It was my great friend Orly who referred me to Ometz. She had previously used Ometz’s services and recommended it very highly. I came to Ometz to strengthen my job as a caregiver for the elderly. I ...

It was my great friend Orly who referred me to Ometz. She had previously used Ometz’s services and recommended it very highly. I came to Ometz to strengthen my job as a caregiver for the elderly. I don’t have the words to describe my experience… Ometz welcomed me with open arms. What I enjoyed the most was the humanistic approach that they took. The staff was warm, friendly, and non-judgemental in the advice they gave me. Ometz offered me services that were very specific to my needs. I had a counsellor that took the time to speak with me from day one. Together, we clarified my goals, and I discovered a palette of courses that Ometz offered. The course on elderly aid was most suitable for me. In taking care of my elderly mother, I realized I needed help in this area and Ometz was able to provide that for me. The organization was there for me, personally and professionally.

I would recommend it to anyone in the same situation. Before coming to Ometz, I had a career as a counsellor in conjugal violence, and when you’ve been in the workforce for so long, it’s difficult to admit to yourself that you might need help, especially when dealing with a close member of the family who is aging and ill since many years. I felt embarrassed about my situation, but I found so much support that it helped me to deal, and to heal some wounds from past, unfinished experiences. It is a real work-in-progress.

Another thing I loved about Ometz was the teachers and their pedagogy. The way they teach was so interesting and so clear, especially since it was my first time studying in English, because most of my studies are done in French. It was a challenge for me, and the fact that I got good marks because I studied so hard was very rewarding. I also liked the ambiance – every day I was looking forward to coming in. The vibes were so interesting and they kept me going.

I remember one day I was not feeling so good about my situation. With my mom’s poor health and all the classes I was taking, I really felt like giving up. My stress levels were high, but then I received a warm, non-judgemental intervention from one of the counsellors, and that did it. To find counsellors that, even with all their credentials, were able to take on a compassionate and human approach was incredible.

When I was in university I took a religion class and did a project about Judaism. Although I’m not Jewish myself, I met a great rabbi who helped me discover the Jewish community of Montreal so I feel a connection with the community. I love the community’s soul and culture, and it has become a dream of mine to travel to Israel. Ometz is so important to me because they offer help to this community that I have come to love. It will be important for Ometz to remain up-to-date in what’s going on in the community, and even though there is a lot of turmoil in Quebec, Ometz keeps an open mind and adapts to the situation. hide

Prior to coming to JFS/Ometz I was the Executive Director of the Farha Foundation and we had awarded a grant to JFS to deliver AIDS education workshops. I got to know the agency in this way, liked wha...

Prior to coming to JFS/Ometz I was the Executive Director of the Farha Foundation and we had awarded a grant to JFS to deliver AIDS education workshops. I got to know the agency in this way, liked what I saw, and so, when I started thinking about moving on from the Farha Foundation, I decided to apply for a senior management position at JFS. When I came for the morning interview, I arrived early and sat in the reception in order to observe people coming and going. I wanted to see what the atmosphere was like and how the staff felt coming to work. Again, I liked what I saw. That’s how I started at Ometz, as a senior manager in 1997 and I am still here albeit in another position. And I still like what I see.

In the early 2000s I left JFS and went to work at Federation CJA as the Director of Community Planning for a short time. When the Executive Director position opened up at JFS, I knew that that was where I really wanted to be. JFS was my home and my family.

One of the highlights from my executive directorship is the merger of JEM, JFS, and JIAS. It was an incredible, ambitious project and it required much foresight and courage (Ometz) on the part of both the lay and professionals to make the merger happen. Given that we know from literature that most mergers don’t work, we obviously all did something right because here we are today, a very strong, important and vital organization in the Jewish community, with a very talented staff and board.

