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Message From the Executive Director
Our new fiscal year began on July 1, giving me an opportunity to reflect back on our work over the past 12 months. JFCS became a subsidiary of Cedar Sinai Park (CSP) exactly one year ago, and needless to say it's been a time of great excitement and change. There have been many new colleagues to meet, and much to learn about our new sister agencies' programs, including how we can all work together most effectively.
Over the next year, JFCS anticipates collaborating more with CSP as we investigate the new synergies that exist. For instance, we are hiring a half-time clinical case manager who will serve residents at CSP's Rose Schnitzer Manor. We are also exploring a new project called Connections to Care Information and Referral, which would help fill gaps in information on available elder care services in the Portland area, while also helping seniors and their families navigate the CSP family of services.
As many of you know, one of our closest external partnerships is with the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (the Claims Conference), a nonprofit that negotiates annual funding for JFCS and other agencies that assist Holocaust survivors.
We're pleased to announce that the Claims Conference recently negotiated an agreement with the German government that substantially increases funding for homecare for survivors worldwide, including those that JFCS works with here in Portland. Click here to view the Claims Conference announcement.
JFCS has requested funds totaling $781,000 for calendar year 2017, which will allow us to offer more homecare services to an increasingly frail population. This request to the Claims Conference represents a significant jump over our current award of $536,799. The average age of our local survivors is 82, and these extra funds will enable JFCS to far better meet their needs. We will know in December if we will receive those additional funds.
In other news, JFCS recently signed a contract with Multnomah County for the third year of our highly successful PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors) initiative. Through PEARLS, we offer in-home counseling that helps isolated seniors who are at high risk for mild depression to manage their symptoms.
As you can see, new opportunities keep cropping up here at JFCS, so rest assured that we'll keep you up to date.
Wishing you all the best,
Carrie
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A Day of Sea and Sun 
In mid-July, 50 local Holocaust survivors and their guests enjoyed Caf� Europa's annual summer trip to Oregon's famous Cannon Beach. After a picnic lunch, the group spent the afternoon shopping, exploring, lounging, and socializing.
One survivor was seeing the Oregon coast for the first time, and said that without this program, she may have never been able to visit. Other highlights of the trip included one couple's introduction to three other couples who grew up in the same town in Ukraine as they did.
These monthly Caf� Europa events, organized by JFCS, provide Holocaust survivors with a comfortable space where they can engage in conversation, develop supportive relationships, and enjoy social and educational activities.
Among the Caf� Europa activities over the past year: a meditation class, a presentation on music as therapy, a play at Portland Center Stage, and a festive Purim party complete with masks and Hamentaschen.
Studies show that opportunities such as Caf� Europa are vital for socialization, which has a direct correlation to better health and wellness.
For more information about Cafe Europa, contact Missy Fry at 503.226.7079 ext. 133 or [email protected].
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New Lifeline Program Director Role
 JFCS is pleased to announce that Brian Fallon has been named Lifeline Program Director, a new position at the agency. Since joining JFCS in 2014, Brian has served as Lifeline Services Program Manager, managing the Holocaust Survivor Services (HSS) and Emergency Aid programs. In his new role, Brian will also oversee two Disability Support programs: Partners for Independence and TASK (Treasuring, Accepting & Supporting Kehillah).
Brian has extensive case management experience, having worked for more than 30 years in social services, including at organizations that assist people with developmental disabilities.
Through the Partners for Independence program, JFCS provides state-certified skills training and behavior supports that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities enhance their sense of autonomy.
TASK promotes inclusion for people of all ages with disabilities so that they can fully participate in the community. Services include advocacy, culturally competent case management, and Tikvah social activities such as bowling or going out to dinner. This program will be supported by the TASK Inclusion Specialist, and we are currently recruiting for this part-time position.
For more information, contact Brian Fallon at 503.226.7079 ext. 121 or [email protected].
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Planning for Future Generations
Building charitable giving into your estate plan is a wonderful way to extend your generosity and leave a meaningful legacy. And it's not just for the very wealthy. In fact, there are several good options for providing for your family while also giving to your favorite causes.
Please join us on Sunday, August 21, for an informative workshop on estate planning, sponsored by Jewish Family & Child Service, in partnership with Cedar Sinai Park. The presentation will be led by Julie Nimnicht, a lawye r with the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt, a local firm that specializes in elder care.
This free workshop will be held at Rose Schnitzer Manor on August 21st from 2 pm - 3:30 pm. Please see the invitation here for details on registration. Seating is limited, so please reserve your space by August 14th.
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We are pleased to recognize our growing list of donors who have made commitments to leave a legacy gift to JFCS. 
For more information about legacy giving, contact Carrie Hoops at 503.226.7079 ext. 113 or [email protected].
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