Fall 2014 Newsletter T

Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service

ransformations A Chicken for Shabbat A Feather in Our Cap

Mental Health First Aid Take a Course, Save a Life Chai Society Reaching Chai-er Who’s Making a Difference? Sheila Wilensky

Advocates of the Year Judith Rosenberg Hope Silverman

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PRESIDENT Carolyn Gleimer Silbey

1st VICE PRESIDENT

Jack Rosenberg

VICE PRESIDENTS Judith Rosenberg Hope Silverman Muriel Strosberg

Herb Zlotnick

TREASURER Art Silber

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Larry Skatoff

SECRETARY Josh Pertnoy

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Hal Gottschall

MEMBERS AT LARGE

2014-2015 Board of Directors

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Don Abrams Lawrence Abramson Sheldon Bearman, M.D. Sol Freedman Ellie Hart Joel Hart Arnold L. Lampert Michael A. Lampert Irwin Lebow* Jennifer Lesser Howard Levy Elsie Leviton z”l * Lisa Lickstein Vivian Lieberman Diann Mann Jean Perkins Josh Pertnoy

Susan Pertnoy Naomi Rosenberg Laurie Rothman, M.D. Harriet I. Samuels Adele Shamban Isabelle Sherman Peter S. Sidel Arthur Small, M.D. John Stern Sheila Wilensky Joel H. Yudenfreund Rabbi Leonard Zucker* * emeritus

A Message from AJFCS President

Carolyn Gleimer Silbey

Another new year is upon us at the Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service, and we are busy planning and preparing for a successful season of growth and opportunity. In addition to this year’s theme of “a tradition of transformation” as it relates to LJRFS, it is also of great import to me personally. My beloved wife, Marilyn, of blessed memory, took great pride and “nachas” in LJRFS, as she worked tirelessly for many years to ensure its growth and development. She served on the board of directors, and we together focused our energies as a couple on both group homes and the apartment program maintaining excellence and accessibility. Educating our community about the special

needs of our residents, and what LJRFS has to offer, has been of top priority. We are deeply proud that these outstanding residences are truly the place to call home.

Over the years Marilyn enjoyed meeting and socializing with the residents, especially at

holidays where she would joyfully assist with Hamantaschen baking and participating in the Passover Seders led by Reb Sol. Visiting with the residents at Temple Emanu-el during the High Holidays and Sukkot always brought a smile to her face.

As we all move forward, we will rededicate ourselves to continuing this tradition of

transformation, constantly reevaluating the methods, oversight and innovation needed to ensure that the LJRFS programs are the best in the state, and that our residents have the best opportunity to live the fullest life possible. Sincerely, Arnold L. Lampert

2014-2015 Board of Directors

PRESIDENT Arnold L. Lampert

VICE PRESIDENT Keith B. Braun

TREASURER Art Silber

SECRETARY Neil Efron

Lawrence Abramson Meryl Avni Alan I. Goldberg Stacey H. Lampert Marilyn Lampert z”l Michael A. Lampert

Jane Lessin Howard Levy Lisa Lickstein Pam Rembaum David Sandberg Robert Seidemann

“A Tradition of Transformation”- this year’s theme at AJFCS. What a succinct and accurate description of the work that is done, each and every day, by our exemplary team of tenured professional staff, to support and strengthen our clients as they navigate challenging times in their lives. An established and important fixture in our community, AJFCS, now entering its 41st year, is deeply rooted in a culture of compassion, generosity, volunteerism, and philanthropy. It continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of people, who depend on its responsiveness, innovation, and sensitivity.

As the needs of families, individuals, and our community evolve, AJFCS continually adapts. For instance, we recently initiated a new support group for families and friends who are being impacted by the horrific events in Israel. We reach out- we offer support- we provide a safe place to express fears and identify healthy ways of coping. We help people transform their lives. I humbly stand on the broad shoulders of my esteemed predecessor, past President Harvey Siegel, and recently retired Executive Director Neil P. Newstein, and all of the others leaders, board members, volunteers and professionals who have ensured that AJFCS remains accessible to our community, whenever they need the myriad of social services we offer. As I begin my term as president of AJFCS, I am honored to do my part to continue the legacy of excellence, responsiveness and healing that AJFCS has meant to so many throughout the years. Please join me by doing your part to help to strengthen our community. Sincerely, Carolyn Gleimer Silbey

