JFCS Memory Café is a gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Café members meet twice per month for activities and socialization in a comfortable, supportive environment.

This summer, we will be welcoming award-winning folk musician and COMPAS teaching artist Charlie Maguire to our

Café to lead classes on songwriting. Charlie will collaborate with the group to create and perform an original song.

By Danielle Rodin, Fatuma Noor, and Tamima Adan • JFCS Targeted Case Managers

Every May since 1949 we have been reminded of the importance of caring for our mental health by recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. We commemorate this important month and show solidarity against the stigmas associated with mental health by wearing the color green and/or wearing a green ribbon.

Elections for the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis Board of Directors will be held. We will welcome those being elected for a first three-year term including Rachel Ganani, Allison Gelfman, Beth Levy, Jeff Lifson, Andrew Savitz, Andy Stillman and Robert Yost. We will hear remarks from Board President Josh Hasko and acknowledge the contributions of dedicated volunteers Gloria Murman and Elizabeth Lewis. Staff milestone anniversaries will be honored as well.

12-12:45 p.m.: Program in-person and on Zoom

12:45-1:30 p.m.: Lunch will be served. Stay and schmooze or grab your lunch and go!

The Annual Meeting is FREE and open to all but reservations are required by June 1.

>Register here by June 1

After my papa passed away, I was looking for ways to stay connected with him and honor his memory and JFCS and its mission, which was incredibly important to him. In light of that, I dove in headfirst to every available volunteering opportunity that came my way and eventually found that I really enjoyed being part of the Hag Sameach program and the Annual Benefit.

>Read more about Liz here

I was an employee at JFCS for over 13 years in the Family Life Education and Development departments and as the Hag Sameach assistant – I retired in April 2018. After starting to work at JFCS, I saw how wonderful the organization provided services to its clients and wanted to volunteer to help as much as I could – and include my family as well.

JFCS was honored to serve as the host agency for this year’s Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies’ (NJHSA) annual conference, “PowerNet 2022: Realizing Global Impact Through Collaboration,” which was held May 15-17 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center and at JFCS’ Golden Valley office.

The JFCS Annual GIVE campaign raises funds to be used where needed most, benefiting thousands in the community each year. There are a million reasons why people support JFCS, including to provide more educational toys and books to help children to prepare for school; to help provide more counseling to more individuals and families; to support food security initiatives during this challenging time, and so much more. Your gift makes is possible for JFCS to be Here for all. Always.

Throughout the month of June, Join J-Pride as we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

We will also be at Twin Cities Pride this year on Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, and are seeking volunteers to march in the parade on Sunday morning and to help staff the J-Pride booth on both days.

The Hag Sameach program has some new leadership opportunities! They are a perfect fit for anyone interested in a fun, rewarding experience with a program that makes a lasting impact and helps spread happiness in the community. The opportunities include gift wrap co-chair, where we have two open positions, as well as a new position – gift solicitation. The hours are flexible. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, or about other leadership roles within the Hag Sameach program, please contact Mindy Teele at mteele@jfcsmpls.org

April 17-23 was National Volunteer Week and once again we offer a big THANK YOU to all of the individuals, families, and groups that step up and give JFCS the gift of their time, resources and talents. We couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful volunteers. THANK YOU for all you do!

Contact Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952-417-2112 if you are interested in learning more about other volunteer opportunities at JFCS.Stay informed about volunteering at JFCS through our quarterly volunteer e-newsletter. Let Dana know if you want to be added to the list to receive future editions.