Jewish Social Services of Madison

Summer 2015 inside JSS Welcomes 2 Dawn Berney Family Reunited! 3-4 as Executive Director Thank You Volunteers inda Reivitz, President of the Jewish Social Services as we begin a new chapter Jewish Social Services Board of in our story. Directors, is pleased to announce L In my role as Executive Director, it will be the appointment of Dawn Berney as the my pleasure to work with each of you, and agency’s new executive director effective 4 our dedicated staff, to meet the needs of our September 1st. According to Reivitz, Ms. Reflections from Terrie community, grow the number of volunteers Berney is a “perfect fit” for the position. 2015 Levy Series who help JSS provide care, and raise the “She has the program knowledge we need,” funds and awareness necessary to ensure Reivitz said, “as well as experience in that we can help those in our community strategic planning and evaluation. Beyond in need of assistance. that she and her family are long time 5-7 I hope to meet many of you soon. Until then, volunteers for JSS. She knows well our Tribute Gifts I thought you might want to know a little programs and the needs of our clients.” something about me. Reivitz said special thanks are due to the members of search committee -- Howard Family is extremely important to me and the 7 Fried, Kris Rasmussen, Nan Youngerman, source of my drive to give back to others. In Welcome Elena Robbins and Rochelle Klaskin -- for their diligence fact, it was my lack of family in Madison that and hard work. first brought me to Jewish Social Services. Ten years ago we didn’t have any family in Madison. Also, we thank Terrie Goren for her I wanted my children to have the opportunity commitment to the agency over the past five to get to know community members of 8 years. Terrie brought JSS through the transition older generations. We began to volunteer at Planning for Transition from sharing an executive director with the Oakwood Village’s monthly Shabbat Gatherings Jewish Federation of Madison to having its Legacy Giving when my daughters were four and one. Last own executive director. We are very grateful year some of the Oakwood residents joined to her for all of her work through this time. in the celebration of our eldest daughter’s 9 Below is a letter of introduction from Bat Mitzvah! Volunteering with Jewish Social Dawn Berney. Services has been a highlight of our time in Did you know? Madison. Becoming the Executive Director is International Corner Greetings, supporters and friends, an extension of that. My name is Dawn Berney, and I would I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in political science like to introduce myself to you as the new from the University of Chicago and a Master 10 Executive Director of JSS. I am eager to have of Public Administration from the Maxwell the privilege to lead this organization. There Volunteer Connection is no doubt that this is an exciting time for Continued on page 2 JSS Welcomes A Family Reunited!

Dawn Berney s the Madison community Finally, as the ball dropped at twelve o’clock as Executive Director ushered in the year 2015, a young on New Year’s Day, this lovely family was family was reunited. Three years able to embrace each other once more. (Continued from page 1) A ago a young professional won the green This was just the start of their journey, card lottery and was given the opportunity School of Citizenship and Public together, in the United States. Looking for to immigrate to the United States. He Affairs at Syracuse University, guidance, the family reached out to Jewish arrived, adjusted to a new climate and a thus proving that I can handle the Social Services and was quickly connected new culture, found employment and a new cold! Professionally and personally, with our Individual and Family Services community. He worked hard, picking up I have used my degrees to work social worker. Katy Polich, MSW helped overtime when possible and exhausting for nonprofits and state agencies. assess their needs, and then aided in himself physically at a job for which he I have worked in a number of the process of getting settled. She provided was overqualified. This gentleman saved roles from synagogue president advocacy and assistance with locating as much money as he could but also sent to program director to evaluation appropriate affordable housing, determining some back to his country, where specialist. I look forward to using which community benefits the family was all of my experience and skills his family waited. eligible for, accessing clothing and supplies to ensure Jewish Social Services His wife, an educated young woman with for the children, finding necessary medical continues and expands its three small children, worked patiently as she care, and connecting with the Madison remarkable programs. plodded through the visa process to gain Metropolitan School District. Jewish Social Thank you to Terrie Goren for access to the . Several months ago, the Services helped the family arrange their teaching me the nuts and bolts family had a chance to see each other briefly move to their new home in March. This of JSS. in a nearby country, in order to move the young couple reports much gratitude for I plan to work alongside you to immigration process along. What followed the opportunities that have been offered to make a difference in the lives was another long wait, with this young them. Jewish Social Services will continue of those we serve. By working father setting money aside to purchase to be part of their support system, as they together, we can have a lasting plane tickets for his wife and children. continue to enrich our community. impact across Madison and Dane County. Thank you for all you do and for being part of Jewish Social Services! At the end of the day, we can’t achieve our goals without you. You can reach me via email at [email protected]. Please contact me if you are interested in partnering with us by contributing your skills, your dollars, or your passion – any one of those gifts helps ensure that our communities are cared for with dignity. I encourage your involvement and welcome your ideas. Please feel free to contact me with your comments, suggestions, or concerns. And THANKS AGAIN for what you have already done.

