From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: May 2025
My grandchildren love to count their age by including their “halves.” So instead of being 6 years old, Wesley and Bari are 6-and-a-half – and believe me – that extra six months is very important to them! Though I am of the age where those “halves” are only a reminder that I am well on my way to a higher number, I have to admit that six-month increments do make a difference.
It’s hard to believe, for example, that we are already six months into 2025. As the time flies by, it’s useful to pause slightly to review where we are at and explore what we can anticipate in the next six months. Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis’ 115th Annual Meeting takes place June 10, and it provides an excellent opportunity to do just that. We will celebrate the wins, explore the challenges, welcome new Board Members, honor staff with milestone anniversaries, and come together as a community.
Looking ahead to the next six months, JFCS staff and leadership will focus on meeting the challenges that may come with changes in government funding. We are advocating strongly to ensure programs and services designed to meet the nutritional needs of children and families are maintained; resources like Meals on Wheels for older adults are funded; and mental health services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid. We are also providing education and training to schools, camps, and community organizations addressing anti-Semitism and its impact on mental health, identity, and security. To hear more of our plans and goals for 2025 and beyond, I invite you to attend our Annual Meeting or visit our website, www.jfcsmpls.org.
The Twin Cities Pride Festival occurs every June, and you’ll find JFCS’ J-Pride booth and committed volunteers in attendance the weekend of June 28-29 in Loring Park. JFCS and our partners from the Jewish community will proudly welcome and celebrate our friends and visitors who show up to demonstrate inclusivity and convey the community’s commitment to establishing belonging for all. For more information, visit our Pride Hub or contact Heather Wengersky, J-Pride Program Coordinator, at hwengersky@jfcsmpls.org.
Whether you’re into “halves” or just acknowledge that time keeps moving on, I invite you to keep up with all that JFCS has to offer. We are Here for all. Always!