Helene Dunbar

Around the time our daughter wasborn in 2009 half-way across the

world, my husband, John, and I werefilling out paperwork. Mountains of paperwork that would eventually become a dossier to be sent to Bulgaria in support of our adoption.

We’d come to adoption late, havingmade two international moves, one do-mestic one, and committed to variousinfertility treatments over the course ofthree years. Still, our timing was fortu-itous. The international adoption pro-gram in Bulgaria was in motion againafter years of stagnation due to politi-cal wrangling and a Minister of Justice(MOJ) who didn’t support the concept.Bulgaria was somewhere we had beenand loved. The program involved sub-stantial government oversight, healthychildren were available albeit with alengthy wait, and the process by whichthe MOJ matched children to specificfamilies (rather than it just being a mat-ter of “good timing”) resonated with us.

Once we chose a placing agency onthe West Coast, it was clear we’d needa local agency to write our homestudy. That proved to be a challenge.Many organizations that came recom-mended were church-based and thatwasn’t going to work for us. So, wewere grateful to sign with Teri Sogol ofJewish Family Service of Nashville andMiddle Tennessee

Along with us, Teri navigated whatturned out to be a 4-year process of fin-gerprints, paperwork for the US govern-ment, and paperwork to meet theever-changing requirements of theever-changing Bulgarian ministries. Atone point we received a referral only torealize the MOJ took our “Yes, we mightconsider” in terms of gender and spe-cial needs to mean “Yes, we will accept”.And then it was back to the drawingboard to clarify and attempt to explainour reasoning and qualifications (and insome cases, lack thereof) for the typeof child we were hoping to parent.

Back on track, we hunkered downonly to have my job - the one we’d in-tended to rely on to fund not only ouradoption, but our post-adoption life –dissolve. We frantically transferred ourinsurance to my husband’s and I des-perately tried to cobble together part-time work that would allow us to keepour family afloat both prior to andafter the adoption. It was a massivelystressful year.

Then, without warning, we got anemail. I was walking the dog – all majorlife changes seem to happen when I’mwalking the dog – and found an emailthat began, “Congratulations! Pleasefind attached the official referral.” Oh,and by the way, please plan to be on aplane in three weeks.

Stress. Joy. Panic. Our placingagency had agreed to alter the usualpayment plan so that the bulk of thecharges were due at the times of refer-ral, acceptance, and pickup instead ofat the beginning. Now they were due.But with my job gone, we were frantic.With a series of quick emails, Teriguided us to The Earl Kirshner Adop-tion Loan program through JFS. Wewere accepted and honestly, don’tknow how we would have been able tocomplete our adoption without it.

At this stage, we’ve just filed our finalpost-placement report, will pay back theloan next spring, and are the parents ofa funny, bright, kindergartener. Lookingback it seems like everything happenedthe way it was meant to. •

Newsfrom theHeartsupporting our community one child,

one adult, one family at a time

2015

Our Adoption Journey

Keira, John and Helene Dunbar

Executive Committee:Howard SaferPresident

Ben RussVice-President

Nan SpellerTreasurer

Tara GoldbergSecretary

Lynn BartonExecutive Committee at large member

Stan SchklarExecutive Committee at large member

Sandra HecklinPast-President

Board Members:Sam AverbuchDianne BerryKathy CaplanChristina EvansNancy FlexerMimi FriedmanRae HirschSteve LapidusYuri LivshitzPatty MarksJustin SchneiderJames SchulmanLisa ShmerlingRyan Small

Young Leader Council interns:Dee RazKatie Shmerling Wayne

Staff:Pam KelnerExecutive Director

Teri Sogol, LCSWCasework Director

Toni Jacobsen, LCSWClinical Social Worker

Anna SirHelping Hands Coordinator

Janet Parr Office Manager

Roslyn Landa, CPAController

“We have often thought of you since our last home visit. I wanted to take this time to remind you how very much you are appreciated.” ~Adoption Client

“You are so kind. It has been wonderfulhaving a caring and knowledgeable

social worker as yourself.” ~Adoption Client

“Thank you for the supplemental food box thismonth. This helps immensely and the good, hearty,healthy and large amount of food will lower my bill.Thank you for the kindness and discreteness youhave shown me. ~ Kosher Food Box recipient

“Thank you for your kindness and for yourwise and realistic counsel to us. We are

grateful for your practical suggestions tohelp us deal with our situation.”

