SHALOM Denver Hosts Colorado and U.S. Policy Makers

(L to R) Senator Linda Newell, Arnie Kover, Senator Joyce Foster, and Sara Leeper

This post was written by Arnie Kover, director of Disability and Employment Services.

On Tuesday, August 17th, SHALOM Denver provided guided tours to important U.S. and Colorado state dignitaries. The event was planned in conjunction with 30 other similar agencies around the country through our membership in IAJVS, the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services. On hand were Bennie Milliner and Eva Serenil, both community liaisons from Senator Michael Bennet’s office, Colorado Senator Linda Newell, and our longtime friend and champion, Senator Joyce Foster.

Bennie Milliner and Eva Serenil, community liaisons from Senator Michael Bennet’s office, tour the workshop with Arnie Kover to meet clients

Sara Leeper, SHALOM Denver coordinator of client services, and I discussed the rich history of SHALOM Denver, the various populations served, and the numerous services and supports offered. The Senators and Senate staffers spent almost 2 hours learning about SHALOM and its many benefits to those with employment challenges, all the while mingling with SHALOM clients, shaking hands, and offering words of encouragement.

Sara and I shared information about all the great employment outcomes that SHALOM clients receive and also discussed important funding challenges that these difficult economic times have created. “This is a great passion of mine and I will do all I can to support the work done at SHALOM,” stated Senator Newell. Bennie Milliner and Eva Serenil both appreciated learning about SHALOM Denver and said that “they see SHALOM as a great resource for the Denver metro area.”

It was a great day of sharing and collaborating with very important people who now know the importance of the services we deliver and who are committed to helping us continue our work far into the future. For this, we are truly appreciative.

Two Cities Across the Globe Working Together for the Same Cause: Disability and Employment Services

On Wednesday, June 2nd, SHALOM Denver enjoyed a visit from Alejandra Goldschmidt, CEO of IDEL in Buenos Aires, Argentina. IDEL is a fellow member of the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services (IAJVS). IDEL provides employment and training services to Jewish people with developmental disabilities in Buenos Aires and is supported by Israel Elwyn programs, based in Philadelphia and Israel.

While in Denver with her son, Juan, to visit family, Alejandra spent a few hours at SHALOM Denver learning about its Disability and Employment Services. Arnie Kover, Director of Disability and Employment Services for JFS, proudly showed Alejandra around the facility so she could see clients working on mailing, packaging, and assembly projects. He also described the agency's long and rich history of serving people with disabilities in Denver. Alejandra met many of SHALOM’s clients and staff and was very impressed with our services and our facility, saying that "she hoped that her small program in Argentina could someday serve so many people in so many ways."

Arnie says, "We are always proud to show people what we do here at SHALOM Denver and to have an 'international' colleague tour our facility was extra special for all of us." We look forward to trading information with Alejandra and helping each other in the future.

Spring Has Sprung at the JFS Group Home!

This spring, the JFS Group Home had several visits from elementary student groups. In April, Risa Aqua brought kids from her 6th grade religious school class at B'nai Havurah to hang out with the residents. They brought snacks, played Bingo, and chatted with the residents. "I enjoyed the field trip!" says Risa. "It was my first time to the Group Home. It was a delightful experience and I would take other classes back in a heartbeat."

Later that month, Samantha Baumgarten brought her 5th grade religous school class (also from B'nai Havurah) to do yard and patio clean-up and get the flower beds ready for planting. Herzl 4th graders took over where they left off by going to the Group Home to plant flowers in early May.

You may remember our blog post in April about Herzl 4th graders choosing JFS as their mitzvah project for the year. Planting flowers at the Group Home was the culmination of this year-long project. Rayna Halzel, a parent who went on the field trip, says, "I found this to be one of the more useful and meaningful field trips to date. It was informative for both students and parents and the kids enjoyed planting the flowers to make the yard look pretty."

Last Friday, Dawn Richard, JFS development director, attended a Kabbalat Shabbat service where all the Herzl classes presented checks to the organizations for whom they raised money during the school year. The 4th graders gave Jewish Family Service a beautiful poster (shown below) and a check for $113, which was the remaining money after they bought the rice they bagged for the Weinberg Food Pantry.

As a way to thank and recognize the Herzl 4th graders, we invited them to come to our Annual Meeting on June 28th to share their experiences with our supporters. If you haven't already RSVP'd for this event, please do so now so you don't miss out!

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.

How the Jewish Disabilities Network Helped the Lazaroff Family

In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness Month, and in preparation for Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day on February 21st, we want to share a letter from Anna Lazaroff, a Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN) client’s mother, about her experiences with the JDN.

