JFCS was my last stop on the employment train. What a fortunate, warm, vital, energizing way to wrap up a career.
As I work out my last week or so until i retire December 31, JFCS is, as always, abuzz with activities and plans.
Upstairs, the Career Development Center team is wrapping up a week-long UPMC POWRR (Partnership on Workforce Readiness and Retention) seminar. POWRR is an opportunity for job seekers to upgrade their job readiness and application skills so they can apply for better jobs, in this case, at UPMC.
Outside my office, household goods and clothing are piling up down the hallway from the Refugee & Immigrant Services’ offices. Donations like these flow in this time of year, as people embrace the giving season and try to help their neighbors. All donations are passed on to refugee families.
The Trauma Resiliency Group still meets weekly at the 10.27 Healing Partnership offices at the JCC. We marked one year since the shooting at the Tree of Life D’Or Simcha, but it will affect this community for years to come. And JFCS will be there.
The group in Mt. Lebanon that took up fundraising for the Immigration Legal Services department has made it possible for staff to help more unaccompanied immigrant kids in detention. Without legal help these children who are on their own only have about a 15% chance of staying in this country. The rest are deported, often still alone.
AgeWell Rides, Visits and Reads are all going strong. Thanks to so many volunteers who help local seniors stay active and independent.
Behind the scenes, in the least publicly talked about department – Guardianship, that staff of five who have been together for 11 years are busy standing up for clients who aren’t able to stand up for themselves.
The Food Pantry is especially busy this time of year. Donations do flow in. Holiday celebrations always include food, so most people are reminded that not everybody has enough to eat, and they are moved to take action. But there are also increased numbers of people seeking food assistance. Sometimes the cold weather and the holidays put people who have been just getting by over the edge. We’re so glad to afford everyone in our community the dignity of having enough to eat, and thanks to so much support from donors and volunteers, the wherewithal to gather around a holiday table with family and loved ones.
People ask if I am looking forward to retirement, and I have to say yes. I’ve put in my time. Will I be sad to leave JFCS? No, not sad. Proud to have made a contribution here, proud of the work this agency does every day, and grateful to have worked with the people who have made this work their mission.
Farewell JFCS. Thanks for your friendship and kindness. May you continue to make strides toward a just and caring world. You do it so well.
Iris Valanti, Public Relations Associate, December 18, 2019