E-Connect
August 6, 2021
|
|
|
Intergenerational Trauma and Canadian Residential Schools
By Joni Pico, MSW, Case Manager
As you may know, I lived and worked in Alaska before moving to Madison in 2019. As a social worker, I engaged with Alaska Native people within the Indian Health Service. Early in my career, I met numerous elders who as children were forcibly separated from their families and relocated to boarding schools for the purpose of being assimilated to Western culture. Most were born during the early 1900s, before Alaska had even achieved statehood. I passed many hours listening to first hand accounts of physical and psychological atrocities from which generations are still suffering.
Scholarly work about intergenerational trauma has been accomplished in the years since the Holocaust. We know that it is passed down at the cellular level, and that some of its common symptoms include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-destructive behaviors. Recently, we have seen headlines about the unmarked graves of Native children discovered on the grounds of former boarding schools in Canada. Here in the United States, our Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland only weeks ago announced an initiative to investigate the abuse of Native people by the American government.
My identity as a Jewish person is known in Alaska. I have memories of Native people saying that Jewish people can be trusted because they have empathy for the hardships faced by Native Americans. The nearness of the High Holidays sparks reflection on Tikkun Olam, acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair our world. As we pray for international peace, may we also honor the memories of those lost to racial discrimination.
|
|
Meet our new Case Aide in Refugee Resettlement!
Gilbertine (“Gigi”) Hererimana is a Burundian native who is fluent in English, Kirundi, French, and Swahili. In 2005, she received her technical diploma in management from a school in Bujumbara. For six years, she lived in The Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, where she worked as a childminder for The Resettlement Support Center Africa. She also worked with various ministries as a reconciliation facilitator.
When Gilbertine moved to Madison in 2018, she worked as a Special Education Assistant for The Madison Metropolitan School District. She is currently a student at Madison College, where she studies Early Childhood Education. In her free time, she enjoys music and dance. She lives with her husband and three children, two boys and one girl. She is very excited to join the JSS team as a Case Aide, and we are equally excited to welcome her!
|
|
Take Action to Protect Vulnerable Immigrants
JSS serves immigrants and refugees every day and knows that they are an important part of the fabric of our community. Therefore, we urge you to take action for immigrants in need of a path to citizenship.
Recently, a U.S. district judge blocked the Biden administration from approving new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). This decision means that thousands of young adults are now barred from receiving those legal protections, as well as the dignity and safety that accompanies DACA status. The ruling shows the clear and pressing need for legislative action to protect Dreamers during this congressional term. Without legislation to establish citizenship, Dreamers, people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and essential workers will continue to live in fear of the threat of arrest, jail, and deportation. Many of these individuals are currently on the COVID frontlines as healthcare professionals and other essential workers, giving back to the country in which they were raised. We urge you to call on Congress to pass a budget that includes legislation providing a path to citizenship for DACA-eligible people, Temporary Protected Status holders, essential workers, and their families by clicking here. Click here for more information on the DACA ruling.
|
|
We are running low on funds for this NECESSARY program.
Watch for our next E-Connect to hear more about some of the people that YOUR gifts have helped.
|
|
Donations needed for our Shabbat services for seniors!
We are looking for a challah cover and a small tablecloth (new or used). If you are able to donate any of these items, please contact Christina Kantor at Christina@jssmadison.org.Thank you! |
|
TO JOIN ZOOM PROGRAMS: Watch out for an email, or go to www.jssmadison.org/calendar and choose a program by date. Click on the event title to open up a new window that will have details and a Zoom link for that program. On Monday mornings, we send out an email notice with the link for Yoga From A Chair. If you are not on that email list, but wish to be – please let us know.
Recordings of past Zoom programs are available on JSS’ YouTube channel. There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.
|
|
We are excited to finally be able to resume in person Shabbat Services at Capitol Lakes and Oakwood Village!** Join Rabbi Renee Bauer and Rabbi Andrea Steinberger one Friday each month for Shabbat candle lighting and prayer. See the JSS Calendar for dates and times https://jssmadison.org/calendar.
**Masks are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for keeping our community safe!
|
|
Join JSS on Mondays for Schmoozing at 11am and
Yoga From A Chair at 11:30am
With Betsy Haimson
Meeting ID: 406 575 567
Join by phone: (312) 626-6799, 406 575 567#
For questions about Zoom programs, call Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083.
|
|
Save The Date!
JSS Madison's Annual Summer Barbecue is back!
When? Monday, August 30th 11:30am-1pm
Where? The Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Highway PD
We all miss being together in person, and will need to adapt as we strive to keep our gatherings safe for all of us. We will still be having our menu as usual, but all will be served individually rather than buffet style. Further, we ask the following of everyone:
- Everyone who participates is required to be fully vaccinated.
- Please bring a mask to wear at all times, except when sitting down to eat or drink.
|
|
We continue to be grateful to our volunteers who give back to our community, often via telephone, internet, and expanded holiday gift-giving and deliveries.
Even though we continue to move back and forth regarding safety protocols and COVID, we continue to receive requests for volunteers as friendly visitors, shopping partners, and other tasks. In the future, we hope to have volunteers help with Shabbats and eventually more in-person events. At the same time that JSS is again requiring all staff, volunteers, program participants, and clients to return to mask-wearing, we are receiving more families for refugee resettlement. We really could use additional help with apartment setup. JSS has a van that we use for larger families. If you are comfortable picking up and driving the van or have a vehicle yourself, we will always need a good size pool of drivers. Some of you are already engaged in some of these roles – thank you again. (PLEASE NOTE: WITH THE VAN, WE ARE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED CDC PROTOCOLS RELATED TO SAFET
For those who want more specifics about these and other emerging volunteer opportunities or know someone who may be a good fit for our programs, please contact us via email or phone number below.
