at ease and get them in the holiday spirit.  Once again Jacquie Packar of Pink Catering graciously sponsored the amazing refreshments, which included latkes, salmon sliders, pasta, cheese platters and grasshoppers.

This year’s toy drive focused on teens, because the JCS KFB has over 100 adolescents  among the families receiving services there.  Sara collected basketballs, tennis rackets, yoga mats, makeup sets and other gifts for the teens.  She also received over $1,000 in checks and gift cards to Macy’s, Best Buy and Nordstrom’s.  Many more pledges of checks are to follow.

This Third Annual Chanukah Party was a great success and we can’t thank Sara enough for sponsoring this fabulous event.  Martinis, latkes, massages, a great crowd of women and a super hostess — what a winning combination!  We appreciate everyone who attended and did their part to ensure that every child and teen served by the JCS Kosher Food Bank will have new gifts for the holidays.

Sara surrounded by some of the donations

More gifts for the kids of the KFB

About a dozen members of the Social Action Committee at Temple Judea ‘Brightened Up’ the JCS Kosher Food Bank on Sunday, December 11th, just in time for Chanukah. Led by Gary Simon, the members painted the offices, collected donations and stocked the shelves with food to serve clients for the holidays.

“We had a great time and are glad we were able to do some good. We really support the work of the JCS Kosher Food Bank,” said Gary Simon, member of Temple Judea.

A special thank you to the following:

Lance Turner with Stein Paint Co., for donating the painting supplies

Ephraim Pinkhasov with Gold Kosher Catering, for donating the bagels and refreshments

JVC of the GMJF, for the referral

Gary Simon, for organizing the entire activity

And to the kids who participated and charmed us with their hard work

Please enjoy these photos from the event.

You likely may have heard the sad news of the loss of Vicki Hammersmith, who passed away on Nov. 28. Out of respect for those who loved Vicki, we are postponing our “Shop for Shalom” event that was scheduled for December 1.

Vicki was the Caring Community Coordinator at Temple Judea in Coral Gables and had previously worked for and been involved with The Jewish Federation of Greater Miami as well as Hadassah. Vicki dedicated her life to the Jewish Community and to helping others. We are deeply sorry for this loss.

A lavish Thanksgiving event was held at the South Shore Community Center on Thanksgiving Day 2011, thanks to the hard work of JCS’ Senior Adult Services division.  Dozens of JCS’ older adult clients were invited for an afternoon filled with delicious holiday food, live music and dancing, all organized and staffed by JCS volunteers.
A good time was certainly had by all, as you can see by these videos.

We thank the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Michael-Ann Russell JCC and Hebraica’s Maccabi Games for collecting an abundance of Chanukah gifts for youngsters in need served by JCS.

A wrapping project took place on Thursday, Nov. 24th and Sunday, Nov. 27th from noon – 3 pm at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, 18900 NE 25th Avenue in North Miami Beach.  Community service hours were available for teens who helped wrap gifts. Thanks to everyone who participated.

JCS congratulates one of our greatest supporters, advocates and dear friends, Tania Lapciuc, on receiving the prestigious Guardian of Israel Award from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. Tania was feted at a recent luncheon sponsored by the American Committee for the organization, a 575-bed facility located in the center of the city which has been known as the ‘Hospital with a Heart’ for over 100 years.

Tania and Israel Lapciuc are two of the most prominent benefactors of JCS and care deeply about issues of hunger, food insufficiency, and the well-being of the Jewish people. A woman of valor who serves as a role model to us all, we wish Tania a hearty Mazel Tov!

JCS Sponsored Nov. 9th “Meet the Author” Jewish Book Event

What: Appearance of Eric Lamet, author of A Child Al Confino, the true story of a Jewish boy and his mother in Mussolini’s Italy.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 9th at 2pm
Where: Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center at 18900 NE 25th Ave., North Miami Beach

JCS sponsored the first in a series of “Meet the Author” Jewish Book events that took place at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC.  This was a free community program where critically-acclaimed authors on national tour discussed their recently-published works.  Books were available for purchase and signed by the authors at the end of each program.

The series opened on November 9th with the JCS-sponsored appearance of Eric Lamet, author of A Child Al Confino, the true story of a Jewish boy and his mother in Mussolini’s Italy.  Eric Lamet was only seven years old when the Nazis invaded Vienna.  Five days later, Lamet and his parents fled their home – his father went back to his native Poland; his mother, on the run in Italy, took her son deeper and deeper into the mountains to avoid capture.

Audiences heard a compelling story of finding positivity and hope in the most unlikely places as the plight of Jews sent into external exile in Mussolini’s Italy is addressed.

For further information: contact David Surowitz, Series Coordinator, at 305.932.4200, ext. 217. 

Despite the darkened sky and threatening rain, the JCS Alliance members, their family and friends, JCS lay leaders and staff, and MOCA students in attendance at the recent ‘Spice Up the Food Bank’ event couldn’t have been in a sunnier mood.  That’s obvious from the beautiful faces and artwork seen in these photos.  The good mood must be due to the good feeling that came from working together to create something special for the clients of the JCS Kosher Food Bank.  Enjoy!

To get involved with the JCS Alliance, please contact Marian Mendelsohn at
305.403.6539 or mmendelsohn@jcsfl.org. To get involved with the JCS Kosher Food Bank, please contact Bonnie Schwartzbaum at 305.947.8093 or foodbank@jcsfl.org.

Check out this video from the event

The site of the Miami Beach Senior Center was filled with JCS Alliance members on Sunday, June 26^th, as they beautified the grounds of the facility.  Skies were sunny for the garden party sponsored by this group of young professionals, just like the outlook of the participants – both young and old — who enjoyed spending the day together, having lunch and participating in a unique “laughter yoga” session.  The JCS Alliance members left with not only a feeling of satisfaction but a greater knowledge of this important aspect of what JCS does in the community.

