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Before his retirement, Rabbi Schwab served on our agency’s Finance Committee. In noticing the challenges that came with this year’s budget, he proposed, “why don’t you hold a Dine-Around? Jewish Family Service used to host these events and they were a lot of fun!” That was the seed. Fast forward many months, a committee took action, we found a date (trust me, given all that is going on, that may have been one of the biggest hurdles to cross), we found wonderful, generous cooks, sent out invitations and the gears are in motion. The Dine Around is set for Sunday, October 18 from 4:45-9:00 p.m.

Perhaps you’ve never heard of such an event. Like the name connotes, people will “dine around” in different venues in Orange County. Rather than having a restaurant experience, people will be hosted by friends of JFS Orange. This year, all of the dining will occur in Goshen. Everyone (and we’re hoping for large numbers), will start off at one home. Appetizers will be served at this first home. It is there that the guests will pick a slip of paper from a hat (perhaps a chef’s hat). That will inform the guests where to go for their entrée. Each home serving entrées will accommodate from 8-12 people; this will provide for a more an intimate dining experience. Then after people have enjoyed their main course, we’ll all reconvene for dessert at another gracious host’s home in Goshen.

Will there be all of the awards, videos and speeches of typical fundraisers? No. Will there be an opportunity to meet some new people, be entertained with lovely music, enjoy a fabulous meal and support the work of JFS at the same time? You bet! Okay, there may be a little speech…but we promise to keep it to a minimum. To find out more and register, please click the “invitation” button on the right side of this website’s home page. Big thanks to our committee members, Ellen Solomon, Deb Pariser, Arlene Solomon Roshko, Suzanne Schindler and Cynthia Weintraub and to all or our hosts who are working on their recipes now. Cheers!

Photo provided

Now here is a blogpost with a twist! You often will hear of “Public Service Announcements” letting the community know about the good work of nonprofits. As a leader of a nonprofit, I would like to take the opportunity to share a similar announcement about our friends at ShopRite. “Friend’ is not a term that I use lightly. You will soon learn why ShopRite continues to be a true partner in the community.

Yes, ShopRite is one of our Corporate Sponsors. They give generously to JFS Orange. And in addition to funds, they donate ShopRite Gift Cards, which we then turn around to give to individuals and families in need through our agency’s Financial Empowerment Program. But it is not this generosity that I wish to speak of. I recently learned of a program, free of charge that ShopRite offers to people in the Orange County community. Here are some words that I took from their literature:

“ShopRite Supermarkets cares deeply about its customers and is proud to offer free nutrition services by registered dietitians. ShopRite’s in-store nutrition experts are credentialed health professionals who provide individual and family nutrition counseling, grocery store tours, cooking demonstrations, products requests, and much more! ShopRite dietitians are also available for nutrition presentations to local organizations such as schools, businesses, and community groups. Don’t wait to start your journey to health and wellness – call your ShopRite dietitian today!”

What a great opportunity! If you want to take advantage of these services and find a local ShopRite dietician, visit: http://www.shoprite.com/health-events or call 1-800-ShopRite. I hope that you too, find them to be a friend.

How does one capture the magic of two amazing weeks of KidsConnect Camp in one short blog post? This is an impossible feat. Let me share a few snippets that have been shared with me or those that I have witnessed myself.

Days begin with a group cheer, often led by a camper or MIT (Mentor in Training). Craft activities follow. If you are an artist yourself, you likely recall the “zone” you go into during your creative process. Well this same zone happens here. Whether it is beading, making puppets, working with clay or mosaics, you will find that the campers really go into a calm place. Swimming too, offers a feeling of serenity and relief from the heat on a summer day.  Later each day, there is a different featured activity. We’ve had horseback riding, relay races, Tae Kwon Do, yoga and more. An annual highlight that is deeply cherished is the evening potluck cookout and campfire; this year, over forty campers and family members attended.

The MIT’s have a special lunch time group discussion in which they learn leadership skills. They have all been campers in the past and now delight in being role models for the younger campers. A few of the activities that brought important lessons home included:

• Learning to read facial expressions; what do they mean?
• Practicing boundaries; how to give personal space
• The good old fashioned game of telephone, and how communication can go awry…and what to do about it!
• Concrete tools of helping others; ways to offer support, get assistance and encourage those that need it

There are moments when visiting KidsConnect Camp that I ponder, how does this fit into the agency’s mission? It just feels like a fabulous summer camp experience. I then have to pinch myself. Yes. That is it. This is a group of about forty children, all with disabilities having a great time. JFS Orange is here to “empower all people facing challenging times to live with dignity, hope and strength”. KidsConnect Camp is a source of empowerment for all of the counselors, volunteers, family members and most certainly the campers. We hope to see you all next year!

One can just hear Megan’s smile as she talks on the phone!

