Yeshiva University Students Visit SHALOM Denver

As part of a recent leadership trip across the Midwest, 19 students from Yeshiva University in New York toured SHALOM Denver, a division of Jewish Family Service. While the students enjoyed kosher pizza, Ezra Shanken, Allied Jewish Federation’s senior manager of the Young Adult Department, presented information about young Jewish leaders in Denver.

Arnie Kover, JFS director of disability and employment services, talked about JFS’s disability services including SHALOM Denver, SHALOM Jeffco, the JFS Group Home, and the Jewish Disabilities Network. Two SHALOM Denver employees and former TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) recipients told their stories about how SHALOM Denver was instrumental in teaching them employment skills and helping them get on the road to self-sufficiency.

The students then split up into four groups and spent time volunteering at different locations. Some worked with clients on mailing and assembly projects on the work floor at SHALOM Denver, while others helped clients with disabilities create craft projects. Several students painted at SHALOM Jeffco and the rest did some touch-up painting, cleaning, raking, and organizing at the Group Home.

They all met back at SHALOM Denver to discuss their experiences. “Everyone had a great time, met a range of clients, and learned more about the disabilities services that JFS offers,” says Arnie Kover.