Save the Date for the next JCS Alliance meeting: Wednesday, September 7th at 6pm.   

On June 2nd, JCS held its 11th Annual Meeting with the theme “Celebrating the Community in Jewish Community Services.”  A large crowd gathered at Temple Israel to enjoy a program presided over by Board Chair Shelley Niceley Groff that included the installation of officers by the Honorable Joseph I. Davis, Jr. and a keynote presentation by Mark Rosenberg, Ph.D., President of FIU.  Shelley gave an encouraging report on the successes of JCS as we move from strength to strength, as did President and CEO Fred Stock in his remarks.

The following staff were recognized for their many years of service:

30 Years: Allene Pace

25 Years: Nora Driver, Norma Ferrer, Juanita Murray, Jose Prado

20 Years: Annie Sheffield, Aliza Zaidner

In addition, awards were presented in these categories:

Community Advocate: Becker & Poliakoff

Community Partner: City of Miami Beach

Employer of the Year: Majesty Foods

Outstanding Achievement: Randee Sallee and James Brantley

Here are a few pictures from the event. To see all the photos from the Annual Meeting, please click here.

For more information, please call 305.403.6570 or email dfeigenbaum@jcsfl.org.

For more information, please call 305.403.6570 or email dfeigenbaum@jcsfl.org.

For more information, please call 305-403-6570 or email dfeigenbaum@jcsfl.org

for more information, please call 305-403-6570 or email dfeigenbaum@jcsfl.org

Clients Rose Fink, Belle Thweny and Haica Feldman wear their most stylish hats to a Purim party held in March at JCS’ Miami Beach Senior Center.   

On February 21st, Presidents Day, over 30 people took time out of their schedules to attend a tour of several Jewish Community Services’ programs, including JCS Shalom Bayit, JCS Adult Day Training Program, JCS Kosher Food Bank and a JCS Congregate Meal Site. Guests were able to meet program participants and learn more about how JCS makes a positive impact on their lives. Everyone agreed it was the perfect way to spend this patriotic holiday.

Sponsored by The Shul and JCS-LAMP

Auspiciado por El Shul y JCS-LAMP

JCS’ Own Rachel Menton Featured on New TV Show

A new television show hosted by Kelly Ripa features Rachel Menton, Activities Director at the Seymour Gelber Adult Day Care Center for the past 18 years. A woman of many talents who is also president of Dizzy Dames Distributing Company, Rachel was selected from hundreds of applicants to be a contestant on TLC/Discovery Health’s show, “Homemade Millionaire.” The program showcases “average” females and their unique inventions, with each episode’s winner receiving assistance in manufacturing, marketing and selling her product.

Rachel’s product, called Socks Slots, is a device that keeps socks together in the washing machine and dryer. Born out of a practical need to keep her four children’s socks sorted, Sock Slots is color-coded so each family member has their own color. Socks stay in the slot throughout washing and drying – ready to go directly from laundry basket into clothing drawer, which also eliminates the need for sorting and pairing.

The outcome of the show is top secret, but Rachel is delighted to have been selected to be on TV with Kelly Ripa. “Homemade Millionaire” first aired on TLC November 19th and the segment featuring Rachel will air on Friday, December 17th, on Discovery Health at 10pm. Please tune in to see how JCS’ own Rachel Menton “socks” it to the TV audience. Whatever happens, we will all be cheering Rachel on in her prime time TV debut.

Here is a clip for the promo on the show.

The show has been moved from TLC to Discovery Health at 10:00 PM (Miami time) on Friday night.
Check your local listings for the times in other time zones.
Check out Rachel in the video.

Thurs. Nov. 25
North Miami Beach/Aventura area
Share the blessing of Thanksgiving by joining the Men’s Club of Beth Torah Synagogue with a heart-warming visit to homebound seniors and other appreciative residents

For additional information, about these and other events benefiting Jewish Community Services programs that provide for those ‘in-need’, we cordially invite you to call 305.403.6539 or email us at development@jcsfl.org.

Thurs. Nov. 25, morning
Pinecrest

Start Thanksgiving Day festivities by joining in a fun father-and-son ‘pick-up’ football game, coordinated by Greg Saphier. Proceeds benefit the JCS Kosher Food Bank.

For additional information, about these and other events benefiting Jewish Community Services programs that provide for those ‘in-need’, we cordially invite you to call 305.403.6539 or email us at development@jcsfl.org.

Thurs. Nov. 18, evening
Home of JCS Board Member Ken Tobin and his wife Lesley
Invited guests celebrate the 90th anniversary of JCS

For additional information, about these and other events benefiting Jewish Community Services programs that provide for those ‘in-need’, we cordially invite you to call 305.403.6539 or email us at development@jcsfl.org.

Wed. Nov. 17, noontime
Hyatt Regency Hotel – Miami
Help us honor Mildred Levenson for her generous support and bequest to JCS. Ticket: $75.

For additional information, about these and other events benefiting Jewish Community Services programs that provide for those ‘in-need’, we cordially invite you to call 305.403.6539 or email us at development@jcsfl.org.

Wed. Nov. 17, evening
Home of Diana Grimberg Peisach
Invited guests celebrate the 90th anniversary of JCS

For additional information, about these and other events benefiting Jewish Community Services programs that provide for those ‘in-need’, we cordially invite you to call 305.403.6539 or email us at development@jcsfl.org.

