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 Over coffee the other day, a friend remarked on the challenges of keeping children active, social and engaged during the weeks of summer vacation. It's mind boggling how different summer recess is in today's world! In my day, we jumped on our bikes in the morning, pedaled home for a quick lunch, and were off again until our stomachs told us it was time for dinner! (Okay, I now have identified myself as pre-historic, or at least pre-technologic.)
Is the "what-to-do-on-my-summer-vacation-from-school" dilemma exclusively one that parents are challenged with or do youth feel it, too? Are our young people more isolated or engaged by communicating through text messaging? Are their written skills enhanced by email or fractured due to auto correction? Is "too much" time on the computer advancing reading skills or delaying our human need to look into another person's eyes and listen (not read) to what they have to say? Do you have opinions as to what constitutes productive, healthy social interactions and fun summer activities? One way JFCS helps is through the dozens of summer camp scholarships that make it possible for children in our community to get dirty, learn new skills, test their independence and make new friends! We so appreciate our supportive donors who make this possible. If you have a teenager with a lot of free time who is interested in volunteering, contact Deb Savitt, Community Involvement Manager, at [email protected] or 952-542-4859. She can connect youth with opportunities through JFCS or locally. See below for current opportunities, perfect for teenagers! Now it's time for me to end this column....time to start my "What I did on my summer vacation essay!"
Judy Halper
Chief Executive Officer
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What would you GIVE if you could change the world?
 What would you give if you could spark a young family's Jewish journey? The PJ Library program gives families free books to ignite discussions about values deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, like gratitude and caring for the world. Each family's connection to the Jewish community strengthens with every PJ library book they share.  This proven program is just one of 40 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. Give Help. Give Hope. Give2014
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JFCS 104th Annual Meeting and Celebration
 A celebration of our work and community! A wonderful time was had by all at the 104th Annual Meeting and Celebration, hosted by co-chairs Nan Greenfield and Tina Rafowitz.
JFCS honored long-term staff, volunteers and Board members, along with the 2014 Spirit of JFCS Award recipient Robin Sharpe Landy, and recognized BMO Harris Bank. To see great pictures from the evening, click here.
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NextGen Summer Party
5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Moto-i, 2940 Lyndale Avenue S
Free for members. Non-members $10 at the door.
A free summer party at the Moto-i rooftop bar is just one great reason to become a member of NextGen.
Along with vibrant social events for young professionals ages 21-36, NextGen provides hands-on philanthropic opportunities and professional development seminars and networking.
To join NextGen contact Todd Sandler at
[email protected] or 952-542-4854. Or become a member the night of the event or pay $10 at the door.
RSVP for the NextGen Summer Party and learn about the programs supported by the evening's proceeds on Facebook.
  NextGen's Lead Sponsor | Deborah and Gary Kohler
Sponsor | Cindy and Perry Witkin
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PJ Library presents Super Stretch Sunday!
Sunday, Aug. 10
Classes at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12 p.m.
Minnesota Children's Museum,
10 W 7th St, St. Paul
 Stretch your mind!
Stretch your body!
Stretch your imagination!
Come for a morning of family fun, then stay and spend the day at the Minnesota Children's Museum, as the Minneapolis and St. Paul PJ Libraries present their 4th annual summer event!
Cost $18/family - up to 6 people OR just $10 per family if you bring a new family who is not enrolled in PJ Library! To enroll a family, click here.
Register! To register for Super Stretch Sunday call PJ Library at Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul at 651-695-3180.
For more information, visit the PJ Library webpage or contact Debbie Wolfe at [email protected] or 952-417-2139.
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Deikel Family AlterCare Adult Day Program,
fit for kings and queens
A guest post by Linda Mankoff Romeo
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The author (far right) pictured with her
Aunt (left) and Mother (center)
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Taking care of parents is a loving mitzvah, and I'm so happy that I could help my parents enjoy their later years. One of the best presents I gave my parents was sending them to Deikel Family AlterCare Adult Day Program, fit for kings and queens.
In 2001, my dad's doctor said dad had dementia and suggested my mother and I explore respite. I wasn't familiar with the term, but it sounded scary and awful until I asked what it meant.
To read the rest of Linda's article about her family and AlterCare, click here.
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A quick journey to employment
After working successfully for nearly nine years, Matt found himself unemployed when his company downsized. Through the Dislocated Worker program, funded by MN Department of Employment and Economic Development, Matt came to JFCS and worked with Leah Temkin, Career Development Program Manager. "Leah was fantastic to work with. She helped me focus on my skills and aptitude and taught me how to get the most out of networking groups." Leah worked with Matt for about a month. Although he had strong experience in the accounting field, his previous company had not used QuickBooks, but a company he was interviewing with did use the accounting software. Leah was able to authorize funds so Matt could take an online course and quickly get up to speed. "I appreciated Leah's targeted approach to the job search process and was thrilled to accept a position just a month after my previous employment ended. I'm glad I had JFCS and the Dislocated Worker program to assist me." ...................................................................................................................
Have you recently lost your job?
JFCS has funds available for workers who have recently lost their job, through no fault of their own. Dislocated workers can use this assistance to access free services including training classes, career counseling, employment assessments, job search tools and more. To find out if you qualify, contact Leah Temkin at [email protected] or 952-417-2108.
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I want to come home!
Tools to cope with homesickness.
