Jewish Family Service of the Desert

Let’s Do Lunch had 28 participants today! We so appreciate Jewish Family Service of the Desert for providing the programming they do at the DHS Senior Center! If you are interested in participating in this fabulous program please contact Julie Hirsh at 760-325-4088 ext 103

Holocaust Survivor Goldie Jacoby will be giving her testimony this month at the Rancho Mirage Library. Please see the details below if you would like to attend.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
TIME: 2:00 PM

WHEN: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
TIME: 7:00 PM

VENUE: Rancho Mirage Library

ADDRESS: 71-100 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

RSVP: [email protected]

JFS is excited to share that the 2024 Positively Aging Project, the annual Coachella Valley conference aimed at providing practical & educational information and inspiration for those living with long-term HIV, will bring together community leaders to improve the lives of older adults living with HIV for a hybrid in-person and virtual conference on September 21, 2024, and all are invited to this free conference.

JFS has served on the Positively Aging Project conference committee for the past 8 years alongside DAP Health, Desert Oasis Health Care, Eisenhower Health, Borrego Health, Alzheimer’s Association, HARP-Palm Springs, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, and others helping to bring to fruition the annual conference to the Coachella Valley community and beyond.

The conference will feature top experts in HIV research on a panel discussing HIV and aging issues in our community with this year’s overall theme of “LEGACY– Inspiring Stories of Living with HIV”.

Please join us at the September 21st event by registering today via
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/positively-aging-project-9th-annual-symposium-tickets-936882640197?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: The Mizell Center 480 S. Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA 92262

POSITIVELY AGING PROJECT 9TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM Come join us at the 9th Annual Positively Aging Project Symposium to celebrate and learn about aging with positivity and grace!

Thank you Desert Oasis Healthcare☺️

Thank you Alexia for your help this summer! 🙂

Meet Alexia Guzman, a OneFuture Health Career Connection (HCC) intern! ✨ Over this summer, Alexia interned for JFS of the Desert where she worked closely with the Case Management team.

Alexia interacted with clients weekly to provide crucial emergency support, such as connecting them to vital resources and offering financial assistance to support their families. In July, she played a key role in managing a substantial call list of 500 individuals, ensuring our community received essential services and assistance. 👏

OneFuture partners with HCC, a nonprofit organization, to provide students pursuing a health career with a paid summer internship. Visit bit.ly/3PhGLBR to submit your interest in applying for the Summer 2025 HCC Internship and Health Equity Scholars Program. The application officially opens fall 2024!

Health Career Connection California State University, Fullerton Jewish Family Service of the Desert

Happy Labor Day to all! Let's honor the dedication and perseverance of workers nationwide on this special day. Have a wonderful day off!

The Positively Aging Project is having its 9th Annual Symposium on September 21st. If you're interested, please RSVP using the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/positively-aging-project-9th-annual-symposium-tickets-936882640197?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawEzQOJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdUGW-aabQlxTJU_St9rOoelxgkoSnvkTuQyNQwimLU0pInCAyQqx6M1Vw_aem_d0L3Cj5VCjjtXU-WXuTeCg

The Positively Aging Project is having its 9th Annual Symposium on September 21st. If you're interested, please RSVP using the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/positively-aging-project-9th-annual-symposium-tickets-936882640197?aff=oddtdtcreator

The heat in the Coachella Valley can be intense. Here are some indicators and advice to assist you in staying safe while outside. ☀️

*Disclaimer: The following tips are provided for informational purposes only. It is important to use your best judgment and consult with a healthcare professional or relevant authorities for advice specific to your individual circumstances. Stay safe and take necessary precautions when dealing with high temperatures in the Coachella Valley.

The events of October 7th, 2023 and the subsequent war have affected many of us, perhaps none more so than JFS Clinical Director, Judith Monetathchi. Despite the obvious danger, Judy and a few other Coachella Valley residents traveled to Israel to support residents in any way they could, whether that be help in the fields, kitchens, or playgrounds. Judy tells us that the trip was exceedingly important and that she would do it again, without hesitation. Why, then, would someone put themselves in harm's way? Judy notes," Amazingly, I never felt in harm's way. In Israel, I felt immersed in history, culture, and religion...many religions. The spiritual buzz and dome of peace that hovers over Jerusalem is a feeling I hold on to and pull strength from. The many religions all praying continuously help make this an incredible place, one certainly to defend and uphold." JFS is thankful for Judy's safe return and hopes the war ends with the safe return of hostages and a roadmap for lasting peace.

Please see the article below (published in Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area's JCN ) featuring Judy.

We often get asked- "What services does JFS provide?" 🤔
Well, we got an answer for you!

JFS provides:
- In-person & telecare mental health counseling
- Case Management (including emergency financial assistance)
- Interactive Community Programs for isolated seniors and local Holocaust Survivors

Feel free to share this post or tag a friend who may not know about JFS!
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A veces nos preguntan: "¿qué servicios proporciona JFS?" 🤔
Bueno, ¡les tenemos una respuesta!

