AUGUST 8 • 2024 | 23
J
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ver 100 community 
members and staff 
gathered for Jewish 
Family Service’s (JFS) Annual 
Meeting and Community 
Recognition Event on June 6, 
held at Temple Israel. The event 
showcased the agency’s success-
es, acknowledged the dedication 
of its staff and honored three 
individuals who significantly 
contributed to JFS’ mission. 
Board Chair Marc Bakst 
welcomed everyone, expressing 
his deepest appreciation for the 
staff and community partners 
who are vital to JFS’ work. 
Sherri Ketai, vice president of 
Jewish Federation of Detroit, 
offered greetings, followed by a 
D’var Torah from board mem-
ber Rabbi Levi Dubov. 
JFS CEO Perry Ohren pro-
vided a “State of JFS” address, 
highlighting the impactful work 
of individual staff members and 
their commitment to meeting 
the community’s needs. He also 

recognized 18 long-standing 
employees who have served JFS 
for over 15 years. 
A highlight of the evening 
was the awards presentation, 
honoring three outstanding 
individuals for their contri-
butions: Evie (Lynn) Breuer, 
senior director of Community 
Outreach and Wellness, 
received the Patti Nemer 
Employee of the Year Award. 
Jan Thompson, the recipient of 
the Barbara & Irving Nusbaum 
Volunteer of the Year Award, 
was unable to attend. In her 
absence, the 2023 Volunteer of 
the Year winner, Mark Jacobs, 
accepted the award on her 
behalf. Also, Jack Cherney was 
recognized as the Community 
Partner of the Year. 
Past Board Chair Julie Teicher 
announced changes to the 
Board of Directors, welcoming 
new members Daniel Cherrin, 
David Eisenberg, Helen Katz, 
Lorie Kessler and Rabbi Steven 

Rubenstein. The outgoing mem-
bers, Rabbi Levi Dubov, Jenny 
Fritz, Rabbi Marla Hornsten and 
David Witten, were thanked for 
their dedicated service. 

To learn more about JFS, 
visit jfsdetroit.org. Donations 
in honor of this year’s awardees 
can be made at jfsdetroit.org/
donate. 
 

JFS Celebrates Achievements and 
Community at Annual Meeting

Board Chair Marc Bakst, Employee of the Year award-winner Evie (Lynn) 
Breuer and JFS CEO Perry Ohren. 

JFS CEO Perry Ohren provided a "State of JFS" address.

Mark Jacobs presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Jan Thompson.

Sherri Ketai, vice president of Jewish Federation of Detroit, offered greetings.

Eighteen long-standing employees who have served 
JFS for over 15 years were recognized.

JN STAFF