A Message from LJRFS President

Arnold L. Lampert

I am honored to step into the Chief Executive Officer position, following in Neil Newstein’s successful footsteps. However, as many of you have heard me state, since I cannot genuinely fill his shoes, I intend to bring my own. After more than 28 years at AJFCS, this transition, in many ways, has been a smooth transformation. I am privileged to serve in this additional capacity and am grateful for the opportunity to engage the agency to continue to help strengthen our communities. I, along with our strong Board of Directors, am fortunate to have a well-qualified, tenured and talented group of employees, who are committed to helping people during challenging times in their lives. Our focus over the next

year is on sustainability: How we sustain excellence in service; be responsive and make a difference in the community; continue to nurture and grow our internal cohesion; the ways in which we engage our donors; expand our relationships and collaborate within the community; our capacity to increase our financial base to provide more service and maintain our commitment to strong values and mission are all part of our transformation.

Those who support our organization are integral to the agency’s capacity to grow and continue to meet the needs of the community. Our volunteers and donors are extremely important to us. We highly value your support. We thank you for your continued sustenance and investment in the many ways we help those with needs. Please feel free to be in direct contact with me at any time with your ideas or concerns. Sincerely, Jenni Frumer, MSEd, LCSW, NCG, PhDc CEO

A Message from the CEO

Jenni Frumer

After 28 years of helping thousands of families with needs, Neil Newstein has retired as CEO of Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service and Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service. When Neil first came to the agency we had a staff of five and a budget of $300,000. It is through Neil’s vision our agency has grown to a staff of more than 180 and a budget of $10.5 million. It is because of this remarkable effort and dedication that we have recently renamed our main hallway with a gallery of recipients as the ‘Neil Newstein Gallery’. A photo of Neil adorns the gallery, as does a Proclamation presented to Neil from West Palm Beach Mayor Muoio at our 2014 Annual Meeting in May. Neil will be keeping busy, serving currently as the Interim CEO for the JFS of Broward and

will become president of the Center for Guardianship Certification in January. Additionally,

Neil plans to consult with families for our own LifePlanning and residential programs.

AJFCS just received our

first check from Amazon!

Thank you for participating!

Neil Newstein Gallery

Elinor & Jean Perkins Gladys Jacobson & Bobbi Robinson Jane Lessin, Sol Freedman

Linda & Hal Gottschall Karen Levy-Lutner, Phoebe Shochat, Vivian Lieberman, Michele Dickstein Pauline Sirota & Herb Zlotnick

Claire Levine & Judy Bergman Sheila & Alec Engelstein Josh & Andrea Pertnoy, Susan & Ronnie Pertnoy

Gerald Levy & Gladys Alpert Peter & Barbara Sidel Millie Sellinger & Georgie Duber

Franklin Silbey & Carolyn Gleimer Silbey Jennifer & Gary Lesser Linda & Larry Skatoff

Ruth Abramson & Larry Abramson Lynn & Art Silber The Lampert Family

Carol & Lionel Greenbaum Jeri & Harvey Siegel Ellie Hart Michelle Sanabria, Ira Hochman, Allison Greenberg-Negri, Marian Pachman

Volunteers of the Year

Arlene & Sheldon Bearman Nancy & Joel Hart Judith & Irwin Lebow John Stern & Reed Catlett

Advocates of the Year

Reaching Chai-er!

Some exciting Chai Society plans are in the works for the upcoming year, which promise to propel Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service forward, and help secure much-needed additional annual funding. Zelda Mason, Chair of the Board of Trustees, is delighted to announce the launch of a new Chai Society initiative - Reaching Chai-er. The Chai Society, now entering its seventh year, embodies 110 dedicated individuals and families, who donate a minimum of $5,000 annually. This collective commitment totaled almost $2 million for the 2014 Annual Campaign. The growth and development of this generous group of donors has been crucial in sustaining the agency and providing critical financial support.

As a recognizable symbol of commitment, a Palm Beach jeweler has

designed a beautiful butterfly pin (in both silver and vermeil finish) available for purchase for $350. The pin can be adorned with different gemstones indicating various levels of giving. A men’s lapel pin will be available as well.

Zelda stated, “My husband Allen and I are proud to announce our support of this important initiative by increasing our gift to $25,000 - the Sustainer level. We hope many Chai Society members will consider joining us in increasing their own personal gift to a higher level. And, we hope other AJFCS friends will consider becoming a Chai Society member this year so that the agency can continue the important work of strengthening the community by helping people during challenging times in their lives.”