JFS proporciona estos servicios:
- Terapia en persona y teleasistencia
- Manejo de cases (incluida la asistencia financiera de emergencia)
- Programas de comunitarios para personas mayores y sobrevivientes locales del Holocausto

¡Siéntase libre de compartir esta publicación o mandarla a un amiga/o que no sepa sobre JFS!

Let's introduce one of our summer HCC Interns for this year - Johnny Zeigler! Johnny has played a key role in supporting our Case Management Team, Front Desk, and Social Media tasks. Reflecting on his internship at JFS, Johnny shared the following:

"During my case management internship at Jewish Family Service Desert, I've had the privilege of helping struggling residents in our valley connect with essential financial assistance and community resources. My role includes linking seniors to engaging community events, fostering connections, and ensuring they have access to the support they need. Beyond my professional endeavors, I enjoy hiking through our stunning desert landscapes and immersing myself in painting, finding joy in both the trails and making art. At home, I share my life with a partner and our lively household of two dogs and a cat. This internship has been an enriching experience, harnessing my passion for helping others. In December I will graduate from the RN program at COD and hope to work at one of our valley hospitals, with aspirations of transitioning into behavioral health."

Thank you Johnny for all that you have done!

Temperature extremes, high winds, and periodic flooding create many difficulties for Coachella Valley residents, including exacerbated health concerns. The Healthy Desert Healthy You Environmental Summit, September 20 and 21, 2024 at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is a free event bringing together experts in local air quality, water quality, and other environmental health issues to discuss issues, solutions, and what all local residents can do to take action. The event is free but space is limited. You may RSVP here.

https://healthydeserthealthyyou.com/

(ENG/ESP) Are you or someone you know affected by poor air quality?
Join us on Sept. 20-21 as Will Porter, PhD from UC Riverside and other experts, advocates, and community leaders explore the Coachella Valley’s environmental health challenges and possible solutions at the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit.

Register today for a free ticket!
https://go.regform.com/ #!/registration/xevRQpe/info

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¿Usted o alguien que conoce se ve afectado por la mala calidad del aire?
Únase a nosotros el 20 y 21 de septiembre mientras Will Porter, PhD de UC Riverside junto a otros expertos y líderes comunitarios exploran los desafíos de salud ambiental del Valle de Coachella y sus posibles soluciones en la Cumbre Healthy Desert, Healthy You.

Traductores e intérpretes de español y ASL estarán disponibles ambos días de la cumbre.

Regístrese hoy para su boleto gratuito: https://go.regform.com/ #!/registration/xevRQpe/info

Please allow us to introduce Alexia Guzman, one of our summer HCC Interns!✨ Alexia has been instrumental in assisting our Case Management Team, Front Desk, and Social Media tasks. Reflecting on her internship at JFS, Alexia shared the following:

"Hi! My name is Alexia Guzmán, I am a 3rd-year psychology student at CSU Fullerton from Thousand Palms. My experience as a summer intern at JFS was extraordinary. I valued the opportunity to practice case management and offer direct support to clients as they sought essential resources. Working with JFS helped sharpen my networking skills as I talked with therapists in the office and was able to learn about their career paths as I aspire to be a therapist. This 10-week internship journey allowed me to grow professionally, enhance my confidence and adaptability skills, and work alongside some of the most dedicated and caring colleagues in the Coachella Valley. The JFS staff welcomed me like one of their own, were always open to conversation, and answered any questions. I am forever grateful to have been part of a team that continues to serve and give back to the community where I grew up."

Thank you, Alexia, for your dedication and assistance with the team.

The Healthy Desert, Healthy You summit is proud to announce Kim McNulty as one of our moderators. As Vice President of Regional Strategy of OneFuture Coachella Valley, Kim McNulty is well-versed with our communities as she works to provide equitable access and resources to high school and university students who seek higher education.

The Healthy Desert, Healthy You environmental health summit will take place on September 20-21, 2024 at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.

Book your free two-day ticket today: https://go.regform.com/ #!/registration/xevRQpe/info

Don't know how to contact us? Here are the JFS phone numbers:

☎️ Main Line - (760) 325-4088
☎️ Mental Health Counseling Services - (760) 325-4088 ext. 121
☎️ Case Management - (760) 325-4088 ext. 250
☎️ Community Programs - (760) 325-4088 ext. 103

Allow us the pleasure to introduce one of JFS' volunteers- Ira Dankberg.

Ira joined the JFS volunteer team in 2024, and we are grateful to have his support and assistance with the monthly food box distribution program. Ira is a retired architect who enjoys spending time with his husband and furbaby as well as giving back to the community.

When reflecting on his reason for volunteering with JFS, Ira says "I look forward to paying it forward. Having recently lost both parents to Covid, volunteering is my way of supporting our community especially those in their later years. In my opinion, I need to practice more Tikkun Olam to feel complete."

Thank you Ira for your time and commitment to our community! 👏