My mom was the President of Jewish Family Services in the early 2000s and it was her connection to JFS that contributed to my desire to become involved with this organization. Once she no longer was President, I was nominated to the Board of Directors. I eventually became President. In fact, I was the last president of JFS before it merged with JEM and JIAS to become Ometz.

One of my primary projects during my presidency was to oversee the merger of the agencies, which was very difficult and emotional, as each agency had its own culture, history and identity. Ultimately it was the right thing to do as it helped to better serve the clients. The main goals were to have central intake and for the agencies to share resources in order to be more efficient and minimize duplication.

There was nothing better than to have the opportunity to help those in need as well as to work with professionals and lay leaders who were committed to tikkun olam. I learned a tremendous amount as President of JFS. I learned about social services offered within Ometz and within the public sector. I learned about the special needs of some members of our community as well as resources that are available and lacking in the social system.

Today, I am on the Board of Federation CJA and Chair the Allocation Committee. My previous involvement at the agency level allows me to contribute from this perspective. When I am at the table with other committee members, I bring forward my experience at JFS and emphasize the importance of supporting the agencies.

To be honest, I would be happy if we didn’t need Ometz, but unfortunately, we do. To understand the need of families in crisis touches you in places you didn’t know you could be touched. Ometz helps families navigate the system and work through crisis. An organization such as Ometz is essential in our community.