 Summer means sleep-away camp for lots of kids, but it can also mean letters for parents..."Take me home!" Homesickness is normal. Parents should discuss potential issues even before kids go to camp. A recent study printed in a pediatric journal suggests, "Don't express anxiety or ambivalence about the child going away. Even " I hope you'll be okay" or " what will I do without you" can leave a child worried something bad may happen and leave them pre-occupied with thoughts of home. Instead, discuss strategies like writing letters home, sharing feelings with other people, and thinking about the good things happening at camp." The American Camping Association suggests new thinking on avoiding or coping with homesickness. Click here for the complete story. If you have concerns about your child and summer camp, contact the Counseling department at JFCS at 952-546-0616. Counseling Lead Sponsor | Lynne and Andy Redleaf
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Meet JFCS Board Member Nancy Rhein
 | | Nancy Rhein, Vice President for Board Development |
Q. What is your association with JFCS?
A. I have been on the JFCS Board for five years. I became involved when I joined the Mental Health Education Project committee and began volunteering to work on the Mental Health Education Conference. In addition, I have been involved with ... Q. What JFCS program is especially meaningful to you and why?
A.The Mental Health Education Project. As a clinical social worker, I spent many years working in an outpatient mental health center. One of the toughest issues is the stigma that comes with a diagnosis of a mental illness. The Mental Health Education Project provides an annual conference, (this year on Sunday, October 19) now in its 14th year...
Q. What book are you currently reading?
A. How To Be A Friend To a Friend Who's Sick by Letty Cottin Pogrebin. Written after her own bout with breast cancer, the author offers a guide for people who have friends facing a wide range of troubles including their own illness, the loss of a loved one, and the mental illness or drug addiction of a child. Her best advice is the simplest...
To read the full interview, and other recent profiles click here.
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Thank you to our generous funders
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Judy Halper, CEO and Dana Rubin, Development Director
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Thank you to Jodi Rankin and her team at Fun2Raise, which recently launched a Twin City Mitzvah Guide for families preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. They have generously donated Guide proceeds to start a Mitzvah Fund to support Healthy Youth-Healthy Communities, a program of JFCS. Fun2Raise focuses their fundraising efforts on children and students and felt this was a perfect fit to help make a difference in the community. Also thank you to the Meals on Wheels Association of America, who awarded JFCS $1,750 to help support the kosher Meals on Wheels program. This program provides a nutritious mid-day meal, five days a week to vulnerable adults. |
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Parents - are you overprotective?
by Jacob Knopf, HY-HC Program Specialist
Dear Jacob,
All of my friends are gearing up for high school football to start and my parents won't let me play. My dad was bullied and hazed when he played football in high school and he thinks the same thing will happen to me. I hate feeling like I'm missing out and I want the freedom to choose what extra-curricular activities I do. I seriously can't stand my parents' overprotectiveness anymore! How can I convince them to let me play?
Sincerely, Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
Your father's concerns about bullying are understandable. Bullying is a serious issue and people often have experiences that stick with them for the rest of their lives, shaping their future - for better or worse.
To read the rest of Jacob's answer, click here.
HY-HC's Lead Sponsor | The Toodie and Frank Trestman Special Needs and Collaborative Education Endowment Fund
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AskBarbara
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.
Click here to read past columns.
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J-Pride celebrates Twin Cities Pride Week
 Celebrate PRIDE with LGBTQ Jews and friends. Join J-Pride at the festival and for a pre-Pride Happy Hour. J-PRIDE and Community Booth
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Loring Park
Twin Cities Pride Parade
10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 29, at 3rd St N and Hennepin Ave.
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Conference on healthy living for families and professionals
1-5 p.m. Sunday, June 29
Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 Cedar Lake Rd S, St. Louis Park
Come learn about the critical issues facing our society regarding childhood obesity, and the healthy choices you can make for your family.
The conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Robert Lustig, a renowned pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco, where he is a professor of Clinical Pediatrics. Lustig has written several books, including the most recent: Fat Chance; Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity and Disease. His lecture "Sugar, The Bitter Truth" has been viewed on YouTube by approximately 4.5 million people.
Nine breakout sessions will be offered to the lay and professional community. For more information and to register, click here. |
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Caregiver support group for adult children
7-8:30 p.m. Monday, July 14
Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis
Are you caring for ill or aging parents and need some support? JFCS offers a caregiver support group to help with the challenges of loss, grief, and transition. This monthly group is facilitated by Barbara Rudnick, who has more than 30 years experience as a group facilitator, focusing on issues such as the challenge of caregiving, loss, grief, and transition.
Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at Temple Israel. The group is free, but you must pre-register by contacting Barbara at [email protected]. For complete details click here.
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Volunteer at the Israeli Scout performance
 6-8:15 p.m. Thursday, July 17
Sholom Home West, 3620 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park
a
Come and escort Sholom Home West residents to the Israeli Scout show, watch with the residents, then bring them back to their rooms. Volunteers must be ages 15 and up. To RSVP contact Carol Kvasnik at Sholom Home, [email protected] or 952-939-1627. Parade with your pooch at the summer Puppy Parade
10-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
Sholom Home West, 3620 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park Share your puppy and a smile with an older adult at the summer puppy parade. Open to the first eight dogs and their people. Please bring your pet's up-to-date vaccination record. To volunteer contact Deb Savitt, Community Involvement Manager at [email protected] or 952-542-4859.
Share time with an older adult
Brighten the day of a senior in the JFCS L'Chaim Senior Services program. You could visit with an older adult, share coffee and conversation, play a board game, run errands, help organize their closet or living space, or go on an outing. We also need volunteer drivers to take seniors to appointments. Our new online ride scheduler makes it even easier and more convenient.
To volunteer contact Deb Savitt, Community Involvement Manager at [email protected] or 952-542-4859.
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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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