Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to engage with many of you in some very important discussions about the future of our agency.

Susan Bichsel, Ph.D.

Interim CEO

There are many conversations going on right now --many questions being asked and debated:

-Have we become too large?

-Should we partner with others to become larger?

-Should we have focused on more growth in the general community?

-Are we doing enough to serve the needs of Jewish families?

-Are we a modern healthcare business, or are we the community’s social services agency?

These conversations are important and will continue. However, tonight I want to bring the focus of JFSA back to our clients – those individuals who continue to inspire us each day to do more, and to do it better, in spite of the obstacles. This is where our services started over 100 years ago, with individuals who came to us with a need.

We exist because there is a need that is not being met. We exist because in the Jewish community, there is an expectation that problems affecting the health and well being of individuals and families will be addressed and solved---despite obstacles in our path.

The Jewish community is unique in this regard. When there’s a collective cry for an unmet need, we’ve responded. JFSA throughout its history is also unique. Sometimes families don’t know what to ask for—they only know they need help. A troubled child, an aging parent, a loved one with serious mental illness. This is how the relationship begins. It starts with a conversation.

That conversation takes shape and grows. And over time, JFSA becomes a partner with the family, often times creating new resources to meet this family’s needs.

For as much as we focus on what our clients and families need, it is really our clients and families that shape how this agency functions and serves.

It is a dynamic relationship that is not limited to a single diagnosis or crisis. Because we care for families, literally generations of families, we cannot help but become an extended member of their family, if not the only family a client may have.

I have asked three of the individuals we serve to speak in their own voices about the nature of this relationship; their stories and their faces are ones I suspect you will not forget.

BRIAN JASPER

On January 13, 1988, Jane Jasper gave birth to her son, Brian. That day she was told by her doctors that Brian was not expected to survive for long and that if he did, he would not be able to walk, see or talk.

Physical therapists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists were all reluctant to provide services for Brian, since insurance companies refused to cover these services. They feared that paying out of pocket would be too costly for the family to sustain

As Brian aged, he defied his doctors’ predictions. However, while Brian was well liked, kind and gentle, people were afraid to invite him over for Birthday parties or play dates.

Athletic activities and camps were not geared towards children with Brian’s special needs. Companies and organizations could not provide job skills training or volunteer programming for Brian. Most organizations did not even want to meet him. Brian's life in many ways became narrow and his opportunities for interaction with others were rare.

I would like you now to hear from Brian about his life today.

You must have Quicktime to view this video

[Download QuickTime player] This movie will take a few minutes to download.

BORIS YASNOGORODSKI

Boris Yasnogorodski is a 69 yr. old Holocaust survivor, born in Kiev, Ukraine. When World War II started, his family escaped the advancing Nazi troops and fled to Kazakhstan. Life was not easy then-- they lived in a harsh environment with no running water, no medical attention, and cramped quarters.

When the war was over, he and his family returned to Kiev, where they had to start all over again. Facing persistent anti-Semitism, it took many years for him and his family to be granted permission to emigrate to Israel, where, once again, they had to start all over again—in a new country—with a new language.

Two years ago, Boris and his wife Raisa, faced another life threatening scenario when Lebanese bombs exploded next to their home near Haifa. Soon after, he and his wife emigrated one more time, this time to the United States—in a new country, with a new language. Having to relocate twice in your life at an older age can be scary-- especially when you have little means of support.

Boris has serious medical conditions which require him to take medications on a regular basis. Boris is not eligible for medical benefits as he is not a US citizen. It will be another 3 years before he can apply for citizenship.

Boris and Raisa wish to share with you the role that JFSA has played in helping them to face their challenges.

[Download QuickTime player]This movie will take a few minutes to download.

CHERYL DRIVER

In the 1970’s Cheryl was a bright, outgoing preteen when her only sister drowned. She soon began having difficulty in school, and eventually she was withdrawn entirely from the school system. In those next years, Cheryl’s mother went from psychiatrist to psychiatrist in search of answers and help for her daughter.

Cheryl was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and agoraphobia. She had become catatonic, was non communicative, and could not care for herself. I met Cheryl 12 years ago on her mother’s search for answers.

It is my pleasure to have Cheryl share with you the ending to this story as she tells you a little bit about her life today.

You must have Quicktime to view this video

[Download QuickTime player]This movie will take a few minutes to download.

These are just a few of the many courageous people I have had the privilege of knowing through JFSA. It has been such an honor tonight to celebrate the accomplishments that are possible when we join together as a community.

Thank you.