More than 1,000 guests in bright spring colors and floral attire filled the room at the Fairmont Dallas on April 18 for the Jewish Family Service (JFS) garden party-themed Woman to Woman Luncheon, featuring renowned makeup artist and entrepreneur Bobbi Brownas headliner. Brown shared her mission of empowering women to “feel confident in their skin” and her passion to help them achieve this goal.

Board Chair Eric Goldberg kicked off the luncheon with special thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the many family and community foundations, corporate and individual donors, and the board and staff.  Cantor Vicky Glikin, Temple Emanu-El, led a powerful invocation emphasizing that the Jewish community is about loving one another “even when we disagree.”

Luncheon Co-Chairs Susan Kramer, Bobbie Repp, Barbara Spigel, Fran Toubin, and Sam Utay took the stage, led by Utay, who highlighted their connections to JFS, including utilizing adoption services, serving on the board, accessing resources for an aging loved one, supporting disaster relief efforts, or volunteering in the food pantry. She also recognized those who chaired before including the luncheon’s founding chair, Ethel Zale, and sustaining chair, Linda Garner.

A highlight of Utay’s comments included recognition of the three honorary chairs, Cathy Glick, Julie Liberman, and Beverly Rossel, who as founders of the JFS annual Diaper Shower held each October, have helped bring more than 1.5 million diapers and wipes to families in need over the past 13 years.

“These three powerhouses met while volunteering for a JFS event and were inspired by their shared experience to do more,” said Utay. “As mothers themselves, they knew firsthand the importance of having access to enough diapers to keep your child clean, dry, and healthy.”

JFS CEO Cathy Barker took the stage to share the success of JFS’ recently opened Northpoint Health Center, addressing access to healthcare disparities by providing clients with a medical home.

“Already, our chief medical officer, Dr. Heather Esquivel, is hearing stories of patients who haven’t been treated in 10 years because they either didn’t have access to a practice that would take their Medicaid, they couldn’t afford the time off work or have transportation to get to other available options, or they didn’t have any insurance,” added Barker. “The good news is they are now getting the help they need and are already improving.”

She also shared how JFS has integrated their comprehensive behavioral health services with their medical services – a best practice approach to improving overall health outcomes.

The program then turned to a tete-a-tetes chat between JFS Senior Director of Philanthropy Leah Guskin and Pam Cohen, who shared her story of mental illness and how JFS’s PLAN program impacted her life. Now a peer support specialist for the program, she shared her inspirational journey. Not only has Cohen worked in a variety of positions, she received her master’s in clinical psychology, and “can now see mental illness from both sides of the couch.” In addition, she is an author of a book, titled Bipolar Depression and Me: From Both Sides of the Couch, part memoir and part guide for those currently struggling with their illnesses.

The audience was then directed to a video about the many services and programs of JFS.

Barker then introduced moderator Cynthia Izaguirre, WFAA anchor, for a conversation with makeup artist, entrepreneur and author, Bobbi Brown.

“As founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi has not only revolutionized the cosmetics industry but has also redefined what it meant to feel confident in one’s own skin,” said Izaguirre. “Since the launch of Bobbi Brown Essentials in 1991, and with the launch of her newest brand, Jones Road Beauty, Bobbi has been on a mission to empower women to embrace their natural beauty. Her philosophy, ‘Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident,’ has resonated with millions around the globe. Her latest campaign, ‘I Am Me,’ which launched today, is a celebration of what she has been preaching for nearly four decades – to know who you are; own it unapologetically and embrace every freckle and fine line.”

 A few highlights from Bobbi’s conversation with Cynthia:

-        Bobbi began by saying that she felt like crying. She had met such wonderful people at the luncheon, and it felt like family, “my family.” She continued, “We were taught to care about people and do things for others – even doing something little makes you feel good.”

-        On her transition to Jones Road: “I sold my company to Estée L Lauder but stayed on as an employee for 22 years. I finally left and launched Jones Road (three years ago) on the day my 25-year non-compete was up – and in the middle of a pandemic. Everyone said not to do it.” Most recently she launched “I Am Me” – a campaign that supports knowing who you are and owning it. “It’s about consciously focusing on what you like about yourself, and embracing what makes you unique. It highlights women from all backgrounds, sharing their individual journeys to finding confidence and true happiness in their lives and in their beauty.”

-        On embracing your true self: “It’s about being confident in your skin, in your body and in your shoes so you can be the best version of yourself.”

-        She credited her grandfather Papa Sam for being her inspiration. “He moved here from Russia when he was a boy. He came without a nickel and worked his way up, eventually becoming one of the biggest car dealers in Chicago.  He wouldn’t believe all that I have gotten to experience.”

-        Keys to success: “Do what’s right for you and think about if this is what you want. Can you do other things? Consider the practical side. Can you pay the bills? Don’t be in a rush, and don’t be afraid.”

-        “I love makeup, but I don’t wear a lot. I love creating it. I love empowering people to feel better. I love the power of makeup.”

-        On grandchildren: “And you think you love your children! I’m the mother of three boys. But I love differently now. I’m so much more present.  I am happy that my family has different religions and political opinions and can all sit together at Thanksgiving … and enjoy one another.”

-        Regarding any regrets in achieving family/career balance: “There’s no such thing as balance. There’s no such thing as perfection.”

-        “I’m real, and I’m me, and I’m comfortable with who I am, and I don’t try to change that. I do want to get stronger and more flexible!  And I hope to be doing another business when I’m in my 80s.”

-        Regarding the beauty industry: “It has changed so drastically. I launched in Neiman Marcus, and I was insecure, not dressed properly, and my hair was not high enough!”

-        Role model: Richard Branson who founded an airline after sitting in coach and recognizing it was not up to par. “He wanted to make things better for people.”

-        One takeaway message for the day – “You’re OK.”

Luncheon attendees included Dawn Aaron, Candy Brown, Wende Burton, Julie Gothard, Dot Haymann, Mary Pat Higgins, Judge Clay Jenkins, Beth Konig, Elaine Pearlman, Peachy Rudberg, Lisa Sadoughi, Jaynie Schultz, Lisa Sherrod, and Donald Zale.

The biennial Woman to Woman luncheon is the largest source of unrestricted funds for JFS, raising over $5 million since its inception in 2004. Visit Jfsdallas.org.

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Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Their mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community. JFS Dallas offers programs to the community such as primary medical care, individual age-appropriate counseling and group support, career and financial coaching, a food pantry, support for older adults, and a Clubhouse for adults with mental illness. Since 1950, they have served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The agency’s services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org

Community and faith leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony, celebrating a long-awaited project that will enable JFS to offer whole-person care to those in need

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 29 for its new JFS Northpoint Health Center, meeting a critical need for health care for low-income residents in North Texas. Located at 12606 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 75243, approximately five miles from JFS’ offices, the new health center welcomes anyone in need.

“We have been working toward this moment for four years,” shared Deizel Sarte, COO, JFS. “The families we serve at JFS are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to healthcare, and most go without taking care of their medical needs, which only worsens many treatable conditions over time. This was the driving force on the journey to opening this clinic and adding primary care services to our comprehensive care.”

The 5,500-square-foot facility will have ten examination rooms along with dedicated spaces for behavioral health and counseling. Primary care providers will offer adult and pediatric annual physicals, cancer screenings, routine women’s and men’s health exams, sick visits, behavioral health, chronic disease management, and other medical services. JFS was the first recipient of the North Texas Food Bank Hope for Tomorrow Grant, which was directed toward the opening of this health center. The new health center will not only meet immediate medical needs, but it will also provide preventative care. JFS is pursuing status as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Texas has the highest rate of residents without healthcare coverage – at 16.6% according to the Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey published in September 2023. This first clinic location was selected based on significant JFS research, which suggests approximately 793,007 low-income residents in the JFS service area lack a medical provider, and many rely on hospital emergency rooms or go without care.

Board Chair Eric Goldberg welcomed the more than 40 attendees at the grand opening. “This new health center is a huge accomplishment for the JFS team and an incredible resource for the Greater Dallas community,” said Goldberg. “Adding medical services to the many offerings currently provided by JFS will ensure our clients have wraparound care.”

Anyone coming to the new Northpoint Health Center will have access to all JFS services, which include a robust mental health component, a food pantry, and numerous other auxiliary services. JFS' mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care, promoting self-sufficiency and well-being.

Goldberg thanked the JFS Board of Directors for going on an 18-month journey to learn, understand, and evaluate the idea of adding medical services, and recognized JFS CEO Cathy Barker for her vision and commitment which have moved JFS forward in unimaginable ways.

JFS CEO Cathy Barker credited COO Deizel Sarte for her wisdom and forethought which moved the team forward in this endeavor. She also thanked Les and DJ Weisbrod, special donors and longtime supporters who saw the potential in an idea and provided funding to make the concept possible.

“From our research and supporting our community through a pandemic, we knew that less than 5% of those who needed access to healthcare (Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured and underinsured) had a medical home and that 86% of clients we surveyed indicated they would use these services if JFS offered them,” stated Barker. “Finally, we knew this model would enable JFS to become financially self-sustainable within three years of opening this clinic.”

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is the first Jewish social service agency to provide medical services to its clients using this model for expanding services and improving financial sustainability that could be replicated in many of the 150 Jewish nonprofit human service agencies in the United States.

Due to the mission to provide a “patient-centered” approach to care, JFS selected Dr. Heather Esquivel as its chief medical officer and the first primary care provider at the JFS Northpoint Health Center. With more than 14 years in community health, Dr. Esquivel is a board-certified family medicine physician whose career includes providing high-quality healthcare to underserved communities including preventive medicine, chronic disease management, women’s health, and adolescent medicine. Dr. Esquivel received her medical degree through Brown University’s program in liberal medical education.

Throughout her career, Dr. Esquivel has served as both a treating physician and chief medical officer at Federally Qualified Health Centers around the country. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish. She embodies a patient-centered philosophy and understands all elements in her patients’ lives that contribute to their health.

“Over the years as I have worked in community health centers like this one, there were many times I wished I had the ability to provide a warm handoff for my patients to services like the JFS food pantry, career and financial coaching, and a robust roster of behavioral health providers,” said Dr. Esquivel. “When a patient comes in for medical treatment, there are often other factors impacting their health. The fact that JFS provides services in all these areas – physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial – offers a continuity of care for our patients and their families.”

Also attending the ribbon-cutting were community and faith leaders, including Texas Senator Nathan Johnson; Anne Readhimer, vice president of community impact, North Texas Food Bank; Andrew Krause, representative from the office of Congressman Colin Allred; Ali Alirezaieyan, representative from the office of Councilwoman Jaynie Schultz; Igor Alterman, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas; Dr. John Burruss, CEO, Metrocare Services; Leonor Marquez, CEO, Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic; and Abbie Kauffman, president & CEO, Network of Community Ministries.

The agency’s wraparound services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. By 2028, JFS expects to serve approximately 55,000 individuals across all agency services. The Northpoint Health Center is open to anyone who calls to schedule an appointment. For more information about the Northpoint Community Health Center, visit www.jfsdallas.org/healthcenter.

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Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Their mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community. JFS Dallas offers programs to the community such as primary medical care, individual age-appropriate counseling and group support, career and financial coaching, a food pantry, support for older adults, and a Clubhouse for adults with mental illness. Since 1950, they have served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The agency’s services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org