Jewish Family Services Holds Annual Meeting

September 8, 2007

Jewish Family Services, Inc. held its Annual Meeting on September 6th.  Over 175 interested friends of JFS were in attendance to hear the D’var Torah from Rabbi Ronald M. Shapiro, the spiritual leader of Congregation Shalom.

A brief report on the agency’s status and election of officers of the Board of Directors followed.  The vote confirmed the following slate of Officers and Directors:

Willliam Heilbronner, Chair; Nathan Fishbach, Chair-Elect;  Miriam Fleming and Robyn Glick Jensen, Vice Chairs; Randy Nelson, Treasurer; Marta Bartolacci, Assistant Treasurer; and Roberta London, Secretary.

A number of special awards were presented.  The Elizabeth Friedman Direct Service Volunteer Award was presented to JFS volunteer, Jim Rosenbaum.  Jim has been a JFS volunteer for 23 years, working in  refugee resettlement, at the Share Shop, and with older adults as a Friendly Visitor and driving volunteer. Jim currently serves as a Friendly Visitor with the same JFS client since 1999.

Roosevelt Hoskins and Jerome Maywald each received a Spirit of Caring Award for their exceptional commitment to JFS’ mission.  Roosevelt was recognized for his extraordinary work beyond his required role at JFS and Jerome for his dedication and commitment to serving older adult seniors at the Maurice S. Surlow Senior Residences.  Their efforts and hard work were acknowledged by President/CEO Sylvan Leabman with introductory comments by Vice President of Older Adult Services, Gina Botshtein and Director of Volunteer Services, Susan Gruenberg.

Acting Vice President of Exceptional Needs, S. Michele Cohen introduced the Young Adults Independence Project (YAIP) and Katie Conn and Marissa Robinette shared their stories.  Katie’s parents, Rick and Lynn Conn, also expressed hope for future housing and social opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities.

For 140 years, Jewish Family Services has provided comprehensive social services to the Milwaukee area Jewish and general community.  Its mission is to provide supportive services that strengthen families, children and individuals throughout the life cycle within the context of their unique needs and traditions.