My wish for the future is that our community no longer requires a social services organization like Ometz. That would mean that Jewish poverty was not as prevalent as it is today, that families were strong and able to raise healthy and resilient children, and that jobs were easy to come by. That’s a very ambitious wish – one that I know will unfortunately not be achieved in my lifetime. So for now, our role at Ometz is to be constantly in touch with what our community members need from us, to be able to adapt and reinvent ourselves according to the needs of the community, and to continuously forge partnerships with organizations both within the Jewish community and within the greater community of Montreal. hide

In the early 1980s, when Ometz was known as the Baron de Hirsch Institute, a private family service agency with administrative links to CLSC Rene Cassin, I was involved in a planning committee concern...

In the early 1980s, when Ometz was known as the Baron de Hirsch Institute, a private family service agency with administrative links to CLSC Rene Cassin, I was involved in a planning committee concerning the services of these two organizations. I subsequently became a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute, an involvement that spanned over a decade and several organizational transitions.

The agency was funded largely by Federation CJA. Federation began questioning the agency’s mandate and the viability of its existence. Realizing that we did not have many allies within the Jewish community and that our mandate was unclear, we needed to come up with a clear mission and a sound justification to keep the agency running. We knew that Federation would either stop our funding and shut down the agency, or we were going to succeed in transforming the agency into a more viable organization.

We formed a strategic planning committee made up of board members and staff, which I chaired. Our objective was to save the agency. We analyzed what government services existed and where the gaps were, redefined our niche of services for the Jewish community, and set out to improve our relationship with our funder and to make our presence better known to the community. One of the highlights of this effort was the Annual Meeting which we strategically planned to gain support for our renewed mission and services. Unusual for an Annual meeting, there was standing room only as over 200 former board members, present and past clients, community interest groups, the media and other agency partners attended to show their support. Everything about our strategic efforts was planned down to the last detail and this was done to ensure the survival of the agency.

Our goals had been to make sure Federation realized how vital our services were to the community and to make the community more aware of the work of the Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute. We succeeded because of the commitment, focus and hard work of the volunteers and staff on the Strategic Planning Committee and on the Board of Directors. The vision, effort and dedication of these people not only saved the agency but also created a realignment of our services to better meet the community’s needs. Our improved collaboration with our community partners and with Federation CJA continued and some time later we proposed to the Federation leadership that JFS, JEM and JIAS be merged to create a seamless flow of services – an initiative that happened many years later, resulting in the creation of Ometz.

My involvement with the agency and the community continued for many years: I served on the BDH Board of Directors and became President of JFS of the Baron de Hirsch Institute in 1996. Among my other community activities, I was elected President of the President’s Council of Federation-affiliated agencies, was a member of the Federation CJA Board of Trustees and then became a member of its Executive Committee. I served on the BDH Cemetery Board of Directors as a JFS representative. I then got involved with JIAS, both as a volunteer and as a professional during a period in its history of upheaval, transformation and renewal. I am proud to have been associated with JFS and JIAS and to have been part of the birth of Ometz and witness to the strong agency it has become. It is well positioned for the future to support and give a helping hand to our Montreal Jewish community - children and youth, singles, couples and families who are disadvantaged, in financial or psychological distress, in crisis or in transition. hide

At the age of 18 I dropped out of Cegep and began working for minimum wage. Two years later I had a revelation. I realized I wanted more and had to return to school. The problem was that I was lost ...

At the age of 18 I dropped out of Cegep and began working for minimum wage. Two years later I had a revelation. I realized I wanted more and had to return to school. The problem was that I was lost and had no idea where to begin. My mother suggested that I meet with someone at Ometz (then, Jewish Employment Montreal), who she said would be able to direct me. I met with Janet Perlis, a career counselor who took the time to get to know me. I was always aware of my interests but never knew how I could apply them towards a university degree or a future career. She gave me a questionnaire to fill out and patiently guided me through the process.

Based on the results, Janet suggested Marketing. The truth is I never pictured myself in business school, which I assumed was a stepping stone toward becoming the proverbial “Business Woman”. However, with Janet’s encouragement, I researched the field and discovered that there was plenty of room for creativity, while acquiring important skills and working toward a business degree. So I went for it…and LOVED it! After graduating from John Molson School of Business, I returned to Ometz for assistance with job search. Cathy Grundman, my employment counselor, helped me polish my CV and distributed it to various companies. I kept my options open, ready to interview anywhere that had “advertising” or “marketing” in the job description.