As we move forward, we understand that volunteers and those we help will have varying degrees of comfort level and needs regarding any in-person visiting or transportation help. We will work together with you and your clients to respect that and keep us all safe. We look forward to hearing from you.
|
|
Adult learners need your help with English language and literacy
Thanks to Jewish Federation of Madison through the Cheryl Rosen Weston Fund – Jewish Social Services is partnering with the Literacy Network to offer training and volunteer opportunities this fall working with adult learners in English as a Second Language, GED preparation and/or general literacy skills.
It will involve an initial training session, gaining familiarity with lesson plans and materials prepared by Literacy Network staff, and weekly meetings with an adult learner. The fall session begins in September and runs through mid-December. Until further notice, all meetings will continue to be online.
Research shows that adult learners with basic skills need individualized support. Through a unique model in which interns plan individual lessons delivered one-on-one by volunteer tutors, Literacy Network provides effective and efficient direct support to hundreds of adult learners each year. Staff creates personal education plans thru a flexible curriculum, and provides opportunities for follow-up and feedback between staff, clients and volunteers.
Thanks for those of you who responded already – we still are recruiting. To get further info about this opportunity, please contact JSS volunteer coordinator, Paul Borowsky, 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. Check for further descriptions, specific training dates, applications, and other details on the Literacy Network website: https://www.litnetwork.org
For further information on programs or volunteering contact me anytime: Paul Borowsky, paul@jssmadison.org, (608) 442-4083 |
|
|
|
Volunteer Opportunity: The JSS Refugee Resettlement Team is Looking for Volunteers for the Aljirani Madison Refugee Mentorship Program
Volunteers will meet weekly with their refugee partners to help them feel welcome in Madison and assist in reaching their goals. Please contact sam@jssmadison.org for more information.
|
|
PROGRAM EXTENDED!!! Thank You Bader Philanthropies.
Transportation Program for Older Adults:
Significantly subsidized private rides
JSS is excited to have received a grant from Bader Philanthropies of Milwaukee to allow JSS to provide additional transportation support to ALL older adults throughout Dane County, specifically focusing on those with fewer resources. When JSS cannot find a volunteer driver, trips to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, and similar necessities will be made available for a maximum of $8.00, round trip, with fee waivers available.
If you know anyone who may benefit from this program, please let us know. We have it for our community. For transportation assistance, please contact us at (608) 442-4081 or office@jssmadison.org. We will connect you with one of our social workers who will be happy to help you access this service. We thank Bader Philanthropies for their interest in our community.
|
|
A tribute gift is a meaningful way to convey sympathy to the bereaved, memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion or honor a person’s life and accomplishments.
Your gift to Jewish Social Services made in honor or memory of this special person ensures a legacy that extends far into the future.
|
|
New! Healthy Living with Diabetes
Evidence-based workshop for people with Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes. Developed at Stanford University, the workshop meets for 2-1/2 hours, once a week, for six weeks. This community-based program offers tools and resources to enhance your understanding of what it means to have diabetes. Group support helps you build the confidence to manage your diabetes and maintain an active and fulfilling life. It is sponsored by Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, facilitated by two trained leaders in a small group setting. Each week has various topics related to mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Gain knowledge, share your experience, practice new skills, and help others.
Location: Max Weinstein Jewish Community Building, 6434 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI (where JSS main office is located)
Course dates & times: Monday afternoons from 1-3:30 pm, Sept 13, 20, 27 & Oct 4, 11, 18
Course cost: $20 includes workbook
Office phone: (608) 261-5678
|
|
 |
Allstate Insurance – Cybersecurity for Older Adults
The one-hour virtual session is highly interactive and delivered by one or two presenters from Allstate and includes conversation, interactive elements and video.
There is a session on Thursday, September 9th, 11am-12pm Central Time. Here is a link to view the upcoming sessions, which older adults can use to register for a session
|
|
|
|
Download or read online our paper Connections newsletter. It has different stories and photos than you see in our electronic newsletter.
To reach our office, call (608) 442-4081*
*Please leave a message. We check the voicemail frequently, even when the building is closed.
|
|
Recordings of our Zoom presentations and programs are available to view on JSS' YouTube channel.
|
|
“It is our turn to provide support”: Jewish Social Services of Madison Responds to The Influx of Afghan Refugees and SIV recipients
On July 29th, 2021, The United States Congress passed a bill to provide funding and resettlement support for Afghans who aided the U.S. military during the two-decade-long war, and now face increased risk of Taliban retaliation as the U.S. withdraws troops. To expedite the resettlement process, the bill secures 8,000 Afghan SIVs (Special Immigrant Visas) and streamlines the visa application process. Last week, a first group of applicants arrived in Fort Lee, Virginia, where they will complete the final steps of the visa application process in order to permanently resettle in the United States.
In the past 4 ½ years, JSS has resettled 215 individuals, including 61 Afghan SIV recipients, in the Madison area. JSS is working as part of the US Refugee Resettlement network to be able to meet the needs of the Afghan SIV families who may be coming to the Madison area.
JSS sometimes has as little as 48-72 hours’ notice before a family arrives in Madison. We are looking to the Madison community for help with the following; identifying appropriate housing, financial donations for housing, cell phones, and basic necessities and volunteers to assist with apartment set-up. For more information on how to get involved, see our Volunteer Opportunities Page and our Donations Form.
|
|
Do you have a vehicle that you no longer need???
Donate your car to JSS! The proceeds go directly to our programs.
|
|
JSS is proud to be a beneficiary agency of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
