In This Issue

From the Desk of Roxanne Droppo
Tech Safe for the Holidays
JFSC: Charity of Choice for Royop Development Corporation
Drop-off Locations for Wynne Thal Pantry Food Donations
Memory Care Program Accepting New Referrals
New Video: EDUCATE. RECREATE. STOP HATE.
NEW: JFSC Tribute E-Cards
Alberta Blue Cross Home Care Program
Holiday Grief Rituals
New Community Chaplain Services
Thank You to our Donors
Winter 2025 Caregiver Support Programs

Book Review: Neither Married Nor Single

JFSC Volunteer Spotlight: Lanea Jackson

Volunteering at JFSC
Joining Forces to Combat Food Insecurity
We've Moved!

From the Desk of Roxanne Droppo

Executive Director

As we come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights, I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to our wonderful community. This Chanukah season, like every year, has been a reminder of the strength, resilience, and kindness that makes our community so special.

Chanukah is a time for reflection on freedom, perseverance, and hope. It’s a time to remember that even in the face of adversity, miracles are possible. Whether gathered around the menorah, enjoying festive meals, or playing games, Chanukah provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with faith, family and friends.

Thanks to your unwavering support, we are able to celebrate in ways that truly reflect the spirit of the holiday. As we prepare our Chanukah food hampers, toys for the kiddos and latkes for all, I am reminded of the good in people, the inherent quality of wanting to help and most importantly to foster that sense of belonging for all. Your participation in our events, your generosity in donations, and the warmth you bring to our gatherings, each of you help make this Chanukah memorable.

As the days grow shorter with the changing seasons, we are reminded that for many, light will return with the sunrise. Yet, for others, darkness endures. Poverty is very real, food insecurity impacts more than a quarter of Calgary’s population, isolation and loneliness creates barriers for our Seniors. Here at JFSC we recognize the enduring power of light, the hope and the warmth it brings.

Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community.

Roxanne Droppo, MA, RSW
Executive Director
JFSC

The holiday season is a time of charity and gift giving. It’s also a prime time for online scams. Our new Tech Safe program is designed to support technologically inexperienced seniors with group and one-on-one support with their devices, to better understand technology, their personal devices and how to avoid being subject to scams or financial exploitation.

Tech Safety Tips

For more information on this program, call us at 403-287-3510.

JFSC: Charity of Choice for Royop Development Corporation

It is with gratitude that we announce Royop’s commitment to select JFSC as their Charity of Choice, providing support and enabling us to expand our reach through The Wynne Thal Pantry.

On behalf of our clients and staff, we extend a Yasher Koach to Royop – with this initiative you are making it possible for us to expand our reach, providing critical resources that so many individuals and families in our community rely on.

City Drop-off Locations for Wynne Thal Pantry Food Donations

When you are grocery shopping, pick up some extras for the Wynne Thal Pantry!

Did you know that we have permanent drop boxes in 6 Calgary locations for your convenience? We can accept non-perishable kosher and non-kosher food items, please ensure that food items are within expiry/best before dates.

JCC
Glenmore Landing Safeway
Beth Tzedec Congregation Calgary
Calgary Co-op Oakridge Food Centre
Bridlewood Sobeys
Safeway Bonavista Shopping Plaza

JFSC Memory Care Program - Accepting New Referrals

In-Home Leisure Activity Support

Is someone you care for living with dementia or has been recently diagnosed? We are accepting new referrals to our Memory Care Program, offering leisure activity support and some respite for caregivers. Our trained volunteers come to your home for one-on-one activity support and provide opportunities for caregiver respite and social work services.

Volunteers build relationships and offer individually catered activities, like crafting, outdoor walks, and board games. There is not cost for this program. For more information, including eligibility, contact us at 403-287-3510 or visit our website.

New Video: EDUCATE. RECREATE. STOP HATE.

Seven Albertans, including JFSC’s Samara, participated in a new anti-racism/anti-hate video created by StopHateAB.

