e-directions newsletter    October 2016
In This Issue
Red Dividere
Join Us:
Upcoming events

Look at Us Now, Mother!
Join us for a screening of the new documentary film followed by a Q&A and reception with the filmmaker, Gayle Kirschenbaum.
ONE SHOWING ONLY!
Sunday, Nov. 6

1:15-4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony Main Theatre,
Minneapolis. 
More info here.

Shalom Baby Yoga Class
Bring your little one age 0-2 and join Shalom Baby with yoga instructor Allie Hage for morning yoga with a Shabbat twist!
Friday, Nov. 11
10-10:45 a.m. 
Sabes JCC
Tumbling Room
4330 Cedar Lake Rd, 
St. Louis Park

The JFCS 28th Annual Laugh on Their Behalf Benefit 
With comedian Gary Gulman 
Saturday, Nov. 19 
The Minneapolis Hilton
Tickets and info here.

Cookies & Canvas:
A Multi-Generational Event
Sunday, Dec. 4    
3:30-5 p.m.
Sabes JCC
4330 Cedar Lake Rd, 
St. Louis Park
$18 per family
More information here 
 
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Volunteer
 
Thanksgiving Food Bag Delivery for ACT Families
Stop by, grab a bag and grab a bite on your way to helping us deliver Thanksgiving food bags for our ACT families in St. Louis Park.
Nov. 15, 5-7:00 p.m.
Prince of Peace Church
8115 Hwy 7,
St. Louis Park 
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AskBarbara: How to help children HEAL from bullying 
AskBarbara
Dear AskBarbara,

My 10-year-old daughter recently told me that she was repeatedly teased and bullied during the past few weeks of school and now she is worried about going to other activities like ballet class and Hebrew school because she doesn't want the same thing to happen to her in other places...
Picture This

Thank you to all NextGen-ers who came to our Annual Fall Party at Psycho Suzi's! They raised $1,300 that will directly support JFCS Emergency Financial Assistance. JFCS will be able to provide emergency funds in times of crisis to many families thanks to you!
See more pics here 
 
In case you missed it last month:
All the info you need to vote!

Our sponsors
At JFCS, we are grateful for the ongoing support we receive from all of our sponsors.
Visit www.jfcsmpls.org for a complete list of our sponsors.   
   
ACT                         
Founding Sponsor: St. Louis Park School District #283
Sponsor:  St. Louis Park Family Services Collaborative

Hag Sameach
Lead SponsorClara Ruth Kaner Children's Fund, a designated fund of the Minneapolis Jewish
Federation's Jewish Community Foundation

NextGen                  
Lead Sponsor: Deborah and Gary Kohler
Sponsor: Jill and Jeff Mirviss Family
Sponsor: Cindy and Perry Witkin
 
 
 
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Judy Halper,
JFCS CEO

For people who live with mental health challenges, the dwindling sunlight at this time of year may "color" their ability to see the vivid hues emanating from fall trees.
The promise of festive holidays ahead can be a reminder of painful and uncomfortable celebrations masking symptoms and hiding feelings from friends and family.

Our annual Mental Health Education Project fall conference, which was held on Oct. 23 at Temple Israel addressed many of these issues, and continues to be a source of destigmatizing mental illness and promoting inclusion for all.
 Read Judy's Column here.
 
The Annual Online Auction closes TOMORROW!
 

There's still time to get some great items and support JFCS at the same time! Be sure to check out our new category: For Someone in Need 

Simply purchase one of seven new items that will directly help a JFCS client in need or young program participant.     
The JFCS Annual Online Auction
closes on Thursday, Oct. 27 @10 pm!
  
The 28th Annual Laugh on Their Behalf Benefit:
Do you have your tickets? 
Get your tickets to the 28th Annual
Laugh on Their Behalf Benefit NOW!
Don't miss the best party of the year:
Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Minneapolis Hilton.


The evening will feature Gary Gulman, one of the most popular touring comics in the country; MPR's Cathy Wurzer will serve as the evening's emcee; $100 Pull where everyone's a winner and an exciting raffle with a chance to win one of six great prizes!  

 

The Badower Family:
Serving with humility, conscientiousness and devotion

The Badower family will receive the Friends of the Family Award at JFCS' 28th Annual Benefit.

