Abby’s Impact: Building your mental health toolbox
JFS’s Abby’s Impact: Realizing Resilience program is a virtual learner-centered mental health education program that provides a framework for dealing with daily stress and life’s struggles. It offers participants resources and tools to facilitate resilience so they can build their own mental health toolboxes. Learning coping and problem-solving skills is life-changing and critical for well-being.
September 2024 Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce our September Volunteer of the Month, Ellen S., who volunteers as a Community Table Lunch Companion, helping provide nutritious lunches to older adults who benefit from sharing a community meal with their peers.
Don’t wait for a disaster to make a plan
Do you have a plan for you and your family in case an emergency occurs? If not, learn what to do before a disaster strikes because things don’t always go as planned—and if you already do, it’s a great time to reevaluate. There’s no better time than National Preparedness Month to get ready for the unexpected.
Denver Candidate Forum on Aging sessions
JFS, AARP Colorado, Alliance for Retired Americans, Bell Policy Center, Changing the Narrative, the Colorado Center on Aging, the Colorado Commission on Aging, Next50, and others are hosting a series of forums for candidates running for state legislature. These candidate forums will focus solely on aging in Colorado.
Program spotlight: JFS Mental Health Programs
This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Mental Health department. We sat down with Elena Pernitz, LCSW, Operations Manager Mental Health Department to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.
Six back to school tips to set your kids up for success
The long and not necessarily lazy days of summer break are coming to an end. While the start of the school year ushers in new beginnings that can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. JFS KidSuccess Program Manager Amanda Carter offers suggestions about preparing for the academic year and easing into a new routine.
August 2024 Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce our August Volunteer of the Month, Danni L., who volunteers in the Weinberg Food Pantry, helping provide nutritious and culturally relevant food to individuals and families in need.
School-based therapy: JFS KidSuccess expands
Across the country, including in Colorado, the mental health crisis continues to surge—and youth are not exempted from this dire situation. It’s alarming how many children are struggling desperately and need mental health support to help them cope with depression, peer relationships, anxiety, and so much more.
When unexpected things happen, JFS is here to help
“At the end of the day, there are people out there who care and want to help those in need. The JFS staff are very kind, and I appreciate their efforts.” These are Abraham’s sentiments after receiving financial assistance from our JFS Boulder office. Abraham’s story isn’t unusual, and you or someone you know may be in a similar situation.
Introducing our new JFS Boulder director
We’re excited to announce Melissa Mascareñas has been promoted to the director of JFS Boulder. Since March 2023, Melissa has been the associate director, and she has continued to ensure that our Boulder clients receive exemplary services as they overcome difficult life challenges to reach their full potential and feel supported, connected, and engaged.
Calling all participants for our Adaptive Cycling program
The first session of our Adaptive Cycling program is wrapping up, and we’re excited to welcome Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert County residents in the intellectual and developmental disability community over the age of 18 to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, and discover new things on their bicycles! Participants increase mobility, enjoy the benefits of improved health, build social connections, work on bike and safety skills, and have fun!
Employee Anniversaries
Join us in recognizing the dedication of our JFS team members as they celebrate their work anniversaries!
JFS spotlight: Board of Directors
When you think about JFS, our programs and services, the people we serve probably come to mind, and hopefully, how together we’re making an impact throughout our communities. Perhaps you rarely think about our Board of Directors, but this group is responsible for guiding JFS today and into the future—and it’s why we are highlighting their work and introducing our new members this month.
Community Resource Fair
This in-person event features a variety of community partners and is designed to provide helpful information about JFS programs and services and beyond—all to benefit individuals and families within our community.
July 2024 Volunteer of the Month
We are excited to introduce our July Volunteer of the Month, Michele M., who volunteers as a Friendly Visitor, helping to provide friendship and support to older adults in our community and with our Refugee Resettlement program providing cultural orientation to newly settled families.
How dancing can hold the meaning of "Tzedakah"
Ron Sherman, a new JFS board member, enjoys International Folk Dancing and teaching Israeli dance at Wash Park on Thursday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. There is no cost or registration required to participate, and anyone is welcome to join.
Ready to work
Our recent JFS Job Fair was the place to be for more than 150 Denver-area job seekers! With 21 employer partners in attendance, those looking for first jobs, part-time employment to supplement their income, or opportunities to climb the career ladder explored possibilities with the hopes of securing meaningful employment.
JFS intern spotlight: Q&A with Sela Kline
Internships are an opportunity to gain real-life work experience and determine your true passion. Our JFS vocational team was fortunate to have University of Denver student Sela Kline join the group for several months while she completed her senior year at school.
Our greens, your table: Join our JFS Altius Farms CSA
At JFS Altius Farms, we grow more than 35,000 pounds of fresh produce each year in our 7,300 sq. ft. rooftop greenhouse, which houses 355 Tower Gardens™. Our rooftop farm provides healthy, locally and sustainably grown non-GMO and chemical pesticide-free produce.
Program spotlight: JFS Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement
This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program. We sat down with JFS Director of Refugee Resettlement Troy Cox to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.