| August 27, 2009
7 Elul 5769 |
| Shalom! |
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| Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts' Connection e-newsletter. This is your online connection to the Federation world and will include news, information about upcoming events, and spotlights on individuals whose lives are enriched thanks to your gift to our Annual Campaign.
We welcome your feedback. Click here to let us know your thoughts and share a story. |
| Save the Date! |
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 Volunteer Opportunities Fair
Do you want to make a difference in our community?
Do you want to help our neighbors in need?
Do you want to assist the many wonderful agencies trying to create a better world?
Please join us for the Jack Robinson* Memorial Volunteer Fair!
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23 ~ 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Springfield Jewish Community Center, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield
WHAT: An opportunity to learn about a wide range of agenices that are looking for good people like you to help them help others
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| What Will YOUR Legacy Be? |
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 Create A Jewish Legacy Program Wraps Up Its First Year
● The first year of the Create a Jewish Legacy program ended on June 30 with tremendous success!
● To date, more than 174 Legacy commitments to our Jewish community have been generated.
● The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts secured 16 commitments in Year 1, valuing $820,000 of those who reported dollar amounts.
● To learn more about the program and how you can participate, please visit www.jewishlegacywesternmass.org or call Scott Kaplan at (413) 732-9994.
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| Mark Your Calendar! |
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 Federation Annual Meeting Celebrating the Success of Create a Jewish Legacy of Western Massachusetts
The Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the JCC. The event will feature the installation of officers and new Board members for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, as well as the presentation of the Philip E. Saks Young Leadership Award and Harold Grinspoon Foundation Unsung Hero Awards. For more information, click here. To R.S.V.P., call the Federation office at (413) 737-4313 x137. |
| Your Federation Gift Makes a Difference |
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 No Boundaries at JCC
Boundaries come in different forms, but the JCC prides itself in breaking down these boundaries. When "Joe" became a CIT (Counselor in Training), another boundary came crashing down. Joe has a disability called Autism.
Having attended programs at the JCC since he was a toddler, Joe made the natural progression to a CIT. The CIT program gives teens an opportunity to develop and enhance leadership skills as well as exhibit independence on their 5-day, 4-night trip to Club Getaway. During this trip, Joe bonded with his fellow CITs as they all bunked together and enjoyed boating, rock climbing and evening socials.
Now Joe is back at camp with the assistance of a 1:1 and he is doing great in his new role. He is learning how to be a mentor and teacher to children as so many people at the JCC have been a mentor to him over the years.
"The JCC provides a safe environment for Joe to develop independence and the programs continue nurturing and enabling Josh to surpass his goals," says Joe's mother.
Join us as we celebrate Joe and the breaking down of the lines and attitudes about what people with disabilities can and can't do. Thanks to your gift to the Federation Annual Campaign, we are able to provide vital funds for the JCC which does so much to enhance Jewish life in our community. Your gift to the Federation makes a difference to Joe and hundreds of children who depend on the JCC for summer camp and programs throughout the year! To learn more about the many wonderful ways your contribution to the Annual Campaign makes a difference, contact
Pearl-Anne Margalit at (413) 737-4313 x157. |