~ Financial Assistance recipient

“Thanks so much for your caring spirit. I’mforever grateful for your support during thisdown period in my life. JFS is a great placefor families.” ~ Financial Assistance recipient

"I hope you feel affirmation that you are doing things that have

a true positive impact on someone’s life” ~ Counseling Client

“I appreciate your help and as you know getting in the door is the easiest way to get a job. Your job network works. I hopethat sometime I can pass along the favor.”~ Job Network Participant

supporting our community one child, one adult, one family at a time2

Thank You Corner

JFS President, HowardSafer (center) withPast-President JulieNeaderthal (left) andArlene Safer (right)

Highlights of 2014-15Jewish Family Service’s core

services and programs: (statistics are July 2014-June 2015)

In total – over 1700 clients were served by JFS

Adoption 102 people servedCase Management 12 people

servedCounseling 86 people servedEmergency Financial

Assistance 38 people servedFamily Life Education

45 people servedGolden Lunch Bunch

57 seniors servedHanukkah Gift Program

47 individuals servedHealthy Skills for Healthy Kids

50 children, 20 teachers servedHelping Hands Volunteer

Initiative 87 seniors servedHelping Hands Music Program

4 people servedInformation and Referral 585

people servedJewish Job Network 101 job

seekers servedKosher Food Boxes 36 individuals

servedLow-vision Program 7 individuals

servedRosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!

52 tween and teen girls servedSenior Seder 59 seniors servedSchool Supplies 35 people

served

JFS News from the Heart 2015 • www.jfsnashville.org 3

Our Honorees of the Year

Stan Schklar (left) Chaver honoree DianneBerry (right) Ruach honoree.

Alice Zimmerman, 2015 Chesed honoree with family.

Diane Trachtman (z”l), 2015 Chesed honoree with family

A year of new programs and educationA “De-Stress With Us” program for teens in grades 8-12 gave an overview

of what stress is and how nutrition can help to manage it. The group alsolearned a variety of positive stress reduction techniques they could utilize ontheir own. These included Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Deep Breathingand Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Journaling, and Therapeutic Art.

The agency added a Caregiver Support Group this year. This group supports adult children and spouses as they navigate the role of being a caregiver and is facilitated by one of JFS’s Social Workers.

A second edition of the “JFS Directory of Services for Seniors” was published, thanks to a New Initiative grant from the Jewish Federation. It features over 80 resources including housing, transportation, social activitiesand volunteer opportunities. Copies can be picked up at the GJCC, synagogues, JFS or downloaded at www.jfsnashville.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteer Spotlight: Tara Goldberg

is currently the Secretary of Jew-ish Family Service’s board. She is a PRexecutive, mother of a feisty 21 monthold who doesn’t want to get dressedin the morning, wife of Benjamin andmuch more!

How did you first get involved withJewish Family Service?

I was at Yom Kippur break-fasttalking with my husband’sgrandmother’s friends and realizedthat I really enjoy spending time withthe senior population. They crack meup! It was then that I decided that Iwanted to spend my time volunteeringwith seniors. I reached out to NancyRichardson who put me in touch withAnna Sir at JFS. Together we decidedthat volunteering at the Golden LunchBunch would fit the bill since havingthe face time with seniors was exactly what I wanted. From there myinvolvement has grown to the pointwhere I am now Secretary of the JFSBoard.

What are some of your most memo-rable moments of volunteering withthe Golden Lunch Bunch (GLB)?

One aspect that I love about GLB iswhen the musicians play older songs.You can actually see the seniors goingsomewhere in their head. They remi-nisce, feel nostalgic and are happy…itis wonderful to see the happiness intheir faces. I also love when we playbingo. If you are pushing the bingoprize cart and don’t get to them fastenough watch out! They are a highlycompetitive group. One specific moment that was very memorable was celebrating Janice Krohn’s 99thbirthday. What an inspiration she is.

Tell us about some of the peopleyou’ve met while being a part of JFS.

The other volunteers at the GLBare amazing and we have created a re-ally nice bond. I worked with them allthrough my pregnancy and they allcame to visit Vivian when she wasborn. I didn’t grow up in Nashville, so I have had the opportunity to meet somany new people. JFS has enabledme to forge my own path by findingissues that I am passionate and caredeeply about.  The people I have connected with through JFS sharethose same passions.

supporting our community one child, one adult, one family at a time4

In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organizationdoes?

