News

Jewish Family Service Toasted to 75 Years of Service at Diamond Anniversary Gala

Elizabeth Lenart — Mon, 19 May 2025 11:01:03 Z

Recognizing past leadership, launching a new response fund, and dancing the night away to the big-band sounds of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra

Since 1950, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas has served as an open door to all in need impacting hundreds of thousands in its mission to provide whole-person care and promote self-sufficiency and well-being. Nearly 600 supporters and community leaders gathered to celebrate this important milestone at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on May 8.

The JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala not only provided a look back at the people and programs that have supported the physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being of hundreds of thousands of lives, but it also celebrated what is to come in the next 75 years, including the highly anticipated 2026 opening of JFSs new 100,000 square-foot home, The Karla and Larry Steinberg building.

Sam L. Susser, Susser Bank chairman and CEO, kicked off the program welcoming the crowd. He was followed by Rabbi Howard Wolk, who provided a moving blessing. Co-Chairs Julie and Michael Zimmermann then took the stage on behalf of the co-chairs to thank sponsors and share testimonials about the impact JFS has had in the community since its founding.

This year, we proudly celebrate 75 years of impact, growth and service from JFS, which has been a cornerstone of compassion and support a philanthropic institution open to all in need, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay, said Julie Zimmermann.

Board Chair Julie Gothard recognized Co-Chairs Ann and Michael Ochstein, Karla and Larry Steinberg, and Julie and Michael Zimmermann as well as Honorary Co-Chairs Sharon and Eric Goldberg, Ynette and Jim Hogue, Susie and Joel Litman, Stanley Rabin, Jackie and Steve Waldman, and Donald Zale for their hard work and ongoing commitment to JFS. (Co-Chairs Lori and Mike Cohen were unable to attend.)

She continued by recognizing the JFS Capital Campaign leadership team, who served as the events honorary chairs, before turning attention to the screens for a video tribute.

Video highlights included:

- Rena and Bud Silverberg, who first became involved in 1967 and represent the only couple who have both served as JFS board chairs. JFS has always been about opening doors, and it still is 75 years later. Welcoming a stranger isnt just a value, its a responsibility.

- Dallas City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn shared that she was adopted through JFS and years later served as a board member and board chair, 2012-14 a full circle moment in her life. Sometimes the outcomes of services are not a one-year outcome. If you can stabilize somebody, you cant even measure the impact they make in the community years from now.

- Stan Rabin, board chair 1987-89,shared that one of the most important things about JFS has been its ability to evolve. Dallas would not be what it is without JFS.

- Les Weisbrod, board chair 1983-94, shared that JFS isnt just meeting needs. Its redefining what it is to serve a community.

JFS President and CEO Cathy Barker wrapped up the evenings remarks by reflecting on the agencys three-year Meeting the Moment Capital Campaign, which started out with a $21 million goal to build the nonprofits new home. But once we realized we needed a larger campus and gathered some real costs, that amount rose to $40 million a goal that is now in reach! She asked JFS staff, old and new, as well as all board leadership and members to stand, recognizing them for helping to propel the agency forward.

Our new space is more than a building; its a promise to the families we serve today and those we will serve for years to come, said Cathy Barker. As a community, its important that we step up so we can innovate, respond, and be here for future generations.

Barker highlighted challenges that the nonprofit has tackled over the years including securing housing for family violence victims; refugee resettlement; assisting evacuees of Hurricane Katrina; coordinating adoptions; supporting those at risk of losing their homes during the global pandemic; feeding thousands; and responding to the Silver Tsunami, the record-breaking number of older adults finding they outlived their savings, need a caregiver, or experienced declining health.

In honor of the anniversary, JFS is launching a new Response Fund to provide support for emergency and short-term needs to those facing a crisis or a hardship, whether a car repair, training for a better job, assistance with bills or home repairs to mental health support, said Barker.

Gala guests included Dallas Holocaust Museum CEO Mary Pat Higgins, Dallas City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn, Susser Bank Chairman and CEO Sam L. Susser (title sponsor); JFS former CEO Michael Fleisher (he served in this position for 23 years), and philanthropic leaders Candy and Ike Brown, Gail Hartstein, Leslie and David Katz, and Ann and Nate Levine.

Attendees enjoyed the evenings entertainment by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, dancing, food stations, an open bar, silent auction, and a luxury raffle.

