NJHSA is a guiding force in Jewish human services, strengthening and supporting vocational, family, healthcare, elder care, disability and all other human service agencies and the people they serve for best practices, research, innovation and partnerships.
NETWORK News offers regular updates, advocacy alerts, funding opportunities, call/webinar details, upcoming events, tools & resources, member highlights, and available career opportunities. 

Check your email every other Friday for the NETWORK News. 

The NJHSA website is updated regularly. Check out our new look!
October 2017, Volume I
NORTH BAY FIRES 


Jewish Family & Children's Services of San Francisco, The Peninsula, Marine and Sonoma Counties i s being affected by the North Bay Fires, which have caused tremendous destruction. Many in their Sonoma County community have been evacuated and hundreds of homes and businesses have burned. JFCS is providing emergency assistance.  Consider making a donation to the North Bay Fire Relief here . 
NEW DUES MODEL TOWN HALL WEBINARS
As a follow up to the series of summer town hall webinars, join NJHSA's CEO, Reuben Rotman and Membership Committee Chair, Judy Halper for a town hall webinar to review and explain the new NJHSA d ues model, effective January 2018.

Thursday, November 2nd, 3pm ET - REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, November 8th, 3pm ET -  REGISTER HERE
PROPOSALS NOW BEING ACCEPTED - 2018 NJHSA LAUNCH CONFERENCE 

 NJHSA is s eeking workshop proposals that are innovative and bring new ideas to the Network in the field of Jewish Human Services for the  Launch Conference, scheduled for April 29th-May 1st, 2018 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The conference theme is " Unifying Our Human Service Voice ."  Click here for more detailed information.
Network Comprehensive Survey Reminder

Kindly complete the 2017/2018 Network Comprehensive Survey, which seeks to gather updated contact, client demographic and budget information on NJHSA Member Agencies.

Note: Questions with an asterisk (*) are required. You do have the option to save your answers and resume the survey later if your cookie settings are not disabled and if you save the page by pressing the SAVE button on the bottom of each page. If you don't press "save," you will lose the data.  For those who would like a hard copy version to complete at your leisure, please contact Emma Lebowitz.
October Awareness

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

During this month, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence. By providing young people with education about healthy relationships, and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that domestic violence can be prevented. We must build the capacity of our victim service providers to reach and serve those in need. Together, we must ensure that, no victim of domestic violence ever struggles alone.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month has been celebrated for more than 70 years. This year's theme is "Inclusion Drives Innovation." NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.
Network Updates

The Network is interested in your agency. We want to know about your programs. Share your successes with everyone. Send 
Megan your press releases, news stories, Facebook updates, etc . . .   
  • HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: NJHSA will be closed on Thursday, October 12th and Friday, October 13th in observance of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. 
           
  • NJHSA Partners with Rush University Medical Center
          Interested in partnering with local primary care practices? NJHSA is partnering with Rush University Medical Center to spread the word to member organizations about an opportunity to be trained in the AIMS Model (Ambulatory Integration of the Medical and Social), a tested intervention in which master's prepared social workers assess the needs of complex patients and provide risk-focused care coordination, guided by a standardized protocol. Preliminary evidence indicates that AIMS reduces clients' emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and hospital readmission rates. To learn more, click here . Implementing AIMS aligns well with the services that many community-based social service organizations already provide, creates the opportunity to develop partnerships with local clinics to better integrate care, and opens the door to future contracts with partner clinics. The AIMS team is interested in having AIMS replicated in new and diverse communities, and is seeking funding to be able to offer training complimentary to NJHSA members. If interested in learning more or should you have any questions, please contact Matt Vail .
  • Last week, Genie Cohen, NJHSA's Chief Program Officer, traveled to Austin to attend " Investing in America's Workforce," a national workforce conference. Nearly 400 attendees participated in a national discussion on strengthening America's workforce. The conference brought together businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, financial institutions, academics and philanthropic organizations to dialogue around three themes: (1) Reframing workforce development efforts as investments, not just social services; (2) Attracting new resources and leveraging existing funding sources; and (3) Improving economic mobility and impact for workers. Jerry Rubin, CEO, JVS Boston, participated in a panel discussion titled "Emerging Financing Tools: Pay  for Success, Social Impact bonds, Collective Impact."
Canadian Member Agency News

Canadian member agencies are busy serving their communities. 
  • NJHSA's CEO, Reuben Rotman met with Canadian executives in early October to discuss long range planning. The gathering was a success and all look forward to connecting regularly. 

     
  • Pushing the Boundaries: Disability, Inclusion and Jewish Community | April 15 -17, 2018 |  Toronto, ON  | Learn more here.
          The first Canadian national conference of its kind designed for people with disabilities and their family members, self advocates, policymakers, professionals and volunteers who are dedicated to creating inclusive Jewish communities.
Network Advocacy Updates

Re-position your agency and align yourself with The
NET WORK to advance causes and policy.
  • NEW Bipartisan House Working Group on Employing People with Disabilities
    This month, in the face of a chronically high unemployment rate and a low Labor Force Participation Rate for people with disabilities, Members of the United States House of Representatives announced the establishment of the Bipartisan House Working Group on Employing People with Disabilities. The working group will develop legislation that they hope will increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.  T he task force's five members will develop proposals and then solicit feedback on them from the disability community. Aaron Kaufman , JFNA Senior Legislative Associate, will be monitoring the working group closely and the Network will be kept abreast of developments. Please contact him with questions . 
     
