r limit 1 HE EXECUTIVE VIRECTOR Alan D. Goodman, Executive Director Jewish Family Service and Resettlement Service As we emerge from the coldest weath- er to hit our community for the past century, we should take a few min- utes to think about our community priorities and how they impact on human needs. "Jewish continuity" is the current priority, discussed in the halls of federations across the country this year. I believe that this is an important issue wor- thy of community support. I do not believe that these two words translate directly into exclusive support for Jewish education, an assumption which I believe many are making. People seek out their Jewish roots for many reasons and at many different times in their lives. This occurs at times of joy and sorrow, when we celebrate life cycle events and when we experience loss, pain and suffering. We have all heard of those who have distanced themselves from all things Jewish, but when confronted with their own death, seek desperately to reestablish a relationship with G-d and their religious and cultural roots. It is at times like these that people turn to us. Both Jewish Family Service and Resettlement Service present people with an opportunity to become connected once again to their heritage. We represent the Jewish community to our clients, and our staff personify the doing of acts of loving kindness as prescribed by Jewish law. It is through us, that many of those in the Jewish community who have not chosen to give themselves or their children the opportunity to have a Jewish education, maintain their link with their Jewishness and then very often seek ways in which to reaffirm this link. This can take the form of synagogue affiliation, contributing to the community annual campaign and giv- ing of themselves through volunteering. I believe that it is important that we do not become single dimensional in our thinking and blindly follow the "cause of the day." It is too easy to forget about the social issues which have been around for the past century or more, and will always be with us. Poverty, hunger, homeless- ness, illness and despair are only a few of the concerns which our staff address on a daily basis for Jews in our midst. What happens to the homeless single mother when the temperature is -20 degrees and the shelters are full? Can we still feel compassion for an individual with mental illness who refuses medication and treat- ment, and is evicted from his room in a run down rooming house in Detroit? What about the former refugee who, at 59 years, is suffering from a serious illness and is without health coverage or any means of support? As a community, we have an obligation to remember the importance of all of our communal institutions to the continuity of Jewish life. We must uphold in word and deed the important principles of our Jewish heritage, particularly as they relate to those less fortunate than ourselves. We have the responsibility of ensuring that the balance is maintained between the "need of the day" and the ongoing basic needs in our community. SPOTLIGHT UN VOLUNTEER SERVICE Sometimes it is very frustrating to be an employee at JFS/RS. We hear, on a daily basis, about serious community needs that we cannot always address. One of our biggest frustrations occurs around the need to have translators who can help our newest arrivals when they go to a physician's office. Imagine the prob- lems of both the physician and the patient when there is information to be shared and a serious language barrier exists. Just such a case occured on a recently, bitterly cold Friday morning. An elderly client had an appointment with Dr. Morton, one of the community's many dentists who have generously given of their time. The client needed emergency treatment. The children of this client are recent arrivals themselves with little English skills. Many of our volunteers are away for the winter or are otherwise occu- pied on Fridays. In desperation, the Volunteer Services Department contacted Mrs. Khaya Akkerman and pleaded with her, reminding her that she was the youngest volunteer, at 70 plus, who could perform this service. Mrs. Akkerman gra- ciously went to the dentist with the client. We want to publicly thank Mrs. Akkerman, and acknowledge the valuable service she has provided, and continues to provide, to our community. Often our volunteers spend countless hours, with lit- tle recognition. The agency is fortunate to have committed volunteers, such as