became CEO in 2008. The transition was smooth, and Loewenstein has embraced the job, though he is not from the mental health field. He's at ease with JARC clients and knows them by sight. He's a visionary who enjoys being hands-on with staff, clients and volunteers. And he brings business know-how and tre- mendous energy to the job. "Now is an opportunity to bring in new ideas, but the core mission of car- ing for people with developmental dis- abilities will not change," Loewenstein said. While maintaining JARC's high stan- dards of care, Loewenstein also will turn his attention to finances. JARC's annual budget is $10 million; $3 million comes from donors. The Michigan Department of Community Health and Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority fund the remainder of operating expenses. Many clients are Medicaid recipients; others pay on a sliding fee scale. No money is allocated to JARC from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit or United Way, so fundraising is key. "Thanks to longtime supporters and an outstanding staff, I'm proud that JARC maintained a balanced budget this year, one of the most challenging on record;' he said. "At the same time, we must continue to raise funds to ensure the long-term financial stabil- ity of JARC while remaining a national leader and innovator in the field." He says he'll reach out to new donors while maintaining relationships with existing supporters, and JARC will develop a defined giving program. Loewenstein also believes in the importance of collaboration to enrich the lives of those JARC serves. During his first three months, JARC partnered with Cranbrook Art Museum to host an evening for staff, donors and residents at an exhibition. JARC clients now take art classes at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. And recently, JARC partnered with the JCC, Southfield-based JVS and Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield on the Super Raffle fundraiser. Also coming up: JARC will sponsor a program about Gentle Teaching, a philosophy of care that uses a person's voice, touch, eyes and presence to make people feel safe and loved so they will respond better. And look for more "green" innova- tion in new JARC homes. "We have to continue to grow," Loewenstein said. "We'll always be pushing forward." II JARC 40th Anniversary Events •JARC presents Dr. John McGee, founder of Gentle Teaching, a philosophy that has revolution- ized work with disenfranchised children and adults around the world, from 9 a.m.-noon or 1:30- 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.13, at the Jewish Community Center, West Bloomfield. Contact Chris Hench at (248) 538-6610 ext. 303 or chrishench@jarc.org •Shop Somerset Collection stores or dine at any of its restau- rants Thursday, Oct.15, through Saturday, Oct.17, and Somerset Collection will donate 10 per- cent of your purchases to JARC (department stores excluded). Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver, Troy. For details, call Rena Friedberg at (248) 538-6610 ext. 314 or renafriedberg@jarc.org . •Party Like It's 1969! Celebrate the 40th anniversaries of JARC and the Somerset Collection from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct 17. Dance at Somerset a-Go-Go, enjoy psy- chedelic martinis, sing along with folk singers at a coffeehouse and dress in your far-out '60s threads! Somerset Collection South, 2800 W Big Beaver, Troy. To purchase tickets: www.jarc.org . •JARC's 29th Annual Fall Fundraiser, Legally Blonde: The Musical at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Fisher Theatre, Detroit. Purchase tickets at www.jarc.org or call Carol Kaczander (248) 538-6610 ext. 343 or carolkaczander@jarc.org . •Alibi Lounge: Young adult (ages 21 to 40ish) party from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Cloud 9 Restaurant and Ultra Lounge, Fisher Building, Detroit. Catered by Matt Prentice (dietary laws observed). Free admission with ticket to JARC's performance of Legally Blonde at 7:30 p.m. at the Fisher Theatre. •JARC/Hillel Day School Reunion: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov.12, at Hillel Day School, 32200 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills. Contact Alissa Pianin at (248) 538-6610 ext. 349 or alissapianin@jarc.org . RX5LAND OPTICC Voted #1 Optical 2009 HOUR DETROIT MAGAZINE prview gati c(*ogoia Oliver Peoples • Prada • Lindberg • Dior • Versace • Gucci 400/0 off now thru October 17, 2009 ram& with purchase of Rx lenses • some restrictions apply $0 (boo IMP complete dtaKke ead includes frame & single vision polycarbonate lens Comprehensive Eye Exams • Medical Treatment Custom Contact Lenses • Laser Vision Correction Most Medical & Vision Insurance Welcome Dr. Max Gottesman Dr. Lorne Gottesman Dr. Michael Weishaus Dr. Randall Weishaus OPTOMETRISTS Applegate Square 29983 Northwestern Hwy at Inkster Road Southfield 248.358.2920 ...rosinsimiiiammi.imminsemmwww 1538780 October 8 • 2009 15