Warmest regards,

Dawn Berney Executive Director

Page 2 Connections Summer 2015 Thank Youfor Volunteering January 2014 – May 2015

ll of us at JSS are deeply grateful for the invaluable contributions of all Jewish Social Services volunteers, whether in direct service, during a Social Recreation program, on Athe board of directors or committee or pro bono. We do our best, but sometimes we inadvertently omit a name. Please let us know if we have done so and accept our sincere apologies.

Lillian Abrams Barbara Dickey Steve Goldstein Lorna Kniaz BBYO Jake Heifetz Chapter Cari DiTullio Jerry Goodman Judy Knupp Betsy Abramson Annette Durkin David Gordon Larry Kohn Care Sharing Volunteers Nena Dyhr Jason Gorman Leah Kolb Congregation Shaarei Nina Edelman Yolanda Gorman Kolosovskiy Family Shamayim Youth Lori Edelstein Stacy Graff Joshua Kraus Currach Irish Band Leslie Eisenberg Betty Gray Judy Kravat Hilde Adler Jordan Ellenberg Robert Greenberg Diane Kravetz Samantha Angelina Barb Esser Megan Gross Helaine Kriegel Tamara Angelina Sandra Farkas Rosalind Gusinow Merilyn Kupferberg Attic Angels Bentzi Feldman Betsy Haimson Renata Laxova Livia Asher Laura Fernandez Bezalel Haimson Joan Lerman Genrikh Babich Lynda Finn Helen Hanau Stuart Levitan Bonnie Banker Laurel Fleischmann Linda Hancock Jeffrey Levy Janelle Bentley Jane Fox Laura Heisler Ike Lewis Peter Benton Lois Frank Hillel Foundation David Lipman Dorit Bergen Celia Freedland Marnie Hulan Alice Loew Lonnie Berger Howard Fried Kristine Juarez Bautista Bill Malone Dawn Berney Jessie Garcia Dori Kalish-Huza Bobbie Malone MOUSY Denny Geller Joanie Kanter Rick Margolis Sandra Bierman Amanda Gennerman Corliss Karasov Margaret Maroney Laila Borokhim Barry Gidal Judy Karofsky MaTTY Paul Buhle William Ginsberg Sara Karon Kathy Mazur Judy Clark Irwin Goldman Estelle Katz Lauren Mazur Marsha Cohen Naomi Goldman-Nagel Harsha Keister Erin McGrath Sheila Cohen Les Goldsmith King Family Barbara McKinney Ruth Conniff Herman Goldstein Rachelle Klaskin Continued on page 4

Summer 2015 Connections Page 3 Thank You to JSS Volunteers (continued)