JFS is currently building a foundation for the next 75 years, which will culminate with an expansive food pantry, career and financial services, family violence intervention, and behavioral and medical services. JFS is one of the few nonprofits that provides comprehensive health services under one roof.

Sponsors of the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala were Title Sponsor Susser Bank and event sponsors American Airlines, Central Market, Miller Weisbrod Olesky, Sewell, Texas Jewish Post, Wise Resource Development, and Ethel Silvergold Zale.

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Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Its 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, JFS has served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The agency, celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2025, impacted over 26,000 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas to Commemorate 75 Years at Gala Affair - May 8

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:12:45 Z

Since 1950, JFS has served as an open door to all in need impacting hundreds of thousands in its mission to provide whole-person care and promote self-sufficiency and well-being

Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas will celebrate 75 years of serving the community with a Diamond Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Dallas, Trinity Ballroom. Co-Chairs Lori and Mike Cohen, Ann and Michael Ochstein, Karla and Larry Steinberg, and Julie and Michael Zimmermann join Honorary Co-Chairs Sharon and Eric Goldberg, Ynette and Jim Hogue, Susie and Joel Litman, Stanley Rabin, Jackie and Steve Waldman, and Donald Zale along with JFS leadership in presenting this celebratory evening. Guests will enjoy entertainment by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra as well as dancing, food stations, an open bar, silent auction, and a luxury raffle.

As we celebrate 75 years of impact in Dallas, we hope the community will join us in honoring and commemorating the impact of our health services, which focus on physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being, at this festive affair, said Cathy Barker, CEO, JFS. While there will be a time to sit, eat, and enjoy a program and presentation, the party atmosphere will encourage guests to be out of their chairs, mingling, dancing to the music of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, reviewing the silent auction, and more. This is a celebration!

During the evening, JFS will pay tribute to those whose impact has been pivotal in the nonprofits mission to meet the communitys needs and its continued growth by recognizing past presidents and the galas co-chairs and honorary co-chairs, who also make up the capital campaign leadership team.

JFS is currently building a foundation for the next 75 years through its Meeting the Moment Capital Campaign, which will culminate with an early 2026 opening of the organizations new 100,000-square-foot home, The Karla and Larry Steinberg building, located in Addison. From an expansive food pantry, career and financial services and family violence intervention to behavioral and medical services, JFS is one of the few nonprofits that provides comprehensive services under one roof.

This campaign, a catalyst for making our vision of self-sufficiency and well-being for all a reality, will expand essential services, secure a sustainable funding model to support programs, and grow our endowment to ensure the long-term viability of JFS, added Barker. The event brings us closer to achieving our $40 million capital campaign goal, allowing us to expand our reach and ensure impact for years to come.

Since 1950, Jewish Family Service has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands. From aiding refugees who arrived in Texas after World War II, to providing natural disaster relief, career training and primary medical care, JFS has evolved to meet the needs of the community. Rooted in Jewish values, JFS serves as an open door to all in need regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay. Last year, JFSs wraparound services impacted 26,000 unduplicated individuals. By 2028, with the new building established, JFS expects to serve approximately 50,000 individuals across all agency services, increase client visits from 29,000 to 120,000, and increase pounds of food distributed from 450,000 to 1.4 million.

Join us for a fun, elegant evening as JFS celebrates decades of life-changing impact and service to our community and discover how you might help us shape the future, added Barker. We are excited to build upon this 75-year legacy and transform even more lives in the decades to come.

Tickets for the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala are $250 and are available at https://www.jfsgala75.com/.

Sponsors of the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala are Title Sponsor Susser Bank and event sponsors American Airlines, Central Market, Sewell, and Texas Jewish Post.

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Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas Breaks Ground on a New 100,000-Square-Foot Home in Addison

Elizabeth Lenart — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:17:58 Z

Historic groundbreaking during the nonprofits 75^th anniversary year celebrates the purchase of a new building in Addison; kicks off renovations; and announces public phase of $40M capital campaign

Over 300 community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered on Thursday, Sept. 26 for the groundbreaking ceremony of The Karla and Larry Steinberg Building, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas new 100,000-square-foot home at 16301 Quorum Dr. in Addison. This historic groundbreaking during the organizations 75^th anniversary year celebrates the purchase of the new building and kicks off renovations (with an anticipated move-in in late 2025) while announcing the public phase of a comprehensive $40 million capital campaign, Meeting the Moment. To date, through the leadership of the Steinberg family and the generosity of nearly 100 other supporters, JFS has raised $30 million towards this campaign.

