Greetings!
Supporting the well-being of children and families is a central focus of the mission of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis. Providing support, guidance, and resources is a privilege and an honor, and we offer this with boundless compassion. Not only do we offer assistance with empathy, but also with tremendous skill and experience, and this is exhibited by our exceptional staff and our committed Board of Directors.

That is why we are strongly expressing our concern regarding the treatment of children and families at our southern border. In alliance with our national organization, the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, and in collaboration with our local Jewish Community Relations Council, and with our national representatives in Washington, D.C. who advocate on behalf of the populations we serve, we are urging our elected officials to stop the immoral and destructive acts of separating children from their parents as they enter the U.S.

Ask for help. JFCS can help too.
Very recently we learned of two high-profile deaths by suicide - designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Sadly, the suicide rate in the United States has seen sharp increases in recent years. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide declines sharply when people call the 24/7 national suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK.

You can #BeThe1Tohelp someone in crisis. 
You don’t have to be a mental health professional to help someone in your life that may be struggling. Learn the Lifeline’s five steps that you can use to help a loved one that may be in crisis: ASK. KEEP THEM SAFE. BE THERE. HELP THEM CONNECT. FOLLOW UP.

JFCS can help too. 
Our highly skilled, licensed therapists work with care and compassion to address the challenges people face throughout their lives. Call 952-546-0616 or visit us online HERE

You know you're going to do it, now do it for GOOD!
By Dana Rubin • JFCS Development Director

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis has been hosting an Online Auction for several years just prior to our Annual “Laugh on Their Behalf” Benefit. This year, we are working hard to make the auction, BIGGER, BOLDER and MORE FUN!

You will not want to miss shopping online for the 2018 JFCS Online Auction, happening Aug. 28 through Sept. 6. You can shop and bid from the comfort of your own home, your end-of-summer getaway or even from the Great Minnesota Get Together (State Fair). You can participate from anywhere and at any time! You know you're going to shop online regardless – participate in the online auction and do it for good!

The online auction is a great opportunity for you to uniquely support JFCS and get something in return. Look for gift cards to restaurants, tickets to the best sporting events in town, unique experiences and so much more. If you have found great things before, or perhaps are a first-time bidder, we promise you will have fun and feel good knowing you are supporting nearly 40 programs and services that JFCS provides to the entire community. Look for chances to win tickets to the JFCS Benefit and maybe a few other surprises during the online auction.

So block Aug. 28 through Sept. 6 in your calendar, set an alarm or a friendly reminder from Siri and get prepared to bid your heart out! Watch for more information to come and bid at www.biddingforgood.com/jfcs .

We are always looking for more items to include. If you have suggestions or access to anything you feel JFCS should offer on the auction, please connect with Melissa Kieffer at [email protected]
After 25 years of helping people, Barbara says goodbye
By Barbara Rudnick • JFCS Family Life Education Program Manager

I will be retiring at the end of June. Having worked at JFCS for the last 25 years, I want to share with you some things I know for sure:

My work has given me the privilege of helping people during difficult times in their lives. What I know for sure is that even when dealing with sadness, loss, illness, and so many other challenging life situations, people are courageous in spite of their fears, find inner strength at their greatest moments of vulnerability, possess incredible resilience despite their pain and are determined and dedicated to do their healing work.

Having worked with families and our community on accepting, understanding and including interfaith families, LGBTQ folks and adults and children with disabilities, what I know for sure is that change is possible and our community has made major strides. Our “village” is more sensitive, inclusive and welcoming than it was 25 years ago. We are not perfect and the work needs to continue, but we can all feel proud of the accomplishments so far.


JFCS Senior Services:
When you don't know where to begin, Just Call JFCS
Sheryl turned to JFCS when her mother was first diagnosed with dementia and she didn't know where to begin to get help for her.

“I'm so appreciative of the services my mom receives from JFCS. Their willingness to think outside the box and provide options that meet my mom's needs has helped my mom stay active and engaged. Her grocery shoppers and the staff in Senior Services have helped in countless ways!”