Eileen Meshart Maria Rojas-Monroy Julie Snyder Barbara Tuerkheimer Linda Miller Shira Rosenthal Phelps Debbie Spear Jennifer Ullman Mel Morgenbesser Olga Roubachkina Kelsey Spencer Daniel Ussishkin Tally Moses Conor Ryan Bunny Spitz Ellen Weismer and Family Ramona Natera Joy Schmidt Lia Stark Jean Weissburg Philip Noinaj Darlene Schwartz Barry Stern Rev. Bill White Bobbi Nowak Diane Seder David Sulman Meg Wise Doug Olson David Seligman Joshua Sulman Janis Wrich Pamela Phillips Olson Gillian Sender Clara Sweet z’l Yid Vicious Klezmer Ensemble Danny Pekarsky Sundays with Sharon Jordan Taylor James Youngerman Franklynn Peterson Nadav Shelef Barbara Myers Temkin Nan Youngerman Wisconsin Society Karen Shevet Dinah David Tenenbaum Fima Zaltsman of Pharmacy Students Charlie Shoham Judy Pierotti Judy Sidran Rachel Pinkesz Lauren Siech Laura Polin Eve-Lynn Siegel Leland Potter Ruth Siegel Jennifer Pressman Karen Sielaff The Tree of Life: Jewish Roots and Cultural Reflections Michael Pressman Marc Silberman NAKOMA GOLF CLUB | 4145 Country Club Rd, Madison Kris Rasmussen 11:30am-2:00pm | Check-in begins at 11:00am | Cost per event $14 Jeanne Silverberg Linda Reivitz Jan Silvers TUES. JUNE 9 WED. JUNE 24 Retro Swing Band DANNY SIEGEL YOHANAN PETROVSKY-SHTERN “There’s No Such Thing as a Small Mitzvah” “The Golden Age Shtetl” So many of us want to be agents for positive change, Petrovsky-Shtern proposes that the shtetl from the yet the world’s problems appear intimidating and 1790’s-1840’s was a vibrant community with a rich intractable. It can seem all but impossible for one social and economic life based on cooperation among person to make a real difference. “Mitzvah Man” Catholic landowners, Tsarist administration and the REFLECTIONS Danny Siegel empowers people to understand how economic activities of the Jews. Petrovsky-Shtern brings they truly can change the world more than they had alive the trade, taverns, family and religious life that FROM TERRIE GOREN realized, one small mitzvah at a time. characterized what he calls the “Golden Age Shtetl.” TUES. JULY 7 WED. JULY 22 MERYLL PAGE & LESLIE ADLER STEVE NADLER t has been a pleasure to serve as JSS’ first full time “Jewish Luck” “Spinoza and Secular Judaism” Executive Director. Since 2010, JSS has seen tremendous Jewish Luck recounts the stories of two women in their Spinoza is often credited with being the first to struggles against the anti-Semitism and patriarchy of conceive the notion of secular Judaism. However, growth as we have evolved as an independent agency. the Soviet regime and Russia. Co-authors and sisters Spinoza’s views on Judaism are fairly complex, I Meryll Page and Leslie Adler will examine the family and seem in fact to rule out Judaism without In order for an organization to move forward, one must histories of Vera and Alisa, as well as the Soviet reality observance of Jewish law. We will consider these that combined with the two women’s personalities to questions from the perspective of both Spinoza’s understand from where it has come. As I reflect back to create very ambitious and successful women. life and his philosophy. the beginning of my tenure at JSS, I recall the challenge of learning, exploring, and understanding so that we as an agency TUES. AUGUST 4 WED. AUGUST 19 could move forward. I am very proud of all that has been JEFF BLAKELY “Sennacherib, Emperor MARK BLOOM “Prayticipation, of Assyria, versus Hezekiah, King of Judah” Prayformance & the Prevolution” accomplished. The strength of JSS is immense and permeates Based on accounts in the books of Isaiah, Kings, and Jewish sacred music has been shaped by elements through the staff, the board, and our corps of volunteers and Chronicles, the Histories of Herodotus, historical far and wide. Beginning with the ancient psalms accounts from ancient Assyria, works of art from attributed to King David’s inspired holiness through through the commitment of hundreds of donors. Being at Sennacherib’s palace in Assyria, and the archaeology the oral legacy of Cantorial chant, the Jewish melodic of biblical sites in ancient Judah, one can recreate journey has encompassed a unique collection of the helm and working with our staff and board these past and illustrate the military confrontation between cultural hybrids, while maintaining an identifiable Sennacherib and Hezekiah in 701 BCE, when Assyria essence from Judaism’s core. five years has been an inspiring process. Thank you for the destroyed all of biblical Judah except for Jerusalem. opportunity to serve the community. As I hand over the Transportation is available through Transit Solutions | Scholarships are available reins of this wonderful organization to Dawn Berney, I am confident that JSS will continue to grow and thrive. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED Call (608) 278-1808 or visit www.jssmadison.org

Page 4 Connections Summer 2015 JSS Offers A Sincere Thank You for Your Tribute Gifts

The following contributions were recorded between November 16, 2014 and May 15, 2015.