I find it really hard to say that oneprogram is more important than an-other since there are wonderful ele-ments of every service. To me theoverall platform of the agency is so im-portant because you are touching liveson a very personal level at every stageof life. Whether you are working with afamily to adopt all the way up to help-ing a family navigate end-of-life issues.I do have to say that one issue I am par-ticularly proud of is the fact that JFShas helped the GLBT community buildfamilies through adoption since 2002.

Is there someone in your life whoserves as a role model for gettinginvolved in volunteering in thecommunity?

I grew up going to church andmy parents always volunteered andencouraged me to as well. We wouldalways do service events where wewould go out to underprivilegedcommunities to build playgrounds orhouses. I grew up knowing that Ivalued giving back to the community.When I became Jewish I was so drawn

to the community and all the opportu-nities offered. Getting involvedthrough JFS has brought somethingvery important back into my life.

What do you wish other people knewabout Jewish Family Service?

I wish they knew how many pro-grams JFS runs and how many livesthe agency touches with such a smallstaff and budget. I don’t think peoplereally understand and appreciate thedepth of what this organization does.

What might someone be surprised toknow about you?

People would be surprised to knowthat my idea of a perfect weekendnight is settling down with a goodbook. People think that we are alwaysgoing out. My favorite thing to do isto put our daughter in bed…I love ourbedtime routine! After that, have anice dinner and cuddle up and stay in.I am a homebody!

What else can you tell me about JFS? I have really enjoyed being on the

board and getting to understand howthings work from an insider’s per-spective. One other program that Ilove is Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!I think that program is so great and Iwonder how a program like thatwould have impacted me at that age.I know how hard it is to be a teen andI hope the girls are walking aroundtheir high schools feeling confidentand proud of who they are as a resultof the program. •

Tara and Vivian Goldberg

JFS News from the Heart 2015 • www.jfsnashville.org 5

J E W I S H F A M I L Y S E R V I C E

Caregiver Support Is Just A Lunch Away!

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF NASHVILLE AND MIDDLE TENNESSEE INC.801 Percy Warner Boulevard,Suite 103Nashville, Tennessee, 37205www.jfsnashville.org and

The Selma and Ernest Rosenblum Foundation

Join the JFS Caregiver Support Group and enjoy lunch with a group that understands how necessary it is

to share and learn from each other.

Caregiver Support Group | Friday 12 Noon to 1:15 p.m.Gordon Jewish Community Center

Group meets twice a month on Fridays Call for next date and to RSVP 615-354-1672

Toni Jacobsen, Facilitator & JFS Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Funded by

Jewish Family Serviceis grateful to the familiesand individuals who participate in our ongoing Tribute program.It is a wonderful way tohonor special people inyour life and, at the sametime, help fund the vitalprograms of JFS.

IN HONOR

Denise AlperThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Lynn BartonBarbara & Eric Chazen

Dianne BerryThank you for all you do in service to JFS & the community!Jennie Zagnoev

Dianne BerryCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 JFS Ruach Award!Ellen & Steve DanskyPam & Saul KelnerDebi & Charlie RobinErin, Greg, Rena & Sari

Zagnoev

Abby BiesmanLaura Thompson & Yuri

Livshitz

The Bukengolts FamilyLaura Thompson & YuriLivshitz

Erin ColemanCongratulations on beingnamed one of the NashvilleBusiness Journal’s 2015“Women of Influence”!Pam & Saul KelnerLeslye & Steve LapidusJan Liff

The Doochin FamilyThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Annette EskindCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 Jewish FederationPresident’s Award!Jan LiffDebi & Charlie Robin

Jane & Dick EskindCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 Jewish FederationPresident’s Award!Jan LiffDebi & Charlie Robin

Bernice & Joel GordonCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 Jewish FederationPresident’s Award!Jan LiffDebi & Charlie Robin

Julie & Bob GordonThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Heidi & John HassenfeldThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Sandra HecklinFor a Job Well Done!Lynn & Scott Ghertner

Gail & Jeff JacobsThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Toni JacobsenJodi & Fred BucLynn KanterMichelle KraftDaniella Pressner

& Rabbi Saul StrosbergJane SnyderAlina & Chris SpauldingJaclyn & Aaron WaltersBob Woolf

JFS StaffDaniella Pressner

& Rabbi Saul Strosberg

Pam & Saul KelnerThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Pam KelnerMargot & Martin Nash

Tara LernerCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 Jewish FederationYoung Leadership Award!Cindee & Michael Gold

Richard MorinCongratulations on receivingthe Congregation Micah Educator Honor!Cindee & Michael Gold

