AGENCY HIGHLIGHTS
Visions of Remembrance, Voices of Hope
Because of the rich and varied lives my clients have lived, I often reflect on the Jewish experience. It's deeply sobering that so much of our collective history has involved trauma, but we are a remarkably resilient and productive people considering our stories.  | |
Lani Scheman
Geriatric Care Manager
Aging in Place
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It was my privilege to participate in the Visions of Remembrance, Voices of Hope project at JFS. My task was to formulate the text accompanying the photographs in the gallery and, in order to do that, I listened to each survivor's taped story for that one small piece of truth that expressed something about his or her individual spirit. It was difficult to choose the words because so much of the testimony was compelling, and I was limited to a paragraph. I felt like each person's voice occupied a sacred space inside me and with every name, every location, every date, I became more a part of my history. In order to make sure dates and spellings were correct, I had to research them all, forcing my way through the inevitable images that accompanied the articles I read. In the end, it was the film footage of pre-war Jewish villages and neighborhoods that stirred me most deeply - the innocence of ordinary life before the storm. This clip is from one of our survivor's village in Hungary; she is likely one of the singing school children. Continue reading here.
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Each year, more and more Americans are caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, disability, or the frailties of old age. According to the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), there are as many as 90 million family caregivers in the U.S. today. Caregivers are often caring for their aging parents while raising a family of their own. Becoming effective advocates for themselves and their loved ones is one of the first steps to making their lives more manageable. Family caregivers need to become empowered, proactive, creative, and resourceful in acquiring the information and the help they need. Visit caregiveraction.org and the National Family Caregiver Association website to learn more about National Family Caregiving Month.  If you are in the Sandwich Generation, caring for a parent, a child and sometimes even a grandchild, Jewish Community Services of Baltimore offers resources and services that can help. Their specialists in gerontology provide up-to-date information, expert advice and senior-focused services to help you in planning and caring for yourself and your family members. For information click here. Also, on November 3rd, JCS is offering a program on this very topic. See the Stuck in the Middle? Click here for details.
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Calls & Webinars
Visit AJFCA's Calendarto learn more about free calls and webinars. For more information login to the Member Resources section of the AJFCA website, followed by Webinars. Contact Megan at 410-843-7327 with questions.
Aging and Mental HealthNov., 10th, 2pm ETREGISTER HERE  SterlingBackcheck's FCRA Compliance Webinar
Nov., 13th, 2pm ET
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Stay updated on AJFCA offerings, agency news & current trends . . .
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D'Var Torah
Lee I. Sherman
President/CEO
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend a special viewing of the documentary 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus. The film and the subsequent book, 50 Children, both by Steven Pressman, tell the amazing story of how one otherwise unremarkable couple, Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus of Philadelphia, were able to navigate through overwhelming obstacles both in the United States and Europe, travel to Vienna in 1939, and rescue 50 children from the clutches of the Nazis and bring them safely to the United States. It is a story of persuasion, perseverance, and passion, and one that evokes feelings of both pride and anger, as the Kraus' were able to do something that almost no one else in the United States was either willing or able to do.
In this week's parashah, Va-yera, we continue the story of Abraham. We see Abraham as he recovers from his circumcision, but still has the strength and compassion to welcome three strangers into his tent. We hear Abraham argue with God to save the innocent of Sodom, so they are not swept away with the guilty. And we read of continued instances when Abraham does all that he can do to protect his family and those that accompany him.
There is much to emulate in the actions and behaviors of Abraham. As Jews, it would be nice to think that we do all we can to follow the example of Abraham. At times, I am certain we do not. Thankfully, at the most dire times, there are Jews like the Kraus's of Philadelphia, who rise to the occasion and beyond and recognize that we all are responsible for one another and, sometimes, we have to take the initiative and do something about it.
Shabbat Shalom.
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Health Insurance Marketplace: Open Enrollment 
Do your clients need health coverage? The Health Insurance Marketplace is the place for them. Having trouble finding health insurance that fits your clients' needs and their budget? Look no further than the Health Insurance Marketplace. All plans in the Marketplace cover essential health benefits, pre--existing conditions, and more. To find the latest, most accurate, information for your clients about the Marketplace visit HealthCare.gov. Continue reading here. |
Lee Zeldin Becomes Congress' Sole Jewish  Republican as GOP Retakes Senate
Results late Tuesday showed Republicans winning control of the United States Senate as well as wins for fresh faces with close Jewish and pro-Israel ties. Continue reading here. |
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AGENCY PROGRAMMING/OPERATIONS
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The Key To Success? Don't Do It All Yourself! 
A recent study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity found that nearly half of all companies surveyed were concerned about their employees' ability to delegate work - and with good reason. When organizational leaders don't delegate, they become overworked, stressed and unhappy. Continue reading here. |
Making Philanthropic Investments Last: The Role of Financial Sustainability 
Financial sustainability requires careful planning, typically using a dynamic document that is reviewed and revisited periodically. Such a document - the financial sustainability plan - describes strategies to contain costs and to cover them through fundraising and program revenues. Continue reading here. |
Good Deeds Day Webinar  Good Deeds Day, held on March 15th celebrates doing good for the benefit of others and the planet. All over the world, hundreds of thousands choose to give of themselves, putting into practice the simple idea that every single person can do a good deed, be it large or small, to improve the lives of others and positively impact the world. Good Deeds Day, held March 15, 2015. Learn how to organize a project in your own community and activate your goodness.
Good Deeds Day Webinar
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Economic Check Up: Helping Older Adults Find  Programs to Boost Their Economic Security AJFCA sponsored an NCOA webinar,
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Jewish Leadership Training: Insights from a Lay Leader 
Deanna Drucker, Past President of the Women's Board of the Jewish United Fund has met so many young professionals, the lifeblood of the Jewish community, who want to be affiliated with Jewish organizations, but the language and concepts of the past do not resonate with them. Continue reading about Deanna's experiences here. |
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COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
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Social Media Spurs Increase in Online Giving 
The ALS Association raised more than $100 million from the Ice Bucket Challenge, representing a 3500% increase in donations from the same period last year. Knight Foundation CEO Alberto Ibargüen says the power of social media allows organizations to reduce fundraising costs while also increasing the reach of their message. Continue reading here. |
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The Three A's of a Successful Agency:  Accountability, Accessibility, and Affordability
To assist members in their transition to electronic record-keeping, AJFCA has partnered with Foothold Technology, entitling AJFCA agency members to a discount on Foothold's software and service package. Learn more about the changes facing nonprofit agencies at the webinar, The Three A's of a Successful Agency: Accountability, Accessibility, Affordability.This online session offers specific strategies for using technology and metrics to help agencies operate more efficiently and economically while improving their quality of care.
The Three A's of a Successful Agency
Presenter: David Bucciferro
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Breast Cancer & Ovarian Cancer Awareness Months
Last week marked the end of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Months. The numbers are in, and Sharsheret's critical work continues:
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VOLUNTEERS/YOUNG ADULT ENGAGEMENT
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Motivating Millenials: How to Activate Young  People to Take Action for Your Cause
Don't underestimate the power of millennials. They're out to change the world, and Foundation Center has teamed up with DoSomething.org to help you reach them. If you're wondering...
- What should we ask millennials to do?
- How do we talk to millennials to engage them?
- What are the best ways to reach them?
...then reserve your spot today to get answers to these questions. For only $9.99, you have nothing to lose and millennials to gain.
Motivating Millenials
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