AJFCA Newsletter
In This Issue
ADVOCACY
AJFCA MEMBER NEWS & BENEFITS
Open Data Systems are Key to Solving Challenges in Youth and Family Services
 
 
 While the nation's attention is drawn to the 2016 presidential election, the current administration is focused on finishing strong before the end of the year. In a March 31st interview in the Chronicle of Social Change, Rafael L�pez, Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), discussed his top priorities for ACYF before the end of the administration. Click here to learn more.

Visit Eccovia Solutions, one of AJFCA's partners and 2016 Annual Conference Sponsors in Delegates' Lounge on May 15th & 16th in San Diego. 
Socially Responsible Investments May Yield Sustainable Returns
 
 
by John P. Langan and Mark A. Griffin

Institutions, foundations, and other organizations looking to invest reserves and endowment funds in socially responsible investment (SRI) vehicles have historically been faced with a trade-off between conscience and return. However, there is fresh and growing evidence that organizations looking to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the construction of their investment portfolios may no longer need to resign themselves to a performance trade-off.  Read more here.

Visit CliftonLarsonAllen, one of AJFCA's partners and 2016 Annual Conference Sponsors in Delegates' Lounge on May 15th & 16th in San Diego. 
AGENCY HIGHLIGHTS

JFS Delaware to Honor CEO Dory Zatuchni at Village Garden Dedication
 
jfs delaware  
   
Jewish Family Services of Delaware will celebrate the long and distinguished tenure of CEO Dory Zatuchni and the grand opening of the new Village Garden dedicated to her. The celebration will take place on June 1st in the garden outside of JFS's Wilmington office.



Dory's 20 years of devoted leadership of JFS is the capstone of a lifetime of service to the community and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Continue reading here.

Michelle Napell Selected as New Executive Director at JFCS Greater Mercer County  
 
jfcs greater mercer county  
   
The Board of Directors of Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Mercer County announced that it has selected Michelle Napell to become the agency's next Executive Director.



Ms. Napell will succeed Linda Meisel, who announced earlier this year that she is stepping down on June 30th, after 18 years as Executive Director. Michelle Napell will take over the role on July 1, 2016. Learn more here.
2016 AJFCA Annual Conference
     

Follow AJFCA's Annual Conference via our mobile app.
May is Older American's Month - Opportunities for Engagement

  
    May is Older American's Month, an annual opportunity to recognize the contributions of older adults to our nation. As community providers serving large older adult communities, we hope you can find some time to recognize this important month. 
For some ideas, we suggest taking a look at the Administration on Aging's resources or Feeding America's campaign to address senior hunger. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Leibowitz, Director of Government Affairs.
JFS Detroit Launches Coverage to Care Program  
 
 
   
While millions of Americans have been able to obtain health coverage through the Affordable Care Act, many have not been successful in making the most of their new plans. Jewish Family Service of Detroit's' Coverage to Care is an initiative to help people understand their benefits and connect with the primary care and preventive services that are right for them, enabling them to live a long and healthy life. Grants received from the DMC Foundation and The D. Dan & Betty Kahn Foundation will go toward helping community members make more effective use of their healthcare coverage. Learn more here.
JCFS Chicago Teams Up for Autism Awareness
 
 
   
Integrated Pediatric Interventions and Camp Firefly, programs of Jewish Child & Family Services of Chicago, teamed up last month for the Chicago North Shore Autism Speaks Walk resource fair, creating awareness about their work with kids with special needs.
Integrated Pediatric Interventions specializes in autism and developmental delays, providing family-focused care and cutting-edge speech, occupational, developmental, aquatic and social skills therapies for infants and children. Therapeutic peer groups, counseling and educational services are also offered to families.



Camp Firefly is a unique, life-enriching camp designed for children and young adults aged 9-18 who have been diagnosed with social disorders, such as Social Anxiety, OCD, PDD, Asperger's Syndrome, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder and High Functioning Autism. Click here for more information.