Lana & Franklin ParghCongratulations on the Bris ofJacob Pargh!Tara & Benjamin GoldbergPam & Saul Kelner

Madeline z"l & EugeneParghCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 Jewish FederationPresident’s Award!Jan LiffDebi & Charlie Robin

Lisa PerlenThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Jessica & Elliot PinslyCongratulations on the Bris ofMatthew Pinsly!Tara & Benjamin GoldbergPam & Saul Kelner

Stan SchklarCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 JFS Chaver Award!Pam & Saul KelnerDebi & Charlie Robin

Daniella Pressner & RabbiSaul StrosbergIn honor of your 10 Years ofService at Sherith Israel!Pam & Saul KelnerJan LiffDiane & Sy Trachtman

Ellen & Mike RosenThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Trent Rosenbloom, M.D.In honor of your serving asmohel!James BurnsCongregation B’nai IsraelHarriet & David Workman

Howard SaferCongratulations on becomingthe new JFS President!Marcia & Martin CohenLee & Michael GryllSandy Schwarcz

Anna Sir & JFS StaffMadelyn Lundin

Teri SogolBob Woolf

Dana StruppThank you!Karen & Howard Weil

Diane TrachtmanCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 JFS Chesed Award!Ruth S. AlexanderLaurence BalfusJeanne Ballinger & Irwin

VenickPaula & Paul BarnettLynn & David BartonShirley BrownsteinMarcia & Martin CohenHannah & Morton CooperNatalie Dickson & Aaron

RaneyChristina & Todd EvansAnne & Larry EvansRoyce & James FishelRenee & Scott GeltzerLynn & Scott GhertnerSandra & Steve HecklinToni & Dick HellerKathy & Marty HornPam & Saul KelnerStacey, Mitchell, Jared

& Justin KopelmanLeslye & Steve LapidusEllen LehmanDorothy & Jack MillerLouise & Ted PailetMaria & Bernard ParghFrances J. PursellNorma & Bruce RogersBetty Lee & Howard RosenGayle & Johnny RosenPeggy & Paul RosenblattJoyce & Joe RosenfieldMarilyn RubinSandra SchwarczEstelle & Burt SilbertNan SpellerAllison SrochiElise & James StrausBunny SundockBarbara S. TurnerJaclyn & Aaron Walters Sylvia Weinberger

Alice ZimmermanCongratulations on receivingthe 2015 JFS Chesed Award!Arlene & Jerry AverbuchSandy BakerLynn & David BartonSharon Bell & Fred

ZimmermanFran BrumlikBetsy ChernauEsther & Roger CohnRenette CorenswetRoyce & James FishelLynn & Scott GhertnerLisa & Brad GreenbaumRaye Ann & Ralph

GreenbaumSandra & Steve HecklinToni & Dick Heller

6TR

IBU

TES

Pam & Saul KelnerJanice KrohnLeslye & Steve LapidusEllen LehmanRenay & Alan LevensonJo Ann MarxDorothy & Jack MillerRhoda & Bert MinerBetty Lee & Howard RosenRobyn, David, Sam & MaxRubinoffGeraldine SadowSamantha Saturn & Steven

KravitzSandra SchwarczJoan B. ShayneJoanne SingerJeffrey SparkNan SpellerSusan & Dan SwettBarbara S. TurnerSylvia WeinbergerJoscelyn & Ted WinestoneAlice ZimmermanEtta & Raymond Zimmerman

RETIREMENT

Meryl KraftTerry Katzman-Rosenblum

& Bernie Rosenblum

NEW BABY

Hannah & Mort CooperCongratulations on the birth ofyour great granddaughter ElliePaige Cooper!The Trachtman Family

Lauren & Michael CooperCongratulations on the birth ofyour first grandchild, Ellie PaigeCooper!Tara & Benjamin GoldbergLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Mary L. JonesCongratulations on the birth ofyour New Grandson!Carolyn & Barrett Rosen

Daniella Pressner & RabbiSaul StrosbergCongratulations on the birth of your new son, Yedid TuvielStosberg!Lynn & David BartonSandi GordonPam & Saul Kelner

NEW HOME

Teri & Steve AstrenSandi Gordon

Irma & Herman KaplanAnne & Larry Evans

Suzy & Stewart PerlmanCarolyn & Barrett Rosen

Lisa & Stephen SmallCarolyn & Barrett Rosen

Stephanie & Ted TownsendCarolyn & Barrett Rosen

Jessica & Dan VinerCarolyn & Barrett Rosen

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Dianne BerryJamie, Jeremy & Anna

BrookErin, Greg, Rena & Sari

Zagnoev

Dr. Marta SchulmanToni & Dick Heller

BAT MITZVAH

Anne DavenportTeri Sogol

Barbara & Irving LevyIn honor of your granddaughter,Alli Jacob’s, Bat Mitzvah!Leslye & Steve Lapidus

Shirley ZeitlinFelicia & Ken AnchorLynn & David BartonBarbara & Frank GhertnerLouise & Ted Pailet

BAR MITZVAH

Joyce & Gil FoxCongratulations on your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah!Sandy Schwarcz

Arlene & David LappCongratulations on your grandson’s Bar Mitzvah!Anne & Larry Evans

7

ENGAGEMENT &WEDDING

Sandra & Steve HecklinIn honor of your daughter,Stephanie’s, engagementl!Anne & Larry Evans

Alla Sverdlova & Jeff FladenJan Liff

Janet & Rami WeismarkIn honor of your son, Ilan’s, engagementl!Anne & Larry Evans

MARRIAGE

Elaine & Gus Kuhn IIIIn honor of your daughter,Gena’s, marriage to GabrielDeutscher!Leslye & Steve Lapidus

SPEEDY RECOVERY

Joe BarkerLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Judy BarkerToni & Dick Heller

David BartonLeslye & Steve LapidusNan Speller

Sara HanaiLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Dr. Richard M. Heller, Jr.Leslye & Steve Lapidus

Rae HirschNan Speller

Raye Ann GreenbaumNan Speller

Susie HymanLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Sue MillerLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Dr. Barrett RosenArlene & Jerry Averbuch

Joe RosenfieldLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Bill SchreiberSandi Gordon

Jimmy SchulmanLeslye & Steve LapidusNan Speller

Mark ShepardAnne & Larry Evans

Manuel SirNan Speller

BIRTHDAY

Jessica AverbuchLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Dr. Larry AverbuchLinda & Joel GluckLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Barbara ChazenNan Speller

Betsy ChernauCarolyn & Barrett RosenNan Speller

Bob EisensteinFelicia & Ken AnchorCarolyn & Barrett Rosen

Dr. Fred GoldnerCathy & Howard Rosenblum

Ann KauverDiane & Sy Trachtman

Leslie NewmanCindee & Michael Gold

Helene RothschildJan Liff

Arlene SaferAnne & Larry EvansLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Howard SaferAnne & Larry Evans

IN APPRECIATION

Yuri LivshitzJan Liff

Margot & Martin NashJan Liff

Margot NashJan Liff

Jewish Family ServiceThank you for the Golden LunchBunch Program!Janice Krohn

TRIB

UTE

S

8

IN MEMORY (Z " L)*

Howard AbromsCindee & Michael Gold

Vickie BrodArlene & Howard Safer

Ralph CohenSandi GordonLee & Michael Gryll

Paul Samuel Cohn, Jr.Toni & Dick HellerCarol & Roy Smith

Robert Evan CorenswetCindee & Michael GoldAlice Zimmerman

Jerald Homer DoochinFelicia & Ken AnchorToni & Dick Heller Jan LiffPatty & Jimmy MarksDebi & Charlie Robin

Elaine GoldblattBarbara Begtrup

Eleanor GoodmanJan LiffCarolyn & Barrett Rosen

Marian GoodmanJan Liff

Lee Notowitz GryllCindee & Michael GoldSandi GordonPam & Saul KelnerLisa & Michael ShmerlingTeri SogolNan Speller

Miriam HalachmiJan Liff

Rita Dee HassenfeldFelicia & Ken AnchorAnnette EskindBarbara & Frank GhertnerTara & Benjamin Goldberg Pam & Saul KelnerLeslye & Steve LapidusJan LiffNan SpellerDiane & Sy Trachtman

Linda May HorwitzHeidi & John Hassenfeld

Marshall KarrNan Speller

Max KatzAnita & Ross Peiser

Pamela W. KuhnNan Speller

Phyllis LazarusSandi GordonJan Liff

Arnold Eugene LefkovitzBarbara F. Nogg

Charlotte Kamsky LewisJanet Belser

Daniel LiffFelicia & Ken AnchorLynn & David BartonNatalie BockianSandi GordonMartha & Fred GoldnerHeidi & John HassenfeldPam & Saul KelnerLeslye & Steve LapidusAlice Zimmerman

