Celebrate Life!

Today, Colorado Senior Connections (CSC), an innovative program led by Jewish Family Service, hosted a party honoring nonagenarian participants (those who are 90 years old and older) at Berkshires at Lowry. CSC is a federally funded NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) project designed to help seniors continue to live independently in their own residences.

We were inspired to see 13 people in their 90s living life to its fullest - including two women who are 99! More than 50 residents and family members came to celebrate life. Some of the nonagenarians' advice for longevity includes:

• Keeping active and eating right


• Having a supportive family and husband (and good genes don't hurt either)


• Having hobbies such as cooking and baking


• Make sure you stay social and have a good network of friends

And one woman says if she had the secret, she would bottle it, sell it, and be a rich woman! Don't we all wish we had that secret! :)

View more photos from the party...

--Kari Alpen and Alaina Green, JFS Marketing Department

President Obama's Inauguration Inspires All to Make a Difference

No matter what your political views are, we can all agree that positive change and hope are needed for this country. On this historic Inauguration Day as Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States, the country is poised for change. But it is not up to the Obama administration alone - we all have to be the change we want to see in the world.

Serving others is prominent in our country today. This Inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, which President Obama proclaimed as National Day of Service this year.

Acknowledging the importance of helping others and putting others before yourself, people across the country are pledging to serve others in a variety of ways in the coming year. What are you pledging this year?

There are many ways to get involved and help others through Jewish Family Service. Whether you volunteer directly with those in need or give monetary donations to support our programs, you can make a difference!

Whether you choose to serve through JFS or somewhere else, we just ask that you find a way to serve others. If everyone does his/her small part, we can indeed repair the world.

To see a list of volunteer opportunities at JFS, click here. For more information, please contact Nancy Benyamin, director of volunteer resources, at (303) 597.5000 x369.

--Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department

SHALOM Denver Hosts 50s Sock Hop Holiday Party

Last month, SHALOM Denver hosted its annual holiday party for its clients and staff members. This year, Humana MarketPOINT Colorado, a new SHALOM Denver business customer, donated $1250 to cover the majority of the party expenses. In addition, the company provided goody bags for the 125 clients in attendance!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Humana MarketPOINT Colorado's staff for their generosity! As you can see in the photos, a wonderful time was had by all. Thank you to Howard Lutz for generously donating his time and photography skills for the party!

In case you are not familiar with SHALOM Denver, more information is below...

SHALOM Denver employs and trains people in the untapped workforce including adults with developmental disabilities and people transitioning from welfare to work. SHALOM Denver is centrally located at 2498 West 2nd Avenue (near 2nd and Bryant) in Denver. SHALOM Denver is accredited by CARF The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission and is an equal opportunity employer. SHALOM Denver provides the following programs:

Business Solutions: SHALOM Denver offers mailing, packaging and assembly, digital printing, and labor services at competitive prices.

Community Access and Participation: SHALOM Denver helps people with disabilities live fuller, more active lives by providing them with work and social opportunities.

Employment and Training Services: SHALOM Denver provides vocational assessment, skill development, and work experience, empowering people with disabilities and others with employment barriers.

Labor Services: Need help for part-time, full-time, temporary, or seasonal overflows? Let SHALOM Denver match your needs with a skilled, enthusiastic, and hard-working crew that would be perfect for your entry-level positions.

--Kari Alpen and Alaina Green, JFS Marketing Department