IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of Roxanne Droppo
Raising Vital Funds for our Programs and Services
Small Gestures, Big Impact
Mikey’s Tech Safe Tips
Mother's Day Cards
Na’amat Canada Calgary “Providing the Essentials”
Caregiver Discussions – Spring/Summer 2025
Volunteering
A Prescription for Change
JFSC Is Out and About
Older Adults at Risk of Going Missing Workshop

From the Desk of Roxanne Droppo

Executive Director

With Spring in the air, we extend warm wishes for a Happy Passover and Happy Easter to our JFSC community.

In this time of global uncertainty, we are deeply grateful for our dedicated supporters and stakeholders. Your continued commitment helps us bring hope and vital support to those who need it most.

On April 11, the Alberta Government announced new financial support for the Calgary Jewish Federation and the Jewish Federation of Edmonton in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism.

“Never again is now. With anti-Jewish hate on the rise in Canada and around the world, it is our responsibility to ensure our children learn the lessons of the past and are ready to stand up against hate today. Antisemitism has no place in our communities and must always be unequivocally condemned. To the Jewish community, you are not alone – Alberta’s government stands in solidarity with you against all forms of hate and oppression.” Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

In March, Danielle Dolgoy, Executive Director of Jewish Family Services Edmonton, and I co-authored an op-ed titled Standing Together Against Hate. You can read it here.

Wishing you a season filled with light, hope, and togetherness.

Roxanne Droppo, MA, RSW
JFSC Executive Director

Affordability, food insecurity, aging in place, mental wellness, and resettlement are growing challenges for people in our communities. At JFSC, we provide essential services to those in need. Thank you to our donors for your ongoing commitments!

There are many ways to support JFSC, please contact us to discuss how we can work with you to achieve your philanthropic goals. Contact Lynn at lynnt@jfsc.org or call 403-692-6395.

Laugh Out Loud - JFSC Comedy Night Fundraiser

Buy your tickets today

More information on the event can be found on our website.

NEW THIS YEAR

Our online 50/50 raffle is live and will be open until the draw, 9:00am on May 16, 2025. You don’t have to be at the event to claim your prize.

Buy your ticket today through Rafflebox

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

August 14, 2025

10th Annual Martin, Staniloff & Thal Charity Golf Classic.
Cottonwood Golf & Country Club.

Stay tuned, more information to come.

MAKE YOUR DONATION TO JFSC GO FURTHER!

We're thrilled to be a participating charity in the 2025 Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink. All donations made to JFSC through the Birdies for Kids online donations portal will be matched by up to 50% through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink until August 31, 2025. Funds raised will go towards JFSC child and youth programming.

Donate today through the Birdies online portal.

Small Gestures, Big Impact

Community engagement is at the heart of what we do at JFSC. This year, we prepared more than 100 Passover packages to support our clients, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring they could celebrate with dignity and connection.

A heartfelt thank you to the students of CJA, who added a personal touch by decorating the bags—bringing warmth, joy, and a reminder that small acts of kindness matter. Moments like these show the power of community and the impact we can make together.

Choose from e-cards or mailed versions—quick, easy, and full of heart. Order cards online or call us at 403-287-3510.

Mikey’s Tech Safe Tips:

Spotting Fake Emails and Messages

Fraud is the #1 crime targeting older Canadians. While anyone can fall victim, seniors are often at higher risk—especially when it comes to online scams. Cybercriminals use social engineering—scare tactics designed to manipulate people into revealing personal information. That’s why it’s crucial to pause, verify, and think before clicking!

At JFSC, we’re committed to empowering older adults through our Tech Safe Program, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate technology safely and spot scams before they happen.

Check out Mikey’s Tech Safe Tips on our website for practical ways to identify fake emails and messages.

Na'amat Canada Calgary

"Providing the Essentials" Program

We are thrilled to be a recipient of Na’amat Canada Calgary’s “Providing the Essentials” Program, a new initiative for JFSC clients.

“Our program will provide hygiene items and cleaning supplies that most of us take for granted; but when someone is struggling to make ends meet or living under the poverty level, these items are unaffordable” says Stephanie Sacks, Na’amat Canada Calgary President.

“This ongoing project will make a meaningful difference,” explains Inessa Kessel, Senior JFSC Basic Needs Coordinator. “Our clients receiving food also require personal hygiene and cleaning supplies, and now they will have these items.”