Rowena Lightman LevyBernice EsstmanCarolyn & Larry Levine

Shirley LittDianne & Brian Berry

Inge LoewensteinLarry Moller

Bill LowensteinCindee & Michael Gold

Eleanore NovosonJane Liff

David OlsanRobin & Mark Cohen

Madeline Lipshutz ParghPhyllis AlperCindee & Michael Gold

Rosalie PopkinCindee & Michael Gold

Carolyn RaneyDiane & Sy Trachtman

Edwin RaskinFelicia & Ken AnchorNan Speller

Dr. Lawrence RavichCindee & Michael Gold

Kevin RichterHeidi & John Hassenfeld

David Zoltan RosenblumCarolyn & Larry Levine

Marsha RothschildLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Robert RowdenVirginia Rapoport

Roy ShainbergFelicia & Ken AnchorLynn & David BartonCindee & Michael GoldSandi GordonReta GuttmanHeidi & John HassenfeldArlene & Howard SaferNan SpellerAlice Zimmerman

Celia Maxine SchaeferJudith & Jonathan Levin

Bernard L. SchreiberCarolyn & Larry Levine

Anne Elizabeth SheltonJan Liff

Minda ShorDaniella & Jack Fleischer

Gladys Cohen StillmanLeslye & Steve Lapidus

Charlotte Bernstein StraussNan Speller

Diane TrachtmanFelicia & Ken AnchorThe Staff of Argent TrustStephanie & Harvey BalfusJeanne Ballinger

& Irwin VenickLynn & David BartonFran BrumlikMarcia & Martin CohenRobin & Mark CohenTeri & Alan CohenRobin Dillon & Family`Jill & Dan EisensteinDaniella & Jack FleischerHarris A. GilbertCindee & Michael GoldJune & Barry GoldmanBernice & Joel GordonSandi GordonDana, Ari, Ilyse & Sam

GreenbergReta GuttmanHeidi & John HassenfeldRae & Bruce HirschSumner HoffmanGail & Jeff JacobsPam & Saul KelnerWilma Koenig

Meryl & Keith KraftTina KraftMarilyn & Ted KrickDiana & Sheldon Lutz`Patty & Jimmy MarksBarbara & Ted MaydenLarry MelnickCandy & Keith MirmanJennifer MorrisCindy & Scott MoskovitzJohn OrmanDonald OstenLouise & Ted PailetBetty Lee & Howard RosenCathy & Howard RosenblumJoyce & Joe RosenfieldSusan & Alan RudnickLinda & Melvin SchlangerRoz & Izzy SheverEstelle & Burton SilbertNan SpellerSandy & Jim WolchokErin, Greg, Rena & Sari

ZagnoevShirley ZeitlinEtta & Raymond Zimmerman

Harry ViseJan LiffNan Speller

Ralph WiseCarol & Larry HyattBeth & Richard Wise

Ruth WiseCarol & Larry HyattEdria & David RagosinJudith & Allan Wolf MandellBeth & Richard Wise

Henry WolkoffSally Wolkoff

* (Z " L) - Of Blessed Memory

*** Tribute donations receivedafter November 2, 2015 will beincluded on the next JFSNewsletter.

TRIB

UTE

S

JFS News from the Heart 2015 • www.jfsnashville.org 9

Golden Lunch Bunch Serves Fun for Jewish SeniorsIf you stop by the Temple on the 1st

or 3rd Tuesdays of any month, youmay see a group of senior adults en-joying the talent of local musicians,feasting on delectables from arearestaurants, or just schmoozing andhaving fun. The Golden Lunch Bunch,as it is called, has been a partner pro-gram between the Temple and JFS for14 years and provides meaningful so-cialization opportunities for Jewishsenior adults. Anna Sir of JFS currentlyfacilitates the program, along withMarjorie Zager of the Temple and adedicated volunteer group that in-cludes Kathy Caplan, Laura Rosen-bauer, and Sue Salberg. The programis generously funded by Temple mem-bers Jimmy and Beverly Small, in partbecause they saw the pleasure thatJimmy’s own mother, Babe Small, de-rived from attending the lunches formany years. Jimmy proudly describesthe lunches as “simply a passion I havefor helping to provide additional socialservices for our senior adults.”

In the last year, over50 senior adults havejoined in for thelunchtime fun. Whilesome who attend arenative Nashvillians,many of the attendeeshave moved to Nashvillefrom other places andhave found that thelunches provide a re-laxed atmosphere formeeting new friends.

