Please join us for Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota's

116th Annual Meeting

Wednesday, June 10 @ 12-1:30 p.m.

Beth El Synagogue, 5225 Barry St. W., St. Louis Park

Lunch will be served

Program 12-12:45 p.m.

>Learn more and RSVP by June 2 here

We will recognize the contributions of dedicated volunteers Andrea Binder, Gail Machov, Debbie Ross-Staska, Ann Rubin, and Melissa Siegel for their work with the Memory Cafe program. In addition, Etta Lambright will be honored as the recipient of the Anita and Jim Dinerstein Community Service Award.

These volunteers recently spoke on why they enjoy volunteering for JFCS.

>Read more here

By Mark Kaufman, MSW, LICSW, JFCS Therapist

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we continue to live in a world that exposes us to trauma, heartbreak, and fear. The intersectionality of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, racism, sexism, and ablism can make it difficult for people to find spaces in which they feel safe in having their voice heard, leading to increased isolation. Additionally, many in our local community are suffering from the repercussions of Operation Metro Surge in ways that isolate and separate families and has had a significant impact on local small businesses.

>Read more from Mark here

Counseling Lead Sponsor: Engler Family Foundation Lead Sponsor:The Kaplan Family, in loving memory of Julie Kaplan Sponsor: Bruce Goodman

For more than 20 years, JFCS has uplifted LGBTQ+ Jews in our community, through educational, social, and ritual opportunities. These are designed by and for the community through not only our dedicated program J-Pride, but throughout our agency, and this year is no different. We are inviting you to join us for the 20th anniversary of JFCS at Twin Cities Pride for a variety of activities meant to educate, uplift, and declare what we know to be true that everyone is created ‘B’tselem Elohim’ in the image of G-D.  

Explore our Pride Hub to join us at events, volunteer at our booth, and march in the parade. Plus, read about our exciting new venue for Pride Shabbat.

>Learn more at our Pride Hub here

Nikole Slocum, MS, LPCC, JFCS Therapist:

A lot of parents think they need to have this huge, serious talk, and honestly, that’s usually what makes everybody panic. Teens are also incredibly perceptive when it comes to adults feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or overly intense – especially when it comes to their parents. Parents might go into these conversations nervous, and teens pick up on that nervous energy almost immediately. Within about 30 seconds everyone wants to escape the conversation, with “ughs,” “ewws,” and eye rolls to boot.

>Read more from Nikole here

The Advice Corner provides responses from a variety of staff, each with unique expertise, background and perspective. Please let us know if you have questions that you would like us to highlight. We want to hear from you! Questions will be posed anonymously. Please email questions to: acowan@jfcsmn.org.

Sunday, June 14 @ 9:30-11 a.m.

JCC Capp Center, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul

If you welcomed a new baby in the past year, gain new knowledge and a new “village” at our Summer New Parent Education Sessions for the Jewish community. For our first session, begin the journey into infant/child massage and yoga style movements! These techniques can help with bonding, blood flow and circulation, digestion, reaching milestones, and so much more. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, entertain your little one, connect with other parents, and have fun learning something new with your baby.

>Learn more & register here

Family traditions start with grandparents. Find community and step into your role as a Jewish grandparent. Join us at JFCS of Minnesota as we explore joyful and meaningful ways to stay engaged, build strong relationships, and make the most of our time together across generations. Enjoy a mix of social gatherings, Jewish educational opportunities, and fun family events designed to spark ideas, build community, and make memories.

>Sign up to get involved! Contact Stacey Spencer, Grandparent Connector, at sspencer@jfcsmn.org with questions and ideas.

Spring into connection with other women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s in the Jewish community. Join us at our upcoming events! 

BINGO & Bloom, Wednesday, May 27

JFCS Golden Valley

Schmooze & Play, Sunday, June 14

JCC Capp Center, St. Paul

Mimosas, Mocktails & Masterpieces, Sunday, June 28

JFCS Golden Valley

Abbey Baker was recently named coordinator of the JFCS of Minnesota Hag Sameach program. As a longtime volunteer for the program, she knows how impactful it is to the community. She recently spoke about why she wanted this role and what her goals are:

Why did the Hag Sameach Coordinator position appeal to you?

This new position appealed to me because it builds on a connection I’ve had with the program for many years. Since moving back to Minneapolis in 2010, I’ve volunteered to wrap and deliver gifts and supported the Hag Sameach Adopt-a-Family program with my own family. Even in a small role, it became something I genuinely looked forward to each year. Seeing firsthand the joy this program brings to not only the recipients, but all the volunteers, is incredibly meaningful, and it made me want to become more involved.

>Read more from Abbey here  

The Hag Sameach Program is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to step into leadership roles and help make a meaningful impact through our Winter Holidays program that provides gifts and ritual items to individuals and families. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including gift selection, gift wrapping, delivery coordination, and a new St. Paul Co-Chair position. Whether you are a seasoned or new Hag Sameach volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

> If you're interested, please contact Abbey Baker, Hag Sameach Coordinator, at abaker@jfcsmn.org. 

Hag Sameach Lead Sponsors: Clara Ruth Kaner Children’s Fund, a designated fund of the Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation, Karen and Russ Rubin Sponsor: Jacob Garber Endowment Fund of the Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation 

Todd Barin has been involved with NextGen for five years. He currently serves as NextGen President, sits on the Board Development Committee and will be joining the JFCS of Minnesota Board of Directors in June. Learn more about Todd below. 

What can you tell us about yourself and your background?

I grew up in Edina – very close to a golf course, which is a big reason why that’s my favorite sport. I went to the University of Minnesota and then after college moved to San Diego for a few years to “scratch an itch.“ I moved back in 2020 to be closer to family, as I’m incredibly blessed to have two older brothers and five nieces/nephews.

>Read more about Todd here

We are deeply grateful for the 1,200+ volunteers of all ages who support our programs in so many meaningful ways. Your time and dedication make a real difference - you are truly the heart of JFCS of Minnesota! Click here to view the 2025 volunteer listings for Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. Please reach out to Dana Shapiro if any names were inadvertently omitted.

Looking for meaningful ways to get involved and stay updated on volunteer opportunities? Click here to read the latest edition of the Quarterly Volunteer Newsletter and join the mailing list. Contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at dshapiro@jfcsmn.org with any questions.