E-Connect
February 4, 2021--Shabbat Shalom!
JSS Volunteer Program-A Community of Helpers

Last week, I sat down with Paul Borowsky (pictured to the left), who has been the volunteer coordinator at JSS since 2016, to discuss the strengths of JSS' volunteer program. Something that struck me about our conversation was how community-oriented the volunteer program has become. Many community members have been volunteering as friendly visitors for seniors, helping with apartment set-up, and attending Lechayim Lunch for decades. Paul has been amazed at the resilience of volunteers throughout the Pandemic. As he notes, they have dealt with “uncertainty on top of more uncertainty, and none of them have quit!” In thinking about the future, Paul stated that “it might be a bumpy ride,” but he finds comfort in knowing that he has a team of volunteers who “are smart and compassionate and will be there!”

JSS is always looking to expand its community of volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to Paul at paul@jssmadison.org or 608-442-4083. See below for a list of current volunteer needs.

-Sarah Friedman
Volunteer Opportunities with Refugee Resettlement:

1)   Bus riding volunteers – help with familiarizing our clients with where city buses go, reading the schedules, and planning routes. You will also ride along with the clients.

2)   Donations management – all aspects as needed from picking up to triage and matching up donations to current needs.
 
For either of these tasks, you will be working with fellow volunteers and will have training and support from staff and existing volunteers.
 
For further information on programs or volunteering contact me anytime: Paul Borowsky, paul@jssmadison.org, 608-442-4083
JSS is hiring for 3 NEW POSITIONS!

Social Services Case Manager

See the full job posting here

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Associate Director Chris Shanahan at shany@jssmadison.org. Please include CM-SS in the subject line. Position open until filled.  

Resettlement Case Manager, ICM

See the full job posting here

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to hr@jssmadison.org. Include RR-ICM Case Manager in the subject line. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!

Job Developer Case Manager

See the full job posting here

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to hr@jssmadison.org. Include RR-Job Case Manager in the subject line. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at office@jssmadison.org or you may call us at (608) 442-4081.
Download or read online our paper Connections newsletter. It has different stories and photos than you see in our electronic newsletter.




To reach our office, call (608) 442-4081*

*Please leave a message. We check the voicemail frequently, even when the building is closed.
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Have a car you no longer use? Consider donating it to JSS! The proceeds go directly to our programs.

Donating a car to JSS could mean hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars in support of our programs. Our vehicle donation program provides free pick-up and supports you through the entire donation process.

To learn more or to get started, call CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) at 877-537-5277 or simply submit a secure online donation form. The CARS Vehicle Donation Support team is available seven days a week.

We are running low on funds for this NECESSARY program.
Consider donating to our COVID Emergency Fund!

Watch for our next E-Connect to hear more about some of the people that YOUR gifts have helped.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
TO JOIN ZOOM PROGRAMS: Watch out for an email, or go to www.jssmadison.org/calendar and choose a program by date. Click on the event title to open up a new window that will have details and a Zoom link for that program.

Recordings of past Zoom programs are available on JSS’ YouTube channel. There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.

If you would like further information about programs and transportation, contact Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083, paul@jssmadison.org.
Join us for Shabbat – All are welcome!


Capitol Lakes
333 West Main St (first Fridays)
Friday, March 4: 3 – 4 pm
 
Oakwood Village West in the Chapel Annex
6205 Mineral Point Road (third Fridays)
Friday, February 18: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Friday, March 18: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

No advance registration is necessary for Shabbats, but you will need to have a face mask and must be fully vaccinated and prepared to show your card at either location.

 
Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Find changes, updates, and new information about JSS programs on our website, www.jssmadison.org.


PLEASE READ BEFORE ATTENDING:
Beth Israel Center is now requiring proof of vaccination to enter the building. Please bring your vaccination card to show at the office. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you can order your meal to-go. Please buzz at the Randall St. parking lot entry door.

Join us for great food, friends, fun, and interesting programs at Lechayim Lunchtime Plus.

Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue.

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $4.00 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $9.07 for those younger than 60 years old.

Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!
 