“Our Na’amat Canada Calgary Providing the Essentials Program will be an ongoing project, and our members are so pleased that we are able to assist JFSC, and help so many Calgarians” says, Aviva Lifschitz Na’amat Canada Calgary Membership Chair.

Caregiver Discussion Groups

Spring/Summer 2025

At JFSC we have a host of programs and services for caregivers of seniors and/or persons living with dementia. In Spring/Summer 2025, we are running no-cost monthly drop-in Caregiver Discussion 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. Pre-registration is required by calling 403-287-3510.

More information on our Caregiver Support Programs can be found on our website.

JFSC Board Members have an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the oversight and continued development of an inclusive organization with a reputation for being responsive to community needs, service excellence and solid governance practices.

For more information see the position description.
Interested applicants can contact boardchair@jfsc.org with a cover letter describing their background and interest in the position along with a current resume.

JFSC VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY
MAY 4, 2025

Our dedicated volunteers are the heart of JFSC. You play a critical role in helping clients enjoy a higher quality of life, and your time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the strength, and well-being of our communities. You make a difference - thank you for being you!

This year, on May 4, we are treating our volunteers and their families to a morning at the cinema. For more information, and to find volunteer opportunities that you would love to be a part of, please go to our website, contact Sarah at sarahm@jfsc.org, or call 403-287-3523.

“I have always been interested in working with newcomers and immigrants to help them learn English,” says Ralph Zackheim, JFSC ESL Program volunteer. “One of the things that I’m most proud of, is when my students see how much English they have learned, and how their confidence has grown.”

A few years after retiring from a social and employment services career, Ralph Zackheim moved to Calgary with his partner. He saw volunteering as a great way to meet others and build a support network. He started by tutoring English to newcomers at Bow Valley College, later achieving an ESL teaching certificate through the University of Calgary. Ralph enjoys a creative approach to teaching and learning.

Ralph went back to school to be certified in teaching ESL and enjoys being creative in his approach. “The best part of doing this is getting feedback from participants", says Ralph. “This experience is so fun, and I enjoy interacting with them.”

When asked ‘What would you say to someone considering volunteering in the community?’, Ralph responds, “Explore something that you think you might like and try it out to see if you like it. There are so many different options.”

We are grateful to have Ralph Zackheim as part of our volunteer Team!

Ralph

“Social prescribing gives our clients a hand so they can get up on their feet again….and we walk alongside them on their journey” Patrick, JFSC Outreach Worker

Good health isn’t just about medicine - it’s about community connection, purpose, and belonging. Social prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare that bridges the gap between medical and social care services.

As part of the In Place Social Prescribing Network through Healthy Aging Alberta, we work with older adults to assess their needs and connect them to non-clinical supports and community resources, fostering self-determination, and improving quality of life.

We participated in a new video, talking about how social prescribing is positively impacting and enhancing well-being.

JFSC Is Out and About

SAIT's 2025 Community Volunteer Fair

We were thrilled to see the number of students, staff and alumni interested in volunteer opportunities this year!

Jewish Calgary Career and Networking Fair

In February we participated in the Jewish Calgary Career and Networking Fair, a collaboration between JFSC, Calgary Jewish Federation, and community members. Thank you to community partners: Alberta Association of Nurses, CCIS, Centre for Newcomers, Directions for Immigrants in Trades and Professional Careers and Immigrant Services Calgary (Gateway) for coming out to support Israeli newcomers in networking and looking for work.

Older Adults at Risk of Going Missing:

A Workshop on Prevention and Preparedness

In 2024, 258 Calgarians 65+ years of age were reported as missing. For caregivers, being prepared for a potential missing “incident” may help relieve some stress.

Last month we piloted a new workshop with our existing JFSC Caregiver Support Program clients for caregivers to learn more about the risks of going missing, how to manage risks, how to prepare for a missing person incident, and what to do when someone goes missing.

Using a resource guide developed by the Calgary Missing Older Adult Resource Network (CMOARN), the workshop was facilitated by Samantha Porter, JFSC Caregiver Support Program social worker and CMOARN Chair.

Plans are to hold another workshop in the future, please watch for it on our website and social media channels.

Stay Connected! Keep up to date on what’s going on at JFSC - our events, programs, and what we are doing is regularly updated on our website and social media channels. Feel free to follow us, like and share our posts.