Greetings!
After many, many months, we at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis are excitedly preparing to fully re-open our Golden Valley office and offer our services in-person! Effective Oct. 25, during office hours, our reception staff will be ready to greet clients, volunteers, and other guests, and our caring staff will be ready to provide in-person assistance, in addition to continuing service in hybrid and remote modes. Finally!

In case you missed it: The 21st Annual Conference on Mental Health
is now available on demand
The Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Conference has been raising awareness of mental health issues, reducing stigma and providing support for individuals, families and professionals since 2001. This year's virtual conference was held on Oct. 17 and is now available on demand.


Welcome New J-Pride Program Coordinator Isaac Ezra Jennings
J-Pride’s mission is to engage Minnesota-based LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies to come together for social events, community gatherings, celebrations, and educational opportunities. New J-Pride Program Coordinator Isaac Ezra Jennings recently spoke about what his goals are for the program.

Why did the J-Pride Coordinator position appeal to you?

I’ve been in the non-profit sector for several years now, primarily in the child literacy field, and I love any opportunity to use the skillset I’ve developed to the betterment of my community. The J-Pride Coordinator position allows me to work for my community in a less abstract way. Existing as a queer Jew can be awkward and isolating, and I know I’ve certainly been in situations where I was expected to leave either my queer/trans existence or my Jewishness at the door, to engage as only part of my whole self. Programs like J-Pride are necessary because they don’t force that divide, and instead allow people to bring their entire authentic selves into the room. When I learned that I could bring my non-profit experience to a program creating such necessary space, I knew
I had to apply.

Pete Lee, a ‘Tonight Show’ favorite with local ties, to perform at
JFCS’ 33rd Annual Benefit
Though he has lived in New York and/or Los Angeles for many years, as many comedians do, Pete Lee has plenty of ties to the upper Midwest, and even Minneapolis.

Pete, the featured performer at JFCS’ 33rd Annual Benefit, grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, and actually went to the University of Minnesota, living in Minneapolis for about a decade. He got his start in standup at the city’s Acme Comedy Club, which remains one of his favorite places to perform.


Get your tickets now to the JFCS 33rd Annual "Laugh on Their Behalf" Virtual Benefit: The JFCS Morning Show....Because it's 5 a.m. somewhere!
The 33rd JFCS Annual "Laugh on Their Behalf" Virtual Benefit
With Comedian Pete Lee
Virtual, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 @ 7 p.m. CST

Join us for an all new VIRTUAL Benefit to support the critical work JFCS does to serve thousands in our community. Featuring comedian Pete Lee and honoring Melanie Barry, Michael and Etta Barry, Ronald and Shari Barry, and Leslie and Jerad Hahn and their families with the Friends of the Family Award. Get your tickets now!



October is Disability Employment Awareness Month
October marks the 76th annual observation of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is themed as “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” Minnesota’s economy and its competitiveness require the contributions of all people, including those with disabilities.

JFCS’ Vocational Rehabilitation program provides personalized services to individuals with disabilities who are seeking to improve their work lives or find employment. The program offers vocational evaluation, job placement, work adjustment training and extended employment services. The program is accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Have an hour or two to spare or looking for an ongoing volunteer opportunity? Come volunteer with JFCS!
JFCS is always in need of volunteers in many different
capacities!


For more information about JFCS volunteer services
click here, or contact Dana Shapiro, Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org or 952-417-2112. Let Dana Shapiro know if you would like to be added to the list to stay informed and receive the quarterly volunteer newsletter.
JFCS will resume office hours at our Golden Valley location on Oct. 25
Effective Oct. 25, JFCS will resume full office hours at our Golden Valley location. During office hours, our reception staff will be available to greet clients, volunteers and other guests. Our staff will provide in-person assistance, in addition to continuing service in hybrid and remote modes.

Please note that the health, safety, and wellbeing of our clients, staff, and volunteers is JFCS’ top priority. Among our many safety protocols, all visitors to JFCS’ Golden Valley office must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test result (PCR test within the past 72 hours). Please present your documentation (electronic copy accepted) to the JFCS Receptionist or other staff hosting you. All visitors must wear a face mask inside JFCS. JFCS remains committed to providing virtual service options as well. Thank you for helping us keep you and others safe and healthy.