Looking forward, 2020 will be a year of change for Ometz.

The landscape and ecosystem in which Ometz operates is different than it was years ago. There are significant demographic changes, changing community needs, public sector changes, and leadership changes that need to be addressed.

Thanks to the generosity of the Azrieli Foundation and Reliance Construction, we will be relocating all our services for at risk youth and young adults across the street at the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA in a newly renovated 5,000 sq. ft. space. This move is both exciting and daunting for our organization.

We are currently reviewing our services to school aged children so we can provide easier access to a full range of services.

And finally, I will be retiring in April and so our Board is embarking on a  search for a new CEO – someone who can build on the agency’ s assets and successes and someone who will embody the integrity, credibility, and spirit of Ometz .

I am enormously proud of all that we have achieved together. Ometz is an amazing place to work because of the people I am surrounded by.

Our greatest asset is our staff who truly embody the meaning of Ometz - which means courage in Hebrew. They continually show courage in advocating fiercely on behalf of our clients, in innovating, and in going the extra mile. They are a team that opens its doors and its hearts to provide impassioned, professional and transformative support.

I am also surrounded by an incredibly talented and dedicated Board – who have always been just a telephone call away. I have learned from and been challenged by each one of them and consider myself fortunate to have worked so closely with such talent and smarts.

And of course the many donors and funders who time after time show how much they believe in what we do and trust us to get the job done. Thank you for your vision and believing in the work we do.

I first walked into Jewish Family Services 22 years ago and have never looked back or had second thoughts. It was the best career choice of my life.

Thank you for making my time at Ometz so fulfilling and rewarding.