A letter from Milk & Honey volunteer Sheila Duffy-Lehrman

Sylvia Rice and Lexi Lehrman

When we went to Sylvia Rice’s apartment, she was so thankful and spoke about how much she appreciated the help she receives from JCS.  She mentioned she loved the children’s cards that come with the food on the holidays and said she even saved a few of her favorites.  I said “Our children have made those cards for years at their Jewish day school.  Wouldn’t it be funny if one of them was theirs?”  I could hear my children groaning and their eyes rolling when I made the comment.  Mrs. Rice was so happy to show us, she got up with difficulty, went straight to a cabinet and pulled out three or so pristine cards.  We saw Lexi’s and it was such a lovely, meaningful moment. They hugged and the kids loved it.  It was truly beschert.  We have delivered meals since our soon to be 18 yr. old son was only 18 months.  We have never delivered to this woman.  The cards are randomly collected and placed on a table for all to take a handful along with our deliveries.  You just never know how you will touch someone’s life and heart.  Lexi raises money for breast cancer research instead of birthday gifts or holiday presents – she asks for donations.  She calls it her “Art Can Heal” project and has raised over $35,000 over the last 4 years.  She never expected this – it was an uplifting healing moment for our entire family.

We are grateful for the community’s overwhelming show of support at this year’s Milk & Honey Food Distribution event. By day’s end, all 500 trays were delivered to all of our waiting seniors. That huge success could not have been achieved without your participation.  Please enjoy these photos from the day.

Thank you for coming. Thank you for caring.

Milk & Honey Co-Chairs:
Silvia & Luis Cattan                        Helena Nath & Daniel Leghziel
Teri & Dick Golden                         Michele & Mark Stein
Suzanne & Brad Meltzer                Rita Steinfeld-Regev

P.S. We also invite you to join us at Matzah, Mitzvah and More on Sunday, April 10. For more information about this event, or if you are interested in continuing the relationship with the person you visited, please contact Barbara Davis, JCS Volunteer Coordinator, at 786.866.2206.

Here is A Milk & Honey Story from the Lehrman Family

Click on thumbnail picture below in order to see full size image.

Join your neighbors in distributing baskets of food to homebound, frail elderly and others in need.

They benefit from a gift of vitally-needed, nutritious food items — and your act of kindness and generosity. You benefit from the immense self-satisfaction of sharing the joy of the New Year and becoming a part of someone else’s life.

Sunday, September 12, 2010
Fast of Gedaliah
9 am to noon
Location: Greater Miami Jewish Federation
4200 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

In observance of the Fast of Gedaliah, which falls on September 12th, we will not be providing refreshments to our volunteers this year.  For more information about the Fast, please click here.

How you can help:

Join Parnossah Works Miami staff for a Resume Workshop
September 2nd from 10:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Location: Greater Miami Jewish Federation, 4200 Biscayne Boulevard

Bring a copy of your resume and a staff member will review it with you.

Registration is limited. Please visit www.parnossahworksmiami.org to register as a job seeker and confirm your attendance or leave a message with your name and phone number at (305) 403 6502.

Date: August 30, 2010

Time: 6-8PM

Venue: JCS Central Offices

To participate: Barbara Davis, Volunteer Coordinator, 786-866-2206

JCS is hosting its Annual Phon-A-Thon to raise vital funds for the 2010 Milk & Honey Food Distribution Campaign.  Do a mitzvah and even get community service hours for raising money for food to be delivered to frail and homebound seniors in our community. Kosher light dinner will be served. Campaign Co-Chairs: Silvia & Luis Cattan, Teri & Dick Golden, Suzanne & Brad Meltzer, Helena Nath & Daniel Leghziel, Michele & Mark Stein, Rita Steinfeld-Regev.

A thought-provoking exploration of women in Biblical times

While silent about the events that had controlled their lives, three women — Dina, Jephte’s daughter and Tamar — took differing paths to change their destinies. What are the lessons learned about courage in their society — and in ours?

Brief Meeting

Learn about JCS Shalom Bayit’s critical role in helping today’s silent victims of domestic violence – the wives, mothers and children living in abusive relationships – regain their lives and their voices. We will preview our exciting upcoming year’s events to end survivors’ isolation and anguish as well as educate our community about domestic abuse.

Monday, August 30
11:30 a.m.
Greater Miami Jewish Federation
4200 Biscayne Blvd. Miami

Brunch Couvert:
Early Registration by Aug. 20: $18.
Registration after Aug. 21: $25.
More information: 305-917-2169

Please join us.
Visit old friends. Meet new ones.
Become a vital part of our efforts to stop the suffering.

Start Your New Year Off on a Sweet Note by Sending JCS New Year’s Cards to Your Family and Friends

What better way is there to ensure the blessings of Rosh Hashana than sending beautiful note cards purchased from JCS?
Your donation supports the agency that annually serves more than 35,000 people of all denominations, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, ages and abilities — the unemployed, Holocaust survivors, frail elderly, those physically and developmentally challenged, families in crisis, domestic abuse survivors and children who are victims of neglect and abuse.

Make the New Year sweeter, not just for you and your loved ones, but for all those who need a helping hand during these tough times.

To place your order on-line: please select from the drop down menu, or call 305-403-6539.

The cards are available in the following quantities:

12 for   $30
24 for   $54
36 for   $80
48 for $100
60 for $125
72 for $150
96 for $200

Please contact Marian Mendelsohn, 305-403-6539 or mmendelsohn@jcsfl.org, to arrange the pick up of your cards.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz met with some 50 seniors and guests at a Jewish Community Services’ meal site located at the Pointe East Condominiums in Aventura on June 22.

The Congresswoman, who represents Florida’s 20^th District, described how the recently-enacted healthcare legislation will significantly benefit those on Medicare. She also answered a variety of wide-ranging questions.

She was introduced by JCS’ newly installed Chair of the Board Shelley Niceley Groff.

