From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: June 2017

What do parades, food and children all remind you of? If you said to yourself “July 4,” you would be both correct and wrong all at once! Yes, it’s true that all of the above are components of a picture-perfect Independence Day. It is also true that all three of those things have something to do with JFCS in June!

 

As for parades, I hope you’ll join JFCS’ J-Pride program, friends, family, volunteers, and supporters at the PRIDE festival in Loring Park on June 25, and for the parade that morning! It’s always a great time to enjoy music, costumes, flags, colors, and all the joy of celebration we’ve come to appreciate in recognition of LGBTQ individuals, family, and community. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Heather Renetzky at hrenetzky@jfcsmpls.org. Click here for more information on J-Pride at Twin Cities Pride.

 

Regarding children, JFCS just celebrated its 10^th Parent-Child Home Program graduation, where 57 toddlers and their parents (many of them immigrants and refugees) celebrated the completion of a two-year program meant to prepare young children for school success and their parents for greater educational and career success. This year’s event was even more joyous due to a large increase in funding awarded by the State of Minnesota, which will begin in July. With the funding, JFCS will be able to increase the number of participating families substantially toward a goal of serving 300 families annually!

 

Finally, what about food, you say? JFCS will co-sponsor with Adath Jeshurun Congregation an exhibit called, “This is Hunger,” a traveling educational display created by MAZON, the national Jewish response to hunger. This incredible free program, appropriate for ages 10 and up, will be available for viewing at Adath June 27-30. Tickets are required – JFCS’ private showings of the exhibit on June 28 are unfortunately sold out. However, click here to check availability of other showings. Also, volunteers are also needed throughout the four-day run. Volunteers will serve as greeters at the exhibit, welcoming visitors and staffing a sign-in table at the entrance to the exhibit. Click here to sign-up.

 

Have a great Independence Day!