Lucky for us there isan abundance of musicaltalent in Nashville andthe lunches provide anideal backdrop for ap-preciating these localtalents. Piano, violin, gui-tar, even accordion play-ers share their talentswith us. And of course,there’s always the food. “Ilove bringing food to theTemple from our seniors’favorite restaurants…..it’ssuch a treat,” says AnnaSir, “and allows the groupto enjoy both the foodand each other’s company at theirown pace.” Throughout the year thereare also birthday and holiday celebra-

tions, bingo games,trivia quizzes andother assorted activi-ties. But at the heartof the Golden LunchBunch are the con-nections madeamong the peoplewho attend.

The Golden Lunch Bunch is always happy to wel-come new faces andyou don’t have to bea Temple member to

attend. If you have any questionsplease call Anna Sir 615-354-1686 orhelpinghands@jfsnashville.org

Upcoming GoldenLunch Bunch dates:

December 1 & 15January 5 & 19February 2 & 16

Your gift will be acknowledged in ac-cordance with your instructions, andthe gift amount will not be disclosedunless you request it.

Auto Donation Program: JFS part-ners with Charitable Auto Resources toaccept donations of automobiles, boatsand motorcycles. The net proceeds ofthe sale of your vehicle go to help sup-port our programs and services. To do-nate, please call 877-537-4227 or visithttp://www.jfsnashville-cardonations.org/

Legacy Giving: Including JFS inyour estate plans enables you to sup-port those programs that are most im-portant to you and to leave a lastinglegacy while retaining control of yourassets during your lifetime. Giving op-tions include bequests, named endow-

Be someonewho gives

hopeGenerous community support provides indispensable fundingfor all Jewish Family Serviceprograms and services, ultimately improving the livesof the 1700+ clients we serveevery year.

So many ways to helpRestricted or Unrestricted Giving:

Every contribution helps make a tan-gible difference in the lives of the peo-ple who need it most. “Unrestricted”donations support the full range ofvital programs and services – allowingus to direct funds to where the need isgreatest – and to help support our op-erating costs. As a donor, you can also“Restrict” the gifts to specific pro-grams or services that have specialmeaning to you.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Whenyour gift is a “tribute” for a special oc-casion, or in honor or memory ofsomeone special, you get the satisfac-tion of giving a truly meaningful giftand we take care of sending the card.

supporting our community one child, one adult, one family at a time10

Jewish Family Service offers “De-Stress With Us” program for teensToday’s teens face multiple stres-

sors and some turn to unproduc-tive or unhealthy ways of coping. So itwasn’t surprising that in a JFS surveyconducted with teens in our local reli-gious schools about the type of familylife education programming theywould like to see the agency offer inthe future, many requested informa-tion on managing stress. JFS’s re-sponse was “De-Stress With Us”, aprogram offered last fall for teens ingrades 8 through 12. The religiousschool directors at our local syna-gogues felt it was such an importantprogram that they allowed their stu-dents to attend the program in lieu ofSunday school that day.

The program began with a presen-tation to the entire group by RebekahWalker, LCSW who gave an overviewof stress and discussed stress and nu-trition. Rebekah is a family and individ-ual therapist in Nashville where sheworks with families and adolescentswho wish to discover healthy ways toimprove self-care, stress management,parenting, communication and rela-tionships. After her presentation theteens dispersed to “stress relief sta-tions” where various proven stress re-ducing modalities were taught whichthey could utilize at home. In advanceof the program the teens had chosenthree of the five modalities theywished to learn about that day. Eliza-beth (“Liz”) Workman taught journal-ing. Liz holds Masters degrees in

human rights education and in historyand teaching. She served as educa-tional coordinator at Oasis Center andhas taught at Ensworth School. SarahPlotkin instructed the students inyoga. Sarah completed her training inPrana Flow Vinyasa at Sanctuary forYoga. She completed training in KulaFlow with Schuyler Grant as well ascertification in Thai Yoga through theVedic Conservatory. Eileen Wallach,LMSW, engaged the students in thera-peutic art. Eileen is a certified facilita-tor of the Art4Healing Method and isthe founder of Your Heart on Art, anon-profit in Nashville that uses art tofacilitate positive change. Claudia

Prange led the students in guided im-agery, deep breathing, and progressivemuscle relaxation. Claudia is an inde-pendent health, wellness and fitnessprofessional and is a popular work-shop presenter at Gilda’s Club. MaryAgee taught mindfulness meditation.As Mindfulness Education Coordinatorat University School of Nashville herrole involves supporting their middleschool’s sixth year of offering mindful-ness to students.

