Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS) recently gathered for its 7th Annual Meeting. It was a heartfelt evening celebrating the agency’s achievements over the past year, honoring exceptional individuals, and welcoming new leadership. The event brought together community leaders, staff, and volunteers, as they reflected on JCS’s enduring commitment to strengthening the well-being of Rhode Islanders for generations.
David Cicilline, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, and former U.S. representative for RI, graciously hosted the event. Rabbi Heather Shore, JCS’s new clinician and Chaplaincy Rabbi, opened the evening with an inspiring D’var Torah, emphasizing the interconnectedness of past, present, and future contributions. “We are part of a broad network of interconnected relationships,” she shared. “Each step forward strengthens the foundation laid by those who came before us and prepares the way for those who will follow.” This message echoed throughout the evening, reinforcing the importance of collective action and visionary leadership. Adam Greenman, President of the Jewish Alliance, followed by highlighting the partnerships that bolster JCS’s mission. A Year in Review video showcased the agency’s wide-reaching impact through its programs and communities, and left the audience more connected to the work JCS did this year.
The meeting also honored individuals whose contributions embody JCS’s values of compassion and community. The Arnold and Sheila Kaufman Family, including Stacy and Doug Emanuel and Alex and Lisa Kaufman, received the Ruth and W. Irving Wolf Jr. Award for Multigenerational Philanthropy, recognizing decades of support and volunteerism. Board Member Myrna Levine was presented with the Maurice Glicksman Leadership Award for her role in JCS’s merger and her steadfast advocacy for Jewish older adults and their caregivers. Neal Drobnis, Coordinator of the Kosher Senior Café and Kosher Meals on Wheels, was celebrated with the Erin Gisherman Minior Award for Staff Excellence, honoring his 15 years of dedicated service, heart, and compassion to those he serves.
In addition to these recognitions, the Annual Meeting marked a transition for members of the board. Newly elected board members were officially installed: Marcia Werber Feldman, nurse and social work professional; Hal Matzkin, a retired sales executive passionate about community engagement; and Dr. Jeffrey Rogg, a retired radiologist and educator. Renewing their terms were long-standing leaders Jim Galkin and Doug Emanuel, along with Marisa Garber, appointed for a year as a presidential appointee. Minna Ellison and Kayla Rosen stepped into roles as Secretary and Vice President, respectively.
Embodied in the words of Rabbi Shore: “We are, at JCS, a diverse ecosystem beating with a pulse of care for our whole community here in Rhode Island.” This sentiment underscores JCS’s commitment to honoring its legacy while embracing a brighter, more inclusive future, uniting generations in support of a stronger, more compassionate community.