For further information, please contact Carolyn Yasuna at 561-713-1899

This year’s Advocates of the Year event, on Monday,

December 15 at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, will honor Judith

Rosenberg and Hope Silverman. These remarkable women personify a

generosity of spirit and, through their extensive involvement and their

selfless acts of kindness, have supported Alpert Jewish Family &

Children’s Service as well as the entire community. Judith and Hope,

along with Jack Rosenberg and Gene Silverman, their husbands, their

partners in philanthropy and their creative Co-Chairs, have been

planning what promises to be a celebratory and enjoyable event, with

maybe a few entertaining surprises.

To begin with, this year’s event will be a scrumptious and bountiful brunch, certain to tantalize the most discerning of palates. This

promises to be another meaningful opportunity to honor these leaders of the community and ensure that the vital work Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service provides for people with needs continues.

Register online at: www.JFCSonline.com

For questions regarding the event contact Ronnie Jacobs Cohen at 561-238-0290 or via email to rcohen@JFCSonline.com

2015 Honorees and Chairmen

Allen and Zelda Mason

The Melvin J. & Claire Levine LifePlanning program has had a very productive and gratifying 2014 season. From January to May, the program offered ten seminars, in which the attendance totaled well over 175 people. These seminars addressed the needs and opportunities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and limiting physical disabilities as they relate to future planning. Feedback from the seminars has been very positive. As one program participant mentioned, “All of the seminars have all been very informative and have moved me forward with planning for my aging child.” Oxbridge Academy graciously loaned their space so that over 100 people could learn more at our resource fair about the supports and services available in the community. Since January, Program Director, Joan Ensink, and Educational Coordinator/

Family Consultant, Meredith Lee, have consulted with almost 200 people, either in person or on the phone, assisting them with their planning needs. As the program continues to grow, the need for education is vital. Joan and Meredith were invited to attend and present at the 16th Annual Family Café, a statewide conference in Orlando for individuals with disabilities and their families. They presented information about the LifePlanning program to over 60 people and also had the opportunity to attend workshops, expanding their knowledge base to continue to assist others. The program, a free service of the agency, has had an enormous impact in the lives of so many and we are looking forward to another successful season!

For more information please contact

Joan Ensink at 561-713-1900 or Meredith Lee at 561-238-0284

2014-2015 Seminar Schedule Coming Soon!

Thanks to a grant from the Herbert Bearman Foundation, AJFCS has brought the international, evidence-based Mental Health First Aid program to Palm Beach County. MHFA is an 8 hour public education course introduced in the US in 2008. To date, well over 150,000 individuals have become certified in MHFA and learned about illnesses such as anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. The goal is for MHFA to become as widely accepted as medical CPR and First Aid. MHFA will allow AJFCS to expand the “safety-net” that it has created for more than 40 years in our community.

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a specific five-step action

plan to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis.

“We are thrilled to bring Mental Health First Aid to our community,”

said Dr. Elaine Rotenberg, AJFCS’ Clinical Director. “This important educational effort helps people understand the challenges facing individuals and families who experience mental illnesses and addiction. MHFA will help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and move more people toward recovery.” Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect that person to help. First Aiders do not take on the role of professionals — they do not diagnose or provide any counseling. Instead, the program offers concrete tools and answers key questions, like “what do I do?” and “where can someone find help?”

To date, AJFCS has taught MHFA to almost 300 individuals in our community. We are in the process of scheduling this course at several of our local synagogues after the holidays.

For more information, or if you are interested in taking a Mental Health First Aid class,

Please contact Pam Cohen at 561-684-1991

I was a student in the inaugural Mental Health First Aid class. Some of what I learned I have put to use when talking with friends who are showing signs of mild mental distress. I also gained the skills, and the confidence to use them, to hopefully calm a person that appears to be experiencing a more severe mental health issue. I’m a big fan of MHFA training and a believer that it can improve and save lives. —Marc Hopin

Mental Health First Aid

Melvin J. and Claire Levine Jewish Residential

LifePlanning Program

Pam Cohen instructs a Mental Health First Aid class

®

Rosh Hashanah. The time for reflection and renewal – for contemplating how we have spent the past year. What’s in a year? Challenges

are met, obstacles overcome, and the achievements of both individuals and a united community. Best of all, it’s a time to look ahead to new

opportunities and a fresh slate. It’s a time of transformation.

Just as you do, at AJFCS, we reflect and contemplate on how we would like this new year to unfold. We see challenges on the horizon; the

men, women and children who will come, by the thousands, to AJFCS during difficult times in their lives. We also see hope, optimism and a

vision for how OUR community can be strengthened and individuals’ widespread needs be met.