 
May 6, 2016  
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The Voice and Vision for Stronger Communities
  
 

D'Var Torah 
 
Lee I. Sherman 
President/CEO
 
(The blog below was published last year on Yom HaShoah by Sarah Tuttle-Singer, The Times of Israel New Media Editor. Her words reflect beautifully the work that is done by so many AJFCA member agencies in support of the victims of Nazi terror who live in their communities, to assure them of dignity in their remaining years. Kol HaKovod to each of you.)

Every year, I watch the ceremony at Yad Vashem, and I cry.

It's beautiful - our leaders appropriately somber and outraged. The IDF soldiers a living reminder that Israel is strong and can defend itself. And the survivors - six, who are called up each year to light a candle. One candle for each million murdered during the Holocaust.

Every year it's beautiful. We honor the memory of the people who were stolen from us in unimaginable ways, and we celebrate the legacies of those who endured, and who are still with us.

And on the day itself, a siren sounds.
It's amazing, really. You have to see it.

And yes, we must keep doing this because it's important to #NeverForget.

But. We forgot someone. Actually, a lot of someones.
The actual survivors who need our help.
Because during the rest of the year, during the cold winters and the blistering summers, while housing prices soar with the cost of living, one out of four Holocaust survivors lives in poverty and isolation.

Let me repeat that: One. Out. Of. Four.


Yes, a staggering - no, a SICKENING - 25 % of all Holocaust survivors in Israel are struggling to pay the rent, or buy groceries. The children of the Holocaust are in their 70's and 80's now...


Some are all alone. 
Others are sick.
I would imagine they all still have nightmares.

How are we letting this happen? How are we so willing to post memes and photos and say #NeverAgain on Facebook and Twitter, but we aren't doing more to better the lives of the people who got through those unspeakable years?


Because while we talk a good line about never forgetting, we have forgotten.


So, let's change that. Let's help the people who need it. And in so doing, let us prove that we are the kinds of people who care about others in ways that will ensure we never allow our history to go into that darkness once again.


Because yes - it's important to honor our dead. But it's much more important to take care of our living.

