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Some major changes in allocations to beneficiary agencies of the Jewish Federation as of Sept. 1 – Gray Academy to receive $26,000 less than last year

Allocations Report 2022By BERNIE BELLAN The Jewish Federation will be allocating exactly the same total amount of money to its beneficiary agencies in the 2022/23 fiscal year (beginning September 1) as it did in 2021/22: $3,003,000. But – the distribution of those funds will be markedly different this coming year than it was in the fiscal year that will end August 31.
That is the major takeaway from this year’s report of the Federation’s Budget & Allocations Committee.

 

 

 

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Of its 12 beneficiary agencies, moreover, two will not be operating at all this coming year and are, therefore, not being funded: The Irma Penn School of Jewish Learning (“which lost their newly recruited teacher just before the school year began and was not able to find a replacement mid-year”) and the Jewish Learning Institute (which “is finishing the current season with remote programming but will have to resolve staffing before establishing what the program will look like going forward.”)

Of the remaining ten agencies, the most notable changes will be occurring in: funding for the Gray Academy, which will see a drop of $26,000 in its allocation; a $10,000 drop in allocation for the Simkin Centre; a $5,000 increase for the Gwen Secter Centre (along with the transfer of the “senior concierge” position to Gwen Secter from Jewish Child & Family Service); and a $20,000 increase in allocation for JCFS.

The continued effects of the Covid pandemic have made planning much more difficult for many of the agencies.
In a section of the report titled “Beneficiary Agencies Highlights and Needs,” the Allocations Committee enumerated the many challenges facing the agencies in general:
“Pandemic Recoveries and Overall Trends: The Winnipeg Jewish community benefits from strong Beneficiaries that found creative ways to serve their constituencies in the face of restrictions on service, safety and health concerns. They are all budgeting and planning for more ‘normal’ years of service in the next year. However, each agency has a Plan A and a Plan B and a variety of scenarios that are on their radar, having learned to expect uncertainty. Every agency expressed cautious optimism about the year to come as well as concerns:
• Concern about inflation and rising supply costs, specifically food, gas, and biodegradable packaging;
• Each agency is coming into the next year in a good financial position, some with significant surpluses because of government subsidies and foundation grants during the pandemic, fortunate but not likely to repeat;
• There continue to be some additional costs associated with fewer people allowed in the same spaces, hybrid/online service costs, heightened attention to cleaning, etc.;
• Several agencies mentioned wanting to use surpluses to build their reserves as they look forward to leaner years with expected reductions in membership and fee revenues, while they re-build programming and fundraising revenues;
• There is concern around the pace of resumption of in-person participation and attendance, and willingness to pay at pre-pandemic levels as in-person programming resumes, all affecting overall revenue;
• There is a general concern about bringing back families, students, campers, members that have not been vaccinated and who may feel alienated. And a similar concern about those who feel vulnerable and may choose to stay away from in-person activities once mask and vaccine mandates are lifted in community venues;
• They are opening back up for in-person programs and field trips etc. but with lots of alternative plans;
• Teen mental health is a (sic.) emergent concern everywhere;
• Providing competitive wages to recruit and retain staff is a concern in most agencies; and
• Those awaiting government funding from MB starting April 1, 2022 have not received confirmation from relevant government departments.”

We sent an inquiry to Faye Rosenberg Cohen, Chief Planning and Allocations Officer for the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, asking her about the relatively large cut in the allocations to Gray Academy and the Simkin Centre. It should be made clear though, that the allocation to the Simkin Centre is for two specific purposes that are separate and apart from the day to day operation of a personal care home: “The allocation funds High Holiday services and kashrut supervision to support the Jewish character of the home.”

Rather than refer specifically to the cuts to Gray Academy and the Simkin Centre though, Faye Rosenberg Cohen responded that “The changes from last year are based on expressed needs, financial health of the beneficiary organizations and the need to balance. The decreases only reflect the need to rebalance for current needs. We try to approach each year with fresh eyes, not with a focus on last year. We are grateful to have strong agencies with good balance sheets and blessed with a strong campaign to support those agencies.”
We should note, however, that this is the first time in seven years that Gray Academy’s allocation from the Federation has been less than what it had received in the previous year.

I asked Gray Academy Head of School Lori Binder how the reduced allocation might affect Gray Academy this coming school year.

Lori responded: “We will certainly feel the impact from the reduction, especially given inflation and cost increases today. That said, we will mitigate any substantial impact by seeking cost savings across several expense lines. There will be no cuts to faculty or programming. We are grateful for the allocation we receive annually as it goes directly to supporting the school’s bursary assistance program and ensuring that a Jewish day school education remains accessible.”

Interestingly, the two agencies that received the largest increases in funding, JCFS and the Gwen Secter Centre, were both cited for the tremendous work they both have been doing in serving the needs of less fortunate members of our community, which have been even more acute as a result of the pandemic.
Here is what the report had to say about JCFS: “They currently serve about 5000 people each year. Federation funds work not supported by other sources include the rapidly growing caseload of seniors, addiction recovery supports, mental health services and a new and growing crisis in teen mental health. Having this robust agency that MB mandated for child welfare, and Federally supported for immigrant resettlement allows them to adapt to current needs.”
As for the Gwen Secter Centre, isn’t it ironic to consider that just a few years ago the very existence of the Gwen Secter Centre was seriously in question, as it appeared quite certain that it was about to be evicted from its home on Main Street and was desperately searching for a new location – until an “angel” came along and provided the funding for Gwen Secter to buy its building outright?

Here is what the Allocations Committee Report had to say about the Gwen Secter Centre: “The Winnipeg Jewish community has a large and growing proportion of seniors of ‘Baby Boomers’ age, individuals who may experience increasing isolation after they retire and as their families and friends diminish in number and scatter around the world. The agency addresses isolation of seniors with programming that include the key components of kosher food and Jewish culture that create connection with Jewish community. They now use online platforms as well as in-person offerings and run transportation programs to bring seniors to programs as a new medical transportation program in partnership with JCFS. The success of this program fills a pent up need predating the pandemic.
“Kosher Meals on Wheels: Now in house for the first time, KMOW reaches seniors in their homes with healthy, kosher food at an attainable price, social contact with the volunteers who deliver, and information that comes with the tray. By bringing it in house they are able to serve more people at lower cost and better match food choices to tastes.
“GSCLC pivoted to deliver 35,000 meals in one year during the pandemic. With a proven capacity for 600 meals per week they are now over 560 KMOW in December and growing.
“Senior Concierge: This pilot program moves to GSCLC to provide community wide outreach and referrals to reduce isolation of this growing number of seniors as well as coordinating transportation programs e.g. the Taxi Voucher Program for winter rides (previously housed at the Rady JCC) with Medical transportation rides.”
With so much uncertainty about how individuals will respond to the continually variating pressures exerted by a pandemic that, much as many would like to completely dislodge from their minds, it is clear from the Budget & Allocations Committee report that those concerns are still dominating the planning of many of our agencies.

 

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Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood 60th anniversary interfaith luncheon

Shaarey Zedek Sisterhoodl 60th anniversary co-chairs (l-r); Louise Raber, Marisa Hochman, Amy Karlinsky

By MYRON LOVE On Wednesday, May 28, the Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood hosted its 60th annual interfaith luncheon – with 170 supporters on hand to break bread together, celebrate the Sisterhood’s 95th year in operation – in addition to the luncheon’s diamond anniversary, and enjoy an inspiring presentation by Indigenous business leader and consultant Lisa Lewis, who spoke about the kinship between her people and ours.
The program began with greetings from Lieutenant-Governor Anita Neville and Gail Asper, representing the Shaarey Zedek’s Board of Directors. Asper – the consummate community volunteer – spoke of the importance and benefits of the satisfaction gained from being a volunteer, as well as the important role that the Sisterhood has played in the life of our Jewish community’s oldest and largest congregation – a subject that was subsequently expanded upon by Marisa Hochman – one of the Sisterhood’s three co-presidents (along with Sandy Polanski and Louise Raber).
(Hochman and Raber also co–chaired the luncheon, along with Amy Karlinsky.)
“Our tradition teaches that it is important for us to be part of a community,” Hochman noted in her remarks.  “Our Torah teaches that, while G-d is one, it is not good for man to be alone.”
She emphasized the importance in Judaism of balance and harmony as reflected in our rituals and observances – lighting two Shabbat candles, for example, the Commandments being written on two tablets, and in bringing together the four species of plants for the celebration of Sukkot.
“The mitzvah (of the four species),” Hochmanpointed out, ‘is not complete until all four of the elements are brought together – symbolizing that it takes many kinds of people to make a world – and that each of us brings something special to the table.  It is only when all of us are working together that we are complete.”   
Hochman provided a sampling of some of the ways that the Sisterhood contributes to its members, the synagogue and the wider community: the book club, the tallit-weaving program, monetary donations to the synagogue, support for theological seminaries and other Jewish educational institutions, and Jewish Child and Family Service.
“To me,” she added, “Sisterhood is friendship, community, the power of women working together to create, build and share and the passing on of wisdom and traditions – L’dor V’dor – from generation to generation.
“It is multigenerational, with members ranging in age from 16 into their 90s.  A common thread that binds our members is that no matter their age or life circumstances, they are vibrant and engaged with the world around them.  They love to learn and help others.  They each contain a spark that illuminates.
“Like the glow of the Shabbat candles, we know that, together, we can bring more light and goodness into the world. Together, we definitely shine brighter than we do on our own.”
Following a delicious Shaarey Zedek lunch – salad, party sandwiches and dessert, keynote speaker Lisa Lewis stepped up the microphone.  The speaker is a successful business woman, having started “Beyond Excellence Creative Consulting,” which provides tailor-made training and management assistance to a wide range of organizations.
 