Date:

Thursday:

Address:

Description:

Join Us As We

Honor Yesterday and Prepare for Tomorrow

at Our
Tenth Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
6 p.m. Reception
7 p.m. Program (dessert to follow)

Temple Beth Sholom
4144 Chase Ave. Miami Beach

The Board of Directors and Administration of Jewish Community Services of South Florida

Couvert $60

RSVP by June 2, 2010

Click here to see Photos from the Annual Meeting

Excerpts of Presenters’ Remarks

Staff Recognition – Harry Turk

……Jewish Community Services’ many dedicated and exemplary staff members work tirelessly in order to provide quality services to our clients. They do so without receiving or seeking public recognition.  But, tonight, we wish to express our appreciation for their long-standing commitment to JCS.  In fact, this year, 14 staff members achieved extraordinary longevity having worked between 21 and 29 years at JCS.

However, only one person will attain the major milestone of 30 years employment this year.  Tonight we wish to honor Jeff Schoenfeld for achieving this distinction. Jeff started, in 1980, as a social worker in our Senior Meals Program. Within a few years he rose to the Coordinator’s position. Today, he supervises four staff while also overseeing a caseload of some 1,100 homebound clients in our Meals On Wheels Program….With extensive knowledge and exceptional sensitivity to our clients, Jeff remains a strong advocate for all those he serves.

Leadership and Governance Committee Report – Steven Gretenstein

…..I am pleased to report that at our last Board Meeting…the following members have been approved to serve JCS for: An initial one year term: Jonathan Raiffe and Scott Singer. An initial three year term: Dr. Helen Chaset and Barry Schwartz.

And, re-nominees for a three year term are:

Laurie Flink

Shelley Niceley Groff

Daniel Jacobson

Jeff Levine

Robert Merlin

Tonight, I especially wish to thank those Board members who are stepping down, but who will continue to serve as members of JCS’ Advisory Council.  They are:

Stu Altman,

Ralph Cheplak,

Iris Roth,

Myron Stayman

These elected as Board officers are:

Shelley Niceley Groff             Chair

Richard Hoffman            -            Vice Chair

Barry Schwartz            -            Vice Chair

Jeff Levine                  -            Treasurer

Abe Rudman               -            Secretary

The Members and Officers will now be installed by our good friend, Miami Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, who has so ably performed this duty for many years….

Installation of Board Members and Officers – Commissioner Sally Heyman

Honoring Past Chairs – Barbara Black Goldfarb

….How fortunate that Jewish Community Services has been blessed with such a consistent cadre of leadership who have served as chair of its Board of Directors. From JCS’ inception ten years ago, they have recognized that we, as a charitable organization, have a responsibility to reach out and help those less fortunate.

Then and now, these rare individuals lead by example with unequalled competence and dedication. They foster the caring environment that allows JCS to continue to serve as one of South Florida’s premier social service agencies. They help secure vitally essential philanthropic support. And, most importantly, individually and collectively, they have a positive impact on making us better individuals, friends, parents and members of our community.

Those standards were set by Marty Fine. As a leader on both the national and local stage, and renowned as a pioneer in developing low-income housing, Marty was the perfect choice to be JCS’ first chair.  Because of his stature in the community, he brought a highly-regarded presence and credibility to JCS in its infancy.

Richard Slavin was elected two years later. With his extensive business and administrative experience, Richard recognized the need to bring sound fiscal standards of accountability to the organization. He created a sense of purpose and solidarity within the Board and in its relationship with the Greater Miami Jewish Foundation.

He was succeeded by Bob Merlin.  Bob was extraordinarily passionate about JCS and very familiar with the agency’s programs.  He well understood the community’s pressing needs and was able to identify gaps in services. This knowledge helped JCS to significantly expand JCS’ scope, as well as its geographic reach.

In 2006, Steve Gretenstein took over the reigns. He assumed his responsibilities at a time of great challenge for JCS. Steve’s unique strengths, his calm, deliberate demeanor coupled with a strong sense of vision for JCS laid the foundation for future successes.

Now, to my dear friend Joy (Spill). Emphasizing her team approach, JCS, under Joy’s leadership, successfully met the challenges of an especially difficult economic climate for non-profit social service agencies. She strengthened the JCS administrative capacity and promoted an environment of increased efficiency, transparency and flexibility.

To Marty, Richard, Bob, Steve and Joy: please know that your fellow board members, and JCS’ appreciative staff and many grateful clients, offer you a heartfelt thanks for a job very well done…..

Community Partner Award – Jeff Levine

This year, we recognize our partner “extraordinaire”, the Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center and its Jewish Cultural Arts Theatre known as J-CAT.  Gary Bomzer, the Center’s Executive Director, Dr. Michael Andron, J-CAT Co-Chair and Denise Tamir, J-CAT Artistic Director, have gone ‘above and beyond’ to provide numerous opportunities for JCS to collaborate in order to better serve the Jewish community.

Gary has consistently helped create an environment of ease with JCS to ensure that everything gets done. This year he assisted in providing both child care and summer camp experiences for many of our youth, while also enabling JCS to maintain a Senior Congregate Meal Facility that operates daily on site.

In addition, JCS Shalom Bayit was proud to co-sponsor this year’s production with J-CAT of the play “The Women’s Minyan” which deals with issues of domestic abuse in the Orthodox community…..

Ruth Gross Award – Barry Schwartz

Joëlle Allen is a true friend of Jewish Community Services.

Her unyielding commitment to South Florida’s seniors and those in need is synonymous with one of JCS’ primary goals: to feed the hungry. Because of her actions, JCS has received critically-needed support for our Meals on Wheels program, which delivers nutritious meals to home-bound seniors.