IN OF: Jonathan and Susan Lipp’s Anniversary David Sharkansky’s Bar Mitzvah Staff of Jewish Social Services of Madison Jonathon and Rebecca Kaiser Ina Sharkansky Judith Pierotti Annabelle Loeb’s Speedy Recovery Karen R. Shevet Dinah’s New Position at JSS Janice Beers’ BIA Service Betty Shovers Abraham Landsman Maria Cancian and Charles Kalish Annabelle Loeb’s Special Birthday The Birth of Abigail Jordon Silton Janice Beers’ Birthday Betty Shovers and Family Stephen and Lillian Abrams Barbara Spierer Annabelle and Archie Loeb’s Special Anniversary Jeanne and Joe Silverberg Dawn Berney Betty Shovers and Family Cindy and David Kamps Leslie and Stuart Berney Yoel Margolis’ Bar Mitzvah People of Skokie, Illinois Nena and Thomas Dyhr Irene and Barry Mirkin Anonymous Louis C. Bernhardt The Birth of Daigo Daniel Meyer Francie Smith Saposnik Stanley Kutler z”l Ellen Meyer William and Corliss Karasov The Birth of Davi M. Curasi-Diamond Beth Moszkowicz’s Birthday Barbara Spierer’s Retirement Stephen and Lillian Abrams Gary Seltzer Stephen and Lillian Abrams Janneke Baske Stanley Goldfarb and Sandra Arnn’s Marriage Katy Polich’s New Position at JSS Janice Beers Stanley Goldfarb and Sandra Arnn Michael and Mary Subkoviak Ronee Bergman Frannie R. Goldstein Martin Preizler’s Birthday Richard Bowman and Judith Ross Louise Goldstein and Bruce Thomadsen Stephen and Linda Kailin Maria Cancian and Charles Kalish Louise Goldstein’s Birthday Linda Reivitz’s Presidency Debra Davis Barbara Spierer Milton and Jacki Friend Nancy Dodge and David Watts Daniel and Bettine Lipman Miriam Farber Diane S. Gutmann Gary Friedman and Larry and Marla Frank Adam Schottenstein’s Bar Mitzvah Bonnie Denmark Friedman Betsy Haimson’s Birthday Stephen and Linda Kailin Milton and Jacki Friend Janneke Baske Sophie and Dean Shaffer Louise Goldstein and Bruce Thomadsen Nancy Loewenstein Brinnan Shaffer Continued on page 6 Anna Heifetz Natalie Borenstein and Anna’s Torah Class Ethan Hoffman’s graduation How Tributes Help Judith and Jeffrey Ross We appreciate when you honor and remember others with a gift to JSS. Gifts that Lois Keisler’s Birthday are unrestricted in nature allow JSS to use them where the greatest needs exist. Elana Elstein and Jeffrey Keisler Cards notifying the honoree or family are sent immediately. Erwin Landon’s Birthday Every donation means a great deal to us. We have made every effort to make sure our Allan and Sandra Levin thank you lists are accurate and complete, but if we have inadvertently neglected to list your name, please let us know. Call Elena Robbins, 608-278-1808. Thank you. Abraham Landsman Nancy Dodge and David Watts

Summer 2015 Connections Page 5 Thank You for Your Tribute Gifts (continued)

