We Are Jfsa. Strengthening Families. Building Community
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WE ARE JFSA. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES. BUILDING COMMUNITY. JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND • 2012 ANNUAL REPORT OUR MISSION Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland, a private, non-profit organization, serves to strengthen families and individuals in both the Jewish and general communities in Northeast Ohio. Guided by traditional Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice, JFSA is committed to enhancing every individual’s ability to thrive in our community. WE ARE JFSA. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES. BUILDING COMMUNITY. LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND Robert A. Immerman Susan Bichsel, PhD Dear Friends, PRESIDENT & CEO As you take a moment to read the profiles in this year’s annual report, we are confident you will be impressed by the scope and breadth of the services at JFSA. For 137 years, JFSA staff have developed and adapted our services to meet the critical needs of the moment. 2012 has been a banner year for special recognition of JFSA programs. Of note, the Horvitz YouthAbility program was recognized by the City of Cleveland and the AJFCA (Association of Jewish Family & Children Agencies) for its innovative approach to volunteerism with at-risk youth and youth with disabilities. JFSA’s Know Abuse™ program was recognized by the TABLE OF CONTENTS AJFCA and the Ohio Association of Non-Profit Organizations for its creative use of cause theater in teen dating violence prevention programming. Letter from the Board Chair and President & CEO 1 Additionally, the Center for Cognition and Recovery was one of seven national organizations to receive the prestigious 2011 Science and Service Award from SAMSHA (Substance Abuse Profiles 3 and Mental Health Services Administration). Agency Financials & Volunteers are the wonderful bridge between our programs and services and the community. Leadership 12 Each year JFSA volunteers provide roughly $320,000 worth of unpaid services that enhance the care received by our clients. Our volunteers deliver kosher meals and spend time with our Endowments, Foundations & homebound elderly; provide special holiday celebrations for our homeless clients and individuals Grantors 15 with disabilities, and ensure that our food pantry is well stocked with much needed items. JFSA Donors 19 While our staff provides safety and access to the best care for our clients, our volunteers add special attention and companionship throughout the year that make JFSA feel like family to Hebrew Shelter Home the people we serve. Donors 32 These accomplishments would not be possible without the generous support and extraordinary PLAN Donors 35 partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, our Board of Directors, donors, volunteers and the community at large. Together we ensure that each member of our community can count In-Kind Donors 36 on JFSA to provide quality care and support. Volunteers 38 Program & Service Listing 40 Robert A. Immerman Susan Bichsel, PhD Board Chair President and CEO 1 PLAN OF NORTHEAST OHIO CENTER FOR ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS COGNITION AND TO COMMUNITY LIVING RECOVERY, LLC. Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disability Services HEBREW SHELTER HOME FAMILIES AT COLLEGE FINANCIAL RISK SERVICES Domestic Violence, AID PROGRAM Homelessness and Dating Scholarships, Violence Prevention, Financial Loans & Grants Literacy, Shelter and Emergency Financial Assistance JFSA CARE AT HOME Private Duty/Skilled Nursing Home & Community Support Services Older Adult Specialty Services WE ARE JFSA. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES. BUILDING COMMUNITY. 2 ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS TO COMMUNITY LIVING TO ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS MAINTAINING A JOB WHILE ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS TO MANAGING A MENTAL ILLNESS COMMUNITY LIVING When Carey Daws lost her job in 2011, she knew exactly where to go for help. Carey chose JFSA Ascentia Supported Employment Services, a program that helps people with mental disabilities find work and remain employed. Ten years ago, Carey was diagnosed with schizophrenia and suffering from paranoia. She was told by doctors she would never work again. But since then, Carey has disproved their thinking and made significant strides in managing her mental illness and finding employment. She doesn’t want to allow her mental illness to be an excuse or define her. After she lost her job last year, Carey worked with her Ascentia case manager Laurie White and employment specialist Joli Magnus, updated her resume and set realistic goals for securing a new job. Now employed as a competitive marketing analyst, Carey continues to receive support from JFSA. Her focus now is on job retention with the goal to improve the longevity of her employment. Joli explains, JFSA Ascentia Residential “Laurie and I are here to support Carey with her goals, to help her overcome self- Services program operated over doubt and be more confident.” 