As Executive Director of the Peacock Foundation, Joëlle has helped guide JCS in preparing our grant applications. Her critical assistance ensures that we comply with her foundation’s requirements.  As a result, during the past three years, JCS has received more than $100,000 in financial support…..

Helping Hands Award – Richard Hoffman

Dr. Martin Karp, Miami-Dade County School Board member, representing District 3, has had a long career serving our community.

He works diligently to help our public schools achieve excellence by reducing class size and increasing bilingual education programs. Dr. Karp also has sought to adopt a district-wide bullying and anti-violence program – an effort in keeping with the mission of JCS Shalom Bayit’s domestic abuse prevention goals.

In addition as a community-minded educator, he is passionate about the elderly and their daily struggles to maintain their independence.  In the 1980s, Dr. Karp started the Senior Handicapped Outreach Program or SHOP which assists the elderly with grocery shopping.  His involvement continues today by supporting JCS’ programs at the Miami Beach Senior Center that is located on school property. By helping JCS secure a ten-year lease, JCS was able to seek and obtain some $300,000 in funds which will be used to rehabilitate the facility….

Community Leadership Award – Helen Chaset

Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson, of District 8, has served the community in this capacity since 1994. Now, after 16 years, and much to our considerable disappointment, she is not seeking reelection.

Over the years, Commissioner Sorenson has worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for Miami-Dade residents, and particularly for the seniors of the JCS Seymour Gelber Adult Day Care Center. She made the extra effort to support JCS by attending numerous activities at the center and has consistently secured additional funding for the frail elderly and individuals with memory impairment who are served at the Center.

She has championed many initiatives to advance ‘green technology’, reduce crime and maintain essential services so seniors can remain independent and contributing members of our community.

We are proud and honored to recognize Commissioner Sorenson and thank her for her years of meaningful service. We wish her well in the future and trust her powerful voice for the less fortunate will continue to be heard.

Outstanding Achievement Award – Abe Rudman

This year, JCS would like to recognize two formers clients who, for the past two years, as JCS employees have helped the JCS Kosher Food Bank operate efficiently and with utmost respect for its clients. These remarkable staff members are Marie Fernandez and Rodney Thomas. Because they are quite a team, we want to recognize their achievements together.

Previously, they were clients of JCS’ Homeless Outreach Project for Employment, a department of our Rehabilitation and Employment Division. Now, Marie serves as receptionist and schedules client appointments while Rodney is responsible for warehouse and maintenance operations.

Both experienced similar personal struggles as those faced by our food bank clients. Today, with their unique perspectives, Marie and Rodney offer families support, compassion and dignity. They are committed to making sure that the JCS Kosher Food Bank is best serving those in need….

For the past two years, JCS has been fortunate to have Joy at the helm. As we warmly welcome Shelley Niceley Groff, we acknowledge Joy’s stewardship and her numerous accomplishments.

Outgoing Chair’s Address – Joy Spill

….As this night is about looking back with pride while looking forward with hope, it is fitting that I say a few words before passing the gavel – both literally and figuratively — to Shelley, our incoming Board Chair.   It’s been a privilege to serve as JCS’ Chair for these past two years, and I am truly grateful for the experience of helping to lead this organization through some exhilarating – and exhausting – but always uplifting times.

The past two years I have come to better understand and appreciate the awesome skill talent dedication and genuine caring that our staff bring to work every day….Each of you helped me, encouraged and inspired me but more importantly you engaged in your holy work of helping others in need fulfilling JCS’ mission….

In true JCS fashion, there have been many changes during my tenure along with plenty of challenges and lots of highlights.  We all know that the global economic climate has been very difficult and how the harsh environment has impacted the world of non-profit social service organizations.  JCS, like many other agencies, had to make tough decisions in order to stay viable while minimizing the impact on the people we serve.

That is why we implemented a number of cost-saving measures, which included consolidation of positions and offices.  We examined all aspects of our operation in order to increase efficiencies and minimize expense. Ultimately, we were successful in building a stronger, more effective organization.

We developed marketing materials in a cohesive fashion and style with a strong message. We upgraded our website. Abe (Rudman), you persisted and pushed for high quality in all of our marketing efforts.

Through the heroic and brilliant efforts of Helen Chaset as chair of the Public Policy Committee, most of our elected officials at all levels are aware of JCS and our key programs.

We formed an active audit committee in conformity with best practices.  Under Sandy Lenner’s leadership the audit committee will soon develop a charter and will conduct itself like an audit committee of a large entity.

We combined our three program related committees into one strong unified Program committee under the able leadership and wise counsel of Madelyn Merritt.   That committee just completed its important work to ensure that several college students have the funds to pay for their college education from the Jewish Education Loan fund….

We held new and unique events from a nationwide songwriting contest for Shalom Bayit, a Passover wine tasting in an idyllic bayside setting, parlor meetings, hosted interesting speakers, lecturers and novelists to educate the community about Shalom Bayit  and abuse issues.  Hundreds of people turned out for volunteer opportunities and to help feed our elderly at Rosh Hashana for Milk & Honey, at Passover for Matzah Mitzvah and More and at Thanksgiving at the Miami Beach meal site….

Our critically important partnership with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation was strengthened as we have increasingly collaborated our resources and efforts to serve the “one in eight in need in our community.” Just as JCS is a lifeline providing services and direct assistance to those in need, Federation has been a genuine lifeline to JCS, for which we are extremely grateful.

Finally, our Board of Directors has become re-energized and invigorated, making it even more vital  to JCS as we move forward in this new environment of decreasing funding and other resources along with increasing demands…

I need to be serious for a moment.  While there is always a tinge of regret when a Chair turns over the reigns to another person, there is no one I can imagine better suited to lead JCS to the next level in every way.