Mike Badower is a longtime supporter and volunteer of JFCS for several reasons, but one of the prominent reasons is that it simply runs in his family. When he was growing up, his mother was president of the Jewish Family and Children's Service in Des Moines - the same agency that resettled Mike's father when he moved to Des Moines after World War II. Read more here.  
 
DID YOU KNOW: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
 
JFCS Voc Rehab client Paul
This month, and every month, we recognize and celebrate the value and unique talents people with disabilities bring to the work place.

JFCS' Vocational Rehabilitation Services help individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment.

Paul, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, was referred to our program in March 2015. During the initial meetings with Paul, the majority of his time with Justin Elvebak, JFCS Senior Employment Specialist, was focused on exploring vocational options and establishing a career path that meshed well with his interests and needs.
Read here to learn how JFCS Vocational Rehabilitation Services found the perfect employment match for Paul!

 
GIVE2016: Please help us reach our goal 
JFCS hopes that those who celebrate the Jewish New Year had a joyous one. As we begin to think about celebrating the secular year end, we know many people choose to participate in year-end giving. We hope you'll consider making your Annual Gift to the Give2016 Campaign, which raises much needed funds to support over 40 programs and services at JFCS.

A gift to the Annual Campaign provides a safe and friendly ride to a senior; an emergency food bag for a client who can't afford food until their next paycheck; a package of holiday items so a family can celebrate along with the Jewish community; a big brother/big sister (mentor and friend) to a child; support services for adults living with persistent mental illness and so much more.

Please help us reach our goal of $600,000 this year and 100 NEW donors! Click HERE to make your Give2016 gift or send in your gift by mail. 

On behalf of all those who benefit from your generosity, thank you for your support!

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Thanksgiving food bag delivery for ACT families
 
Stop by, grab a bag and grab a bite on your way to helping us deliver Thanksgiving food bags for our families in St. Louis Park. These families, all participants in our ACT program in St. Louis Park, might not otherwise be able to celebrate the holiday without our support. Bags will offer shelf-stable holiday food options for them to enjoy. Each volunteer will deliver just a few bags in the St. Louis Park area. Time commitment will be approximately one hour.

ACT provides support and case management in the areas of parenting and family issues, school concerns, basic needs, health care, housing and access to community resources. This program is a collaboration between JFCS and St. Louis Park Schools.

Nov. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Bag pickup and light dinner at Prince of Peace Church,
8115 Hwy 7, St. Louis Park


To volunteer contact Deb Savitt, Community Involvement Manager, 952-542-4859 or [email protected]

Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays):
24 Years of ensuring a joyous holiday! 
Whether you give your time or treasure, you will help the Chanukah lights burn brighter for so many in our community!

Now in its 24th season, our Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) program ensures a joyous holiday for families and individuals
Michele Meisler with her kids, Abby and Ethan donated gifts to Hag Sameach in 2015.
in need by providing them with holiday gifts and ritual items for their celebrations. Often this is the only way for them to enjoy a festive holiday. This year Chanukah begins at sundown on Dec. 24 and we have so many ways for you to help between now and then!


Look at Us Now, Mother!: Join us for a special screening of the new documentary film
 

Please join us for a screening of the new documentary film

"Look at Us Now, Mother!"
followed by a Q&A and reception with the filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum.

A humorous, moving, intimate and courageous film following the transformation of an abusive mother and tumultuous mother-daughter relationship to that of acceptance and love as we follow the personal story of the filmmaker.

ONE SHOWING ONLY!
Sunday, Nov. 6 @
1:15 p.m - 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony Main Theatre
115 Main Street SE, Minneapolis
Tickets and information here.

 
JFCS Board Past President Jill Marks' son receives services from JFCS 

Mental illness affects thousands of people in ways large and small - from their career and finances to relationships with family and friends. It may be so severe that the individual has trouble functioning day-to-day, or so hidden that even close family and friends don't know about the illness.

Learn how JFCS serves our clients holistically with care and compassion.
 
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
13100 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 400    Minnetonka, MN 55305

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 Our Mission
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis provides essential services
to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering
and offer support in times of need.

www.jfcsmpls.org | 952-546-0616