Happy New Year from our family to yours |
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Dear JFS Family,
The holidays are here, and the season of giving is in full swing. 2021 was a year full of changes but this time of year reminds us to celebrate all that we have to be grateful for - our loved ones, our careers, our health, our community and so much more.
Together, we served a record-breaking 39,000 individuals and families this past year. We can’t help but look back and be in awe of how much we accomplished when we put our hands, hearts, dollars, and minds together. Many families were able to rebuild their lives during a pandemic, put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, or find stability because of your generosity.
So, now more than ever, we want to say thank you for your support! The future looks bright for so many because of you.
Thank you for being such an important part of our lives. Let’s make 2022 the best year ever- Happy New Year!
Best,
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Cathy Barker
Chief Executive Officer
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Julie Liberman
Board Chair
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Renovation & Expansion completed thanks to Bernbaum and Magadini Architects & Funk Construction |
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The Food Pantry Expansion Project would have not been possible without the help and expertise of our partners at Bernbaum & Magadini Architects and the Funk Construction. Bought in 2001 and formerly an auto repair shop, our 40-year-old building had very unique challenges. The architects and our general contractor found innovative solutions to these challenges.
They were also instrumental in helping us renovate our existing waiting room and meeting spaces. These spaces were worn and damaged from the thousands of pallets of food that were received and stored there for the weekly drive-thru food pantry. Our deepest gratitude to Bernbaum & Magadini and Funk Construction for helping us provide a beautiful and dignified space for our staff and clients.
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PLAN partners with Popcorn Shack to employ individuals with mental illness |
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While seeking raffle items for PLAN's Zoo Rendezvous, Jillian Hiris, PLAN Community Liaison, struck up a friendship with local business owner, Darla Predtechenskis. Darla ended up providing wonderful gifts for our event which led to a discussion about member employment opportunities.
Currently, PLAN Members, Chris O., Connie T., Lisa W., Teri and Victoria are all happily fulfilling orders at Popcorn Shack.
Other employment partners of PLAN include Golden Chick, Home Goods, and Marshalls. The Popcorn Shack is the newest company to make a concerted effort to hire PLAN members and accommodate their needs. According to Darla Predtechenskis, owner of The Popcorn Shack, the partnership is mutually beneficial.
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Client story: career and financial services |
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Goliath Games selects JFS as one of 10 nonprofits to receive games for the holidays |
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On Thursday, December 9, 2021, Goliath hosted their inaugural holiday philanthropy initiative, "Giving On Top," reception. During the reception, 10 organizations were presented with an award and an opportunity to share with guests their mission and how they plan to utilize the donations from Goliath.
Kristen Jackson, JFS's Director of Volunteer Engagement stated “the toys and games will benefit our programs in three different areas, our holiday gift program, play therapy, and through our PLAN Clubhouse. The PLAN Clubhouse is a place for adults with severe and persistent mental illness to go and have game nights where they can engage with people and learn social skills.”
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Debi Weiner retires from JFS Dallas, 30-year career |
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After a 30-year career at JFS, Debi Weiner is retiring from her post as Senior Director of Older Adult Services. This organization has Debi to thank for so many services for the Older Adult community, including in-home care management and counseling, indigent burial, caregiver support groups, grief support groups, community chaplaincy services, transportation services, a guardianship program, and so much more. Her leadership and vision has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in government grant funding and private funds to ensure the growing older adult population will always have JFS as a resource in the Jewish community and greater Dallas area. |
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In recognition of her many contributions to the agency and the community, at her retirement party, CEO Cathy Barker announced a new named fund through the Jewish Family Service Foundation in Debi's honor.
We invite you to join us in carrying on Debi's JFS legacy by donating to the Debi Weiner Fund for Older Adult Services below.
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Partnership with JFNA, JFGD, and Toyota of North America allows JFS Transportation Services to resume |
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Toyota Motors North America awarded a grant to JFS to transport seniors and people with disabilities to medical appointments and provide access to social services.
Limited finances, location and/or disabilities make it difficult for Older Adults and those with disabilities to access transportation services, often contributing to poor health and a decline in quality of life.
“The generous grant from Toyota enables us to bring back our transportation program, thus eliminating a barrier to independent living for many of the older adults in our community while also providing greater access to services for those with disabilities,” said Debi Weiner, JFS senior director of Older Adult Services. “We are so grateful for this partnership.”
By the end of December, clients and JCC members will be able to book appointments online with JFS’ new van driver, Shelita Warner. All inquiries may be sent to driver@jfsdallas.org.
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Save the Date for our 10th Bienniel
Woman to Woman Luncheon:
Talent Announcement NEXT WEEK!
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Save the date for Volunteer Appreciation:
Honoring our Superheroes!
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Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 12:30pm-2:30pm at Congregation Shearith Israel's Kaplan Auditorium
A virtual option will be available. Mark that you plan to attend virtually on your RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Please join us in congratulating our 2022
Volunteer Award Recipients!
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Outstanding Volunteer
Ety Friedman
Ed Sands
Leadership Award
Rebecca Buell
Newcomer of the Year
Jay Tobin
Community Partner of the Year
LDS Missionaries
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Hearts and Hands Award
Judy Bazarsky
Deborah Dubsky
Barbra Furman
Noah Fisch
Jill Kirschner
Lisa Rothstein
Siegfried Schmalz
Jerry Szor
Tonya Young
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JFS Town Hall: Hear Agency Updates from our Program Directors |
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Drop off donations at JFS! |
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We are accepting your gently-used items at the JFS Office!
5402 Arapaho Road Dallas, TX 75248
Donations accepted 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday
Donors can bring items to the front doors and leave them in the bins in the vestibule
Do you have bulk donations or large furniture? Call (214) 710-1362 to schedule a safe donation pick-up from your home! Please anticipate a delay due to the volume of calls.
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Designate JFS as your charitable organization of choice on AmazonSmile |
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With everyone shopping online significantly more, we want to remind Amazon users to make sure you are shopping on AmazonSmile, which will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
Follow the 3 easy steps above to designate JFS as your preferred charitable organization! For more information click here.
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