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Congratulations to the special recognition award recipients and all JCFS Chicago staff celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Ken Jacobson Professional Excellence Award
Linda Jamison, Child Welfare
Linda’s energy, strength, and passion have led her team and program in a promising and positive direction this last year. She has embraced many transitions and leaned into empowering her team. Linda approaches challenges with curiosity and compassion, she has an honest and colorful manner in sharing feedback and offers insight thoughtfully and powerfully.
Howard Sitron Distinguished Service Award
Miriam Osina, Access Intake
Miriam’s exceptional customer service skills shine in every interaction—whether she's assisting external callers or collaborating with colleagues at JCFS. She consistently steps up as a team player, making thoughtful decisions that benefit the entire agency, even in the face of unexpected challenges. Miriam’s willingness to assist and support JCFS in every capacity is truly commendable.
Elaine Schwartz Impact Award
Response for Teens Community Education Team
In the past year, Response has reset and re-energized itself to be a standout resource for adolescents and young adults. Through thoughtful leadership and a passionate team, Response has demonstrated to be a great asset to the community with many opportunities to come.
At the end of the day it’s my fellow co-workers at my work site who support me the most. I like that we can walk down our hallways and talk to each other and discuss our clinical work and how we can support each other during difficult periods in our work.
Robert B. Bloom Recognition and Excellence Awards
Lorraine Aka, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Lorraine has dedicated many years to teaching at Knapp School, where she has worked with the most challenging students. Despite the difficulties, Lorraine’s classroom stands out for its incredible environment. From day one, her students learn respect and responsibility, and the relationships she builds with them extend well beyond graduation.
Joey Lenti, Community Counseling
Joey is a dedicated member of the community counseling team. He brings expertise, insight and valuable resources to support the children, adults and families we serve. Joey’s commitment to meeting people where they are and addressing their holistic needs exemplifies the values of JCFS.
Joe Pagan, Access Intake
Joe has proven to be an invaluable asset to the intake team. His role as the frontline contact for all incoming calls and clients is one of the most challenging within our agency. Joe consistently brings a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude to his work, handling each interaction with professionalism and patience.
Leah Shefsky, Jewish Community Services
Leah is highly respected by her colleagues and does whatever she can to ensure that people in our community receive the support they need. She conducts intakes for chaplaincy clients, has engaged new facilities, initiated outreach to funeral directors, and provides grief support to individuals and co-facilitates multiple support groups.
Rachel Switall, Marketing
Rachel’s work is marked by grace and joy. Her graphic design skills are outstanding, and her creative approach to representing JCFS is evident in every project she undertakes. Beyond her design expertise, Rachel’s willingness to contribute is unparalleled along with her positive 'can-do' attitude and commitment to strengthening program partnerships.
I came from a job where there was no growth and no team players. JCFS helps you grow and helps you get to the place you want to be with on the job training. Everyone is a team player and willing to help if asked.
30 YEARS
Kelvin Warner, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Kelvin’s dedication and loyalty to the school and agency are unsurpassed. He is always positive and willing to help, whether it’s driving students to their jobs, coaching them, or providing words of encouragement. Kelvin brings a smile to everyone’s face.
25 YEARS
Hendrene “Henny” Harper, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Henny is easy to work with and has built strong, positive connections with her peers and students. In the classroom, Henny is always there to support teachers and keep things running smoothly. She truly cares about her students, forming nurturing relationships that make them feel understood and supported.
Syreeta Rounds, Accounting
Syreeta has worked in JCFS’s accounting department for 25 years. Probably the most critical employee we have here, without her none of our employees would get paid! Thank you, Syreeta, for your committed professional service.
20 YEARS
Scott Cupper, Administrative Services
Scott started as an administrative assistant in one of our counseling offices and is now a jack of all trades. It quickly became clear that his variety of skills drove his movement up in the agency. We appreciate all Scott does for JCFS.
LeJean Easley, Knapp School & Yeshiva
LeJean’s dynamic spirit helps bring out the creativity in both our students and staff, helping some discover hidden talents and interests. Look around the school, from our art cases in the lobby to the murals on the walls, student-generated art is everywhere. LeJean is vital to our community.
Susan Nowinski, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Susan has an unending amount of knowledge about resources and services for students who are transitioning out of high school and heading into adulthood. She has been a trusted confidant and guide, and her support for these students is unmatched.
Allison Rodenhouse, Services for People with Disabilities
Allison’s gentle and sweet personality has been a gift to JCFS. She is mindful and thoughtful. Many families have praised Allison as she patiently led them through challenging processes. Thank you, Allison, for everything you’ve given to JCFS.
15 YEARS
Patricia Alpizar, Accounting
Leslie Glazer, Duman Opportunity Center
Keith Johnson, Residential Supports
Dean Karamagianis, Accounting
Annette Skovronski, Administrative Services
10 YEARS
Lena Barshak, Accounting
Dena Bermann, Child Welfare
Joshua Berman, Virginia Frank Development Child Center
Leticia Cardoso, Residential Supports
Maureen Grey, Financial Counseling
Keith Holmes, Residential Supports
Norman Howard Jr., IT
Joseph Lenti, Community Counseling
David Neal, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Amanda Philips, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Milena Tarbuk, Accounting
Heather Whittaker, Residential Supports
5 YEARS
Lorraine Aka, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Viliam Babjarcik, Residential Supports
Carolyn Birden, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Rachel Blackburn, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Kimberly Brewer, Residential Supports
Rebecca Bromberg, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Tiffany Chancellor, Residential Supports
Whitney Daniel, Residential Supports
Dean Everett, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship
David Gordy, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Elizabeth Gottlieb, Administrative Services
Suzanne Griffel, Jewish Community Services
Geneve Hein, Emotional Well-being
Katie Hogan, People & Culture
Bracha Jakofsky, Jewish Community Services
Benjamin Letendre, Duman Opportunity Center
Hillary Manaster, Community Counseling
Miles Robin, Development
Eddy Ruschman, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Carol Share, Administrative Services
Leah Shefsky, Jewish Community Services
Christa Smith, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Mimi Stern, IT
Nikkia Tarrant, Residential Supports
Alex Thompson, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Elizabeth Ury, Jewish Community Services
Christina Walkine, Residential Supports
Aliza Weiner, Jewish Community Services
Benjamin Weiss, Development
Lamaria Wimberly, Residential Supports