Koffler Bornstein family, Bob Landau and Fran Debras honored at JCS meeting

WARWICK, R.I. — Jewish Collaborative Services welcomed community members, supporters and partners to its ninth annual meeting Oct. 22 at Tamarisk Senior Living, celebrating the generosity, leadership and compassion that have strengthened the community.

Hosted by Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser, the evening featured greetings from Steven Baker, CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who shared well wishes and expressed gratitude for JCS and its work in the community. The program highlighted JCS’ impact across its programs and services last year, welcomed new and returning board members, and recognized three honorees whose contributions reflect the organization’s mission.

Sandra “Sandy” Bornstein accepted the Ruth and W. Irving Wolf Jr. Award for Multigenerational Philanthropy on behalf of the Koffler Bornstein family. Scott Wolf presented the award in honor of his parents.

For more than 30 years, Sandy and her late husband, Richard Bornstein, supported JCS and its predecessor agencies. Their commitment to giving was rooted in values passed down through generations. Sandy’s parents, Sol and Lillian Koffler, were influential philanthropists whose generosity helped shape the Rhode Island Jewish community. They supported the Rhode Island Jewish Home for the Aged and contributed generously to other local organizations that continue serving the community.

Sol Koffler immigrated to the United States at 13 and went on to found American Tourister Luggage and establish The Koffler Group. Despite his business success, he remained deeply committed to supporting the community that had helped him and his family thrive. That spirit continued through the Koffler Bornstein Family Foundation, which Sandy and Richard directed together. Today, Sandy carries that legacy forward, honoring her parents’ dedication to Jewish seniors and helping sustain their vision for future generations.

Robert “Bob” Landau received the Maurice Glicksman Leadership Award, presented by Jim Galkin, in recognition of Bob's longstanding contributions and leadership grounded in dedication, sound judgment, partnership and a commitment to the long-term well-being of JCS and its community.

Bob has been an instrumental partner with JCS for more than a decade. His involvement began before the organization's formation, when he served as a consultant to Jewish Seniors Agency and played an important role in the merger between Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Seniors Agency, which led to the creation of JCS. By helping guide organizations through change and supporting the work that brings people and services together, Bob has contributed to the foundation on which JCS continues to build.

The evening also recognized Frantzcia “Fran” Debras with the Erin Gisherman Minior Award for Staff Excellence, presented by Casey Gilfillan Amaral, JCS director of human resources. Fran was honored for her 13 years of dedicated service to Tamarisk, particularly her leadership of the Renaissance Memory Care Program.

Beginning her career as a certified medication technician, Fran advanced to director of memory care through her expertise, compassion and commitment to residents and their families. Her impact extends beyond the residents in her care. After earning her dementia care “Train the Trainer” certification, she shared her knowledge with colleagues, helping strengthen the quality of care throughout Tamarisk. The difference she makes is perhaps best captured by the families who experience her care firsthand. One family member recently expressed gratitude for the calm, patience and kindness Fran showed while caring for their mother, a reflection of the thoughtful, person-centered approach she brings to her work every day.

JCS thanked this year’s honorees and the supporters, volunteers, partners and community members who make its work possible. Together, it continues building on a shared legacy of generosity, leadership and care for the community.

Those inspired by the Koffler Bornstein family’s legacy, Bob Landau’s leadership or Fran Debras’ dedication can consider making a gift to JCS in honor of an individual or family who has made a meaningful difference. To learn more about supporting JCS or making a tribute gift, visit jcsri.org or contact the JCS development team at 401-331-1244.