Barbara Spierer’s Retirement cont. IN MEMORY OF: Shari Cohn and Gary Mitchell Jerilyn Goodman Michael H. Ashe Andy and Esther Dosick Gail Jacob and Henry Steinberger Bill and Bunny Spitz Doris and Richard Dubielzig William and Corliss Karasov Gary Friedman and Irwin and Helen Klibaner Anatole Beck Bonnie Denmark Friedman Lawrence Kohn and Laurie Buchalter Stephen and Lillian Abrams Milton and Jacki Friend Tatyana Kudinenko and Sergei Saveliev Edward and Muffin Alschuler Paul Grossberg and Dean Ziemke Kenneth Kushner and Erica Serlin Lawrence and Sharon Barish Sheldon Harris Howard and Judith Landsman Pearl and John Fantle Kenneth Kushner and Erica Serlin Heidi and Charles Lauhon Gary Friedman and Janet Mertz and Jonathan Kane Cheryl Kapell Lerner Bonnie Denmark Friedman Thomas Palay and Diane Gutmann Daniel and Bettine Lipman Neil Gleason Francie Smith Saposnik and Herbert Lewis Jonathan and Susan Lipp David and Estelle Goldenberg Barbara Spierer Rona Malofsky Simon and Billie Hellerstein Stephen and Linda Kailin Mabel R. Hokin Laurel Mark Bernard Biales Deborah Martin Daniel and Kathy Levin Irene and Barry Mirkin Rosalind Levin Babette Isaacson Michael and Cheryl Moskoff Daniel and Bettine Lipman Ellen Louise and Howard Schwartz Judith and Jeffrey Ross Alan Orenberg Esther Kalish Joel Sacks Thomas Palay and Diane Gutmann Dori Kalish Betty Pristera Ruth Ann Schumeister Robert Radwin and Pamela Potter Eve-Lynn Siegel Beyla Katz Kris Rasmussen and Robert Factor Rose Sime Sophia and Marat Katz Julie Swedarsky Joan and Kenneth Riggs Jack Kaufman Suzann and Steven Yussen Judith Schreiber Shari Cohn and Gary Mitchell Melvin and Dorothy Siedband Kurt and Livia Bergen Stanley Kutler Francie Smith Saposnik and Herbert Lewis Dorit Bergen Harry and Karen Roth Gerald and Vicki Stewart Frederick M. Boris Judy and Ben Sidran Rochelle Stillman Lois Stoler Michael and Mary Subkoviak Stanley H. Langer Julie Swedarsky Joan Buchalter Hope Langer Gertler and Bert Langer Goldberg Rayla Temin Sue Baumblatt Ruby and Jacques Lugassy Phyllis and Stephen Wainger George Calden Irene Geller Deena and Peter Williams Abraham Landsman Mindy Wiseman and Mark Evans Anne Marion Judith Zukerman Kaufman Vera Croner Ave Bie Brenda and Cary McNatt Betsy and Bezalel Haimson Georgia Wagner’s Good Health Kris Rasmussen and Robert Factor Merilyn and Joel Kupferberg Sarah Cutler Gary z”l and Laurie Schmidt Abraham Landsman Dottie Weiner Bernardo Morgensteren Judy Kravat, Ina Sharkansky, Bill Dodge Thomas Palay and Diane Gutmann Diane Lezama, and Sherry Minkus Abraham Landsman Eve-Lynn Siegel The Birth of Eliana S. Weiner Tauba and Rosa Dubrovskaya Daniel L. Pierotti Fay Nager Roman and Maria Dubrovsky Gail Jacob and Henry Steinberger Mindy S. Wiseman Allan Green Sanford Ross Neil Lerner and Judith Collins Judith Green and Margie Zamora Barbara Spierer Alene Wiseman’s 85th Birthday Dolores C. Green Elaine R. Sackin Mindy Wiseman and Mark Evans James and Nancy Youngerman Roberta Kunin Becca Youngerman’s Engagement Julius Heifetz Harry and Karen Roth Niles and Linda Berman Eve-Lynn Siegel Elisabeth Scharlack Nan Youngerman Cara Hoffert Roberta Kunin Daniel and Bettine Lipman Gunderson Funeral Homes Lawrence and Linda Shriberg West Side Swim Club, Inc. James and Nancy Youngerman

Page 6 Connections Summer 2015 Thank You for Your Tribute Gifts (continued)