Our son, Andy, moved into an apartment of his own about two years ago. The idea of Andy moving out of our family home was difficult for all of us to imagine and to accept. I felt a need to explore a few different living arrangements that are options for developmentally disabled people before I could feel confident that living in an apartment of his own was the best choice for him. I also needed to feel that he would not be socially isolated, and that he would continue to see friends and participate in community activities.

Throughout this transition, the JDN staff members at SHALOM Denver encouraged us and helped us make progress toward the goal of more independent living for Andy. In the spring of 2005, Arnie and Sara from SHALOM Denver arranged a trip to visit a residential program for developmentally disabled and chronically mentally ill young adults run by Jewish Family Service in West Palm Beach, Florida. It proved to be a very informative and worthwhile visit. We learned a lot about the social/psychological aspects of creating community and about the finances of running a residential program.

The following spring, a JDN staff member invited me to be on a committee at Developmental Pathways to explore residential options. My work on this committee also helped our family become more comfortable with the idea of Andy living independently.

Sometime later at an IP (Individualized Plan) meeting with Developmental Pathways, Andy shared that he did not feel ready to live on his own. JDN staff suggested that Developmental Pathways provide a mentor to work with Andy on developing the skills Andy felt he needed in order to be ready to move out on his own, which also proved to be very helpful.

After Andy moved out, we expressed our desire to JDN staff to find a rooomate for him. They connected us with other clients who became good friends of Andy’s and could have made wonderful roommates. It was only then that I realized that Andy had been doing well on his own and actually did not need a roommate! As long as the possibility of a roommate was out of reach, I was stuck searching and couldn’t see the actual situation, which was that Andy was fine living alone.

Sara and Inna then helped us brainstorm about what would make Andy’s life go more smoothly and give him the skills to live successfully on his own once we are not able to provide the assistance we currently offer him. I am so impressed by, and grateful for, the high level of professionalism they brought to our meeting. They helped us define his needs and suggested that Andy work with a JFS care manager to learn to survey and comparatively price items when grocery shopping, develop and work within a budget, and prepare healthy, simple, and economical meals.

Judaism teaches the importance of living in community and not in isolation from fellow Jews. As a special needs family we know what it is like to be excluded. JDN continually offers opportunities for Andy to socialize and be part of a caring and fun-loving Jewish group. Recently Sara suggested that when Andy is free on a Friday night, he drop by the JFS Group Home for Shabbat dinner. We’re delighted! We feel the community provided by the JDN is especially important now that Andy no longer spends as much time with his parents. It will be even more critical once we have passed away.

Did You Know that February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month?

The mission of Jewish Disability is to unite Jewish communities and organizations for the purpose of raising awareness and supporting meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in every aspect of Jewish life.

On Sunday, February 21st, the Jewish Disabilities Network will host the 2nd annual Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center. Shelly Christensen, a noted advocate, author and speaker on behalf of Jewish people with disabilities, and performing artists from PHAMALY (The Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League) will be featured at this free community event.

We hope you will join us at Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day on February 21st. It promises to be a fun, educational, and inspirational afternoon!

2nd Annual Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day is Feb. 21

JDN Hanukkah Party

Last weekend, Adina Krausz, Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN) coordinator, hosted a Hanukkah party for participants of the group and their families. About 30 people attended and enjoyed traditional Hanukkah foods including latkes with applesauce and traditional jelly donuts, sufganiot.

Adina's husband, Daniel lit the menorah and led everyone in singing the blessings and Hanukkah songs. Participants also iced Hanukkah cookies, decorated cards for residents at Shalom Park, and enjoyed socializing with each other. Barb Goldstein, a JDN and Shalom Park volunteer, said, "Last year, I witnessed how much joy it gives the residents to receive a card, and I wanted to make sure that they had the chance to get them again this year. "

Adina adds, "Since Hanukkah is a holiday that is celebrated in the home, I enjoyed opening up my home for the party and sharing it with all my JDN friends and clients."

Provide Hope for Those in Need!

Our community counts on us to help those among us who have fallen on hard times. This year, your support is especially important to help people going hungry, living with a disability, seeking mental health guidance, and combating loneliness but not wanting to give up independence.

See how your support changes lives...

Sarah Sankey, Weinberg Food Pantry
"A friend told me about the Weinberg Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service. She said, 'You are pinching pennies - you need help.' And there was JFS with open arms. JFS helps me make it through the month and gives me more nutritional food like fruits and vegetables. I've been raising my 10-year-old granddaughter since she was three months old. God donated me to help her. Thank God to people who donate to Jewish Family Service - they help me and others!"