Working as closely with Shelley as I have for the past year, I know that she is insightful, intelligent and thoughtful, with a lovely temperament.  Her passion is planning and that is the skill most needed at this juncture for this Agency. She has put in the time on nearly every committee of this Agency.  I know that under Shelley’s leadership every accomplishment of the past two years will be doubled, tripled and JCS will have new and unexpected accomplishments…..

Incoming Chair’s Address – Shelley Niceley Groff

Joy, I know I can speak for everyone here to express our heartfelt appreciation for your strong leadership. You are a role model for everyone in Jewish communal leadership.  On a personal level, you have been an extraordinary mentor and a good friend.

It is my great pleasure to report that thanks to strong professional leadership, Joy’s steady hand and sound judgment, a hard-working Finance Committee, a dedicated Board of Directors, and committed community partners, JCS begins its 90 years old/10 years new anniversary year fiscally sound.

As Joy explained, to get here, we spent the last two years focusing inward – studying every aspect of our organization and identifying where and how we could do more with less. That’s exactly what we needed to do. Now, though, as we stand on stable footing, it’s time to shift our focus and look forward to, and strategically plan for, the future of this Agency.

We will begin by developing a strategic plan that involves several initiatives.  We will continue to strengthen our Board of Directors and cultivate a culture of and more opportunities for engagement for our volunteers. We will gauge the social service needs of our community, and then evaluate and plan for how JCS’ programs and services can do the most good for the most people.  All of this will inform our vision and, we hope, the community’s vision, of Jewish Community Services of South Florida.  Everyone in the community should know JCS, and of the important work it does.

This anniversary year, JCS will begin an ambitious and exciting campaign to strengthen our relationship with our generous supporters, and also add to our family of benefactors.

We will commemorate our anniversary with a series of events, designed to celebrate our rich history and those who got us here, and to spotlight JCS’ role in the community.

If I was to try to describe that community role in as few words as possible, it would be this:  JCS Makes a Difference. We touch lives, make them a little more comfortable, safer, dignified, and keep them independent. Every person in this room makes a difference through your relationship with JCS…..

And we could not do the work we do without our community partners – partners like United Way, Miami-Dade County, the Alliance for Aging, the City of Miami Beach, United Home Care, the Michael-Ann Russell JCC, FIU, and of course the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, whose ongoing faith and support is immeasurable. Thank you.

With the continued support and effort of every member of the extraordinary team that is JCS, I know that we can do even better, and together we can add to JCS’ long legacy of making a difference in this community.

President’s Report – Fred Stock

…Thank you all for joining us tonight to honor those who have supported JCS over this past year. To Gary, Michael, Denise, Joelle, Martin, Katy and you Sally, because of what you do,  you make JCS and the community a better place for all of us. And to our “starting five” Board Chairs a “hearty yasher koach” as you have all made such a difference in the lives of so many in our community, over these past ten years.

To the newly elected Officers and Board of JCS, my congratulations. I look forward to working with you in service to our community, and as I approach the end of my second year at JCS, Joy, I want to thank you for showing me the way by your singular commitment to “doing the right thing.” That’s what a true leader does and in no small measure, because of who you are, JCS is where it is today.

To our Community Partners with us tonight, thank you for recognizing that JCS improves the lives of so many. And to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Barbara, Brian, Jacob and Michele, your trust and support has enabled JCS to do so much more for our community. Thanks for keeping the faith.

And to my other “starting five,” lead by Sylvia backed up by Judith, Ela, Tom and Bob. You manage the best staff of any social service agency in the county and you have my heartfelt thanks and the thanks of a grateful community, for all that you do. Would my staff please rise and be recognized. Thank you.

This year, we celebrate the first ten years of JCS as we acknowledge the accomplishments of our predecessor agencies.  Our objectives though, have always been similar:  To improve the quality of people’s lives. During the past year, home bound seniors have received meals delivered to their homes; families have relied on the JCS Kosher Food Bank to keep hunger at bay and holocaust survivors have received the help they need so that they can remain independent in their own homes.

JCS Shalom Bayit continues to offer a safe refuge, a helping hand and vital emotional support to survivors and their children fleeing the terrors of domestic abuse.

In response to the economic challenges of late, there are new jobs and new opportunities for clients of Parnossah Works Miami, the recently opened employment service of JCS in cooperation with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

The lives of homeless and near homeless persons are improved by JCS’ day labor, educational and vocational training, job placement and emergency financial assistance programs.

I am proud that in spite of the downturn in the economy and reductions in funding in some areas, we have not reduced services or programs affecting our neediest populations. JCS has remained the “safety net” for the community. Over the past year, we have become a lean, mean (and that’s in a positive sense) social service machine, able to focus more dollars on direct services. We have done this by consolidating our infrastructure, upgrading our management information systems and implementing a new client record keeping system.  Further, JCS has greatly expanded its marketing and communication efforts in order to more effectively reach its many audiences; generate greater understanding of JCS’ mission in the community and increase utilization of our fee for service programs.

Because of the efforts of so many of you in this room, JCS has turned the corner this past year and as a result we will show a slight surplus in our operating budget. Yes, we do as many other not for profits continue to have challenges moving forward. We have assembled an exceptional team of staff, lay leadership and community partners and together we will turn these challenges into opportunities that will ensure the long term stability of the agency.

Shelley, I look forward to working with you these next two years which promise to be exciting one’s for JCS. I want to thank all of you for coming this evening…

Your Future is Right Around the Corner…

Thursday, May 27

Meet with Roadmap for Aging specialists who can offer you clear answers to essential questions.

Representatives from local agencies will offer seniors and their families critical information to assist with important quality of life decisions such as choosing residential options, healthcare plans, Medicare, elder law issues, coping with memory loss and more.

