by R. J. Biermann
Jewish Family & Children Services will hold its 100th anniversary celebration and fundraiser at
Though in the past the organization has served the community with day camps, cooking classes, English classes and other programming, JF&CS now concentrates on its core services: adult and youth mental-health counseling, homecare, and immigrant resettlement. Narrowing its focus helps the organization concentrate on its current goals, such as raising community awareness, especially for homecare. Ephraim believes that homecare can keep elderly citizens out of nursing homes and assisted-care living situations for years. "Many elderly citizens enter these facilities because they have trouble driving or lifting things around the house. With a few hours a week of homecare, they are able to stay in their homes for years longer, keeping down costs to them and to the community at large," he says.
In addition to homecare, the organization offers affordable counseling services to individuals, couples and families of all ages, income levels and religious affiliations. While volunteers comprise the JF&CS board, homecare and counseling services are handled by professionals in those fields.
Resettlement constitutes the third facet of JF&CS. The organization maintains a contract with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement agency in the United States, to enable Jews from all over the world to relocate to Kansas City. According to Ephraim, in the last 10 years most immigrants to this area came from eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. JF&CS helps them find apartments and get English-language and other training necessary to establish residence in Kansas City.
The 100th anniversary celebration, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, and organized by volunteer Joni Weiner, will feature remarks by Tipper Gore. Gore's dedication to mental-health issues and family values made her a good choice for the event's keynote speech. Ephraim hopes Gore's fame will draw attention to the celebration, which doubles as the organization's annual fundraiser. This year's fundraising goal is $90,000.
In addition to Weiner, the event's official chair, Phyliss Bernstein, Ph.D., and Bob Bernstein will serve as this year's honorary chairs. JF&CS intends to honor these individuals for their dedication and support of the organization over the years. Mr. Bernstein, chief executive officer of Bernstein-Rein, contributes creatively to the annual anniversary event and fundraiser, according to Ephraim. Dr. Bernstein has served JF&CS for over a decade, as a board member and programming resource.
Beyond the anniversary celebration, JF&CS will focus in 2001 on improving the organization's programming and increasing visibility in the community. "We want to let people know that we have relationships with individuals and community groups with all sorts of backgrounds,"says Ephraim. Founded as a Jewish organization and affiliated to Jewish community groups and synagogues, JF&CS still welcomes anyone interested to explore its services.