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e-directions newsletter | October 2014
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 Happiness. Joy. Contentment. Well-being. At a recent learning session at JFCS, Rabbi Alexander Davis studied with staff and helped us to explore the meaning behind these words. Rabbi Davis taught us that after the solemnity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Judaism directs us to seek happiness and contentment. With life's daily stress, many people find this challenging. Some JFCS staff commented that they find happiness and satisfaction in doing the work they do, which brings greater stability and independence for the clients they serve. Recent brain science actually backs that up. When human beings demonstrate altruistic behavior they become more resilient and content.
This past Sunday, JFCS, in partnership with many community organizations, hosted the 14th Annual Conference on Mental Health. Throughout the afternoon, sessions were held exploring the topics of mental health and mental illness. For people who struggle with these issues, their family members and helping professionals, our annual conference provides a space for learning and accepting the importance of finding happiness, joy, contentment and well-being. To see pictures from the day, click here. JFCS is grateful to all the people who make this annual conference the successful event it is each year. Together, we are achieving the obligation of finding happiness. Judy HalperChief Executive Officer
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What would you GIVE if you could change the world?
What would you give if you could encourage a young boy to love reading and learning, so he enters school ready to succeed?
The Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP) helped Carlos, who at 2 years old wasn't talking much and often misbehaved, frequently bullying his younger siblings. But it took just a few weeks for the JFCS Home Visitor to engage Carlos using the colorful books she brought to the young boy each week.
Carlos' family participated in the program too, developing strategies to make reading and learning fun. After two years of learning together, on the day of Carlos' graduation, his Dad said, "Carlos' vocabulary has grown and he speaks in full sentences now. He's also taken on the role of being a big brother and a good example."
PCHP engages parents along with their children, helping parents build the skills to be their child's best teacher.
PCHP 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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Your ticket to laughs
The JFCS 26th Annual Benefit is Saturday, Nov. 22
 Join us for the biggest night of our year! Laugh at funnyman Jake Johannsen. Enjoy a cocktail hour and the Cindi and Harold Goldfine Dessert Reception, a "40 and Under" Pre-Party, exciting raffle (see below) and $100 Pull, along with the presentation of the JFCS Friends of the Family Award to Andy and Cass Stillman.
Don't miss out! Click here to purchase your tickets.
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It just takes a little to win big The night of the JFCS Annual Benefit you could win a big screen TV, iPad mini, trip to New York or a diamond and blue sapphire necklace. Prizes are valued between $400 and $3,200. Tickets are just $10 each. Three easy ways to buy your Raffle Tickets: 1. Call 952-542-4878. 2. Use the Raffle Ticket order form included in the 26th Annual Benefit Invitation, mailed to your home. 3. Purchase tickets at the 26th Annual Benefit. Prizes will be awarded at the 26th Annual Benefit, but you don't need to be present to win. ......................................................................................................................
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Bid Baby Bid!
The JFCS Online Auction is open
There are all kinds of prizes up for bid on the Online Auction. Choose from Sports, Dining, Theater and much more. Click here to see all prizes currently up for bid. The auction closes Thursday, Oct. 30, at 9 p.m. So do your bidding now!
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14th Annual Conference on Mental Health a success
 One of the highlights of the day was a concert by nearly 30 local musicians who came together to rehearse and perform under Maestro Ronald Braunstein's direction. Braunstein is the co-founder of the Me2/Orchestra, the world's first classical music organization for people with mental illnesses and those who support them. The keynote speaker was generously sponsored in memory of Thomas L. Spiegel by his parents. Click here to see more pictures from the day. 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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NextGen at TITLE Boxing
12:15-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9
 Channel your inner Oscar de la Hoya without upsetting your inner Oscar de la Renta. Join us at TITLE Boxing in Edina for an hour-long Group Boxing class. And don't worry, the Vikings are on a bye-week.
We'll meet at 12:15 p.m. for glove fitting. Class begins promptly at 1 p.m.
Reservations must be made by Tuesday, Nov. 4. If you're already a member of NextGen, you can come for free. Just email Todd at [email protected].
Otherwise it's just $10, which includes hand wraps, bottle of water and the hour-long class. Reservations must be made here.
 NextGen's Lead Sponsor | Deborah and Gary Kohler Sponsor | Cindy and Perry Witkin |
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Love, Loss, Dementia & Family Relationships,
a free film event
4-7 p.m. Sundays Nov. 9, 16 and 23
Adath Jeshurun Congregation
How do we come to grips with Alzheimer's and dementia in our loved ones?
See three extraordinary, award-winning films about the effects of dementia within families. With poignancy and humor, they explore the tenacity of love and challenges of care, from the perspectives of adult children, siblings, spouses and friends.These free events include a light dinner and discussion. Please RSVP five days before each showing to [email protected] or 952-215-3904.
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Networking key to job hunting success
In real estate it's location, location, location. In job hunting it's networking, networking, networking.
Some people find reaching out to others challenging and nerve-wracking, but Mary Eileen Williams, blogger and author of Land the Job You Love: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50 says following up and establishing an ongoing connection is the key to a successful job hunt. JFCS offers networking group sessions and individual career counseling covering a variety of topics, including networking strategy. Social media network training is also available. Based on your circumstances, some training may be free or very low cost. To learn more about how you can improve and strengthen your personal network contact Christina Vega, Career Initiatives, at [email protected] or 952-417- 2131. To read the rest of Mary Ellen William's most recent career column in the HuffPost, click here.
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Fear is the unpleasant emotion we feel when threatened. It forces a part of our brain called the amygdala, a tear-drop shape of cells, to set off a chain reaction preparing us to respond. Can this understanding of fear help you tackle your biggest challenges? Click here to read this excellent post on using the science of fear to tackle these threats. If your fears overwhelm you, you can talk with a skilled and experienced JFCS counselor. Just call us at 952-546-0616. Counseling Lead Sponsor | Lynne and Andy Redleaf
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Hag Sameach volunteers needed
 As much fun as it is to receive a gift, especially when you are isolated or in need, it's even more rewarding to get gifts ready for the JFCS Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) Program. For the past 21 years, Hag Sameach has provided holiday gifts to referred families and individuals. This year Chanukah begins on Dec. 17, so preparations are currently underway.
Volunteers are needed to "shop," wrap and deliver gifts. Shoppers pick the perfect gifts from the Hag Sameach storeroom, based on the recipient's age and gender. On delivery day, individuals or families bring the gifts to homes. This is a special opportunity to see the joy on faces as people receive their Hag Sameach packages.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m., 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, from 1-4 p.m., 6:30-9 p.m. Wrap Gifts:Sunday, Nov. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Monday, Dec. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 6:30-9 p.m. (includes gift bag organization and clean-up)
Deliver Gifts: Great for Families or Individuals Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick up gifts at JFCS by 1 p.m. and deliver by 3 p.m. Space is limited. Sign up today. Contact Joanne Savitt at [email protected] or 952-542-4870.
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Meet JFCS Board Member Robin Landy
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Robin Landy, Immediate Past President
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Q. What is your association with JFCS? I am a long time volunteer, Board Member, Immediate Past President and JFCS Spirit Award recipient.
Q. What JFCS program is especially meaningful to you? NextGen and Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister are programs near and dear to my heart.
Q. What book are you currently reading? I am currently reading, Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer.
JFCS Note: While Robin was quite humble in her answers regarding her involvement with JFCS, to give you a better idea of the depth of her work with our organization, read this cover story from Directions, May 2014.
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Grief and Loss Series
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5
Getting through Holidays and Special Occasions
At JFCS, 13100 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka
Holidays and special occasions can be painful times after the loss of a loved one. This class will provide strategies for getting through these challenging events.
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Barbara Rudnick
at [email protected]. |
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When relationships turn unhealthy
Dear AskBarbara,
I am concerned about my 16-year-old daughter. I have always been happy with her choice of friends - both girlfriends and boyfriends; however, recently she started dating a boy and it seems like their relationship has gotten very serious in a relatively short period of time.
What concerns me most is the way he talks to her and dominates her. It appears to me she has given up almost all activities that include other friends. Last week she told me she was not going out for the cross-country ski team this year. (She loves cross- country skiing and had talked about being back on the team all summer.) When I expressed my surprise and concern, she said her boyfriend told her he loved her so much he couldn't bear the thought of sharing her with anybody else. She's flattered by his intense attention, but I'm really worried. What should I do?
Worried Mom
Dear Worried Mom,
Your instincts are correct. This relationship does show some definite red flags. Because relationships exist on a spectrum it can be hard to tell when a behavior crosses the line from healthy to unhealthy or even abusive.
To read the rest of Barbara's answer, click here.
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If you need a free, quick, confidential answer or insight into parenting or family relationships, just AskBarbara! Her expertise includes parenting, interfaith programs, workplace issues, grief, loss and the challenges of caregiving. To have your question privately answered, email [email protected].
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Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
13100 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 400
Minnetonka, MN 55305
  
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.
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