StopHateAB (formerly known as Alberta Hate Crimes Committee) is a non-profit organization compromised of government, law enforcement and community partners who work together to raise awareness and education related to hate crimes and incidents in Alberta.

NEW: JFSC Tribute E-Cards

New at JFSC – we are now offering an e-card option in addition to our traditional paper cards sent by mail, ensuring your message gets there even faster. Tribute cards are a meaningful way to support JFSC. Send a card to:

Celebrate a birthday
Thank a friend
Let someone know you are thinking about them
Send get well wishes
Pass on condolences
Send a congratulations

You create the wording; we send the card. For more information and to send a card, call us at 403-287-3510.

We are now a Home Support Service Provider Under the Alberta Blue Cross Client Directed Home Care Program

The Alberta Blue Cross Client Directed Home Care Program supports people of all ages with their personal and home care needs. Services are based on an AHS Home Care Assessment and can include personal care, housekeeping support and respite care.

To receive services under this program:

you must be an Alberta resident with a valid health care card.
you meet the requirements determined by an Alberta Health Services Case Manager.

To request an assessment, call 811. For more information about the program visit the Blue Cross Website.

Holiday Grief Rituals

By: Lesley Machon
JFSC Community Chaplain

The holiday season can bring joy, but for many, it also magnifies feelings of loss and longing. Traditions, memories, and gatherings often highlight the absence of loved ones or unmet hopes. Grief during the holidays isn’t something to overcome—it’s something to honour.

Rituals provide a meaningful way to navigate this season, creating space to reflect, remember, and heal.

Grieving is deeply important work. There will always be emails to answer and tasks to complete. This is a massive pause button, and I want so much for you to honour it.

Francis Weller has my favourite definition of Grief, he calls it “soul hygiene.” His book The Wild Edge of Sorrow is the best book I’ve ever read about this kind of stuff, and I’ve included it here. He talks about grief as a spiritual threshold, and a place of deep encounter with ourselves, and each other.

Read more about the stages of grief, practicing and engaging with sorrow, and creating rituals.

Lesley Machon, JFSC Community Chaplain

JFSC's New Community Chaplain Services

Are you or someone you love in the hospital and in need of a visit? Are you grieving, facing a tough diagnosis, or struggling to talk to your children about death (whether it’s a pet, friend, or family member)? Lesley, our new Community Chaplain, provides multifaith support, comfort, and compassionate presence in hospitals, hospices, care facilities, and homes. Contact Lesley at lesleym@jfsc.org to arrange a visit.

Thank You to our Donors

We extend a heartfelt thank you our donors and supporters for your kindness and generosity, as we continue to receive an incredible influx of gifts and basic needs donations for the holiday season. Your thoughtfulness will make a profound impact, bringing warmth and a sense of community to families during this special time of year. To all of you who have dedicated so much time, energy and love into making a difference in the lives of more than 225 children as part of more than100 families: Mimi Breitman and her group of donors, CHW Calgary Center, John Norrish, Masonic Lodges, Seniors Secret Service, and our individual and anonymous donors.

A big thank you to JFSC Board member Dan Merson and his crew from RBC for their work in the Wynne Thal Pantry!

Winter 2025 Caregiver Support Programs

At JFSC we have a host of complimentary programs and services for caregivers of seniors and/or persons living with dementia. In Winter 2025, we are running two options for caregiver support groups facilitated by a registered social worker. The groups are spaces for caregivers of seniors (aged 55+) - spouse, partner, parent, relative or friend - to come together for education and support, based on the shared experience of caring.

An 8-session dementia education and support group for caregivers to access dementia education and resources, explore difficult emotions, and strengthen coping and self-care strategies. Facilitated by a JFSC social worker, pre-registration and an ongoing commitment to attend a minimum of 6 sessions is required. Find more information and session topics on our website. Space is limited, register before January 29th, 2025, by calling 403-287-3510.

