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.