Today we are celebrating 75 years of impact, said Cathy Barker, CEO, JFS. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our mission to better serve the evolving needs of the community by consolidating all services in one location, efficiently providing low-income families greater access to comprehensive support. We want to express our deepest gratitude to Karla and Larry Steinberg, the lead donors and the buildings namesake, and we are excited to announce we have already received ten gifts of $1 million+ from families leading this campaign a campaign that will fuel innovation, drive expansion, and secure sustainability for our essential services for the next 75 years.

Almost four times larger than JFS Dallas home since 2001, the new Karla and Larry Steinberg Building will include: 18,000 square feet devoted to behavioral health including spaces for counseling, case management, and support groups, play therapy rooms and a sensory gym for children with special needs, services for older adults and holocaust survivor care; an expanded food pantry (doubling its current size); dedicated space for packing kosher home-delivered meals; a second and larger (10,600 square feet) primary medical clinic (in addition to its Northpoint Health Center, established earlier this year) to include a dental clinic; JFS accredited PLAN Clubhouse for adults with severe and persistent mental illness; and computer training rooms and offices for career and financial coaching. Additionally, reception and entrances will be highly secure.

Addison Mayor Bruce Arfsten provided remarks during the ceremony, welcoming JFS to Addison. For nearly 25 years, JFS has been our neighbor just across the tollway, and it is so exciting to see JFS come to Addison, a great place to work and serve the community. JFS is already serving 1,000 Addison residents with their unique wraparound care model, and we are excited to see its impact grow.

JFS Board Chair Julie Gothard thanked those present for joining the celebration of this important milestone with special recognition of board members who devoted many hours making this project come to fruition. She also recognized the City of Addison and special project partners Sunwest Realty, Susser Bank, GFF, Echelon Structure Tone, and Mission Advancement. Gothard concluded by thanking the campaign leadership team: Eric Goldberg, Jim and Ynette Hogue, Stan Rabin, Steve Waldman, Don Zale, and Campaign Leadership Chair Joel Litman. Prior to leading the campaign, Litman, who first began volunteering at JFS in 1988, has also served as board member, board chair, and foundation board chair.

The JFS Meeting the Moment $40M capital campaign divides the need for funding into three areas: whole person care, including primary care for the construction, equipment and staffing of the medical clinic as well as integrated services; expansion, including purchase of the new building and renovations; and ensuring the future with investments in the JFS endowment.

Cathy Barker introduced the Steinberg family, the buildings namesake, to provide some remarks. Oliver Steinberg began by sharing his heartfelt thanks and love to his parents.

I just want you to know how proud I am of you both, said Oliver Steinberg. You have both instilled the values of giving and kindness in my upbringing and passed them on to me, carrying me for the rest of my life.

Karla Steinberg shared, Larry and I had been looking for a giving opportunity when we learned that JFS was bursting at the seams, and we found this to be a perfect fit. We love JFS philosophy of opening their doors to anyone struggling. They have a wonderful hands-on approach with many wonderful volunteer opportunities and ways for the community to become involved.

Groundbreaking ceremony participants included the Steinberg family, Cathy Barker, JFS CEO; Julie Gothard, JFS board chair, Addison Mayor Bruce Arfsten, additional JFS leadership, past JFS presidents, community CEOs, capital campaign leadership team, building leadership, and community CEOs.

Also attending the groundbreaking ceremony were community and faith leaders, including Darren Gardner and Nancy Craig from Addison City Council, Jill Cumnock, Igor Alterman, Tracy Eubanks, and Sam Susser.

Since 1950, JFS has been a cornerstone of the Dallas community, providing critical services to those in need. Last year, JFS wraparound services impacted 26,000 unduplicated individuals. By 2028, with the new building established, JFS expects to serve approximately 50,000 individuals across all agency services, increase client visits from 29,000 to 120,000, and increase pounds of food distributed from 450,000 to 1.4 million. For more information visit www.jfsdallas.org.

