L’CHAYIM www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 43, No. 12 n August 2021 / 5781 A message from Alan Isaacs, A message from Barbara Siegel Federation Executive Director & Sherri Zucker, Co-Presidents ay 2022 will mark nearly 15 is reinforced by the frm belief that n behalf of the Federation’s sition and we are embracing the oppor- of some of the most fulfll- the Federation’s leadership is well- Board of Directors and the tunity to search for our next executive Ming years of my professional equipped to continue to advance the Oentire community, we want director. life. It will also signal a time of transi- Federation’s mission. I too will remain to thank Alan Isaacs for providing the We will work closely and consult tion for the Jewish Federation of Lee committed to the continued health and guidance and leadership that has been with The Jewish Federations of North and Charlotte Counties and me. At that welfare of our Federation and our com- so instrumental in our success for al- America throughout the process. A time, I will retire from my position at munity. most 15 years. Alan has informed us search committee has been formed and the Jewish Federation. I deeply appreciate the support that he would like to retire from his po- we have begun the process of fnding Between now and next May, the and guidance that I have received sition as our executive director in May the best executive for our community. Federation board, its leadership – Bar- from Federation leadership and staf, 2022. We know he is looking forward The board will announce our new pro- bara Siegel and Sherri Zucker – and I community members, colleagues and to playing more with his grandson and fessional leader in the coming months. will do the necessary work to ensure a friends during my tenure as executive pursuing personal interests and leisure. Concluding a productive career is smooth professional leadership transition. director. May we all go from strength Our Federation is strong and such a joyous milestone and it is with My decision to retire at this time to strength. healthy, and this is a testament to Al- much gratitude that we wish Alan the an’s work. He has furthered our mis- best as he begins to make preparations L’CHAYIM is continuing the practice of publishing sion by leading and strengthening our for his retirement. We look forward to Jewish community. Our philanthropic, a great year at the Federation as we be- your High Holiday greetings to your family and educational and social service pro- gin to meet together in person, build grams have grown and fourished un- upon our excellent programs and ser- friends. See the back cover to order your greetings der his guidance. vices, and celebrate both our past and for the September 2021 issue of L’CHAYIM. At this time of strength, we are in a future leadership. good position to have a leadership tran- Jewish Family Services update By Jodi Cohen, Senior Outreach & Food Pantry Coordinator couple of months ago, Jewish man, who knew he would no longer remedied overnight. Family Services bought a bed be sleeping on the foor, kept saying, However, the Lee County Home- A for a woman who had left an un- “Bless you, God bless you,” through- less Coalition has done a heroic job safe domestic situation, became home- out our conversation as we worked out getting people of the street and into less and then got an apartment through the logistics. housing in a matter of weeks. The Housing Au- I also receive blessings from Fed- thority of the City eration food pantry clients, many of of Fort Myers. In whom are now taking advantage of be- June, a man who ing able to visit the JFS pantry twice had been home- a month. Being on the receiving end less for several of such gratitude is humbling. My re- years and also sponse, whether in person or on the got an apartment phone, is always, “I am so glad that through HACFM, we are able to help you.” Hugging n Jodi Cohen called to ask if is now also an option, which makes JFS would get him a bed. When I start- everything better. ed to ask the usual intake questions, the Speaking of the Federation food man became impatient and hung up on pantry, a local community member re- me. cently commented that he thought JFS Peter Simenauer delivers food A tiny part of my ego was bruised, got most of its food from donations. from Temple Beth Shalom’s food drive but honestly, if I had to sleep on the While our local congregations contin- of every month, but I never know what foor or in my car with my current ue to be incredibly generous with their will be available and quantities are lim- neck/shoulder/back issues, I’d also be I’ve spoken with several clients food drives and other people drop of ited. cranky. The client called the next day, recently and asked where they lived food regularly, most of the food that we That is why your support, wheth- with a little more patience and the in- before moving into their current apart- distribute to clients is purchased. er in gift cards, food, checks or online formation I’d requested. After discuss- ments. Responses have ranged from JFS can pick up food that is usu- donations, is so appreciated, especially ing the situation with Alan Isaacs, I “the bus stop” to “the woods” to “my ally free from the Harry Chapin Food during the summer months when kids called the client and told him that JFS car.” Becoming homeless does not Bank, and I go to the Midwest Food are not being fed through the school would be happy to buy him a bed. This happen overnight and is not usually Bank warehouse on the frst Tuesday continued on page 2 9701 Commerce Center Court POSTMASTER: DAT- NONPROFIT ORG Fort Myers, Florida 33908 ED RELIGIOUS NEWS U.S. POSTAGE ITEMS. 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Information on spon- want to save the date of Monday, December 6. 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, FL 33908 T sorship opportunities will be out next month in I can’t wait to see everyone. I hope you are enjoy- (239) 481-4449 www.JewishFederationLCC.org L’CHAYIM and also in my weekly newsletter. If you ing your summer. n do not receive my newsletter, you should! It is packed Have an idea about a program, author or a place August 2021 • Volume 43, Number 12 with Federation events and tons of information, as you would like to see? Email me at debbiesanford@ n Co-Presidents: Barbara Siegel & Sherri Zucker well as community events.