Laurie Greene, JFS Group Home

"I moved into the JFS Group Home when I was 38 years old - that was 25 years ago! I've lived there longer than any of the other residents. I also do mailing work at SHALOM Denver. I've been there for 10 years now! And I volunteer in the JFS office every Friday doing shredding and I pick up the Group Home mail while I'm there. I like that I finally have my own room after the Group Home remodel a couple years ago, and that we're all like a big family. We eat together every night, do lots of fun activities, and have surprise outings. Last night we got to go out to dinner!"

Mary Preston, JFS Counseling Center

"My daughter passed away in February at the age of 46 from a medical complication after surgery. I was so distraught and didn't know where to turn for help. One night I got out the phone book and left messages at about 10 different counseling places. Jewish Family Service was one of the only ones that called me back - and the only one that didn't simply ask questions about my insurance and how I would pay for counseling. I was very impressed with JFS, but since I'm Catholic, I asked if I needed to be Jewish to get services. I was relieved when they said, 'no.' JFS truly has changed my life. I never went to therapy before and Elena Glekas, my counselor, works miracles! After weekly sessions for three to four months, I feel like a different person. One of my other daughters died in 1977 at the age of 12 and I never grieved for her. Elena helped me heal from both deaths and improve my relationships with my remaining six children. Elena is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave me!"

"Sam Fisher," JFS Senior Solutions
"I recently moved from West Palm Beach, Florida to Allied Jewish Apartments in Denver. My son and family live in Boulder. We learned about Jewish Family Service through a cousin in California and made an appointment with Mirella in the JFS Senior Solutions department. Jewish Family Service assists me in many ways. They have made me feel comfortable as I adjust to my home in Denver and help me socially, as well. It's been great having a qualified social worker to come and review my problems with me and they have recently assigned a Friendly Visitor volunteer to come keep me company one day a week. JFS is a wonderful organization that is only interested in helping people. Thank you for the help that you have given me."

These are just four of the 22,000 lives JFS touched last year. We have comforted people in the Denver area for 137 years - through economic, personal, and family crises. Please help us continue this tradition of improving lives and rebuilding hope by making a contribution today!

Save 15% on SHALOM Denver Orders in October!

Because SHALOM Denver employs and trains people with disabilities, we are offering a 15% discount on all digital printing, mailing, packaging, and assembly orders placed during the month of October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. All work is performed quickly, accurately and affordably. In addition, you have the satisfaction of knowing that when you do business with us, you are also giving back to your community. To take advantage of this special, please contact Linda Perez at 303.623.0251.

From all of us at SHALOM Denver, thank you for your support during National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Offer Expires: October 30, 2009 - valid on printing, mailing, packaging, or assembly orders of at least $200.

SHALOM Denver Hosts Policy Maker Day

Last week, SHALOM Denver invited legislators to tour its job training site, talk with staff, and meet some of the people with disabilities who receive job training services.

With the passage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act earlier this year, a policy framework was created to allow increased training; a framework that is currently being translated into on-the-ground action nationwide. SHALOM Denver staff wanted to share with legislators what they're currently doing to complement the recovery efforts in Colorado, talk more about what they could be doing, and figure out how SHALOM might work with legislators' offices to ensure that the capacity of community-based organizations such as SHALOM Denver are being fully utilized as a vehicle of training and education within our region and the country.

SHALOM Denver, like many other community-based organizations in the region, is working daily to prepare workers for jobs in growth industries in Colorado. Filling this gap is an integral component to ensuring our employers have the workers they need and the unemployed are learning skills that will get them a good job.

State Representative Jim Reisberg said of his visit to SHALOM, "It is so important to see what types of services are available to help folks develop feelings of importance and to know they have value and can become constructive citizens. We need to support and appreciate organizations like SHALOM Denver that make these programs available for people in our community." He adds, "To see programs like SHALOM Denver on paper is one thing, but to come in and actually see these programs at work and to see the people that they impact is so valuable and could even change how funding is allocated in the future."

Thank you to the following people for attending the open house: State Representative Jim Reisberg, Leanne Arrant of The Capstone Group, LLC, and Deborah 'Deb' Parsons, District Outreach and Federal Grants for Representative Diana DeGette's office.

SHALOM Denver was recently featured on KMGH-TV 7's Road to Recovery segment. Watch the video to learn more about how SHALOM Denver helps people with barriers to employment enter the workforce.

February is National Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month

Did you know February is National Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month? This is the first year that Jewish organizations, synagogues, and federations are banding together to help the Jewish community foster inclusion for people with disabilities.