An ongoing space for caregivers of both seniors and/or persons living with dementia to exchange caregiving and coping strategies and resources. Participants have the opportunity to bring their own topics for discussion or request the facilitating social worker to provide focused guidance for specific issues. Participants can choose the sessions they attend, however pre-registration is required. For more information and dates, go to our website or call 403-287-3510.

Our goal is to ensure our caregivers get the best possible experience in our groups. We limit our caregiver groups to 11 people, and we maintain a wait list if the sessions are full. We understand the demands of caregiving, and sometimes being able to keep appointments can be challenging. We ask that you notify us within 48 hours of the session if you are not able to attend the group, so we can open up your spot to someone on the wait list.

We also provide free counselling for caregivers of seniors. More information on our Caregiver Support Programs can be found on our website or call us at 403-287-3510.

Book Review: Neither Married Nor Single

When Dr. David Kirkpatrick’s wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, their lives—and their marriage—would change forever.

In an honest, uplifting, and sometimes heartbreaking account of loving a partner with dementia, Dr. Kirkpatrick creates a clear guide for others in similar circumstances. He shares his perspective both as a loving and grief-stricken husband coping with a profound change in his marriage, and as a geriatric psychiatrist doing everything he can for his wife while continually learning throughout that experience. Dr. Kirkpatrick tackles the tough questions about caretaking, grief, loss, love, and sex for those whose partners have dementia.

When is the right time to find or even to begin considering a care home for your loved one? How can you navigate the complexities of your changing sexual relationship with an Alzheimer’s partner? When is it appropriate for you to consider new relationships? With wisdom and compassion, Dr. Kirkpatrick reflects on these questions and more.

Whether your partner has been recently diagnosed or has been living with dementia for many years, Neither Married Nor Single will help lead you to effective strategies for living and loving in an Alzheimer’s marriage, and for dealing with the changes ahead.
And it will help you remember that you are not alone.

Resource books for caregivers are available for loan through our Library for Caregivers, providing practical advice and effective strategies to help caregivers of seniors. Contact Samantha at samanthap@jfsc.org or call 403-692-6392 to reserve your books.

JFSC Volunteer Spotlight: Lanea Jackson

Lanea Jackson was in her final year of her Psychology BSc. when she began volunteering in JFSC’s Memory Care Program last December. “There are many sources of misfortune and distress in our city, and I want to be a part of a team that strives to make a difference,” says Lanea. “I want to improve wellness and life satisfaction for individuals in my community.”

Lanea says her mother is the source of her inspiration for volunteering. “I have benefited from the hard work and dedication of volunteers, says Lanea. “I know firsthand how much of an impact volunteers can play in the lives of others.” She was looking for an opportunity to pay it forward and provide the same care and compassion that was given to her.

Lanea goes above and beyond to build strong, meaningful relationships. When she first met her Memory Care match, she discovered their love for music. Lanea put together a special music playlist on a CD with favorite songs from the 1950’s and 1960’s, and they listen to it together. She is thrilled with the joy and connection it brings to her match, and she also made a poster about herself so that her match has an easier time remembering her.

We met with Laena and asked her some questions:

How has volunteering impacted your own personal or professional development?
Volunteering has made me so much more compassionate and accepting as a person. It has changed my perspective, and I now feel more comfortable and open to meeting new people.

When did you first start volunteering?
I started looking into volunteering in September 2023, to broaden my experience and my horizon. I first started with Bloom Wellness Collective, helping with dance lessons for people with disabilities. I started volunteering with JFSC in December last year as a Memory Care volunteer.

What made you decide to volunteer with JFSC?
I was drawn to JFSC because of their guiding principles. It feels really good to work with an agency that aligns with my personal values.

What is the best thing about volunteering with JFSC clients?
I am really impressed with my volunteer experience at JFSC. I am able to talk about life and receive good life lessons and advice from my match. It’s so nice to get a different perspective on life.