Within two weeks I had several interviews. One of them was for Blind Ferret Entertainment, a small but growing web-based comic and affiliate marketing company. I remember walking into the office for the first time. It was an odd place, to say the least. There were comic characters, sword collections, and Lego models everywhere. It certainly wasn’t the environment in which I saw myself. But, after meeting with the employers and staff, I starting thinking that this could actually be a really cool place to work.

At the same time I was interviewing at a large fashion company, the industry where I always assumed I would end up. When Blind Ferret offered me a position (and was not prepared to wait for an answer while I was testing waters elsewhere), I had an immediate choice to make. Choosing between the two options was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. Cathy and her supervisor, Lois Liverman, helped me talk out my situation and envision my life at both companies. I will never forget the moment I heard, “I think you made up your own mind. It sounds like you really want Blind Ferret”. I knew they were right. I accepted the position.

Two and a half years later I am still with Blind Ferret and have been promoted twice. I am now the Director of Advertising Operations. I am working for good people and love coming to the office every day. In fact, I can picture myself here forever. Recently, I assisted in the recruitment of a new employee for my department. We hired Josh Salzberg, a recent graduate referred to us by Ometz. Once again, they found a great fit for Blind Ferret. I realize, as I am writing this, how I have come full circle; from a misguided 18 year old, to the director of my own department. And Ometz has been there for me every step of the way. hide

I would like to kindly thank Ometz for the great help and significant support that you provided me during the difficult period of my life. Illness, interrupted study, family and financial problems - i...

I would like to kindly thank Ometz for the great help and significant support that you provided me during the difficult period of my life. Illness, interrupted study, family and financial problems - it all came suddenly and simultaneously, seriously complicated my life, and endangered the welfare of my children. The assistance provided to me at this difficult time by Ometz was like a real salvation. Your material and moral support during this period, as well as during the completion of my studies and professional job search, has allowed me to solve all my problems and start working. Many thanks to Ometz for the warmth, understanding and kindness! I really appreciate and remember it. This is one of the remarkable achievements of the Jewish community. Sincerely yours, Olga D. hide

Imagine that you are at home in your comfortable house. You are planning your next family vacation. Your child is playing happily on the kitchen floor, while the three other children are in their Jewi...

Imagine that you are at home in your comfortable house. You are planning your next family vacation. Your child is playing happily on the kitchen floor, while the three other children are in their Jewish school. The doorbell rings and two men are standing there, a moving truck behind them, official papers in-hand, stating that your furniture is being taken and that you have a week to leave your home. I was clueless. For a decade my mind has been on what I saw and thought, not knowing that my life as I knew it was falling apart. Though it was many years ago, I can still feel my knees buckle when I remember that day. I was in shock. I didn’t know what to do.

My cousin told me that the Jewish community would help me. I walked into Ometz and was met by a social worker. She listened to my story with compassion and let me know that she and the agency were there to help me through my crisis. I had no savings and was completely dependent on my spouse financially. Unfortunately, he disappeared from the family at this time. Ometz immediately provided me with help for food for the next while, helped me pay the first month’s rent at the new place, and most importantly, let me know that I was not alone to be with my problems. My social worker would visit us weekly to talk and see how we were coping. Each of my children experienced separation from their father, a lifetime’s change, differently. The kids had comfort to a point, but were now asked to do laundry, cleaning, and other household tasks. I would also inform my social worker on Mondays, after the weekend, when my kids’ father was supposed to visit and didn’t show up. It was heartbreaking. My children were always my main focus and I felt terrible and guilty for not giving them the childhood I wanted for them.

At the time, there were only a few services specifically for children going through a family breakup. Thanks to the ongoing support from Federation CJA, Ometz offers therapy to help children deal with loss, school workers to help support academic success, and a huge team specializing in working with kids and young adults. The support I got as a mother from Ometz at the time helped me, helped my children, and was invaluable. I ended up looking forward to those weekly visits. When I first came to ask for help, I was ashamed and embarrassed, but my community never made me feel like a beggar. I received the help I needed, and kept my dignity. My kids continued to attend their Jewish day schools and we were subsidized. After my situation stabilized, I began working full-time. I felt I had turned a corner. I learned how important it was for me, as a woman, to stand on my own, to be aware of my choice, and not to be completely dependent on someone else.