Rosh Hashanah is a tradition. Reflection is a tradition. Traditions bring forth transformation.

We hope that your new year will include being a part of our family, our tradition, and our transformation.

The shofar reactivates the actions of the first day of creation. Hashem said “Let there be light, and there was light." This refers to the spirit

of truth and righteousness, creating the light which eliminates darkness.

Will you be the light for so many who need the darkness removed from their lives?

At AJFCS, our light shines on so many through transformational services that:

match isolated seniors with companions that allow them remain in their own homes.

offer adults with special needs a supportive place to call home that maximizes their independence.

assign children without a parent a mentor to look up to—someone who can help them have a brighter future.

ensure that survivors of the Holocaust are cared for with sensitivity and dignity.

help a woman escape the tragedy of domestic abuse.

give hope to someone having an emotional crisis, with compassionate counselors who can offer support and encourage problem

solving.

We hope that the call of the shofar will inspire you to honor the Jewish tradition of tzedakah by making a gift to help us care for our most

vulnerable neighbors. You can transform the lives of the frail elderly, children and families, adults with special needs, and so many others

who come to us to meet life’s challenges.

Thank you for your support and for making our community and the world a better place, one person at a time. May it be a sweet, peaceful

year for us all—a year when we bring light and transformation to the many people in need of our support.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Gleimer Silbey Arnold L. Lampert

President President

AJFCS LJRFS

L’Shanah Tovah! The Tradition of Transformation!

Who’s Making a Difference:

Sheila Wilensky

Synagogue Making a Difference:

Temple Judea

In this issue we are pleased to feature Sheila Wilensky. Sheila has been

committed to helping others and making the world a better place her entire life. Her

involvement spans decades and countless hours in both her communities of Atlanta

and Palm Beach County. She has served in key leadership roles in many national and

local organizations, and has been a major force with AJFCS as a long standing board

member, Chai Society Co-Chair, and Founding Chair of Café Europa, an annual

gathering of over 300 Holocaust survivors. Her commitment to eradicating hunger in

the Jewish community is a particular focus for both her and her husband, Larry. This

passion led them to ensure ongoing support of food baskets for those in need.

Because of the Wilenskys, AJFCS is able to provide holiday baskets for Rosh

Hashanah, Passover and Thanksgiving for Jewish families who are in severe financial

need. Jewish families call AJFCS to help them because they have no food, and

because of the Wilenskys, their calls are answered.

The Wilensky Holiday Baskets allow families to enjoy a holiday feast, such as fresh, cooked chickens or turkey and the trimmings, and

traditional foods like matzo for Pesach. Home delivery also enables a friendly professional or volunteer to visit with the recipient, helping to

address the isolation that so many of the clients feel, particularly during holidays. Over 500 families benefited from the Wilensky Family

Holiday Basket Program last year, and it is about so much more than simply a meal. It is not unusual for recipients to literally cry because of

their heartfelt appreciation that someone has remembered them during the holidays. Sheila and Larry Wilensky continue to make a

difference this Rosh Hashanah, as they have for many holidays in the past, by caring so much about others and fulfilling this beautiful mitzvah.

This issue’s Synagogue Making a Difference is Temple Judea in Palm Beach

Gardens. Temple Judea continues to deepen and strengthen its connection with AJFCS and

the community with a multitude of initiatives spearheaded and underwritten by the temple’s

very active Social Action Committee. Under the passionate leadership of Nancy Wollman and

Debbie Kinback, and ably joined by Char Plotsky, chair of the Holocaust Survivor’s Program,

multi-generational learning and dialogue has occurred, and beautiful friendships have

blossomed. In February, 23 survivors joined 25 Religious School students for their first brunch

together, entitled “Eat & Schmooze.” Fifth, sixth and seventh graders learned about life in

Europe before the war from the personal experiences of the survivors. Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik

remarked that the exchange was “one of the best moments” in Temple Judea’s life. A second “Eat and Schmooze” was held in August.

Temple members also participate in a special program called “Tele-Buddy.” Temple members become phone friends with Holocaust

survivors, seniors or disabled individuals who are AJFCS clients and benefit from a little telephone TLC! A short training is given by an AJFCS

caseworker and matches are created. Temple Judea is currently the sole synagogue involved in this program—a true model to emulate!