Mrs. Akkerman and Dr. Morton! For information about volunteer oppor- tunities, please contact the Volunteer Services Department at 559-4046. JFS THANKS ITS FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY Jewish Family Service recently com- pleted its annual Friends of the Family Membership Drive. This effort raises needed funds which support agency pro- grams serving Jewish children, older adults and families. With sincere thanks, we would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their generosity as 1993/94 Friends of the Family: FRIENDS Andrew Barbas Sol and Rhoda Benaderet Susan and Robert Citrin Warren Coville Dale and Bruce Frankel Harold and Lynda Friedman Furniture Club of Detroit Foundation Ed and Francine Gold Nancy and Stephen Grand Barbara Grant Amy and Mark Haimann David Handleman Doreen Hertnelin Michael Horowitz John E. Jacobs Nancy Jacobson Michelle Kleiman Agnes Klein Caren Landau Levine Terran Leemis M.J. Maisels John Marx Anita and Bob Naftaly Irving Nusbaum Helene Phillips and Paul Zerkel Marta Rosenthal Mark Share Janice Shatzman Max Shaye Helen Shevin Lew and Cheryl Silver Gilbert Silverman Gary Snyder Temple Israel Brent and Nancy Triest Stewart Weiner Betsy and Mike Winkelman Helaine Zack SPONSORS Richard Blumenstein Lisa and Gerald Brody Julie and Peter Cummings Carol and Ronald Fogel Stephen Greenfield Edythe Jackier-Mulivor Delphine Landau Donald and Gail Lansky Mrs. Irving Levitt Joel Lutz Rachel and Harry Maisel Sophie Pearlstein Meryl and Terry Podolsky Arlene Rhodes Mike and Ann Rosenthal Jessie Stern Rosalie and Sidney Young PATRONS Dr. Eli and Joanna Berger Anaruth and Henri Bernard Dee and Seymour Brode Susan and Alan Goodman Diane Hauser Dr. Bruce Hulscher A. Freda Milstein Dr. and Mrs. Morris Stern Robert and Elaine Robins Rita Rochlen Morris and Rosalyn Rubin Richard Rubinstein Dr. and Mrs. Morris Stern Deborah Tyner and Richard Herman DOUBLE CHAI Alice Bernstein Lisa and Gerald Eizen Peggy and Dennis Frank Phillip Friedman Pola and Howard Friedman Illana and Dan Greenberg Elsie Harold Harold Israel Dr. Irvin and Barbara Kappy Herbert Kaufman Ann Mandelbaum-Mann Adele and Ben Rosen Fred and Harriet Rosen Alvin and Molly Sallen Judy and Norval Slobin Joel and Florence Steinberg Lucille Weisberg CHAI The Berry Foundation Albert M. Colman Regina Feuer Paul Inowlocki Milton and Evelyn Kogan Joseph and Debra Silver Arthur and Gladys Sweet Dr and Mrs. Warren Tessler Doris Werner RETIRED NURSE HAS FOUND HER PLACE Retired nurse Hanna Wheeler has been a resident of the Group Apartments for the Elderly Program for the past three years. Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Wheeler decided to avail herself of the many services the program has to offer: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, socialization and companionship. She doesn't mind admitting that, at age 87, she is ready to relinquish some of these tasks. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were happily married for 45 years. They made their home in Standish, Michigan, where they owned a furniture business. Mrs. Wheeler explains that she has adjusted to the changes brought about by her beloved husband's illness and death and that she is comfortable with her life today. She states that for this stage in her life, the GAEP is her place. She especially appreciates the opportunity to socialize with others, whether on a leisurely outing to Kensington Park, an entertaining after- noon at the theater, or a lively game of BINGO. This delightful lady is an avid reader with a sharp mind and a charming wit. She regularly attends the current events discussions and book reviews. Mrs. Wheeler is an active participant and enthusiastic supporter of the GAEP. Please call Jan Bayer, GAEP Program Manager or Kelly Kumpula, Program Assistant, at Jewish Family Service (559- 1500) to discuss the GAEP as a creative living option. GENEROUS THANKSGIVING Ali D CHANUKAH DONATIONS CAME FROM MANY Thanksgiving and Chanukah of 1993 saw an outpouring of donations from many caring people and institutions. Jewish Family Service and Resettlement Service would like to thank the following individ- uals, synagogues, and community organi- zations for their generosity and thought- fulness: Anita Bogorad and family Bruce Fidler and family Lois and Nat Fishman Yana Mukh Sheldon and Marcie Weinstein Elizabeth Zerwekh and family Congregation Shir Tikvah Beth Abraham Hillel Moses PTO B'nai B'rith—Southfield EDS, Inc.