On May 16, 2010, more than 100 people gathered at Maison & Jardin for JFS’ Spring gala, Konnecting the Pieces, which was a tribute to the agency’s programs and services and a commemoration and celebration of the 10th birthday of the Roth Family KidsKonnect program.
Karen Broussard, JFS Director of Program Development, opened the program by describing the history of KidsKonnect, as a means of giving children experiencing family disruption an outlet to cope with their feelings. Broussard noted, “In the past 10 years this free program has delivered the equivalent of nearly $500,000 in services to children in need within the public school system.”
Keith Baber, Project Manager and District Counselor for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), presented a plaque in appreciation of the services provided to the community. OCPS represents more than half of the 85 schools that receive KidsKonnect programming within Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties. Sue Ann Besaw, guidance counselor at Lawton Chiles Elementary School and former KidsKonnect coordinator, also gave credit to the program for the benefits it provides to OCPS schools. States Besaw, “The KidsKonnect program enables schools to continue offering counseling to students, since many guidance counselor positions have been cut due to budget constraints.”
The program ended with a testimonial from a mother and son who participated in the KidsKonnect program. Michelle Cruz proudly told her story of how the program bridged the gap that existed for her son after divorce. She says of her son, Alejandro, “Through this program, he has learned how to adapt to his situation and new environment. He understands that now he has two families who love him very much and are there for him always.”
Sue Ann Besaw, KidsKonnect Coordinator, Unju Chung-Canine,
Michelle Cruz, Alejandro Cruz and Luz Berrios
Other highlights of the evening included a silent auction that raised more than $2,000 and a commemorative puzzle piece board with guests’ names written on puzzle pieces. The board signified the important role each guest took in bringing the event together and will be hung in JFS’ main office in Winter Park.
“The event was a wonderful way to give recognition to a program that has filled an important missing link in social services over the last decade,” states Barry Kudlowitz, JFS Executive Director. “The agency is fortunate to have such a dedicated staff and a core group of supporters passionate about our cause.”
Mark you calendar for October 24, 2010 when JFS celebrates Evening of Valor; the Magic of Community at the Orlando Marriott/Lake Mary Hotel.
Pictured below are photos from 2009 Evening of Valor (captions are left to right)):
- Stan Shader (left) with Boardmember and presenter Madeline Wolly and Harvey Massey
- FSP client Latrice McKinley gives a heartwarming testimonial
- Executive Director Barry Kudlowitz, Honorary Chair Nick Anderson and Board President Martin Sherman
- Committee chairs - Gayle Zamore and Linda Arost
- Director of Development Es Cohen surprised to receive flowers from the Board President and overwhelmed by success of the event
- Shelley Lake and Harriett Lake
ANNUAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
- GET CAUGHT CARING
Get Caught Caring is a JFS Mitzvah Project, helping families and children in our local community who are facing financial, health or other challenges during the winter holiday season by providing them with the ability to have gifts for their children and food for their holiday meals. As part of our online campaign, you can purchase a gingerbread man to help supply a family with gifts, food and joy. Decide your level of giving and click on the Donate Now button below.
$15 $50 $100 $200
Holiday Meal Holiday Gifts Holiday Dinner Dinner & Gifts
for 1 person for 2 children for a family of 6 for a family of 5
Get Caught Caring!
- KINDER TO KINDER
The goal of JFS’ Kinder-to-Kinder program is aimed at giving the youth of our community an opportunity to give back to other children, while at the same time teaching the spirit of volunteerism and community service. The Kinder-to-Kinder program is an interfaith holiday program for children. For the past several years, Kinder-to-Kinder visited the children at the Crisis Nursery, a facility that provides a safe and home-like environment for children ages 2 months through 11 years old. Children have been placed in the nursery for a variety of reasons including substance abuse, families dealing with domestic violence and homelessness.
- SCHOOL MATTERS
School Matters is a JFS school supply drive, ensuring less fortunate elementary to high school-age students have the needed materials to succeed in school. At JFS, school matters, and that's why we want every child who comes through the doors at JFS to have the right tools.
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FEINSTEIN $1,000,000 CHALLENGE
Allen Shawn Feinstein, a philanthropist from Rhode Island, can't believe we have hungry people in our country. In 1998, he began his challenge…encouraging food pantries throughout the nation to hold food drives to help combat hunger. In return, participating agencies receive a percentage of the $1,000,000, in proportion of the total amount raised by all participants. Annually, during the months of March and April, JFS collects canned and non-perishable goods, accepts cash and partners with local businesses and synagogues to hold food drives. Last year JFS' pantries provided food for nearly 100,000 meals to those in need in our community.For more information on conducting a food drive with your company or organization please contact JFS at 407-644-7593, ext. 241.
Centerpieces for Tzedakah is a program that provides beautifully decorated centerpiece baskets that are available for rent for special occasions from Jewish Family Services. Gorgeous baskets are filled with a representation of assorted packages of food items. They are attractively wrapped in clear cellophane and decorated. These baskets are ideally sized for centerpieces and will be delivered directly to your party. Coordinated centerpieces, specifically designed for buffet tables and the bimah at your synagogues, are also available for rental.
These unique centerpieces provide a wonderful opportunity for your family to give “tzedakah”, or donation, as you celebrate your special event. Funds raised through the rental of the baskets will be used to purchase food for those in need and stock our Pearlman Pantry.
For more information and to reserve your centerpieces, call Terry Nebel at 407-644-7593.
During the months of May and June, Jewish Family Services initiates its annual Friends Campaign. This annual fundraiser is one of the primary funding sources necessary to operate JFS’ vital programs and services. As the needs and the costs of services continues to rise, the Friends Campaign donations help support the day-to-day bills, maintain vital programs and services while helping to feed the hungry, care for young and old and more.
The support of the Friends Campaign by the community is critical to the success of JFS’ quality programs and services for individuals, children and families. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, people in the greater Orlando area turn to JFS for help in overcoming those troubles.