Sarah Tuttle-Singer, April 2015
ADVOCACY
Holocaust Survivors' Welfare is a Public, Private and Community Responsibility  JTA logo
They survived unimaginable horrors, yet went on to live productive lives, despite the haunting memories, the profound loss and physical scars from years of deprivation. Now many Holocaust survivors need our assistance so they may live their twilight years with dignity in their homes and communities. Most Holocaust survivors are in their 80s and 90s, and an astounding 25 percent of them in the United States live in poverty, struggling to meet basic needs for food, housing, health care and transportation. Continue reading here.
U.S. - France Agreement Enters into Force
The six-month application period for the U.S.- France Agreement on Compensation for Certain Eligible Victims of Deportation is ending on May 31st. The State Department had a number of applications from survivors, surviving spouses and claimants representing the estate of survivors or surviving spouses, but really want to ensure that eligible claimants are aware of this program and apply by the deadline. Even if all documentation is not submitted before May 31st, it is important that possible claimants submit an application by the May deadline. Application and additional information can be found here.
AJFCA Supports the Child Nutrition Programs
Earlier this week, AJFCA joined with other organizations in expressing concern with the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016 H.R.5003). With 20% of American children living in poverty, AJFCA believes that it is essential to protect essential children's food programs. Unfortunately, H.R.5003 puts such programs at risk, which would result in increased food security amongst the children who need the most help. If interested, JFS's are able to view and join the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity's letter in opposition to this bill here. For more information, please contact Liz Leibowitz, Director of Government Affairs.
Update on DOL Overtime Rules
Speculation in Washington is that the controversial new Department of Labor overtime rules could be finalized by mid-May. It is reported that the rules are currently under final review and could include a September, 2016 effective date. It has also been reported that the new Fair Labor Standards Act minimum salary threshold could be set at about $47,000, a slight downward adjustment from the $50,440 projected in the proposed rule last year. While the expedited release of a final rule is viewed by some as an attempt by the Obama Administration to avoid running afoul of the Congressional Review Act, other partisan attempts at scuttling the new overtime standard remain alive through introduction of legislation, such as the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act (S.2707). For more information, please contact Liz Leibowitz, Director of Government Affairs.
NEWS & TRENDS in AGENCY PROGRAMMING
Announcing the Drucker Prize|
Previously known as the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation, the program has now moved in a bold new direction. The Drucker Prize has been turned into a resource-rich learning platform-one that blends the timeless wisdom of Peter Drucker with the thinking of some of today's brightest management minds. In addition to the possibility of winning $100,000, The Drucker Prize offers every applicant an invaluable resource: a host of practical insights to help them become more innovative and more effective. All 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible. Application closes on July 1st at 5pm PT. The application and more information are available here.
Questions? Please contact Laura Roach. 
AJFCA MEMBER NEWS & BENEFITS
Year 2 of Meyerhoff Fellowship Launches
AJFCA is thrilled to announce the call for nominations in Year 2 of this exciting fellowship available to AJFCA member agencies. Through a generous grant from the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Awards Committee, AJFCA has established an initiative to promote leadership development for promising early career professionals committed to Jewish communal service. The Meyerhoff Early Career Professional Fellowship is an opportunity for up to 10 exceptional young leaders from member agencies to participate in a year-long leadership program, including an opening retreat, group calls, skill building webinars, technical assistance and mentoring.  
AJFCA has received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the fellowship. One current fellow shared "I have felt more fulfilled in my work seeing the scope of the entire AJFCA network", another expressed "Unlike one-off seminars where you go back to work and forget about the material by the next day, the structure of this Fellowship has allowed me to keep pushing myself to re-evaluate and strive to be a better leader".
To nominate an early career professional from your agency, complete this nomination form no later than June 3.  Nomination is a required part of the application to participate, and no late nominations can be accepted. The applicant will then need to send a resume and head shot to Jennie and complete the online application by June 17.  Select applicants will be chosen for an interview (by phone or Skype), and accepted fellows will be notified by July 25.  The program year will run August 29, 2016 - August 26, 2017.  Please note that attendance at an opening retreat September 12-14, 2016 outside of Baltimore, MD will be required for participation. If an applicant is not able to commit to attending the opening retreat, please wait another year to apply.  There will be a new cadre of fellows selected for year 3 (9/2017-8/2018).  Year 1 and 2 fellows will also have the option to participate as alumni.  For additional information, including Fellow qualifications and responsibilities, please click here for the full outline.
For questions, contact Jennie at 410-843-7449.
AJFCA and JFNA meet with AmeriCorps VISTA Director
This week AJFCA's CEO and the Director of Older Adults & Disabilities Services joined JFNA staff and AmeriCorps VISTAs to discuss the AJFCA VISTA project with newly appointed VISTA Director Max Finberg at the Corporation for National & Community Service. The meeting focused on the high rates of poverty among aging survivors of the Holocaust and how VISTA project work improves capacity for local agencies to understand and meet the needs of this population in a sustainable way.

A growing body of research shows that a disproportionate number of Holocaust survivors live in poverty as compared to the general older adult population. VISTAs in the AJFCA national project work to assess community needs and develop systems, programs, and funding opportunities to help survivors age with health and dignity.  
Canadian Jewish Social Services Fly In 
On May 4th, a delegation of Canadian Jewish Family Service directors spent a day in Ottawa meeting with community partners and federal politicians. Their goals were simple - they wanted to start a dialogue on a range of themes including poverty, affordable housing, immigration, and mental health, and see where and how they could work more effectively together, leverage their capacities and tap into opportunities and resources at the federal government  level. It was the first initiative of its kind and it clearly demonstrated the potential and the importance of building this network.