Call to make an appointment for a FREE personal consultation at a location near you.

Jewish Community Services
Aventura Office
305.576.6550

Jewish Community Services
Miami Beach Senior Center
305.576.6550

A FREE community service sponsored by the Broward Coalition on Aging, the Palm Beach Partnership for Aging, and Jewish Community Services of South Florida.

Visit www.roadmapforaging.org

Join us as we explore the story behind the story of the best selling novel

The Murderer’s Daughters

The harrowing, first-person account of ultimate domestic abuse . . .

The Murderer’s Daughters is “…utterly real, elevating it above a one-dimensional tale of the repercussions of violence to a unique exploration of family bonds, sisterhood, maturation and self-sufficiency.” The Miami Herald 3/2/10

Meet Author Randy Susan Meyers
on Monday, May 10 at 7:30 pm

Dessert reception to follow

Admission $10

Click here to purchase tickets

Be a Benefactor and receive:
• Two tickets: program with reserved seating • An Autographed Book
• Invitation to a special 6:30 pm Wine & Cheese Reception with the author

Donation: $180

Alper Jewish Community Center

11155 SW 112 Ave. Miami

All proceeds benefit JCS Shalom Bayit’s efforts to combat domestic abuse and provide

comprehensive services supporting its survivors and their children.

JCS Shalom Bayit host Meet the Author program

Over 100 friends and supporters of JCS Shalom Bayit met Randy Susan Meyers, author of The Murderer’s Daughters, at its Meet the Author event on May 10^th at the Alper Jewish Community Center.

During an early reception, the author met well-wishes and autographed her book before talking about her work as a domestic abuse counselor in Boston. These experiences served as inspiration for her acclaimed novel about a Jewish family’s response to violence.

For more information about the event or how JCS Shalom Bayit fights domestic abuse, contact Bonnie Weinberger at 305.609.9293 or bweinberger@jcsfl.org.

Your generosity is like a work of art…
…which is why we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation
for your continued support of Jewish Community Services as we mingle with other works of art

Please join us at a unique
Wine and Cheese Reception

and an exclusive tour of new, thought-provoking exhibits
at the Museum of Contemporary Art
770 NE 125th Street, North Miami

On Sunday, April 25
From 4 to 6 p.m.

We are inviting members of the JCS family who have donated a minimum of $1,000
to any of our programs and services.

Joy Spill, Board Chair                                                           Shelley Niceley Groff, Chair-Elect
Steven Gretenstein, Immediate Past Chair                                  Fred Stock, President & CEO
Debi Wechsler, Donor Reception Chair

RSVP by April 21: Steve Rose, 305.403.6570 or srose@jcsfl.org

A special Donor Reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art was the ideal setting for Jewish Community Services of South Florida to express its appreciation to some key benefactors on April 25.

JCS Board Member Debi Braman Wechsler, who hosted the event, said, “We greatly appreciate our donors’ understanding of the critical role the agency plays in the lives of the less fortunate in our community — from the single mother who depends on the JCS Kosher Food Bank to help feed her family to the frail elderly who are able to live at home because of JCS’ comprehensive senior services.”

The afternoon event featured a VIP tour of the exhibits conducted by MOCA Director Bonnie Clearwater.  “JCS and MOCA have had a special relationship for more than ten years,” explained Wechsler. ”The two organizations collaboratively provide ongoing cultural and educational opportunities at the Museum for some JCS clients who have developmental disabilities.”

Joy Spill, Board Chair; Bonnie Clearwater, MOCA Executive Director & Curator; Sharon Rudman, Board Member

Alan & Jayusia Bernstein; Ellen & Steve Rose

Steve & Ellen Rose; Helen & Alan Chaset, Board Members

Key leadership: Abe Rudman, Marketing Chair; Debi Wechsler, Donor Recognition Reception Chair; Joy Spill, Board Chair; Shelley Niceley Groff, Board Chair-Elect; Fred Stock, JCS President & CEO

Steven Gretenstein, Immediate Past Board Chair; Debi Wechsler, Donor Reception Chair; Barry & Sally Schwartz, Board Members

Shelley Niceley Groff, Board Chair-Elect; Bonnie Schur; Madelyn Merritt, Board Member

Nina & Gary Yarus, Advisory Board Chair; Irma Braman, Advisory Board Member

Steven Gretenstein, Immediate Past Board Chair; Fred Stock, JCS President & CEO; Jeffrey Levine, Board Treasurer

Herbie Karliner visits with students from Treasure Village Montessori School

David and Irene Mermelstein, Joe and Marcia Sachs, and Herbie Karliner visit Marathon High School

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and JCS supporter, thanked the students, teachers, schools, congregations, and especially the Holocaust survivors, who participated in the recent Florida Keys Holocaust Survivors’ tour organized by Ros-Lehtinen.

“For five days, up and down the Keys, brave Holocaust survivors from South Florida shared their harrowing experiences with our community,” Ros-Lehtinen said.  “I cannot thank them enough for this.  I leapt at the opportunity to organize these events because I wanted to play whatever small role I could to help shed light on one of the darkest chapters in human history.

“Passing along the lessons of the Holocaust – especially to the young generation – does more than teach history.  It helps ensure that the world will never forget, and that the promise of ‘never again’ will be kept.”

Limor Livnat, MK, member of the Israeli Cabinet and Minister of Culture and Sport, (second from left) was the guest of honor at a reception held on behalf of Israel Bonds at the North Miami home of Abe & Sharon Rudman on April 13. Rudman is joined by other members of Jewish Community Services’ Board of Directors Joy B. Spill, chair, (left) and Shelley Nicely Groff, chair-elect.

