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Congratulations to the special recognition award recipients and all JCFS Chicago staff celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Ken Jacobson Professional Excellence Award
Dr. Diona Lewis, Principal, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Diona’s leadership reflects compassion, professionalism, and excellence in action by creating a culture where everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive.
Howard Sitron Distinguished Service Award
Mimi Stern, EHR System Analyst, IT Services
Mimi’s professionalism, compassion, and commitment, allows her to walk the tightrope of nonprofit technology with patience, positivity, and heart, while never losing sight of the people behind the systems.
Elaine Schwartz Impact Award
Residential Supports
Each team member's compassion and dedication empowers individuals with disabilities to live with greater independence, dignity, and connection in their homes and communities.
At the end of the day it’s my fellow co-workers at my work site who support me the most. I like that we can walk down our hallways and talk to each other and discuss our clinical work and how we can support each other during difficult periods in our work.
Robert B. Bloom Recognition and Excellence Awards
Beth Fishman, Jewish Community Services
Beth is a trusted leader in addiction and recovery education. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, trainings, and advocacy, she has helped reduce stigma, expand access to support, and create more welcoming spaces for individuals and families affected by addiction. Her integrity and dedication have strengthened countless lives.
Lauren May, Marketing
Lauren has a remarkable gift for uncovering and telling the stories that bring JCFS's mission to life. Through thoughtful interviews, exceptional writing, and a compassionate approach, she ensures that the voices of our community are heard with dignity, authenticity, and respect. Through creativity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to others, she makes JCFS stronger every day.
Wahedullah Niazi, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship
Wahedullah demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to refugee families and to his colleagues. He leads with compassion, professionalism, and dedication to helping others succeed. Whether helping families navigate new SNAP requirements, supporting people facing housing instability, or creating workshops to help refugee families prepare for uncertain circumstances, Wahedullah consistently goes above and beyond.
Leslie Glazer, Duman Opportunity Center
Leslie’s work focuses on creating pathways to employment for people with disabilities, helping individuals who are often overlooked discover meaningful opportunities, confidence, and a true sense of belonging. Through creativity, advocacy, and unwavering belief in each person's strengths, she builds partnerships with employers and creates customized opportunities that help people move toward inclusion and dignity.
Benjie Weiss, Development
Benjie demonstrates a remarkable commitment to service, connection, and community. In leading JCFS’s volunteer program, he creates meaningful opportunities for countless individuals to give back, ensuring that every volunteer feels welcomed, supported, and valued. He also manages in-kind donations that directly improve people’s lives, helping secure everything from bicycles and helmets to clothing, care packages, and other essential resources.
I came from a job where there was no growth and no team players. JCFS helps you grow and helps you get to the place you want to be with on the job training. Everyone is a team player and willing to help if asked.
30 YEARS
Margarita Sandler, HIAS Immigration & Citizenship
This milestone is a testament to the enduring importance and contribution that Margarita has made to the ever-evolving HIAS program. She has made an impact on the JCFS community for generations to come.
25 YEARS
Rhonda Weeks, Contracted Employment Services
Rhonda is known for her patience, professionalism, and calm approach when working with individuals and government employees. Her extensive knowledge and willingness to share her expertise make her a valuable resource. Rhonda is always ready to assist others in understanding mailroom operations, planning for changes, and implementing new procedures.
20 YEARS
Shannon Corona, Development
Shannon has played an instrumental role in growing and strengthening our Development department through her leadership, vision, and dedication. She brings compassion, positive energy, and a can-do attitude to everything she does, inspiring those around her every day.
Jennifer Krapfl, Career Services
Jennifer is a strong, dedicated leader committed to delivering quality services that best serve our community. She is incredibly supportive, highly creative, and an adaptable team player who cares deeply about the people she serves and works with.
Edward ‘Eddy’ Loew, Community Counseling
Eddy has a strong connection to the Orthodox Jewish Community and provides thoughtful reflections on mental health needs and the intersection of faith in people’s healing journeys. He is a kind and encouraging friend to everyone in the JCFS community.
Linnet Mendez, Outpatient Behavioral Health, Virginia Frank Child Development Center
Linnet's passion, care, and expertise in helping and guiding individuals and families towards healing is truly a gift. She has tremendous compassion with tested knowledge and experience that demonstrates her exceptional work as a practitioner and a leader.
15 YEARS
Vince Everson, Finance
Jori Swift, Services for People with Disabilities
10 YEARS
Shaunita Cotton, Accounting
Michelle Dubose, Residential Supports
Carolyn England, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Anna Marie Fosco, Knapp School & Yeshiva
5 YEARS
Rachel Bennett, Virginia Frank Child Development Center
Kathryn Dougherty, Services for People with Disabilities
Michelle Giuffre, Psychological Services
Rebecca Gordon, Career Services
Kate Granholm, Virginia Frank Child Development Center
Will Hautamaki, Contracted Employment Services
Guadalupe Ivancevic, Duman Opportunity Center
Andrea Jacobs, Jewish Community Services
Jess Jankowski, Services for People with Disabilities
Rosa Johnson, Knapp School & Yeshiva
Moe King, Residential Supports
Luis Martinez Jr., Duman Opportunity Center