What has surprised you about volunteering?
How much joy you get out of it. I walk away from my meetings with my match and think to myself ‘ I had a lot of fun’ and ‘ I enjoyed myself’.

What do you hope JFSC will achieve through their programs?
Simple things, like continuing to help even more people and extending their reach into the community. I hope that JFSC continues to make things a bit brighter for their clients.

When asked ‘What would you say to someone considering volunteering in the community?’, Lanea responds, “Just do it. You don’t realize how much impact you can have on people’s lives, and how much visiting someone can help with their loneliness. We take companionship for granted but it’s so easy and has such a big impact. It’s a good journey for you and others.”

We are grateful to have Lanea Jackson as part of our volunteer Team!

Volunteering at JFSC

We have an ongoing need for volunteers. A full list of our volunteer programs can be found on our website. To find out more, please contact Sarah at volunteer@jfsc.org, or call 403-287-3523.

JFSC’s ALGC Casino – January 1 & 2, 2025
Call Sarah at 403-287-3523 for information on shifts left to be filled.

Friendly Visitor Program
“I know my senior looks forward to our weekly visits, and so do I. I have gotten so much out of this volunteer experience!” ~Natalie
Many seniors in our community experience isolation and loneliness. Enhance the life of an isolated senior through weekly visits - explore common interests and build meaningful relationships.

Memory Care Volunteers
“Volunteering in this program is so rewarding. I know my senior looks forward to our visits, and her caregiver gets a much-needed break. I feel I am making a difference in both of their lives.” ~Sam
Build meaningful relationships with persons living with dementia. Bi-weekly one-on-one home visits explore leisure activities such as painting, checkers, storytelling, or walking. We provide personalized activity toolkits, dementia care training and ongoing support.

ESL Program support
Help create a fun, interactive and informal class atmosphere, assisting ESL instructors provide English language and related skills instruction to older adults.

Building New Relationships and Communication Techniques

November 7 Volunteer Workshop

"Thanks for coordinating a great event today. It was super relevant content with just the right amount of interaction for all of us to learn and have fun too.” ~B

Led by Ashley Lamb, JFSC Clinical Educator, and facilitated by Sarah in JFSC’s Volunteer Resources, our volunteers participated in a hands-on workshop to build skills and get to know each other better.

Topics included personal space, components of communication, communication style self-assessment, listening, and conflict resolution. Other areas included grief and loss, cultural considerations, emotional literacy, how to best respond to negative conversations, and empathy vs sympathy.

Are you interested in becoming a JFSC Volunteer? For more information, contact Sarah at volunteer@jfsc.org, call 403-287-3523 or visit our volunteer page on our website.

Joining Forces to Combat Food Insecurity and Support Calgary’s Older Adults

As a member of the In Place Social Prescribing Network, we are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Calgary Meals on Wheels to help combat food insecurity and improve the health and well-being of older adults.

In Calgary, many older adults face daily challenges in accessing nutritious food, a vital part of their well-being. Through our work with the In Place Social Prescribing Network and the new partnership with Calgary Meals on Wheels, we’re providing essential short-term meal support to referred older adults, helping stabilize their nutritional needs as they work with the In Place team to find long-term solutions. This initiative, funded by Alberta’s Continuing Care grant, is a critical part of building a healthy, resilient community.

“This partnership emphasizes the importance of collective action in supporting Calgary’s most vulnerable older adults," says Megan Hincks, Project Manager, In Place Social Prescribing Network. “By working with Calgary Meals on Wheels, we can quickly address immediate needs while guiding our clients toward long-term stability.”

Access to food is about more than a meal; it’s about dignity, health, and community support. We are grateful for our partners and supporters for making this possible.

About In Place Social Prescribing Network
In Place is a collaborative initiative involving four agencies: JFSC, Carya, Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society, and Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizen’s Association. The program focuses on connecting older adults (55+) with limited natural supports to community-based resources that enhance their quality of life and promote healthy aging.