SEPTEMBER 2026

JFSA celebrated the people behind its mission at its 24th Annual Employee Recognition Dinner on August 13 at Suburban Temple-Kol Ami. Thirty-one employees were recognized for reaching service milestones ranging from 10 to 30 years. The evening also honored three special employees whose dedication exemplifies JFSA’s commitment to compassionate, client-centered care.

For Direct Support Professional Janet Niekamp, celebrating 10 years with JFSA was an opportunity to reflect on the relationships she has built with her clients. “I love my job, and I love my clients,” Niekamp said. “When I visit, they light up, and that makes my day. Whether we are going on an outing, playing games or simply spending time together, I want to help keep them happy. I plan to retire with JFSA.”

Roza Grinberg, a scheduler for JFSA’s Caring at Home program, was recognized for 30 years of service. “I am emotional tonight,” Grinberg said. “When I began, I didn’t speak English, we didn’t have computers and we worked in a completely different building. Today, we work in a beautiful facility and offer so many different services. JFSA has grown tremendously, and I am so proud to work here. In my opinion, JFSA is the best Agency in Cleveland.”

The evening also included the presentation of the William Wortzman Professional Achievement Award and the Bernie Arshenovitz Recognition Award.

Irina Sobornitskaya, a staff accountant in JFSA’s Finance Department, received the 2026 William Wortzman Professional Achievement Award. She joined JFSA in 2008 as a Home Health Aide before transitioning to finance about a decade ago. Her understanding of clients’ needs and financial expertise help ensure programs have the resources and accountability needed to serve the community effectively.
Most recently, Sobornitskaya provided financial guidance for a collaboration among several grant-funded domestic violence programs, modernizing fiscal practices within JFSA’s Strengthening Families Division and across the agency.

The award is named for former JFSA board chair Bill Wortzman, whose business and financial expertise has helped nonprofit organizations turn visionary ideas into meaningful action benefiting individuals and families throughout Greater Cleveland.

Pavel Bokov, Clinical Support Specialist with Caring at Home, and Danielle Patera, Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist with Achieving Potential Mental Health Services, received the 2026 Bernie Arshenovitz Recognition Award.

During nearly 30 years with JFSA, Bokov has supported virtually every aspect of client care—from reviewing clinical documentation and coordinating with medical providers to translating for families and helping clients obtain medical equipment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he administered tests across nearly every JFSA program.

Patera was recognized for 17 years of compassionate service, advocacy and creative problem-solving. Along with providing individualized client support, she mentors and trains new staff while modeling professionalism, integrity and respect.

The award honors Bernie Arshenovitz, who served the Jewish community for 32 years through Jewish Vocational Services and the JFSA Career Center before retiring in 2005. Established in 2006, it is presented annually to employees who reflect his exceptional dedication and personal commitment to clients.

“Every year, I am inspired by our staff’s extraordinary dedication,” said Lorri Slesh, Senior Director of Human Resources. “Through their compassion and commitment, they improve clients’ lives and provide hope, support and a sense of belonging. We are deeply grateful for all they do.”