  • Call for Comments on Department of Health and Human Services 2018-2022 Strategic Plan
    The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has completed a draft of its FY 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan and is seeking stakeholder feedback. JFNA's Washington Office plans to submit a comment letter and is asking for your input on the proposal, as many of the goals and objectives detailed in the draft plan relate to the important member agencies do every day. If you'd like to participate, please send your comments to Mindy Reinstein, NJHSA Washington Representative and JFNA Director of Government Affairs, by Friday, October 20th.
  • NJHSA signed on to a letter urging Senate members to oppose the Graham-Cassidy health care proposal, which has similar threats to Medicaid and health care coverage as the Better Care Reconciliation Act, NJHSA signed on to in June. Learn more here.
     
  • February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month! This will be the 8th convening of Jewish Disability Advocacy Day (JDAD), which will be in Washington, DC on February 6, 2018. Jewish Disability Advocacy Day will take place from 9am-5pm on Tuesday, February 6th, on Capitol Hill. Early Bird Registration, which will last until November 15th, is $72 and includes a kosher breakfast (beginning at 8:30 am) and lunch. Registration fees will increase to $100 thereafter. Registration will close on January 12, 2018. Register and learn more here .  
Network Calls & Webinars

Calls and webinars are designed for NJHSA member agency professionals and lay leaders . Please direct questions to Karen, Director of Membership Services.
  • Jewish Residential Taskforce Conference Call | Tuesday, October 17th, 1pm ET | Contact
    Karen for more information.  
     
  • Setting, Monitoring & Reporting Outcomes | Monday, November 13th, 1pm ET | Learn more and register here .
__________________________________________________________________________

Domestic Violence Professionals October Awareness Month Call
 - Follow Up
 More than a dozen domestic violence professionals from The Network participated in a call surrounding Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October. Professionals deemed the call a huge success and appreciated the opportunity to connect. Member agencies continue to support communities and raise awareness about domestic violence in inventive ways, touching lives each year. Calls with continue quarterly. Contact  Megan  to participate and/or learn more.  
Network Events

NJHSA is actively planning NETWORK events! SAVE THE DATES so you don't miss out on networking opp ortunities.
  • 2017 Inclusion Summit | Ruderman Family Foundation | November 19th & 20th | Boston, MA |
  • SUBMIT A PROPOSAL - 2018 NJHSA Launch Conference | April 29-May 1 | Grand Sheraton | Chicago, IL
    Guest speakers have been secured and will be announced after the Executive Conference.
Network Member Highlights

The best part of our NETWORK is sharing successes. We want to promote your organizations. Let your fellow member agencies know what's going on in your community! Share updates with Megan, Director of Marketing & Communica tions.
  • Jewish Family & Children's Services of Pittsburgh is being recognized for three awards. Matthew Bolton, Director of the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry has been named the 2017 winner of the Ira & Nanette Gordon Community Professional Achievement Award. JF&CS President & CEO Jordan Golin accepted the United African Communities (UAC) of Pittsburgh's Humanitarian Award in early September. And, the YWCA of Pittsburgh notified JF&CS that they will be honoring them with their annual Racial Justice Award for the work they do with refugees and immigrants. A much deserved congrats to JF&CS Pittsburgh. Learn more here.
     
  • Edina Markovitz and Melanie Lallouz, professionals from Agence Ometz shared valuable information surrounding hiring special needs workers. Parents caring for adult children with special needs often face a hostile job market. Watch their interview on BT Montreal to learn more. 
     
  • Jewish Vocational Services of Detroit announced expanded services that will enhance the types of community-based activities available for people with disabilities, offering them more options. Known as "Choices," the expanded array of services offers individuals the option to work or volunteer in their community, participate in field trips and cultural outings or engage in artistic expression, music therapy, yoga and other enriching activities. Learn more here.
Network Resources

Share practical tools and resources you find helpful with the NETWORK through our Facebook groups. 
  • Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference held a successful call with NJHSA member agencies in late September. Listen to the recording here. eJewish Philanthropy shortly thereafter published an article focusing on survivors across the globe struggling to access adequate homecare, etc . . . Read the entire article here.
     
  • A Board Members Institute for Jewish nonprofits has been launched by the Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, in partnership with the Kellogg School's Center for Nonprofit Management and the Marom Group. Selected participants will have a rigorous, relevant learning experience, taught and administered by Kellogg faculty and practitioners, enhanced by interaction and networking within a cohort of like-minded individuals. The Institute will prepare the participants for the wide scope of responsibilities they face in guiding, governing and stewarding Jewish nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted through October 31st. The Institute will begin on January 8th at Kellogg's Center for Nonprofit Management. Learn more and apply here.  
Network Career Opportunities

Interested in viewing other open NETWORK positions?  Click here to see what career opportunities member agencies are looking to fill . Email Megan to add or remove postings.
Network Jewish Human Service Agencies | 201-977-2400 | www.networkjhsa.org
STAY CONNECTED: