JF&CS staff enjoyed gathering over delicious dishes at the agency’s annual Holiday Potluck last week! Feasting on foods from lentil samosas and salads to mac and cheese, cookies and banana pudding filled the bellies and the hearts of all who attended.
The event was spearheaded by Loraz Mutch, Director of Human Resources, who reflected afterwards on the “incredible time” had by all. Loraz specifically recognized the staff who helped organize the event, CEO Terri Bonoff who opened the festivities with touching words about “the importance of gratitude and appreciation for one another,” and of course “everyone who shared delicious dishes that contributed to our bountiful feast!”
The lively lunch also included raffle prizes, and a special prize of a beautiful custom menorah.
Recognizing Core Values
The potluck was one of many fun and thoughtful gatherings hosted by the HR department over the last year to recognize and honor our dedicated staff members. This year, additional recognition was added in the form of the JF&CS Core Values Award.
The JF&CS Core Values Award recognizes and celebrates employees who embody the agency's values and make meaningful contributions to the community. It was inspired by the exceptional dedication of longtime employee Elizabeth “Libby” Sherman, who served JF&CS for 29 years before retiring at the age of 99. Libby’s granddaughter and lay leader Meredith Yehudi collaborated on the award along with our Executive Team.
“We have incredible people working in all facets of JF&CS and are thrilled to continue showing special recognition to those staff members who exemplify our core values,” said Loraz. “The award is a symbol of appreciation for their dedication and inspiration to others.”
Our Senior Leadership Team, in collaboration with their staff, nominates employees who truly exemplify our eight core values: Compassion, Respect, Kindness, Hope, Integrity, Improvement, Collaboration, and Diversity. The lay leader group, led by Meredith Yehudi, reviews these nominations and votes for a winner. Each winner is recognized at our staff meetings and awarded a pin representing the core value they embody, and all eight recipients will be honored at the end-of-year Staff Meeting in June.
Our Recipients to date comprise of the following:
Hope: Tamara Cain, Residential Programs Manager, IDDS
Collaboration: Megan Koziel, LMSW, Volunteers and Engagement Manager
Improvement: Mira Cohen, Senior Manager of Creative Strategy, Marketing
Kindness: TBA January 2025
Want to stay up to date with what’s happening at JF&CS? Subscribe to the Inspires newsletter and the Feel Better Letter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!