After finishing my education at SUNY New Paltz, I began my job search overwhelmed with the options available in the Human Services field. I felt confident in the tools I had acquired, but knew there was still much more I needed to add into my “toolbox.” I couldn’t have imagined just how much I would gain when I started working as the Outreach Coordinator for the Friendly Visitor Program at Jewish Family Service.

During each home visit, every volunteer “match” that helped a neighbor to a medical appointment or with their grocery shopping, I learned just how much a simple gesture can mean. I am in constant awe of the lengths at which our dedicated volunteers will go to help our service participants remain independent in their homes. I also had the privilege of getting to know many of the neighbors who receive our service, all generous enough to share their stories with me.

It has been such a joy to come into work everyday surrounded by people who welcome every voice they hear on the phone and support each other when there is not always an easy answer. It is so inspiring to be in an environment that not only fosters the growth and empowerment of individuals in need of service, but supports the idea that each day in providing care is a learning experience for the staff.

With some sorrow and much excitement, I am beginning my Masters in Social Work at Hunter College this fall and will be leaving JFS. I am beyond grateful to everyone at Jewish Family Service for affording me this opportunity. I am saying goodbye having added invaluable skills into my “toolbox” that I know will continue to serve me tremendously. I am excited not only for what’s next for me, but to see how JFS continues to grow and serve the community.

Megan, shining as always with Herman, a valued volunteer

Evaluations, numbers, percentages, surveys, “units of service”. As a nonprofit that is reliant on grants from foundations and government agencies; these are all terms that roll off our tongues. Reporting makes us accountable and trust me when I tell you; it takes quite a bit of time! “How many people have we served? How many visits did we arrange? How many rides were provided?” You get the picture. But while all of this accountability is happening, what really warms my heart is to know that JFS, its staff and volunteers have touched the heart of people we serve. It’s notes like the one quoted below, that make all of our collective efforts worth while:

“I’d like to thank Megan and the Friendly Visitor Program for coming to my assistance today when my shoppers were unable to come for my weekly shopping. It’s a blessing to know that your agency always tries to be there for me and assist in making a better quality of life for me.  Please accept my donation of $18.00 (chai=life) to JFS.
Sincerely, MS”

It is a poignant time for us, as Megan is leaving the staff of JFS to earn her graduate degree in Social Work. We will deeply miss Megan’s organization, upbeat nature, fresh eyes, technological savvy, limitless energy and infectious smile. We wish her the best as she starts the next exciting chapter in her journey and are ever so grateful for her time with JFS Orange!

Patty Hinck, Friendly Visitor Transportation Coordinator of JFS with David Neves

In 2008, David Neves of Port Jervis was involved in a very bad car accident. By looking at photos, people find it hard to believe that David survived. And survived, he most certainly did! David has a disability which keeps him from being employed, but once he recovered, he knew that he had to give of himself in some way. He was not one to sit in front of the TV all day.

When asked why he volunteers, David didn’t hesitate. “I’m obligated to help people. It’s not even an option; I need to help as much as I can. As far as chores go, I like to drive. Knowing I help people means a lot.” We wondered what David enjoys about driving people to medical appointments. “I enjoy the company. I strike up a conversation with people who I take. I see them frequently enough, that I get to know them. I am helping people who really need the help. It’s a two way street.” And on a very practical level, David let us know, “to get to a doctor or specialist’s appointment from Port Jervis to Goshen, a cab ride could cost $80. That would be impossible for some to afford. As people get older, they need more medical care; the Friendly Visitor Program is the only way that some people can get to the medical care they need.”

We’ve confirmed David’s “two way street comment” as one neighbor that David has given rides to offers her experience. “David has been super. We both have disabilities. It means the world to me that even though he is in pain, he gives me rides to my doctors every other week.”

As far as volunteer recruitment is concerned, David is one of our best voices. He tells others, “If you don’t have a job, and are basically inactive, this will work for you. You can pick and choose your hours. It will give you something to do. And we would rather do something that makes a difference; otherwise we’ll be bored out of our minds.”

Now, for a little plug! If you’d like to give of yourself by volunteering and have your life enriched at the same time, know that we are looking for volunteers. We are looking for volunteers county-wide. David choses to drive, but know that there are many other volunteer opportunities. Just click the Volunteer tab for more details and our Calendar tab for training dates.

Most camps that we know of have Counselors in Training. At the JFS KidsConnect Camp, we developed a unique volunteer program for kids 13-17 years old to act as mentors for children with disabilities. Yes, they serve as “Mentors in Training”.

It is my hope that at the end of the summer, I’ll share with you some highlights of this fabulous program; both stories from the campers and the MIT’s. But for now, I’m in recruitment mode. If you know of a teenager, or if you are a teen yourself, that would like to help others while having an amazing experience, please get in touch with us.

What do the mentors do? They teach social skills by playing games, engaging in crafts and sharing ideas. Being a role model for appropriate behavior such as sharing, taking turns, volunteering and just plain having fun is a huge part of the job. Mentors encourage and praise kids for jobs well done, they discourage teasing. The camp is run under the guidance of Special Education Teachers; a dynamic school social worker leads peer groups each day, especially designed for the mentors.