Imagine the transformation that could occur if we all joined together in achieving the common goal of including people with disabilities in our Jewish organizations and communities. Imagine the opportunities that would arise if we simultaneously endeavored to raise awareness, increase educational and spiritual growth, and accept every individual in every aspect of the Jewish community. (Taken from the Jewish Community Website of Greater Philadelphia)

This Sunday, February 22, the Jewish Disabilities Network is hosting a Jewish Disabilities Awareness Day event from 2 to 5 p.m. at Herzl/RMHA at the Denver Campus for Jewish Education.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a presentation by guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, director of the Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities, as well as entertaining and educational children’s activities for people of all ages. Kosher refreshments will be served.

We hope to see you there!

--Kari Alpen and Alaina Green, JFS Marketing Department

SHALOM Denver Director Celebrates 30th Anniversary

From Guest Blogger Arnie Kover, JFS Disability Services director and SHALOM Denver director...

Yesterday, I celebrated my 30th anniversary with Jewish Family Service and SHALOM Denver. Below is a speech I gave to colleagues and friends on February 4 at a party in my honor:

When I say thirty years at my job, the words “Why? How? That’s amazing and what’s the secret?” come to mind. Well, we all hear about codes lately, like Da Vinci code or bible code, etc. Numerology is a code and the Tarot is a code in itself, a path to enlightenment.

These are all “secret” codes to the secrets of life, paths to a knowing, spiritual, and meaningful life. While I have “dabbled” in some of these, the secret code I discovered is Jewish Family Service/ SHALOM Denver.

When I found JFS, I stumbled on my secret code to enlightenment and fulfillment. The code is in each word of our organization...

JEWISH...My Jewish heart and soul were wandering - and wondering - Where do I fit as a Jew? I am not intensely observant, but strong in my Jewish ethnicity and identity. Here I have found my Jewish roots in the Denver Jewish community through the work we do, through our benefit of time off to observe our holidays, through our D'Var Torahs at each meeting and through our commitment to our ancient value, Tikkun Olam, “to repair the world, one life at a time.” Here at JFS, my Jewish heart and soul have found a home and I thank you for that.

FAMILY... Just look at this family! You are truly a family of staff, clients, board members and peers, who I enjoy and love immensely. Family is so important to me... my own family, my children, grandchildren, and my devoted and loving wife. Add to them all of you, and who could ask for a more wonderful family? JFS is more than just a non- profit human service organization, it is indeed a family, and for this I thank you.

SERVICE...I need and want service in my life! I learned this in my 20s. I learned this on my journey, my quest for meaning, back in the ‘60s. I learned about it through my exploration of various religious paths to enlightenment. I found opportunities to serve and to find out that I could find happiness, satisfaction, and pride by serving others and not only myself. When my daughters came along, I learned that too - in a very big way, and here at SHALOM, I get to serve so many, and from this service I get so much in return. And for this I thank you!

SHALOM...meaning peace. Well, I am surely a peacenik from the ‘60s and still today. Working with our clients, staff, board, and peers, brings healing and joy to thousands of beautiful, appreciative people. One need only to contemplate the amount of goodness and RIGHT action that is done daily, to feel the sense of peace that we create in people and in the world and in ourselves. Again, thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this peace amidst such a tumultuous world.

DENVER....Well this part is still a mystery - how a beach bum like me landed in the Rockies. The answer must be that I was led here by a higher power to find my CODE, my very own path to enlightenment and to a fulfilled life.... to JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE/SHALOM Denver. And for this I thank God.

--Arnie Kover, JFS Disability Services director and SHALOM Denver director

A client at SHALOM Denver gave the following toast at the party:

"There is so called 365 days per year so for 30 years there is so called 10,950 days. Happy Anniversary, Arnie from Sam Gustav Keys."

To learn more about Arnie's career with SHALOM Denver, read the following stories:

http://shalomdenver.com/Home/Who-We-Are/Directors-25th-Anniversary

http://shalomdenver.com/Home/Who-We-Are/Directors-30th-Anniversary

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

JFS Supports Amendment 51

The fall election is quickly approaching and will have a major impact on the White House, Congress, the nation, and Colorado. Based on JFS and SHALOM Denver’s longstanding dedication and commitment to people with developmental disabilities, the JFS board supports Amendment 51.

This Amendment provides critically needed care to thousands of children and adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Mental Retardation through a modest, phased-in sales tax of 2/10 of 1%.

Amendment 51 provides new funding for much-needed services that people with developmental disabilities and their families need now and in the future, such as constant supervision, help with daily tasks, a place to live, job training or nursing services. When fully implemented it will raise $186 million, providing a safety net in Colorado for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

--Yana Vishnitsky, president & CEO