The Centre for Israel  Jewish Affairs, (CIJA) the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada (JFC-UIA),  was very helpful in setting a variety of meetings including with MP's Michael Levitt and Anthony Housefather, Cabinet Minister of Immigration John McCallum, and Senator Art Eggleton, founder and chair of the ALL party anti poverty caucus.

The day was rich with exchange on these important topics, and demonstrated that there was both a need and an opportunity for further collaboration. This is both with respect to offering policy input to the government on areas of expertise and concern, as well as identifying opportunities that can be beneficial to the group of JFS's in Canada.

There is much food for thought to continue the dialogue although the details need to be fleshed out. But one thing is for certain.This type of day will now become a regular event on the calendar.
AJFCA VISTA Project Sites Currently Recruiting
VISTAs to Serve Holocaust Survivors
VISTAs are Volunteers In Service to America who commit to a year of service to help build the capacity of organizations to meet the demand for services among those living in poverty. The AJFCA VISTA Project focuses specifically on serving Holocaust survivors at the following organizations: JFS Detroit, JFCS of Southern New Jersey and the Goodwin Holocaust Museum and Education Center, JSSA, Ruth & Norman Rales JFS, Bet Tzedek, UJA-Federation of NY, and CJE SeniorLife. Know a potential Volunteer In Service to America? Please Share! Find the listings online.  
Older Adult & Disability Services
Senior Resource Connect Incentive Program
Thank you to all of the Friends and Allies supporting Senior Resource Connect! View the list of supporters. Learn more and get involved! Submit a partner circle story.

Best Practices Resource Guide
AJFCA is collecting best practices in older adult services throughout the the Senior Resource Connect network. We are looking for programs that work and can be replicated in other communities to be included in a members-only resource guide. Submission Deadline: June 15, 2016.

Aging & Disabilities Services
AJFCA is interested in learning more about the overlap in disabilities and older adult services throughout our network. Tell us about your work in this area by filling out our survey.
AJFCA Volunteer Professional Summit 
August 7th & 8th  
JFS Denver, CO   
AJFCA will hold its first Volunteer Professional Summit in partnership with JFS Colorado on August 7th & 8th. The meeting will begin with an evening of networking on Sunday, August 7th followed by a day of programming on Monday, August 8th. Want to suggest a topic or present your agency's program? Let us know. Detailed information will be available shortly.
Keshet/AJFCA Leadership Project:  The Summit
The Keshet/AJFCA Leadership Project is co-sponsored by Keshet, AJFCA and JFCS Greater Philadelphia.

What: The Keshet/AJFCA Leadership Project is a year-long program that gathers, trains, provides resources for, and supports member agencies to become more inclusive of LGBT clients and community members. The Project will kick off with a one-day in-person training (the Summit), and continue with five coaching sessions to provide follow-up support over the course of one year to help participating agencies full carry out the actions plans they create.
Who: Member agencies are invited to send a team of 2-3 staff and/or lay leaders. You're encouraged to send at least one team member who can lead change at your agency.
When: Monday, September 12th, 10am-4pm
Where: At the offices of JFCS Philadelphia
Cost:  $750/agency for the full year
Why:   
  1. Learn how to evaluate current programs, policies, culture and identify areas for growth in LGBT inclusion.
  2. Discover how to recognize opportunities and challenges for welcoming and affirming LGBT members of your community. 
  3. Create an achievable action plan for making your agency more LGBT inclusive.
  4. Receive expert coaching and support from Keshet to implement your action plan.
For further information, please contact Lisa.
AJFCA Senior Services Midwest Meeting
September 25th & 26th
JFCS St. Louis, MO 
Last year's senior service meeting was a huge success and we're thrilled to offer another meeting for older adult services professionals September 25th & 26th. The meeting will begin in the afternoon on Sunday, September 25th followed by a day of programming on Monday, September 26th. Click here to view a tentative schedule. Want to suggest a topic or present your agency's program? Detailed information will be available shortly.
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