Greetings!
It seems that we are in constant states of shock these days. If we aren’t reeling from changes in conventional government and political stances, we are stunned by the power of Mother Nature and the havoc she is wreaking on so many Americans and people of other nations around the globe. Somedays it just seems it’s all too much to process and comprehend, and unfortunately many of us are left feeling out of control or hopeless about the impact we can have on any given crisis, much less all of them.

JFCS Annual "Laugh on Their Behalf" Benefit comedian's new Netflix special Happy Face
Comedian Ryan Hamilton is looking forward to performing at JFCS' 29th Annual "Laugh on Their Behalf" Benefit on December 2. “I know JFCS has had a lot of great comedians and I’m honored to be part of that tradition,” Hamilton said in a recent interview. 

We are thrilled to feature Ryan at this year's event, which will be another special evening to support the important work of JFCS. You can now watch Ryan Hamilton in his just-released Nextflix comedy special Happy Face !

Annual Twin Cities Mental Health Educational Conference helps those living with mental illness realize they are not alone
 
When someone contacts JFCS for help related to mental health, we have teams of clinically trained professionals who take a holistic approach to each situation. In addition to helping individuals living with mental illness, JFCS strives to reduce the stigma of mental illness through the community-wide Twin Cities Mental Health Education Conference.

Give2017: Generations of Change
By Angie Podvin • Donor Services & Annual Campaign Manager
 
David and Esther’s (pseudonyms) story begins nearly 30 years ago, when they first turned to JFCS for help. They and their three children were facing chronic homelessness due to their ongoing challenges in maintaining steady jobs. As loving parents, David and Esther did everything possible to provide stability for the family. Working with JFCS staff, the children became involved with the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister (BB/BS) program, where they had the opportunity to build special friendships and flourish from time spent with Jewish mentors. Over the years, the family continued to receive support from other JFCS programs, including Hag Sameach (holiday gifts and ritual items) services, counseling support and occasionally emergency financial assistance.

Intake and Resource Connection: A trusting voice at JFCS’ front door
At JFCS, we like to stress that we are the first place people call for help when they are facing a challenge. However, even people who are aware JFCS provides assistance in a multitude of areas are often unsure what to ask for when they call us. The good news is they don’t have to know – thanks to our hardworking staff in the Intake and Resource Connection (IRC) program, all they have to do is call our main number and they’ll be led in the right direction


IRC Staff pictured;Kate Ellison, Jessica Ostendorf,Charley Zwick, Carole Cera, Judy Marcus, Danielle Rodin
September is National Workforce Development Month 
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals has designated September as National Workforce Development Month to honor all those individual professionals who play such a vital role in our nation's economic recovery efforts. Discover all the ways JFCS contributes to assisting people develop careers in today’s workforce.


A Special Offer from JFCS Deikel Transportation
Deikel Transportation provides rides for clients who reside within a defined service area in Hennepin County. It’s a convenient, reliable way for ambulatory adults 60 years and older to get to a doctor’s appointment, friend’s house, grocery store and more. Services are available on a sliding fee scale with an annual service coordination fee.

>Special limited-time offer!
Call 952-456-0616 by October 31 and mention "September e-directions" and we will waive your annual service coordination fee!

Transportation Founding Sponsors: The Deikel Family Foundation, The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
Sponsors: Kelen Family Foundation,The Oren and Sharron Steinfeldt Foundation
JOIN US
J-Pride and Beth Jacob Sukkah Schmooze 
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 7-9 p.m. 
Join J-Pride and Beth Jacob’s 20s/30s group for an evening of schmoozing, noshing, and light learning. Explore the meaning of sukkot as we connect over the value of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) and unpack the experience of being welcomed. Make new friends and connect with familiar faces! Desserts and nosh provided. All are welcome! 

J-Pride Founding Sponsor Lisa Heilicher
NextGen Fall Party and 2-for-1 ticket offer
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Ready or not, fall is upon us, and that means it's time for the annual NextGen Fall Party! Join us at Libertine in Uptown Minneapolis, where there'll be games (Nintendo 64 anyone?!), delicious food, and drinks, all to be enjoyed in the company of NextGen friends new and old. As always, your $10 registration is a donation that directly supports Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis.

Also!  NextGen 2-for-1 Tickets to the JFCS 29th Annual Benefit
will be available in-person at the Fall Party
JFCS Annual "Laugh on Their Behalf" Benefit at a special 2-for-1 rate of $50 for two or $25 for one! Participants can get discounted tickets in person at the Fall Party on Oct. 10

Or. .. .grab them online for one day only on Friday, Oct. 20. The link to the online sale will be shared via email and Facebook as Oct. 20 approaches.

NextGen Sponsor: Cindy and Perry Witkin
Shalom Baby Shower
Sunday, Oct. 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
Enjoy refreshments, collect swag bags, shop our baby boutique, participate in circle time, pick-up parenting tips from local experts and meet other families and their babies!


17th Annual Jewish Community Mental Health Conference
Sunday, October 22, 10:00-4:00 PM
"From Hurting to Healing: Journeys of Courage and Hope"
Featuring keynoter Melody Moezzi. Iranian-American activist, award-winning writer and attorney, author of Haldol and Hyacinths: A Bipolar Life. Free and open to all.


SAVE THE DATE
Shop On Their Behalf: JFCS Annual Online Auction
Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Thursday, Nov. 9
Don't miss the JFCS Annual Online Auction with one-of-a kind items and experiences! Proceeds from the Annual Online Auction support the critical work of JFCS, serving thousands in our community, our neighborhoods and our families each year. When you bid (and bid often) you help change lives for the better!

JFCS 29th Annual "Laugh on Their Behalf" Benefit
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
Featuring Comedian Ryan Hamilton
New Location: Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Tickets on sale now!
Each year, JFCS serves thousands of people in our community, our neighborhoods, and our families. Mark your calendars now and join us for a special evening of fun, food and comedy, as together we laugh on their behalf to support the work of JFCS.

Or call the Benefit Hotline at 952-542-4878
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis | www.jfcsmpls.org