Diane Schwam Emanuel Schwam Marrian and Sidney Schwartz Frede Hammes Nadine Shapiro Jeanne and Joseph Silverberg Martin D. Siegel Diane Seder and Bruce Rosen Dorothy Silver Prussack Larry and Beatrice Harris Carole Sonduck Michael Sonduck Sylvia G. Sugerman Bobbie and Bill Malone Clara Sweet Sally Jamison Harold Tarkow JSS welcomes Elena Robbins Theodore and Margie Tarkow Solomon Volpiansky as Administrative Manager Paula Volpiansky and Larry Chapman Joseph Weisblum n January of 2015 Elena Robbins Masters Program with an emphasis on Bernard Weisblum eagerly stepped into her new role International Development and Nonprofit as the Administrative Manager Management. While pursuing her degree, Linda L. Willis I for Jewish Social Services. She came she completed an internship with a Bill and Bunny Spitz to JSS seeking a career that would be women’s health organization (RENATA) beneficial to the local community. in Yaoundé, Cameroon, aiding heavily Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, her stigmatized minority groups in the family placed the principle of helping West African country. It was truly an Turn your tzoris others as a high priority. Participating edifying experience, allowing her to gain in outreach programs with the Epilepsy perspective on life in a foreign country, into a mitzvah- Foundation and closely aiding her mother as well as the inner-workings of a A charitable gift to Jewish Social Services in offering services to children with nonprofit organization. and help individuals in critical need: autism, Elena found herself interested in Over the past few months, Elena has a nonprofit sector career. Reflecting on nnFrail elders enjoyed finding her place at JSS and her upbringing, she states, “My parents getting to know her co-workers. Some nnIndividuals with disabilities naturally incorporated the idea of tikkun of her projects include sending out the nnTroubled families olam (repairing the world) into our monthly electronic newsletter, creating childhood, right next to eating vegetables nnRefugees and immigrants flyers, aiding in data management and and going to school.” In 2011, she event registration, and designing the nnAnd hundreds of others of your graduated from the University of Illinois new Haggadah used at the senior Passover neighbors, friends and relatives at Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree seders. As someone with a background in It’s easy–with your vehicle title in in Political Science and International international relations, Elena has found hand–call us! Towing is free! Relations. During her time at UIC she aiding JSS Immigration Services with also worked in the College of Liberal Jewish Social Services, 608-278-1808. their frequent workshops particularly Arts and Sciences on campus, assisting interesting. She has felt an overwhelming her fellow students while honing her sense of community among all those administrative skills. involved with JSS and hopes to remain Elena then moved to Madison to a part of the organization for a very complete the Professional French long time.

Summer 2015 Connections Page 7 Planning for Transition Home LEAVE A LEGACY Hospitalization or Rehab TO JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES pending time in the hospital or your needs. If you will need home health in a rehab facility can be stressful, or home care services those arrangements Sbut with proper planning and should ideally be made prior to discharge. Of the many ways in which support, your transition home can be people can contribute to Jewish It is important to plan ahead for any made much easier. Social Services, planned giving needed adaptations in your home or any In order to ensure a smooth transition, it is equipment, such as a hospital bed, a walker options offer donors unique necessary to begin thinking about it as early or wheelchair, or a shower stool and grab and meaningful ways in which as possible. Identifying key people to assist bars in the bathroom. Remove items that to support JSS’s mission today, in the plan is important. In general, the may cause falls, such as area rugs and cords, while leaving a legacy for future facility social worker is in charge of assisting and reduce excess clutter to allow for easy generations. The benefits of patients with coordinating care needs. You passage from room to room. planned giving stretch beyond may request a care conference so that you, the immediate need. They your family and/or other support help JSS prepare for the future persons, hospital/rehab case by ensuring our ability to manager and medical staff continually provide services and can review your progress and programs to enrich the lives of anticipate what your needs those we serve. will be at time of discharge. If you have had a long rehab If you have not included JSS in stay, having another meeting your estate plans, the following close to your discharge date is are some of the most popular important. Come prepared with methods to accomplish your a list of questions and take notes. goal. The advice of an attorney It is helpful to have a family member/ or qualified financial planner is caregiver present to take notes as it may necessary to assess your personal be difficult to absorb everything that is situation and help you to decide being discussed. which options might best serve Make sure you understand any changes to your goals: your medications and potential side effects. nnCharitable Bequest Ask to have needed prescriptions sent to the pharmacy before you leave. If you will nnGifts of Life Insurance need home health care such as OT or PT, the physician will need to write an order nnRetirement Plan Assets for that. Be sure you understand any new You may need to ask someone to shop for precautions or care you may need to follow. groceries and fill your prescriptions so these If you would like further will be ready upon your return. information on providing for People often confuse home health and Jewish Social Services in your home care services. Home health is a Keep any follow-up doctor’s appointments. estate plans, please contact Medicare-covered benefit and is provided Call your doctor ASAP if you experience for a limited period of time as long as you any symptoms/warning signs once you Mindy Wiseman, OTR/L at need skilled home health such as PT/OT/ return home. 608-278-1808. Jewish Social Services does not provide tax or RN. A shower aide may be provided for as The JSS Senior Services Specialist is long as you are receiving skilled services. available to help you with these transitions. legal advice and the information You must be home bound while receiving If needed, we may attend care plan herein is not intended as legal, home health. meetings and help advocate for the patient. tax, or investment advice. Home care is considered an unskilled We can help guide you through the process service and is NOT covered by Medicare. of choosing a home care agency, obtaining Unless you have long term care insurance, equipment/home adaptations and connect you pay out-of-pocket. Home care services you with other resources. Once you return may include assisting with personal cares home we can check in to see if your needs such as dressing, bathing, and toileting. It are being met. may also include housekeeping, shopping Good planning, preparation and follow up and meal preparation, depending upon are the keys to avoiding re-hospitalization.