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Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Its 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, JFS has served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The agency, celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2024, impacted over 26,000 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org

Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, and Author Bobbi Brown Empowers Women at Jewish Family Service Luncheon

Elizabeth Lenart — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 11:52:28 Z

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 luncheons founding chair, Ethel Zale, and sustaining chair, Linda Garner.

A highlight of Utays 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 havent been treated in 10 years because they either didnt have access to a practice that would take their Medicaid, they couldnt afford the time off work or have transportation to get to other available options, or they didnt 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 JFSs 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 masters 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 ones 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 Bobbis 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. Its 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: Its 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 wouldnt believe all that I have gotten to experience.

- Keys to success: Do whats 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? Dont be in a rush, and dont be afraid.

- I love makeup, but I dont 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! Im the mother of three boys. But I love differently now. Im 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: Theres no such thing as balance. Theres no such thing as perfection.

- Im real, and Im me, and Im comfortable with who I am, and I dont try to change that. I do want to get stronger and more flexible! And I hope to be doing another business when Im 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 Youre 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 agencys services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org

Legendary Makeup Artist Bobbi Brown to Headline Jewish Family Service Woman to Woman Luncheon

Elizabeth Lenart — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:24:12 Z

Jewish Family Service (JFS) announces that legendary makeup artist, best-selling author, and accomplished entrepreneur Bobbi Brown will participate in an insightful conversation at the 2024 Woman to Woman Luncheon. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, at noon, at Fairmont Dallas Hotel, located at 1717 N. Akard St.

The Woman to Woman Luncheon serves as a biennial celebration honoring the influence and achievements of women, and Bobbi Brown's presence promises to elevate the occasion to new heights, said Cathy Barker, CEO, JFS. Attendees will have the privilege of engaging with Bobbi Brown in a captivating discussion, delving into her illustrious career and entrepreneurial journey."

Renowned for her transformative impact on the beauty industry, Bobbi Brown's legacy extends far beyond cosmetics. From her humble beginnings creating a collection of lipsticks to establishing a global beauty empire with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, she has continually pushed boundaries and redefined industry standards. Even after departing from her namesake brand, Brown's entrepreneurial spirit has remained undimmed, as evidenced by her successful ventures including justBOBBI.com, a digital editorial content site; The George, a 31-room boutique hotel in her hometown of Montclair, New Jersey; and 18Label, a state-of-the-art production studio. Her newest venture, Jones Road Beauty, is her collection of products for all ages, skin types, and skin tones. Recognized by Business Insider as one of the fastest-growing brands, Jones Road Beauty has garnered accolades from esteemed media outlets such as Allure, Vogue, W, In Style, and Essence.

Bobbi Brown's expertise in translating trends into practical applications has garnered her widespread recognition, including being named one of Forbes' "50 Over 50" most influential women in 2022 and receiving numerous awards for her contributions to both the beauty industry and philanthropy. Her accomplishments include receiving the Glamour Woman of the Year Award, The Fashion Group International Night of Stars Beauty Award, and The Jackie Robinson Foundation's ROBIE Humanitarian Award. Additionally, she was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Bobbi Brown to Dallas for our luncheon," added Barker. "Her remarkable journey and unwavering commitment to empowering women make her the perfect choice to headline our event."

Co-Chairs are Fran Toubin, Sam Utay, Susan Kramer, Bobbie Repp, and Barbara Spigel, who are dedicated to advancing the cause of this luncheon fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will support JFS in providing mental health and social services to individuals regardless of age, race, religion, or financial status, benefiting more than 16,500 individuals last year alone.

Honorary Chairs, the JFS Diaper Shower Founders, Cathy Glick, Julie Liberman, and Beverly Rossel have been instrumental in the nonprofit's diaper collection efforts, providing essential resources to those in need since 2010.

Since its inception, the luncheon has raised over $5 million, significantly expanding JFS's reach and impact. Past speakers have included prominent figures such as Joy Behar, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Von Furstenberg.

The 2024 luncheon features a jewelry pull, a wine pull, and a luxury raffle. Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,800, and a limited number of tickets are now available.

For more information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit jfswomantowoman.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 agencys services impacted over 16,500 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org

Jewish Family Service Opens Northpoint Health Center to Address Dire Need for Healthcare Services

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:10:10 Z

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 womens and mens 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 Bureaus 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, womens health, and adolescent medicine. Dr. Esquivel received her medical degree through Brown Universitys 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 agencys 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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