Know that while all of this is happening, the MIT’s are gaining leadership skills. We know of mentors that use this valuable experience both for their high school community service hours, as well as their topic for their essay in their college application.

This year, the camp runs weekdays from August 17-21 on the grounds of Braeside Camp in Middletown. The hours are from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and transportation is available from the Newburgh and Middletown areas. To get a sense of the joy that is experienced at camp, check out the albums on our Facebook page titled, “KidsConnect Camp” from 2012, 2013 and 2014!

Thanks for your interest and spreading the word!   children@jfsorange.org

Our agency is a proud member of the AJFCA (the Association of Jewish Family & and Children’s Agencies). I’m happy to share some reflections from the President and CEO’s weekly newsletter. Thank you to Lee I. Sherman, for allowing us to post your words. We certainly share in your sentiments.

“Sunday is the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush. This civil rights law which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all areas of public life has been a “game changer” for all of us, regardless of our abilities. In the 25 years since the ADA became law, the United States has become a more inclusive and sensitive society. Better? Yes. Done? No. (…)

The passage of the ADA was an important milestone in the history of civil rights in the U.S. But, while the law guarantees equal access, the implementation continues to be a challenge. And, there are others on the margins of our society who continue to face discrimination.  The ADA should be a model for what is possible for all. (…)

We are all in this together and there is much work yet to be done. As President Bush said 25 years ago: ‘Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down’.”

Lee, we echo your voice and so long as discrimination exists, let us be inspired to make change.

Doris Rubinsky is so appreciative of Wyletta’s volunteer efforts

The passing of Wyletta Barbee has left an unfillable void in our agency and in our hearts. Rarely do we meet a person who so naturally disregards superficial differences and simply embraces the commonalities in us all. And while many will step up to volunteer their time, their energy, their expertise to promote a cause, how many of us have enough self-assurance and wisdom that we can actually open our hearts to anyone in need?

This was Wyletta. A woman so devoted to human rights she volunteered her time and energy with the NAACP, Jewish Family Service, and every troubled teen who crossed her path. A woman who found alternate ways to continue her efforts when her body began to fail. A woman who was still giving of herself as her health reached its last few weeks of giving out.

Wyletta’s wisdom and genuineness were a gift to everyone she touched. As a board member at JFS, she had a way of periodically stopping the rushing flow of conversation and making everyone take a moment to think more deeply about the ramifications of our decisions. May our future work always be tempered by our memory of Wyletta’s impact and the knowledge of how she would want us to proceed.

Elizabeth Rowley, CFOS Director of Development accepting a check from Elise Gold on behalf of JFS

If you’re reading this, then you likely remember 2008.  Yes, the financial crisis hit.  At that time, the Diane Finkelstein Fund for Families in Crisis had money invested in an endowment fund.  And yes, at that time, the Board of Directors did what they thought was the most responsible thing to do.  Money was withdrawn from these growth stocks and put in the bank for safe keeping.

Let’s roll back the tape even further.  Diane Finkelstein was a dear friend to Jewish Family Service.  When she lost her life to cancer over twenty years ago, her family set up a fund in honor of their beloved.  JFS manages this fund.  The fund is used for financial aid to help individuals and families when they are experiencing a crisis.  There is an extensive application process; part of the process is that the committee reviews the needs of the applicant.  They pay special attention to:

1. documentation of the financial need
2. assurance that there is a plan. The money won’t be used as a band aid, but will help the person or family as they are getting back on their feet

In addition to an annual generous donation made by the Finkelstein’s, money is raised in other ways:

• We receive money from FEMA (when I came to this agency, I learned that FEMA funds are not only used for disasters such as hurricanes and floods, but for when there are other crises that people experience)
• United Way- through their Community Impact Grant
• Premier Cares Foundation to offer assistance to people who have gastrointestinal and urological disorders
• Fund raising events over the years
• Warmly received donations from people like you

Why am I sharing this all with you?  Let’s fast forward the story to 2015.  The Board of Directors realized that the monies raised could do much better than sitting in the bank!  I imagine that here is where you are chuckling when you think of the interest that the bank yields.  Yes, JFS prizes itself in offering wonderful programs; we thought that it is best to leave financial investing to others.

We are delighted to join in a partnership with the Community Foundation of Orange Sullivan County.   The “Jewish Family Service-Diane Finkelstein Fund for Families in Crisis” is an agency endowment that CFOSC manages.  Most of the interest will be reinvested so that the fund can grow.  A small percentage will be drawn each year both to help more people in need of funds and to help with agency overhead.  We are delighted to launch this collaboration; it gives us an opportunity to serve more people and ensure that funds will be available to local families in crisis forever!  If you are interested in contributing to this fund or starting an endowment earmarked to any JFS program, don’t hesitate to contact me at 845-341-1173 or the Community Foundation at 845-769-9393.