Seniors Have a Brighter Passover Thanks to JCS’ Matzah Mitzvah & More

Sixteen hundred elderly people living in Miami-Dade County were recently visited by 500 volunteers participating in Jewish Community Services’ annual food distribution event, Matzah Mitzvah & More.   Mothers, fathers. children, friends, JCS board members and supporters gathered on the morning of March 21^st to pick up holiday food baskets to deliver to seniors in time for Passover.

Event co-chair Mytyl Simancas-Bister was gratified by the turnout, saying “This event really brings out the spirit of the holiday.  Because we don’t just deliver food, we spend time with the seniors we visit.  Our children get to see first hand what it means to be an engaged member of a community, with all the responsibilities and joys that entails.”

Along with her husband Sergio Bister, Mytyl chaired the event with Pam and Howard Wolofsky, Martine and Eduardo Stern, Janet and Sarah Tralins, Danyella and Marc Ross, Helen and Alan Chaset, Yael and Jose Cherem, and Laura and Mauricio Sion.

For more information on Matzah Mitzvah & More, please call Marian Mendelsohn at JCS, 305.403.6539.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Yes! I want to help. The following is an example of how your contribution will help in the JCS safety net of Programs:

□ $1,800    One senior living at home will receive five meals a week 
for a year.

□ $1,000    A family of four will ‘shop‘ at the JCS Kosher Food Bank 
once a month for a year.

□ $500      Eight Holocaust Survivors will receive a month’s worth 
of supplemental food from the JCS Kosher Food Bank.

□ $108       Three seniors will receive a Passover food package.

□ $36         One senior will benefit from one day of shopping assistance.

Or mail your contribution to:
Jewish Community Services
Resource Development Dept.
735 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161

CLICK TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Or contact Barbara Davis, Volunteer Coordinator at 786-866-2206

Community service hours available for students

CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

Mytyl Simancas-Bister & Sergio Bister
Helen & Alan Chaset
Yael & Jose Cherem
Danyella & Marc Ross
Laura & Mauricio Sion
Martine & Eduardo Stern
Janet & Sarah Tralins
Pam & Howard Wolofsky

All donations received by April 30^th will be matched by the
Alan Shawn Feinstein $1 million challenge to fight hunger

Lebwohl Residence
Surfside, FL
Open house between 5-8pm

It’s Passover time. Get ready to enjoy the four cups of wine like never before.

Please join us for a delicious Kosher for Passover wine tasting and sale.

This is not your Grandmother’s Manischewitz!

We will be featuring interesting wines for every budget, from wonderful bargain wines to sophisticated gourmet wines for the Seder, Shabbat, and all year enjoyment.

So, tempt your taste buds, shop at competitive prices, and support our Kosher Food Bank.

Admission:
one Kosher for Passover item to be donated to the food bank.

Busy on March 14th?
Click here for the Pre-Sale order form

Event’s Co-Chairs

Sherri and Nate Lebwohl
Roberta and Alberto Esquenazi
Bonnie and Steven Schwartzbaum

To RSVP and for more information contact Marian Mendelsohn, at JCS, 305.403 .6539

Days of Wine and Roses:

Wine Tasting Event Benefits JCS Kosher Food Bank

The Kosher for Passover Wine Tasting and Sale benefiting the JCS Kosher Food Bank took place on Sunday, March 14^th, at the home of Sherri and Nate Lebwohl in Surfside. More than 80 guests gathered  on a beautiful afternoon to enjoy views of the intercoastal and sip wine, with sales of over $11,000 making it a real success.

The event featured interesting wines for every budget, from wonderful bargain brands to sophisticated gourmet bottles, cognac and champagne. Kosher for Passover chocolate baskets were the perfect “finish” to the evening.

Since the entrance fee was a food item for the JCS KFB, an SUV was filled with donations brought by the guests.  All in all, it was a fun evening of wine and cheese and a great opportunity to meet with friends while helping the KFB and learning more about who JCS serves and how to get more involved in our organization.

Special thanks go to the event’s co-chairs:

Sherri and Nate Lebwohl                        
Roberta and Alberto Esquenazi
Bonnie and Steven Schwartzbaum

To find out more about how to contribute to the JCS KFB, contact Marian Mendelsohn at JCS, 305.403.6539.

Thursday, March 11

6-8 p.m.

JCS’ Annual Phon-A-Thon raises vital funds for the Food Distribution Campaign.

Do a mitzvah by helping to raise funds for the frail and homebound seniors in our community.

Students can earn community service hours. Kosher light dinner will be served.

Campaign Co-Chairs:

Mytyl Simancas-Bister & Sergio Bister,
Helen & Alan Chaset,
Yael & Jose Cherem,
Danyella & Marc Ross,
Laura & Mauricio Sion,
Martine & Eduardo Stern,
Janet & Sarah Tralins,
and Pam & Howard Wolofsky.

For more information and to volunteer:
contact Marian Mendelsohn, at JCS, 305.403.6539

Food For The Body…Food For The Soul

Jewish Community Services of South Florida
Invites you and your family
to its Annual
“Milk and Honey”
Campaign

Join your neighbors in distributing baskets of food to homebound, frail elderly and others in need.
They benefit from a gift of vitally-needed, nutritious food items — and your act of kindness and generosity.  You benefit from the immense self-satisfaction of sharing the joy of the New Year and becoming a part of someone else’s life.

Sunday, Sept. 13th, 2009
9 a.m. to noon
Greater Miami Jewish Federation, 4200 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

For Donations, Please Contact:
Madelyn Fradkin, at 305-403-6522 or MFradkin@jcsfl.org, or

To Become A Volunteer, Please Contact:
Barbara Davis, 786-866-2206, BDavis721@aol.com or
Register Online:  WWW.JCSFL.ORG