Monday, February 21 
(note: meal orders for this Monday were made on Wednesday, 2/16 – you can call to check if there were any cancellations)
11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Estelle Katz
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Chicken Schnitzel (Veg Option: Eggplant Schnitzel), yellow rice, sautéed peas and peppers

Monday, February 28
11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Estelle Katz
11:00 am -11:30 am: Complimentary Blood pressure check with Lori Edelstein
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Sweet roasted chicken (Veg Option: roasted tofu), calico beans, couscous, glazed sweet potatoes

Monday, March 7
11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Estelle Katz
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Saffron chicken (Veg option: eggplant & tomato stew), crispy rice, roasted Persian vegetable, fruit, dessert
 
If you would like further information about programs and transportation, contact Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083, paul@jssmadison.org
Yoga From a Chair and Schmooze
 
 
All are welcome to join us to schmooze and check in with each other, followed by yoga from a chair session with Betsy Haimson
 
Thursday, February 24
Schmooze: 10:40 am – 11:00am
Yoga with Betsy Haimson from 11:00 am – 11:30 am
 
 

Recordings of Zoom programs are available on JSS’ YouTube channel. There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.
MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
As more of us are vaccinated, and COVID restrictions ease and protocols evolve, we want to thank our volunteers that could do so for staying active, often via telephone, internet, and expanded holiday gift-giving and deliveries.

Now that there are expanded ways to interact safely, requests for volunteers as friendly visitors, shopping partners, and other tasks are coming in quickly. We will be having volunteers help with Shabbats and hopefully more in-person events beginning this summer. Also, we are receiving more families for refugee resettlement. JSS has a van that can be used for larger families. If you are comfortable picking up and driving the van or have a larger vehicle yourself, we are always looking to have a good size pool of drivers. Some of you are already engaged in some of these roles – thank you again.

For those of you who would like to get more specifics about these and other emerging volunteer opportunities or know someone who may be a good fit for our programs – please contact me via email or phone number below. 

As we move forward, we understand that volunteers and those we help will have varying degrees of comfort and needs regarding any in-person visiting or transportation help. We will work with you and your clients to respect that and keep us all safe. I Look forward to hearing from you.


For questions about volunteering, please Contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. 

New semester starting--Adult learners need your help with English language and literacy.

Thanks to the Jewish Federation of Madison through the Cheryl Rosen Weston Fund, Jewish Social Services is partnering with the Literacy Network to offer training and volunteer opportunities this fall working with adult learners in English as a Second Language, GED preparation, and/or general literacy skills.

It will involve an initial training session, gaining familiarity with lesson plans and materials prepared by Literacy Network staff, and weekly meetings with an adult learner. The fall session begins in September and runs through mid-December. Until further notice, all meetings will continue to be online.

Thanks to those of you who responded already – we still are recruiting. To get further info about this opportunity, please contact JSS volunteer coordinator, Paul Borowsky, 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. Check for further descriptions, specific training dates, applications, and other details on the Literacy Network website: https://www.litnetwork.org/
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Recordings of our Zoom presentations and programs are available to view on JSS' YouTube channel.

There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.
From Our Community Partners --
Community Event: Well-Being is a Skill, Brought to you by Horizon High School

Well-Being as a Skill
Building a kinder, wiser, more compassionate world.
Speaker: Dr. Richard J. Davidson
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
6:30 pm CST via Zoom

Dr. Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought-after author and speaker, leading conversations on well-being. Time Magazine named Davidson one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2006.


This Talk is Brought to you by Horizon High School – Celebrating 17 Years
Horizon High School is a recovery high school structured to provide a safe and sober learning atmosphere for students in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, and related mental health issues. Horizon was founded in 2004 with the idea that a small, supportive educational setting would help students maintain their recovery and develop into well-rounded community members.

February 22nd, 7-9pm at a Downtown Location
Café Ivrit: TED-Style Talks
Share a short 5-7-minute presentation on a topic of their choice, or just come to listen. Enjoy some yummy food and coffee.

March 2nd
Camp Shalom Registration: Returning Campers, Siblings, Alumni Kids. See Details & Sign Up

March 3rd
Camp Shalom Registration: All Campers

March 7th, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
The Henna Wedding Tradition: An Event for Young Couples (JFM)
JSS is proud to be a beneficiary agency of: