Why Was This Year’s Annual Meeting Different Than All Other Annual Meetings?
This year has been a year like no other. One of the many ways Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) and Melvin J. & Claire Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service (Levine JRFS) adapted was taking its Annual Meeting virtual.
The theme of the evening, “We Are Here/We’ll Be There,” was illustrated throughout the hour-long online event. (Watch full Annual Meeting video) Among the highlights:
- Scott Greenberg returned as Master of Ceremonies, welcoming attendees, discharging the 2019-2020 Board of Directors, and installing the 2020-2021 Board
- Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, of Palm Beach Synagogue, gave another moving D’var Torah
- Outgoing President Michael A. Lampert, Esq. and incoming President & Board Chair Zelda addressed the audience
- Clinical Director Dr. Elaine Rotenberg, and Chief Programs Office Elyse Jacobson, LCSW, both of whom have been with the agency for more than 25 years, shared the positive effects we have made – and continue to make — on the community
- The graduating teen participants of the Alpert JFS “Relationships & Decisions for Teens” program were recognized
- Awards to outstanding volunteers Kevin Shapiro, Dr. Mitchell Josephs, Arnold Fish, and Phylis Newman and an award of distinction to Flagler Bank were presented (Watch Volunteer Award Presentation). Awards were presented by staff members, and recipients delivered acceptance speeches!)
- Marc D. Hopin delivered his first message as Alpert JFS and Levine JRFS CEO!
- …and a special musical performance, “We’ll Be There,” by Alpert JFS staff! (Watch musical performance.)
One of the most gratifying things was that though we were apart, we could feel so very much together. Because at Alpert JFS and Levine JRFS we are family. We care, we listen, we give help and hope. Check out our new agency video: “We Are Here” (Watch agency video). We are proud of the work we’ve done to meet the increased needs of our clients, achieved with the support of our community. We are sincerely grateful to our partners who enable us to change the lives of the most vulnerable during challenging times.
Those who attended the virtual Annual Meeting learned about the changes that have occurred as the agencies have evolved; these accomplishments bear repeating: Today, we touch the lives of nearly 10,000 people in need of assistance annually, including: hundreds of Holocaust survivors, manage the needs of more than 50 wards through our Guardianship program, have two group homes and a supported independent living apartment program to meet the housing needs of people with disabilities, and coordinate a county-wide Mental Health First Aid program designed to de-stigmatize mental illness.
A lot has changed over the years…except our commitment to be there – through rain and shine, recessions, natural disasters, and health crises. We are a trusted leader in social services with a team of nearly 200 highly skilled professionals, delivering high-quality care, ensuring the well-being of children and families, independence of older adults, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
We Are Here. Always Have Been. Always Will Be!
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