January 2010 E New Articles Continued...
Mensch of the Month - Dan Koblin
Impact & JFS Response - Real People stories
Dan Koblin - Mensch of the Month...continued
Dan credits his passion for philanthropy and helping others to the home environment he grew up in and the memorable experiences he had as a youth and college student. His mom was a psychologist and his sister a social worker – both devoted their lives to helping others. Dan says it impacted the way he himself looked at life. He also was heavily involved in a Jewish youth group in high school and a college fraternity, both of which included many community projects and activities to help children and others in need. Dan admits that it was through these experiences that his core Jewish values of giving back to help others was solidified. He realized just how privileged he and those around him were to have basic freedoms, good health, and the well being to help others. He says, “Being connected to Jewish organizations my whole life has instilled that philanthropic culture."
As a devoted husband and father of three precious children, his goal is to help raise his children with these same values. He says it’s imperative to have a strong connection to the community. So it is no surprise that Dan left his corporate job, which required extensive travel, to start his own business. Now that he’s home more, he and his family are able to be even more connected to their local community.
JFS is honored to recognize Dan Koblin as its January 2010 Mensch of the Month.
Real People...continued
F.R. had a good job and a roof over his head in Orange County. He was content. That was until he lost his job and then his confidence. The little work he did find only paid for food and gas. Homelessness was never an option…yet without being able to afford rent he lost his apartment and joined the thousands of homeless living on the streets of Orange County. His car became his home. Soon he grew desperate to change his life. That’s when he turned to Jewish Family Service (JFS) for help.
JFS assisted F.R. through a combination of employment counseling, emergency financial assistance, case management with thoughtful planning and follow up, and psychotherapeutic counseling. Today, F.R. is employed and once again has his own apartment. He is determined to remain self-sufficient and is very grateful to JFS for all the help he received. As he said, “JFS saved my life.”
Scared yet determined to make a new life for herself and her two children, E.L. sought help from JFS after becoming a victim of domestic violence and being on the verge of losing her home. Her husband provided very little financial support. JFS was there to help her. She received counseling, employment services, and emergency assistance through JFS’s Women Forward program. She is now in the process of moving to a more affordable apartment and is actively seeking full-time employment with the guidance of our employment counselor. JFS will continue to assist E.L. and her children as they move through these transitions into a stable lifestyle.
JFS programs help people who’ve lost their jobs to get back on their feet.
Our Counseling Program helps people cope with depression, anxiety, and stress caused by such changes as loss of job and security, and the increased pressures and other losses that come as a result of unemployment.
Our Mentor Program pairs clients with a caring JFS volunteer from business and industry. The mentor offers a compassionate ear, suggests job leads and ideas, and keeps in touch often. JFS clients often say that their mentor made all the difference for them.
Our Women Forward Program helps women over the age of 40 who have experienced a life-crisis and are re-entering the workforce.