50 residential sites throughout Northeast Ohio and Carey exclaims, “I love JFSA, they saved my life at a time when I lost my job delivered close to 382,000 and was discouraged. Joli and Laurie help me focus on what’s manageable so I don’t get overwhelmed, and they’ve helped me learn coping tricks so if I have hours of direct service to adults a bad thought, it doesn’t make me spin with intellectual disabilities. out-of-control.” Approximately 500 individuals Carey knows she can’t with serious mental illness were do this alone. Having both case management served through JFSA Ascentia services and Supported Mental Health Services and Employment Services as PLAN’s Holistic Recovery Program. part of an integrated treatment plan, Carey can take responsibility 2,700 hours of holistic recovery for managing her life activities were provided to individuals and her illness. with serious mental illness. More than 430 individuals with disabilities accessed services (left to right) Carey Daws and to help them obtain meaningful JFSA’s Joli Magnus employment. 3 “ Living here is good for Michael. It opens PARENTS WITH A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE up his opportunities and gives him more It doesn’t always take a crisis for a family to reach out for help from JFSA. versatility for his life.” Sometimes the impetus is the desire for an adult child to have the opportunity to take the next steps towards independence. That’s how the Chesler family became – James Chesler involved with JFSA Ascentia Residential Services program. ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS TO COMMUNITY LIVING TO ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS When Margaret and Jonathan Chesler learned their son Michael had autism, they were determined to have a family life that included him in all activities. But they were also mindful that he was going to eventually grow into adulthood, so early on they began the process of developing a plan of care for him and to face the situation of his special needs with full awareness. Margaret is an experienced social worker and explains that parents of children with autism need to understand that after their child moves out of the school system, support disappears and without a plan for the future young adults with autism can become lost. For the Cheslers, JFSA’s Ascentia fit nicely into their plan. At age 23, Michael moved into Washington House. The family appreciates how well maintained the home is, the attention to detail for the residents – that it’s a thoughtful environment with helpful staff. Ascentia provides reassurance that Michael is cared for, so the family doesn’t have to worry. Closeness and family time still matter to the Cheslers. Michael returns to his family’s home every Friday night and participates in activities on Saturday. It’s the best of both worlds for everyone – Michael has his independent living experience with peers plus happy times with his family. Living at Washington House has expanded Michael’s life experiences – he now is willing to try new food and eats more balanced meals, he’s more social and has developed good relationships with the other residents, and enjoys house field trips. A graduate of Shaker Heights High School and CEVEC, Michael works at the Brooklyn Adult Training Center. His brother James observes, “Living here is good for Michael. It opens up his opportunities and gives him more versatility for his life.” The entire Chesler family appreciates how JFSA enhances Michael’s life experience and supports him to be more independent. Margaret comments, “If I dreamed it, this is how it would be – and fortunately it’s not just a dream but reality!” Michael Chesler gives his mom, Margaret, a big hug. 4 ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS TO COMMUNITY LIVING TO ASCENTIA: PATHWAYS HOLISTIC RECOVERY PAVES A PATH BACK HOME Becoming a PLAN member has changed Tasha Dore’s life. Tasha spent most of her youth dealing with anger. She lashed out, fought, and alienated those she longed to be close with, especially her family. At home her sister wanted to play, but Tasha would push her away. She yearned for friends, but her behavior problems at school led to her being bullied. She resented being placed in Special Ed classes because her AD/HD made her feel different. Later she was diagnosed with bipolar and schizo-affective disorder. As a member of PLAN, Tasha participated in CET (Cognitive Enhancement Therapy), which uses computer software programs and structured group communications to help increase attention, memory, and problem solving skills for people with mental illness. Tasha says the 14 month program improved her “mindfulness” and ability to manage her anger. Tasha Dore (left) with her Tasha learned to make friends by participating in different social and recreational parents Greg and Edie Dore. activities in PLAN’s Holistic Recovery program. In fact, interacting with other PLAN members has inspired Tasha to want to give a face to mental illness so she has begun writing a book to help educate the public. Tasha says, “I look normal. I behave normally most of the time. People find it difficult to believe I’m ill, because you can’t really see mental illness.” Vicki Elsoffer, Tasha’s family advocate, helps her continue to manage her frustration and stress and talk about her feelings rather than acting out.