JFS Detroit's Mentor Connection Featured in Local News

  

Jewish Family Service of Detroit's Mentor Connection program was featured in the Detroit Jewish News on July 17th.

Jerry Weinfuss and Daniel Whetstine met as strangers from different generations through JFS's Mentor Connection program. But over the course of more than six years, they became close friends. Jerry has had a very positive impact on Daniel who faced some challenging times as a teenager. Daniel recently graduated from high school and landed his first job, thanks in part to guidance and support from his mentor, Jerry.



The story demonstrates the profound impact that mentoring can have on both parties. You can view a digital version of the story here.

Another Success for JFCS Atlanta's Tools for Independence WORKS

  

Colin has been with Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta's TeamWORKS program for over 5 years. He was hesitant to transition into the BizWORKS Supported Employment Program, as he did not want to leave his friends. While receiving vocational training, his job coach helped to prepare him and encourage him that he was ready. They began going out on interviews and he established a relationship with the HR director at Target (since his mom is a frequent shopper).



Once the right opportunity came up, he passed the interview with flying colors and was hired as a cart attendant. Colin's self esteem and skills have increased due to his increased independence. He takes pride in his job and loves the discount he receives!

JFCS Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill Food Pantry Reveals Tribute Wall

  

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry Tribute Wall was revealed. The Tribute Wall honors the generous financial supporters who have helped the Pantry fulfill its mission, and inspires hope in the hearts of those who rely on it for



assistance. Check out the photos from the open house here.

JFS Los Angeles Provides Free Groceries

  

Jewish Family Service or Los Angeles' { SOVA, provides free groceries and an array of supportive services to over 12,000 individuals of all ages, ethnicities and religions each month.


Check out this family's experience featured on ABC 7 News.

Lee I. Sherman

President/CEO

We are all familiar with the growing epidemic of Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss in our modern society.  Recently, a number of studies have been conducted to determine the effect of certain activities, diets, and other "best practices" that can prevent or slow down the loss of memory.  Among those mental activities that show promise are puzzles, word games, and other "brain games" that can stimulate our minds. From our own personal experiences, we know that continually revisiting memories, mentally going over lists and remembrances of events, helps to keep them alive in our minds and capable of sharing them with others.  

This week, we conclude the reading of B'midbar with the reading of parashah Mas'ei. Moses recounts to the people the itinerary of the Israelites as they wandered through the wilderness. Each stop along the way is mentioned, many of them at the beginning of the journey some forty years ago.  Some who listen to this list of places were born along the way. Others were there from the beginning and undoubtedly have their own personal memories of each location. Regardless of their individual recollections, the recounting of the place names is a communal exercise in memory, and, hopefully, a reminder of what they learned at each station along the way. It is critical for the future of the Jewish people that those who will be settling in Israel have the collective memory of the Exodus and the subsequent forty-year journey, so they may share those events and traditions with their children and future generations.

Working to prevent memory loss must be a priority for our society, both individual and collective memory. The Jewish people have understood this since the time of Moses. May we continue to recognize and encourage this important task.

Shabbat Shalom