Jewish Family Service was pleasedto be able to offer teens the high levelof expertise these presenters offeredand to be responsive to their ex-pressed need. •

Students participating in the Therapeutic Art module

For the first time, JFS held aHanukkah gift drop-off party.

Over 50 individuals and groups in thecommunity generously purchasedgifts for 21 children and 10 seniors inneed. In past years, volunteersstopped by the JFS offices to drop offthe gifts and we gratefully accept thegifts and expressed our thanks.

The drop-off party was a festiveenvironment, complete with Hanukkahcookies, schmoozing and treats. Moreimportant was the collective impact ofthe community’s generosity which wastangibly felt as each donor droppedtheir gift off in the basket marked withthe child they bought for. Many fami-lies came with their children teachingthem at a young age how important itis to help others who may not getHanukkah gifts were it not for the sup-port of the community. Toni Jacobsen,LCSW, who runs this program at JFSexpressed “When a volunteer comes inand drops off their gift they feel goodabout the impact they are making asan individual. But when you walkedinto the library and saw 21 basketslined up filled with gifts and a pile ofsoft, warm blankets for seniors youwere able to sense the broader sup-port of the community for those inneed of a little extra help. We are solucky to have such a generous andsupportive community.” •

JFS News from the Heart 2015 • www.jfsnashville.org 11

Hanukkah gift drop-off party

ment funds, life income plans, charita-ble remainder trusts, charitable leadtrusts, and stocks. You may also use alife insurance policy to make a gift byirrevocably naming JFS as the ownerand beneficiary of the policy.

Matching Gifts: Many corporationsand businesses have programs tomatch employee gifts. Ask your em-ployer or human resources departmentif they will help make your gift to JFStwice as powerful.

Federated Campaigns: If your em-ployer conducts a campaign, we hopeyou give generously and consider des-ignating some or all of your contribu-tion to Jewish Family Service. • Employees of Metro Nashville Gov-

ernment and School system as wellas employees of many local colleges

and universities, Community HealthCharities code 80244

• Employees of organizations partici-pating in a United Way Campaignuse code 24

• Employees of the Federal Govern-ment , Combined Federal campaign,code 79963Corporate Sponsorship: Receive

exposure by sponsoring our annualChesed Dinner – sponsorship levelsvary.

Volunteer: A personal, valuable, andrewarding way to give is that of time.JFS could not operate without the self-less dedication of our volunteers.

Kroger Gift Cards: Now it’s easierthan ever to support JFS while shop-ping at Kroger! Just follow these sim-ple steps:

1) Go to www.kroger.com2) SIGN IN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT3) Go to the Community Rewards sec-

tion on the page. 4) In the Search bar, TYPE in “Jewish”

(or #88836) and click search.5) You will see Jewish Family Service

along (with our address to the rightof it).

6) Choose the dot on the left andClick ENROLLOnce you have signed up, JFS will

benefit every time you shop and swipeyour Kroger Plus card!

To find out more about any ofthese opportunities, please call

(615)356-4234 or visit www.jfsnashville.org

Mike Gryll dropping off gifts bought by B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge.

Who you gonna call…? Jewish Family ServiceNo, we aren’t ghostbusters, but we can help connect you with resources

that can help you! Last year, Jewish Family Service staff answered 585 callsfrom individuals through our Information and Referral service. The issues, questions and solutions are as diverse as those seeking assistance and span thespectrum of human experience. This may include childcare, housing, transporta-tion, employment, financial assistance, senior care, volunteer opportunities, relocation and much, much more. Our LCSWs are trained to assess the needsof the person calling and help them understand their situations and empowerthem to make informed decisions about possible solutions. This service is free,convenient and confidential. Have a question or need help? Give us a call at615-356-4234.

Over 50 individuals and groups in thecommunity generously purchased giftsfor 21 children and 10 seniors in need.

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 4043

Nashville

Jewish Family Service of Nashvilleand Middle Tennessee

801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103Nashville, TN 37205

615.356.4234

Jewish Family Service strives toImprove social, emotional and economic conditions

Enhance personal growth Increase opportunities for independent, productive and satisfying lives

“One who saves a Single Soul Saves an Entire World” – Sanhedrin 37a

Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Incorporated

provides professional social services from Jewish perspectives which respond to and support

individuals and families through life’s transitions.

Save the date for the Chesed Dinner April 14, 2016

Like us on Facebook