As it celebrates its first year, Jewish Collaborative Services looks back and forward

“There will be peace in the Middle East before you [Jewish Family Services] and the Jewish Seniors Agency merge,” said James Galkin, at Jewish Collaborative Services’ (JCS) second annual meeting, on Nov. 5, quoting a well-known Jewish community leader who reportedly uttered those words after being asked for financial support.

While neither he nor any other member of our Jewish community brought peace to the Middle East, Galkin, a JCS board member and longtime JSA supporter, stated that dedicated community leaders had overcome many challenges to merge the two longstanding social service agencies into JCS.

Enthusiasm and quiet pride – coupled with a clear-eyed awareness of the work ahead – permeated the meeting room at The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Center, in Warwick. Adam Greenman, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, congratulated JCS President and CEO Erin Minior and her team on a successful first year.

“At the Alliance, we talk about a strong vibrant Jewish community in Rhode Island … and the elements that make that up,” said Greenman. “Most important [is] how a community ensures it helps those in need or in crisis. We couldn’t do that without the work JCS does; it provides the backbone of our support.”

With humor and efficiency, Stacy and Doug Emanuel chaired the meeting, which included a d’var Torah by Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Michael Fel, election and installation of new board members and officers, and the JCS treasurer’s report.

 In a brief video presentation, outgoing JCS Board Chairman Jeff Padwa summarized several of the organization’s first-year accomplishments:

•            Served nearly 4,000 people through 14 programs.

•            Distributed more than 184,000 pounds of food.

•            Provided 440 clients with case management and counseling services.

•            Conducted nearly 50 home studies for families seeking to adopt.

•            Provided almost 2,500 individuals with Lifeline safety and security services.

•            Served 30,000 meals at Shalom I and II apartments and 2,400 meals at Senior Cafes.

Quoting a proverb, “If you want to go quickly, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together,” Minior noted other accomplishments, including moving into a new building, with financial support from the Grace K. and Wesley S. Alpert Foundation; nearing completion of the $4 million “Past, Present, Future” campaign; recruiting additional board members; identifying opportunities for improvement in human services, information technology and other backroom functions; and expanding its marketing outreach.

Looking to the future, Minior identified several initiatives that should lead to a stronger, more unified and more effective agency. The Warwick campus – with Shalom I and II apartments (which paid off its 40-year mortgage this year) and Tamarisk – potentially offer new development and program opportunities, said Minior, who lauded Shalom Executive Director Bonnie Sekeres and Tamarisk Executive Director Roberta Ragge.

Describing the goals and objectives of the Partnership Committee, which is charged with unifying the two agencies, each with a rich and vibrant history of service, incoming JCS Board Chair Marisa Garber said, “[We] all wanted the same thing; a social service and housing agency for the people of our community throughout the lifecycle.”  

Culminating the evening, Galkin offered a heartfelt tribute to Susette Rabinowitz, who was the driving force behind the creation of Tamarisk, after the Jewish Home was unexpectedly closed. Now a Tamarisk resident, Rabinowitz was present to hear Galkin’s testimonial and the enthusiastic applause that followed.

NANCY KIRSCH is the former editor of The Jewish Voice, the precursor to Jewish Rhode Island.