Additionally, Temple Judea supports the AJFCS Kosher Food

Pantry by year-round donations of non-perishable food as well as

hands-on volunteering of sorting food and stocking shelves. Temple

Judea is truly making a difference in the lives of many! AJFCS continues

to have an ongoing presence at Temple Judea, offering a variety of

support groups led by Marcia Grobman, LCSW. All are open to the

entire community.

For information, please call 561-684-1991

At Café Europa, Sheila Wilensky reunites two cousins, Margaret Stern Grussgott and Miriam Patipa who were separated during the Holocaust.

Rosalie Herman, a Holocaust survivor, attends

Eat & Schmooze at Temple Judea

Enhanced Companions/AmeriCorps

We are very excited to be able to expand our Enhanced Companion program with the addition of a new grant from Palm Healthcare and increased funding from the AmeriCorps Program. This year we will have 70 slots for the AmeriCorps program enabling us to serve additional clients and expand geographic availability. The Enhanced Companion program helps clients remain independent in their own homes by assisting with transportation to appointments, errands, grocery shopping and most importantly, provides increased socialization. Our goal is to provide respite to the caregivers while making the best match between the companion and client so they develop a warm relationship. We are beginning our 12th year of AmeriCorps with our five day October training.

For more information on AmeriCorps Please contact Nancy Frent at 561-238-0235

Have you ever wondered how families and older adults feel when they not able to have a special Shabbat dinner? Feeling connected to the Jewish community and knowing that others care are important sentiments for many Jewish families and serve as significant memories for older adults. A Chicken for Shabbat program was founded by Bill Forster (Forster Family Kosher Food Pantry) and has developed into a partnership with AJFCS. Bill is a man of vision, whose ideas are big, and audacious. He authored a book, which describes the mitzvoth of feeing the hungry.

This book has been adopted by six other communities and is

expanding to others. Miami, Naples, Broward, Norfolk, Indianapolis and Cincinnati are affiliate agencies, which like AJFCS are using the book to build and raise the community awareness of hunger. Bar and Bat Mitzvah students are engaged in A Chicken for Shabbat projects, raising money for gift cards for those in need of meals for Shabbat. The Meyer Academy has its own book, in which all the students have an age-appropriate picture published.

For more information or to receive a free book

Please contact Jenni at 561-684-1991

Bill Forster reads ‘A Chicken for Shabbat’ to the Meyer Academy Students

A Chicken for Shabbat

Honor a life,

By changing one

www.JFCSonline.com/tribute

By making a gift to the Tribute Fund, you

can simultaneously remember an

important occasion and help those

who need it most.

2014 AmeriCorps Volunteers receive their certificates.

“A Call to Serve: Florida Jews and the Military.”

AJFCS will be partnering with the Mandel JCCs of the Palm Beaches to honor our veterans in a community events this fall. These events were developed and coordinated by our AmeriCorps Volunteer and new Board member Ellie Hart. Each JCC will host the showing of a WLRN produced docu-mentary “A Call to Serve: Florida Jews and the Military.” Plans include the presence of two of the veterans appearing in the documentary for a question and answer session and a dessert reception. The events are free and open to the public.

November 12, 7:00 pm

Mandel JCC, Boynton Beach

For more information or to reserve a seat, Please call Traci Pincourt-Braun at 561-238-0259

Our Programs Are Growing Mark Your Calendars

Girls age 16-24 Are at the HIGHEST risk for relationship abuse—

almost triple the national average

1 1 t h Annual No Excuse for Abuse Luncheon

Wednesday, March 11 at 10:30am Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Co-Chairs Michele Dickstein, Karen Levy-Lutner, Vivian Lieberman, Phoebe Shochat

On average it takes

5 to 7 attempts before

successfully leaving an abusive marriage

Jewish women tend to stay in abusive

relationships twice as long as their non-Jewish

counterparts

1 in 4 women will experience relationship abuse in their lifetime

This includes Jewish women

P.O. Box 220627 West Palm Beach, FL 33422

NON-PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAID

WEST PALM BEACH FL

PERMIT #425

Happy New Year! L’Shanah Tovah

561-684-1991 www.JFCSonline.com

DR. ROBERT WATSON

Back by Popular Demand

“Harry Truman, the Legacy of the Holocaust, and the Statehood for Israel”

Monday, December 8 at 7:00pm Duncan Theatre, Lake Worth

Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00pm

Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens

Chairs: Linda and Hal Gottschall

Dr. Robert Watson is Professor and Coordinator of American Studies at Lynn University, Senior Fellow with the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and lecturer at the Lifelong Learning Center at Florida Atlantic University. He is a renowned published author and has been featured on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News.