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e-directions newsletter, August 2014



Judy Halper   

I happily dumped a bucket of ice over my head a couple of weeks ago as part of the ALS Foundation fundraising event that both raised money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Keep in mind, I was hardly alone in accepting the "Ice Bucket Challenge." Millions of people have participated, and to date, more than $50 million dollars has been raised!

 

In an environment where donors have so many choices of worthy causes and organizations to support, I tip my hat to a charity that found a way to stand out. I am also inspired by the generosity of Americans (who are the most charitable people of any nation according to various fundraising sources), who consistently support the needs of people less fortunate.

 

We are approaching the end of the summer season, the beginning of fall, and new beginnings, including the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashana. I hope everyone reflects on all they are grateful for and all they can still do to improve the world around them.  

 

In the spirit of the Ice Bucket Challenge, let me challenge you to find a cause that touches your heart and make a contribution. If, like me, a cause you support is JFCS, click here to make a donation. One added perk, you won't have to get wet.  


Judy Halper

Chief Executive Officer

Table of Contents
What would you GIVE
26th Annual Benefit
Mental Health Education Project
Baby Shower
NextGen
Careers
Counseling Tips-Stress
A New Life
Voter Registration
Grief and Loss Series
AskBarbara
donate now


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952-546-0616

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What would you GIVE if you could change the world?  

What would you give if you could help someone weather a financial emergency?   

Recently a young mother faced a medical crisis that left her unable to afford the monthly rent. Afraid she and her young son would be forced from their home, she turned to JFCS.
Through JFCS Emergency Fina
ncial Assistance, she received short-term support to helGive2014p her past the crisis toward long-lasting solutions for her and her child.

Emergency Financial Assistance is just one of 40 programs at JFCS providing essential services to 16,000 people of all backgrounds and at all stages of life.  

Your contribution to this year's campaign, Give2014, helps fund these crucial programs that strengthen our community one person at a time. On behalf of those who benefit from your generosity, we thank you!

Give Help.     Give Hope.     Give2014

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Jake Johannsen will headline the JFCS 26th Annual Benefit! Click the screen above to see a clip of him on The Late Show.

JFCS is so excited we can't wait for the laughs! This year the Benefit is in November - Saturday, November 22. Click here for all the fun-tastic details!
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Mental Health Education Project 14th Annual Conference
10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19
Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis   

The 14th Annual Conference "Creating Harmony in our Lives" will feature keynote speakers Ronald Braunstein and Caroline Whiddon. It is free and open to all and will feature two sessions of workshops with 19 topics to choose from, covering mental health issues affecting youth to people in the later stages of life. Braunstein and Whiddon, both musicians, launched the Me2/Orchestra in 2011 as the world's only classical music organization created for individuals with mental illnesses and the people who support them.

 

Click here to read about all the workshops and to register.     

  

  

The Mental Health Education Project (MHEP) presents the Annual Conference on Mental Health. MHEP is a collaborative program of Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul (JFS).

 

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Sunday, Sept. 14

Drop by 10-11:30 a.m.

West End Community Room

1621 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park 

 

If your family welcomed a baby this year we have a gift for you! PJ Library invites you to swaddle up your little one and join us at our community baby shower. Enjoy refreshments, collect swag bags and meet other families of newborns.

Join our Facebook group if you plan to be there, but no commitment. We understand if Baby's not in the mood to socialize that day!

If you know a family of a newborn click here and we will invite them too.

PJ Library Funders | Louis Herman Memorial Fund, a designated fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and a grant from Harry and Sandy Lerner. "PJ Library" and "PJ Library logo" are registered trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.
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NextGen Fall Social
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
Acme Comedy Club
708 N 1st St G31, Minneapolis   

Will Durst is funny. See for yourself at the NextGen Fall Social.


 

He's a regular commentator on NPR, CNN, and C-SPAN and has appeared on television over 800 times including Late Night with David Letterman, Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime. He received seven consecutive nominations for the American Comedy Awards Stand Up Comedian of the Year. Join JFCS NextGen to see Will perform live at Acme Comedy Club on Thursday, Sept. 18. Click here to buy tickets.   


 

To learn more about the social, philanthropic and professional events NextGen offers for young adults, ages 21 - 36, contact Todd Sandler at
tsandler@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4854. 

   

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter  NextGen's Lead Sponsor | Deborah and Gary Kohler

 Sponsor | Cindy and Perry Witkin

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Career Q & A

Looking for work? JFCS Career Services staff help people make deliberate decisions at critical points in their work life. If you have questions about job hunting or employment, email us at jfcs@jfcsmpls.org.