Page 8 Connections Summer 2015 Did you know..? INTERNATIONAL CORNER nnIn 2014, JSS served over Living in America – Perspective 800 individuals of an Immigration Services Client nnHalf had incomes < $25,000 This article was written by a client of our Immigration Services program. While she was nnMore than one in four eager to share her story, we have respectfully left out her name in order to grant her request for anonymity. had a disability y family and I came from this permit is not a path to citizenship, it nnJSS volunteers provided over Mexico to the U.S. when I was has given me freedom that I did not have 4,000 hours of service Mabout four years old. We came before. For example DACA has allowed me because we were living in extreme poverty. to obtain my license at the same time the nnJSS volunteer attorneys provided Even though my father worked sunrise to rest of my classmates have, and I can over 600 hours of pro bono legal sunset we could not get ahead. We lived in travel with my friends to see the beautiful immigration services a small one room house with dirt floors. sights of this country. My dream is to nnJSS provided 64 different The house was falling apart, and we had eventually travel all over the world. I would programs to the community no heat or air conditioning. We were also also like to participate in international fleeing from all the violence that was taking humanitarian work. Unfortunately, for place. There was always the fear that you right now those dreams are put on hold. I would get mugged, kidnapped, or killed. am hoping for immigration reform in the near future. This would not only allow me When we arrived here we moved in with Jewish Social Services to fulfill my dreams, it would also allow my family in Minnesota. I faced numerous family to stay together. Ever since I was a of Madison challenges adapting to the many changes I little girl I have lived with the fear that my experienced in the U.S. Our first obstacle parents would be taken away from me at was the language. I was able to quickly Linda Reivitz, President any second. Sometimes I would stay up all pick up English, but my parents could [email protected] night to make sure nothing bad happened. not. At the young age of five, I became my However, going to school was what I parents’ translator. As a result, I matured Dawn Berney, MPA dreaded the most. I always feared that my more quickly than other kids my age. I was Executive Director parents were going to be taken away when dealing with adults and “adult things” on [email protected] I was at school. No one should have to live a regular basis; however, I do not regret with the fear that I did and do. My Services to Individuals this. Being bilingual opened more doors for parents will be eligible to apply for Deferred & Families Under Stress me than I ever imagined possible. Another Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) Katy Polich, MSSW, CISW obstacle we had to overcome was the because my two younger siblings were born [email protected] weather. We were used to the warm weather in the United States. With DAPA there in Mexico. However, we quickly adapted is hope for my family staying together. My Senior Services to the freezing cold weather in Minnesota siblings and I will be able to live without Mindy Wiseman, OTR/L out of necessity. Growing up, I was also [email protected] the fear of never seeing our parents again. faced with the reality of racism. I realized at Also my parents will be able to work, drive, a young age that people are discriminated Immigrant & Refugee Services and travel inside the United States. Janice Beers, MA against because of the way they look. The [email protected] experience that I recall the most happened I am very thankful to Jewish Social Services at the hospital. In my opinion a hospital for all their help. Janice was extremely Volunteer Services has the obligation to help anyone regardless helpful, caring, and professional throughout Louise Goldstein, APSW, CVA of race, gender, or sexual preference. the whole process. She was there for me [email protected] Unfortunately, that was not the case when every step of the way, and was always there my mom needed to go in for a cardiac test. to answer my questions. In addition she Vehicle Donations The doctor there refused to perform the test checked up on me after her job was done. [email protected] on my mother because of the color of her My family was able to afford professional skin. Many people witnessed this event, but help from Jewish Social Services because of JSS Main Office 608-278-1808 not one person stood up for us. We had their low fees. They also go out of their way no choice but to wait hours for a different to get information out to as many people as doctor to perform the test. Unfortunately they can. They recently held an educational Connections for us, racism is still a very real part of our session on DAPA. Both my parents and lives. One day I will hopefully be able to say I attended. They presented a lot of useful that we have overcome this obstacle too. information, and they had many people to Dawn Berney, Editor whom we could talk to if we had questions. Thanks to Deferred Action for Childhood Jewish Social Services is the place to go if you American Printing Company, Design Arrivals (DACA) I am able to drive, work, want a professional and caring environment. and travel inside the U.S. Even though

