Greetings!
One of my fellow CEOs at a Jewish Family and Children’s Service in another state shared with me the various diversity and inclusion practices her agency was embarking upon in their effort to create an environment that was increasingly welcoming to staff, clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders. This is a topic that comes up regularly among CEOs of JFCS agencies, and among many of our employees. There is a genuine desire to further develop a sense of belonging that extends to all who enter our spaces.
New JFCS Tribute Cards: Wish someone a L'Shana Tova (Happy New Year) with one!
Tribute cards are a meaningful way to let your loved ones know you are thinking about them while supporting JFCS and our mission. As we approach Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year), consider sending one of our beautiful tribute cards this year to wish friends and family a L’Shana Tova (Happy New Year).

Tribute cards are always available to honor special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations; wish someone a speedy recovery; or, a touching way to honor a loved one’s memory. Donations can be made in any amount and you may choose to have the donation go towards a named fund or program, or to be used where most needed. Cards are sent to the person or family you are honoring and include the donor’s name and address, as well as a short description of the fund that was chosen.
A million reasons to support the JFCS GIVE 2022 Campaign
When you give to JFCS, your gift supports an entire community! Our JFCS Annual GIVE campaign raises funds to be used where needed most, benefiting over 30 programs and services and over 13,000 people each year. Help us reach our GIVE Campaign goal of $1.1 million and give now to take advantage of a matching gift for increased donations, new donations, or returned lapsed gifts!
JFCS introduces newly designed Addiction and Recovery
Services program
By Leah Persky, PhD & CFLE • Manager of Family Life Education & Addiction and Recovery Services

We are pleased to announce the newly designed JFCS Addiction and Recovery Services program. The name change and program redesign demonstrates our commitment to serving the community with meaningful and responsive community programming based in the foundations of all of our work at JFCS: tikkun olam, repairing the world one person and one family at a time. Holistic support for families and individuals is needed today; that need is only growing.


Addiction and Recovery Services Lead Sponsor: Susan and Richard Goldman
Hennepin County honors JFCS Career Services staff with Spotlight Award
Hennepin County recently honored the staff members of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis’ (JFCS) MFIP program with its Staff Spotlight Award for their outstanding work in the career services program.

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) provides support for families to help them move toward self-sufficiency through employment. Hennepin County provides clients referrals to JFCS’ MFIP program, amongst many other agencies, and has singled out JFCS’ staff for its excellent work.
Volunteer Spotlight August 2022: Get to know Bill Gershan
Bill Gershan, JFCS volunteer pictured here, is a retired pediatric pulmonologist who wanted to spend time with people older than him.

What JFCS programs do you volunteer with and how long have you been volunteering with the agency?

I have regular visits with an elderly member of the community and have been doing this for approximately six or seven years now. Being an outreach visitor has given me a window into the life of an amazing individual who has led a rich life and has allowed me to share some of those moments. Many of our past visits have involved walks and meals, which provided a framework for our interactions.


We have more Senior Services clients waiting to be matched with a volunteer. Click here to apply if you are interested in becoming an Outreach Volunteer.
Current Special Volunteer Opportunities
Hag Sameach 30th Anniversary Celebration
We are looking for event volunteers to help with the Hag Sameach 30th anniversary celebration! See more about the event below. Sign up for a volunteer shift here. Or Contact Mindy Teele at mteele@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4870 with any questions.

JFCS Annual Online Auction
We are looking for more volunteers to help solicit gifts for the Online Auction to support the 34th Annual Benefit. If you are interested in volunteering or have ideas of places or gifts to recommend, please contact Peggy Mandel at pmandel@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4814.


Contact Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952-417-2112 with any questions about volunteering at JFCS. Stay informed through our quarterly volunteer e-newsletter and let Dana know if you want to be added to the list to receive future editions.

Come celebrate our 30th Anniversary of Hag Sameach (Happy Holiday) with a special event at JFCS!
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
JFCS - 5905 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley

The JFCS Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) program is celebrating our 30th anniversary and you are invited to join in the celebration! We'll have a variety of fun vendors so you can start your holiday shopping early, food trucks, raffle prizes, entertainment, tours and so much more! As a bonus,
part of the proceeds will go to the Hag Sameach
program so our program recipients will get to benefit
from the festivities as well!


Hag Sameach Lead Sponsor: Clara Ruth Kaner Children’s Fund, a designated fund of the Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation
Sponsor: Jacob Garber Endowment Fund of the Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation
Twin Cities Jewish Community 22nd Annual Conference
on Mental Health
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Temple Israel – 2323 S Fremont Ave S, Mpls
Free and open to all!

This year marks the 22nd year of the Twin Cities Jewish Community Annual Conference on Mental Health. This conference is a collaboration of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. Building collaborative movement in improving mental health access, understanding, and education in the community.
The JFCS 34th Annual Benefit: An all NEW, re-imagined event!
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
7 to 10 p.m.
NEW LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest

Leave the sweat pants in the closet and money for parking in your pocket! Join us as we gather to support the critical work of JFCS, serving over 13,000 people each year in our community, our neighborhoods and our families. The Harry Lerner family will be presented with the Friends of the Family Award.

Watch for more details on this exciting, re-imagined 34th Annual Benefit. There will be a livestreaming option for those who are not able to attend in person.