News from AJFCA for January 7, 2011

As we know from the avalanche of Baby Boomer news stories appearing in recent weeks, the first of the boomers reached the age of 65 on January 1. We have heard warnings of what this wave (some have used the term tsunami) will do to the already stressed Social Security system. There have been many other stories about the cultural and workplace related effects of the aging of the demographic born between 1946 and 1964.

One aspect not as frequently discussed is who will care for this generation as they age. Boomers had about half as many children as their parents, as the average number of children born to boomers was 1.8 compared to the 3.5 of the earlier generation. Many boomers have cared for their elderly parents, or will be doing so in the near future. They are often fortunate to have the support of their siblings in managing this care. But, their children are far fewer in number and thus, each individual will need to bear a greater percentage of the caregiver responsibility. Additionally, boomers divorced at an unprecedented rate, so there are many more fragmented and reformatted families. For the first time in history, children will be looked upon to care for step-parents in numbers approaching their biological parents.

As our agencies plan for the next twenty to forty years, the reverse pyramid effect of family care giving will need to be considered. More than likely, an even greater burden will be placed upon the services and expertise of our Jewish family service agencies. We will need to be more strategic and creative than ever before. As always, the exchange of ideas and resources between our agencies will help us to address this challenge and fulfill our missions to serve our communities.

New Executive Named in Birmingham

The board of directors of Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS) in Birmingham, AL, has announced the selection of Lauren Perlman as its new executive director. Our colleague Esther Schuster is retiring, and Lauren will be assuming her new position on March 1, 2011. Lauren currently is the Director of Advancement for the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School in Birmingham. Formerly, she worked at CJFS, so she has the knowledge and passion to carry on the fine tradition that Esther has developed at the agency. Mazel tov to Lauren and CJFS and we look forward to welcoming her to the AJFCA family in March.

2011 AJFCA Annual Conference

by Ann Zeller

Director, Meetings and Conferences

First Time Attendees

Aside from wonderful programming, AJFCA's 2011 Annual Conference will be a fabulous venue for professionals and lay leadership to grow individually and develop meaningful relationships with colleagues from across North America. Networking allows attendees to benefit by gaining new friends and becoming more aware of what other agencies are doing. Attendees also learn ways to support each other in their efforts to expand and develop our agencies.

AJFCA wants to ensure that our first time attendees get the most out of their conference experience. If you will be a first time attendee, be sure to sign up for a mentor.

Attendees will be able to indicate on the Conference Registration Form whether they are first time attendees and if they would like to have a mentor during the Conference. Mentors are either professionals or lay leaders from our member agencies and will make contact via e-mail or phone to arrange a meeting at the hotel prior or during the Conference. First timers will have the pleasure of being acquainted with someone who may be helpful in answering questions or providing some clarity on anything which raises uncertainties.

Of course, as always, AJFCA staff will also be available prior to and during the Conference to help in any way.

Links to download the Preliminary Program Information and Registration Form for the Conference will be posted on this E-Newsletter in March.

Program Update

by Lisa Budlow

Director of Programs

Send in Your Awards Submissions

Happy New Year to everyone! We received several great submissions for KOVOD Awards during the month of December but we are still looking for more. If your agency has an outstanding website, marketing document or promotional video, please follow these simple guidelines to submit for consideration for KOVOD Awards at this year's conference. KOVOD Award winners are not required to be in Calgary in order to win.

2011 is also a Goodman Award year. Guidelines for nominating a program of your agency for the Goodman Award are attached. If you need a submission form, please email Lisa Budlow to request one. And don't forget to nominate your CEO for the Distinguished Service Award if he or she has served the Jewish community for over 20 years.

Remember...all submissions are due by email to me by January 28, 2011. Please email me with any questions.