Over the years, the community and Ometz continued to play an important role in my life. I was referred to three different jobs which I held for extended periods of time. My youngest child needed a counsellor to talk to, and Ometz found the right young man to help me. My children have consulted with Ometz as they moved forward in their lives: adult services, family resources… I’m happy to say that each of my children are grown and married, and I have ten beautiful grandchildren. I’m proud to share my story. I feel as if I am closing a circle. I want to emphasize how grateful I am for the help I received at the low point in my life. I love this year’s campaign slogan, “I am here.” Well, I am here, as well as my children and grandchildren. This community really makes a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for your generosity.

*The author of this testimonial is using a pseudonym to protect her privacy* hide

I worked at BMO in systems development for twenty three years (twenty of which were part-time), before deciding that I did not want to go back full-time and was ready for a new career. While searching...

I worked at BMO in systems development for twenty three years (twenty of which were part-time), before deciding that I did not want to go back full-time and was ready for a new career. While searching for a new job, someone suggested I try Ometz. My first meeting was with Marlene. She helped me organize my CV in order to align with a change in career paths. We talked about fields I would be interested in, and even though I didn’t have all the right skills at the time, I decided to try administrative jobs. Marlene helped me transform my CV and advised where to learn more about Excel, Word, and other skills that would be beneficial. Within a month, she sent my CV to a financial advisor and I got a job as an administrative assistant, three days a week. I kept that job for three years and learned a lot about the insurance and financial industry.

Unfortunately, I had to part ways with that job as I needed some personal time off. I eventually returned to Ometz and this time, met with Elena. I told her that I was now looking for a job in either insurance (as I had done previously) or in a doctor’s office. For some reason I had always pictured myself working in a doctor’s office as I am a people person. Elena really pushed my CV, but because I was not fully bilingual, a lot of medical offices wouldn’t accept it. Finally, a doctor who had received my CV from Ometz called me and said to come in for an interview. I had a two-day trial and got the job part-time. My French proved to be better than I expected.

I foresee Ometz playing an important role in helping potential candidates to decide what field they would like to work in and what they would like to do, whether they’re just starting out or if they’re transitioning from one job to another as I was. Ometz helps out by having meetings with you, counseling, finding out what your strengths are, and offering a lot of useful courses. They screen a lot of jobs to find something that is best suited for you. They really got a feel for who I was and what I wanted.

My experience at Ometz was very positive and helpful. I received so much support from the staff. In the end, Ometz helped me get not one, but two jobs that I did and still do love. hide

I was a volunteer for an Israel-based organization for many years before I was approached by Jewish Family Services. As a volunteer, my experiences had always been rewarding, and I also felt it was ti...

I was a volunteer for an Israel-based organization for many years before I was approached by Jewish Family Services. As a volunteer, my experiences had always been rewarding, and I also felt it was time to rededicate my commitment to Jewish identity and values. I was very pleased to accept this new challenge.

At JFS, I was most fortunate to work with an incredible staff of group and lay leaders. Together, we explored issues that the organization felt were important, and got the word out that these issues were taking place. The name of one campaign in particular says it all: “Countless Reasons Why We’re Here”—we provided a wide range of social services. Our school support services provided counselling and also addressed problems such as bullying and drug addiction.

One of our most successful endeavors was the creation of our Parlour Meetings. At these meetings, parents would sit with animators in order to discuss the problems they had with their adolescent and pre-teen children. The topics would range from dating, to issues on school, to drug abuse. It became hugely successful, with more than 35 groups of parents attending each meeting. In addition to the Parlour Meetings, the School Intervention Team was called upon on several occasions to talk about issues such as student suicide. In doing so, our team members were recognized as experts, which was very rewarding for all the workers and volunteers involved.Le Mercaz was an initiative that provided food and clothing to those in need. Le Mercaz also sponsored Dress For Success, which helped women who wanted to get back into the workplace.

