JFS Toasted To 75 Years Of Service At Diamond Anni...

By Elizabeth Lenart | Contributor

Since 1950, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas has served as an open door to all in want – impacting lots of of 1000’s in its mission to supply whole-person care and promote self-sufficiency and well-being. Almost 600 supporters and group leaders gathered to have a good time this necessary milestone on the Hilton Anatole Resort on Could 8. 

The JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala not solely offered a glance again on the folks and packages which have supported the bodily, emotional, dietary, and monetary well-being of lots of of 1000’s of lives, nevertheless it additionally celebrated what’s to return within the subsequent 75 years, together with the extremely anticipated 2026 opening of JFS’s new 100,000 square-foot house, The Karla and Larry Steinberg constructing.

Sam L. Susser, Susser Financial institution chairman and CEO, kicked off this system welcoming the gang. He was adopted by Rabbi Howard Wolk, who offered a transferring blessing. Co-Chairs Julie and Michael Zimmermann then took the stage on behalf of the co-chairs to thank sponsors and share testimonials concerning the influence JFS has had in the neighborhood since its founding.

“This yr, we proudly have a good time 75 years of influence, progress and repair from JFS, which has been a cornerstone of compassion and help – a philanthropic establishment open to all in want, no matter race, faith, ethnicity, or capability to pay,” mentioned Julie Zimmermann.

Board Chair Julie Gothard acknowledged Co-Chairs Ann and Michael Ochstein, Karla and Larry Steinberg, and Julie and Michael Zimmermann in addition to Honorary Co-Chairs Sharon and Eric Goldberg, Ynette and Jim Hogue, Susie and Joel Litman, Stanley Rabin, Jackie and Steve Waldman, and Donald Zale for his or her onerous work and ongoing dedication to JFS. (Co-Chairs Lori and Mike Cohen have been unable to attend.)

She continued by recognizing the JFS Capital Marketing campaign management workforce, who served because the occasion’s honorary chairs, earlier than turning consideration to the screens for a video tribute.

Video highlights included:

–        Rena and Bud Silverberg, who first grew to become concerned in 1967 and characterize the one couple who’ve each served as JFS board chairs. “JFS has all the time been about opening doorways, and it nonetheless is 75 years later. Welcoming a stranger isn’t only a worth, it’s a duty.”

–        Dallas Metropolis Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn shared that she was adopted by JFS and years later served as a board member and board chair, 2012-14 – a full circle second in her life. “Generally the outcomes of providers should not a one-year consequence. In case you can stabilize any individual, you’ll be able to’t even measure the influence they make in the neighborhood years from now.” 

–        Stan Rabin, board chair 1987-89,shared that probably the most necessary issues about JFS has been its capability to evolve. “Dallas wouldn’t be what it’s with out JFS.” 

–        Les Weisbrod, board chair 1983-94, shared that JFS isn’t simply assembly wants. “It’s redefining what it’s to serve a group.”

JFS President and CEO Cathy Barker wrapped up the night’s remarks by reflecting on the company’s three-year Meeting the Moment Capital Campaign, which began out with a $21 million aim to construct the nonprofit’s new house. “However as soon as we realized we would have liked a bigger campus and gathered some actual prices, that quantity rose to $40 million – a aim that’s now in attain!” She requested JFS workers, outdated and new, in addition to all board management and members to face, recognizing them for serving to to propel the company ahead.

“Our new house is greater than a constructing; it’s a promise to the households we serve right this moment and people we’ll serve for years to return,” mentioned Cathy Barker. “As a group, it’s necessary that we step up so we will innovate, reply, and be right here for future generations.”

Barker highlighted challenges that the nonprofit has tackled through the years together with “securing housing for household violence victims; refugee resettlement; aiding evacuees of Hurricane Katrina; coordinating adoptions; supporting these susceptible to dropping their houses throughout the international pandemic; feeding 1000’s; and responding to the ‘Silver Tsunami,’ the record-breaking variety of older adults discovering they outlived their financial savings, want a caregiver, or skilled declining well being.”

“In honor of the anniversary, JFS is launching a brand new Response Fund to supply help for emergency and short-term must these going through a disaster or a hardship, whether or not a automotive restore, coaching for a greater job, help with payments or house repairs to psychological well being help,” mentioned Barker.

Gala visitors included Dallas Holocaust Museum CEO Mary Pat Higgins, Dallas Metropolis Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn, Susser Financial institution Chairman and CEO Sam L. Susser (title sponsor); JFS former CEO Michael Fleisher (he served on this place for 23 years), and philanthropic leaders Sweet and Ike Brown, Gail Hartstein, Leslie and David Katz, and Ann and Nate Levine. 

Attendees loved the night’s leisure by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, dancing, meals stations, an open bar, silent public sale, and a luxurious raffle. 

JFS is at present constructing a basis for the subsequent 75 years, which can culminate with an expansive meals pantry, profession and monetary providers, household violence intervention, and behavioral and medical providers. JFS is likely one of the few nonprofits that gives complete well being providers below one roof.

Sponsors of the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala have been Title Sponsor Susser Financial institution and occasion sponsors American Airways, Central Market, Miller Weisbrod Olesky, Sewell, Texas Jewish Publish, Clever Useful resource Growth, and Ethel Silvergold Zale.

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS)is a nonprofit group offering complete well being providers that handle bodily, emotional, dietary, and monetary well-being. Its mission is to supply efficient and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Better Dallas group. JFS Dallas provides packages to the group similar to main medical care, particular person age-appropriate counseling and group help, profession and monetary teaching, a meals pantry, help for older adults, and a Clubhouse for adults with psychological sickness. Since 1950, JFS has served anybody, no matter age, race, faith, or capability to pay. The company, celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2025, impacted over 26,000 lives final yr. Jfsdallas.org