JFCS’ Senior Services support the dignity and independence of older adults. We partner with you to provide transportation, grocery shopping, and kosher Meals on Wheels, as well as highly-personalized senior care services, including care coordination, care planning consultation and caregiver coaching.
We can help. Just call JFCS. 952-546-0616



Senior Services Sponsors: Anonymous (2), Kelen Family Foundation
Caring Connections brings the party to the party!
By Stacey Spencer • JFCS Inclusion Program Manager

Caring Connections is a JFCS program that provides valuable opportunities for people of all abilities to participate fully in Jewish life. It leads the Twin Cities Jewish community in becoming a more inclusive and welcoming space where all people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in Jewish educational, spiritual, social and recreational activities.

When thinking about defining “inclusion,” it is not about just looking at people with special needs as a “them” or an “other,” according to standup comedian and disability advocate Pamela Schuller. It’s more about looking at our community as a “we”—with every person having something to offer.


Inclusion Founding Sponsor: Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Foundation
Sponsor: Toodie & Frank Trestman Special Needs and Collaborative Education Endowment Fund, a designated fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
U.S. Rep. Ellison visits JFCS and PRISM to highlight importance of SNAP food security program
Following the failure of a farm bill in Congress that would have added additional work requirements for people receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Program) benefits, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison visited JFCS and PRISM Food Shelf on May 25 to host a roundtable discussion on SNAP and food security issues. The discussion also included representatives from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Hunger Solutions Minnesota, Second Harvest Heartland, and the University of Minnesota. Ellison’s Fifth Congressional District includes Golden Valley, where JFCS and PRISM are located.

JFCS 2018 Parent-Child Home Program Graduation
JFCS' Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP) held its 11th Annual Graduation Ceremony on June 3. This year we had 67 graduates in the Twin Cities, and 16 graduates at Northland Area Family Service Center and Pine-River Backus Family Center. Thank you to the volunteers, donors and staff who helped out at the event, and congratulations to the PCHP class of 2018! 



PCHP Founding Sponsors: Greater Twin Cities United Way, Beverly N. Grossman Foundation, Susan and Hart Kuller, Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Foundation
Lead Sponsor: Grotto Foundation
Sponsor: Walser Foundation Funded by the Walser Automotive Group
This program is made possible in part with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education
All you need to know: Join us and volunteer for Pride 2018
There’s still time to join J-Pride for a weekend of fun at Twin Cities Pride! From ASL-interpreted Shabbat services, to marching in the parade, to volunteering at our booth, there's something for everyone! We are especially in search of volunteers for afternoon shifts on Sunday, June 24.


J-Pride Founding Sponsor: Lisa Heilicher
JFCS 108th Annual Meeting and Celebration
JFCS held its 108th Annual Meeting and Celebration on June 13. In addition to elections and honoring long-term board members, Emily Grinberg received the Emerging Leader Award and Kerry Bader, Arnie Blatt, Julie Engel, Nancy Garber, Diane Goldenberg, Laurie Kramer, Karen Rubin and Suzie Singer were honored with Exemplary Service Awards.  

NextGen Gives Campaign – double your impact, double your fun(ds)!
Your contribution makes a difference, and so does your voice. Make a gift of any amount today and join us on Wednesday, June 27 for our upcoming NextGen Giving Circle meeting. Alongside other young adults, you’ll have the opportunity to review funding proposals and determine which projects to support. Thanks to your generosity, NextGen has in the past provided camp scholarships, emergency financial assistance, school supplies for families in need, and other crucial support for JFCS programs.


NextGen Giving Circle meeting will be held on June 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at JFCS (5905 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley)

NextGen Sponsor: Cindy and Perry Witkin
Upcoming events: Please join us
Proud Joyful Shabbat
Saturday, June 23 @ 10 a.m.


J-Pride at TC Pride Festival
Sunday, June 24


Shalom Baby Shower
Sunday, June 24 @ 10 a.m.


Shalom Baby Circle Time
Sundays. July 29 & Aug. 26 @ 10 a.m.
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis | www.jfcsmpls.org