Q: I have been working nearly 40 years. And now, after being a loyal employee to a large insurance company, I have been given a pink slip as I near my 60s. I'm so disheartened. The thought of looking for work at my age has me frightened. Also, my husband and I bought a small condo in Plymouth a few years ago, and I'm hopeful I can find work close by. Can you help?
-Joanne 
 

A. Joanne - JFCS has a variety of free resources to help you get back into the workforce as quickly as possible after a layoff. We can help make the job search process easier. To read one woman's success story after working with JFCS, click here.  

 

JFCS has programs available to help you with job search activities, including:   

 

* Goal setting and employment plan development
* R�sum� assistance
* Connecting to employers  

* Counselor-approved training funds (depending on eligibility)    

 

Every job seeker's situation is unique. Learn which programs and services you qualify for by completing our fast online form. Click here.  

 

The JFCS Career Services staff are ready to help you find satisfying employment.   

...................................................................................................................... 

 

If you are job hunting, complete the short intake on the JFCS Career Portal. This allows JFCS to determine the best individualized Career Services options to meet your needs.  

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The Kvetching Order 
A post by Jill Kozberg, MA, LP 
 

Recently I overheard a discussion at Caribou. One woman said her daughter, about to move away for college, was riddled with anxiety and desperately worried she'd have trouble making friends, as she had in high school. The whole family felt scared and anxious.

 

Her friend replied in the most sympathetic voice, "I understand completely."

 

I was just beginning to pick up my cup and head for the door when I heard the friend add, "I know just how you feel. My son was faced with the most terrible choice at college last year. He was pressed to take on the presidency of his fraternity or be captain of the college lacrosse team."

 

I could literally hear the first woman deflate.

 

We've all had our moments when we have the absolute best intentions and have said the absolute worst thing.

 

Click here for a foolproof - and simple - solution.

Counseling Lead Sponsor | Lynne and Andy Redleaf
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Client builds new life in a new city with help from 'angel' senior companion
Rae (left) and Zhanna (right)

Rae moved to the Twin Cities from Albuquerque in January under extremely difficult circumstances. Her husband of 68 years had died the month before, and not knowing where else to go, she moved in with her son and his family in St. Louis Park. They were the only people she knew in Minnesota.

 

For Rae, a New Orleans native who spent decades living in New Mexico, the brutally cold winter she found herself living in was harsh. "It was the worst feeling you could have," she said. "And I didn't know anybody except family."

 

She originally contacted JFCS to learn more about its transportation services for seniors, but the agency was able to help her in more ways than she ever imagined.

 

To read the rest of this story of newfound friendship, click here.  

 

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Voter registration news you need to know!

It's only August, but the election season is kicking into high gear! There are a few changes to election law making it easier for Minnesotans to participate in the process.  

  

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:  

  

Friday, Sept. 19: Absentee ballots for the general election will be available. You can now request an absentee ballot online for any reason.


Tuesday, Oct. 14: This is the pre-registration deadline for the general election. Online voter registration is now available or you can register on Election Day at your polling place.

To request an absentee ballot, pre-register, or learn where you vote go to mnvotes.org.    

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Grief and Loss Series Education Series
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 
Too Sad to Celebrate the Jewish High Holidays 
JFCS Offices, 13100 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka
Caregiver

The High Holidays can be a difficult time for those experiencing grief and loss. This class will explore healing messages from these holidays as well as offering suggestions for getting through this period of reflection, repentance and renewal.

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Barbara Rudnick
at brudnick@jfcsmpls.org.
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Preparing Teens for Difficult Conversations About Israel 
AskBarbara

Dear AskBarbara,

I have two teenagers who are concerned about going back to public school. Their school has very few Jewish students and they are worried about what other kids and teachers might say about Jews and Israel. Over the years they have each experienced some subtle anti-Semitism. What can I say to them to prepare them for hearing potentially provocative comments? This is an emotional topic for my family as we have loved ones living there and we talk about it daily. I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks, Wanting to Protect and Prepare

 

Dear Wanting,

This is a really important and timely question. I agree with you that children who are old enough to be aware of what has been happening in Israel this summer do need some tools to prepare them for things that might be said by others who have very different ideas, perspectives and understanding of the situation.

 

To read Barbara's suggestions for helping kids deal with these potentially very sensitive and difficult encounters, click here.  



Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
13100 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 400
Minnetonka, MN 55305


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www.jfcsmpls.org | 952-546-0616


Mission Statement
Inspired by the wisdom and values of our tradition,
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
supports people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.