Summer 2015 Connections Page 9 Jewish Social Services of Madison Non-Profit Org. 6434 Enterprise Lane U.S. POSTAGE Madison, WI 53719-1117 PAID Madison, Wis. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 1341

Jewish Social Services of Madison Connections Published by Jewish Social Services of Madison three times a year

6434 Enterprise Lane Madison, WI 53719 Tel (608) 278-1808 Fax (608) 278-7814 E-mail [email protected] www.jssmadison.org JSS is a beneficiary agency of

A member agency of the Association of Jewish, Family & Children’s Agencies

VOLUNTEER CONNECTION

This has provided some much-needed respite for the man’s wife and Charlie Shoham, “Why Not?” enriched both of their lives.

ne way or another, Charlie Shoham has been helping Charlie has also been a Friendly Visitor for a couple of years for a people all his life. When he was a child, his older middle-aged woman with disabilities who feels isolated, rarely leaving brother was injured in a terrible automobile accident; her apartment. He visits her twice weekly for two hours at a time. O The woman is very social and loves to converse, so she and Charlie the therapies that helped his brother recover left a strong impression on Charlie. As a result, Charlie chose are a very good match and seem to share endless topics to become a rehabilitation physician, of interest. She wrote us a note saying, “I just wanted developing skills and attitudes that proved to say thank you for introducing me to Charlie. I am important when he became a caregiver for Why not, if I really enjoying getting to know him. We have much his late wife, Sue Ann. When he himself in common in both work and health experiences.” “can be helpful, and She says there are few people who can really became disabled later in life, he found that volunteering provided a way for understand what it is like to be as disabled as him to continue to help people. He uses I really enjoy getting she is, but Charlie does. this professional expertise and personal to know these people. Since last summer Charlie has been experience while serving on the Access to ” volunteering with an elderly, highly educated Independence Board of Directors. and accomplished woman from another Charlie is a cheerful man, down-to-earth and open-hearted. His country who speaks almost no English. What started as an English- tendency is to see that there’s a way to do something rather than language session evolved into a way to breach language barriers and to lament that it’s difficult or impossible. In the four years that start a friendship. Recently he took on a second woman from the Charlie has been volunteering for Jewish Social Services, many same country because, as he says, “Why not, if I can be helpful, and JSS volunteers have benefited from this attitude. Charlie has also I really enjoy getting to know these people.” developed long-lasting relationships with those he helps. On a We at Jewish Social Services are so grateful that Charlie Shoham weekly basis for the past four years, he visits with an elderly man and so many others like him enjoy giving their time and energy to with dementia and patiently listens to his stories and questions. help our clients. And, as he says, it’s a lot of fun for him too.