JF&CS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ARYEH SHERMAN RECEIVES CONGREGATION POALE ZEDECK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

PITTSBURGH (February 28, 2008) – Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JF&CS) executive director Aryeh Sherman was honored with the annual Congregation Poale Zedeck Community Service Award at its 127th Anniversary Dinner on February 24, 2008. According to event chair Judy Kanal, the award is presented to a community member who reaches out and makes a difference in the lives of Jews from all different walks of life. 
     “Aryeh's work within the Pittsburgh Jewish community, as well as the community-at-large, is the embodiment of selfless commitment to the Jewish people that the Poale Zedeck Community Service Award seeks to highlight,” said Ms. Kanal.  “We are proud to have this opportunity to recognize him and all of his accomplishments.” 
     Sherman assumed the role of executive director of Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Pittsburgh nine years ago, applying his 29 years of experience in the delivery and administration of social service programs to significantly impact the Pittsburgh community in the areas of services for the elderly, refugee resettlement, immigration, family development and career and vocational services.
"While I am thrilled and honored to accept this award, it doesn’t belong to me alone,” said Sherman.  “On behalf of the staff of JF&CS and its Board of Directors, who perform amazing work everyday to turn around the lives of those that really struggle, I proudly accept this recognition.” 
     Sherman has been instrumental in expanding the programs and staff to support the more than 5,000 individuals who turn to JF&CS each year, leading to the launch of the Welcome Center for Immigrants & Internationals, as well as the tremendous growth of the Career Development Center, caregiver services program and the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. 
     Key to Sherman’s efforts has been building strong collaborations with other agencies in the Jewish and general communities. Through partnerships with the Jewish Community Center and Jewish Association on Aging, all three agencies have been able to reach many older people in our community than would otherwise be possible alone.  In another collaboration, the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry is able to reach over 400 individuals each month in need of supplemental food through partnerships with local synagogues, Jewish schools, youth groups and other organizations in the community.
     Joel and Chana Pfeffer also were honored at the dinner for their continued dedication and service to both the synagogue and the community.  Mr. Pfeffer is a member of the JF&CS Board of Directors. 
 
About JF&CS
Jewish Family & Children's Service, founded in 1937, operates on the principle that strong individuals and families create healthy communities. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families through psychological, employment and social services that help individuals and families meet life’s challenges, and empower them to improve their lives.