During my time at JFS, we received a grant from Health Canada and were able to put out a series of booklets entitled “Family Front and Center”. This bilingual resources guide became quite popular in the community. Another successful campaign was “The Paper Jammers”, which provided jobs for adults with mental health issues. In 2004, JFS started doing intake and referral in the West Island. Our Exceptional Case Committee (ECC) had a special type of expertise that would guide our social workers into making the right decisions.

For 140+ years, Jewish Family Services strived to answer the needs of the community, and I am happy to say that Ometz has continued to do so. One of Ometz’s great strengths is its ability to adapt to the times and move forward, while keeping the mission and vision constant. I am very proud of my involvement with both Federation and Jewish Family Services. hide

I started volunteering with JFS around 1993, just after the introduction of Bill 120 that realigned social services and mandated the closure of the public Jewish Family Services Social Service Centre....

I started volunteering with JFS around 1993, just after the introduction of Bill 120 that realigned social services and mandated the closure of the public Jewish Family Services Social Service Centre. I became involved just as the public arm of JFS was being integrated into the private arm. We were moving from boards being elected from the users, to a different structure. The person who asked me to get involved was Libby Labell, who was already on the board and a member of the Status of Women’s Committee of Canadian Jewish Congress. I, too, was on the Status of Women’s Committee and at that time, we were seeking to increase the representation of women on agency boards. Prior to being on the Board of JFS, I led some training sessions in the family life education program. If my memory serves me correctly, I talked about teen sexuality and sexual assault.

During my time at JFS I proposed that we add a clause to the bylaws indicating that any person, who refuses to remove all barriers within his or her control that would prevent a spouse’s religious re-marriage, would not qualify to be a Director. Another highlight for me was co-chairing the Loan Circle. This program was established to help women start a business. Women would get a loan if their business plan was approved. We had some very interesting projects put forward and it certainly empowered women who wanted to get involved.

I also worked with adults who were living with chronic mental health illnesses. A defining moment for me was during Sukkot one year. JFS sponsored a Sukkah party for this population and at that time, the Sukkah was in front of the building on Cote St. Catherine. To see these adults celebrate Sukkot with such joy was overwhelming for me. In my capacities as president I enjoyed being with this population and subsequently became involved with their housing program.

The Exceptional Case Committee is a crucial committee and I felt privileged to be on it. This committee was composed of both professional and lay leadership and was mandated to review particularly difficult cases and make recommendations.

Today I am involved with Auberge Shalom and AGI (Alzheimer’s Group Inc.) so I give back in another way. I did sit on some Federation committees as well. I was also President of the Presidents Council and participated on the planning and allocation committee last year for Federation. JFS is now part of Ometz and, as such, the organization has grown. To me Ometz plays an essential role in the Montreal Jewish Community as it continues to help the impoverished, youth at risk, people in crisis, immigrants and those who are marginalized. hide

Ometz helped me get hired for two jobs in the last 5 years. I was able to get advice from my counselor about my resume and she gave me the opportunity to participate in the Cocktails and Conversation ...

Ometz helped me get hired for two jobs in the last 5 years. I was able to get advice from my counselor about my resume and she gave me the opportunity to participate in the Cocktails and Conversation recruiting event which was a phenomenal experience. It had been a long time since I had spoken in public so it was a little nerve-racking, but I was given good practice and great feedback to help improve and refine my speech. It's also incredibly helpful to be thrust into a room full of potential employers that I can at the very least network through.

At the Cocktails and Conversation, where I was attending as a featured candidate, I remember waiting while the person before me gave his speech and thinking "Oh boy, I'm next" and then walking to the podium thinking "whatever you do, don't fall on your face". But then getting up in front of everyone, I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I would be and going through my speech was almost effortless because I had already practiced it in front of our group so many times before. Then, not two minutes after the speeches had concluded, I was approached by one of the guest entrepreneurs and asked to come in for an interview the following week. I was hired by that company and I am still happily employed by them today.

I would certainly use Ometz services again and although I have not used any of the other services offered, I do know people who have (classes, etc.), and I know those are a huge resource. hide