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Shindico celebrates 50th anniversary

(l-r): Robert, Sandy, Diane Shindleman, Shindico COO Alex Akman & C&T Rentals owner Doug Pinder

(June 11, 2025) Shindico, one of Canada’s leading real estate firms, celebrated its 50th anniversary in typically understated style today. Instead of a lavish banquet in a swank hotel, over 200 Winnipeggers of different stripes gathered in a huge warehouse in St. Boniface to enjoy a variety of different foods served from different food trucks that had been brought onto the parking lot for the occasion in a carnival like atmosphere.

Some of the more than 200 guests & Shindico staff gathered inside a St. Boniface warehouse to celebrate Shindico’s 50th anniversary

There were no long speeches marking the event. Instead Shindico staff mingled with guests and even the top bosses stood in line to order Philly steaks, french fries, cotton candy, popcorn, drinks, and sundry other food items. And, instead of the kind of swag typically given out at fancy celebrations guests were given simple hats saying “Shindico 50th anniversary.”

That’s the Shindico style we’ve come to expect of Shindico’s founders, Sandy & Robert Shindleman, who are known for understatement in their style of clothing – jeans and work shirts being what they are best known for wearing!

And, if you haven’t already read our story about how Sandy Shindleman came to found Shindico with his brother, Robert, you can read it here: The Sandy Shindleman story.

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Cathy Moser organizing information program and beach party at Camp Massad as part of campaign to raise funds for pioneering Israeli treatment using  psychedelic drugs and psychotherapy to treat PTSD

By MYRON LOVE When it comes to fundraising for worthy causes, Dr. Cathy Moser is one of the most creative and innovative people I know. 
For over a dozen years, she was the annual Cancercare Manitoba Foundation Challenge for Life entrant Serratus Superstars team leader.  Over that time period, Moser and her team raised over $450,000.00 – not only through walking but also through donations from garage sales and bake sales she and her friends organized and concerts organized in their homes.
A few months back, the Jewish Post ran a story about Cathy and her husband Jeff’s newest cause – a campaign to raise money for the Jerusalem Foundation’s new Resilience Centre, a novel treatment center for Israelis suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Aided in fundraising by long time Talmud Torah classmates and friends Donna Weinstein and Gina Chodirker, the Winnipeg couple are pledging to double every dollar donated to the Centre up to $100,000.
As part of that initiative, Moser and her friends are inviting readers to a special event – “Jerusalem at the Lake”  on Sunday, June 22, at Camp Massad. The day’s activities will begin at 11:00 with brunch and presentations by Jerusalem Resilience Center directors Dr. Sinai Oren, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, and Pinni Baumol,  a social worker who has been working in the area for decades.  
That will be followed by a family-friendly beach party from 3:00 to 7:00 featuring activities for all ages.  Moser reports that there will be dinner, a live band,  Israeli dancing, sports, a heated pool and arts and crafts for the kids. She adds  that she, Gina Chodirker and Donna Weinstein recruited several other Talmud Torah/JWC alumni – including Miriam Kohn, Avis Raber, Jackie Winestock, Deborah Fleishman and Gail Thau – to help out.
Moser points out that, according to the Jerusalem Foundation, estimates suggest that over half  a million Israelis are suffering from PTSD, as well as other psychological issues, since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and ensuing war. 
“It is not only Israeli soldiers who have been traumatized,” Moser observed in that earlier interview.  “Everybody in Israel knows someone who was affected by the attack on October 7.  This past year has triggered trauma from past wars as well as intergenerational trauma from the Holocaust.”
In response to this tsunami of trauma that has hit Israelis, the Jerusalem Foundation, soon after the October attack, founded the Resilience Centre – operating out of the Shaare Zedek Hospital.  The Resilience Centre utilizes a range of treatments for trauma therapy – including the pioneering use of the drug ketamine, in combination with psychotherapy.
Cathy Moser has been treating patients for the past 40 years. During that time, she says, she has treated victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and other horrific life events.  Conventional tools and treatments can successfully treat trauma, but some (traumas) are so barbaric and complex that no matter how skilled a clinician is, “we cannot restore one’s lifeforce,’ ” she points out.
 
Moser initially approached the Jerusalem Resilience Center because of her work in psychedelic medicine.  “Last summer, I visited the Reslience Centre,” she says.  “I witnessed their treatment efficacy.   There are less than a handful of legal psychedelic treatment centers in Israel, and this is a main one.” 
Moser notes that readers who are interested in attending this special event and becoming sponsors can contact her at 204 295-3214, Donna Weinstein – 204 540-9869, or Gina Chodirker – 204 218-4803 or email friendsofJRC@gmail.com.
Registration deadline is June 14.

We owe it to our Israeli brothers and sisters to show them that we care about the mental health sacrifices that they are making to defend our homeland.  While we happily offer donations for forest and building restoration, this gift will help to restore the ability of those that are traumatized to enjoy life again.

“We are hoping to raise at least $250,000.00 for the Jerusalem Resilience Centre,” Moser says.  “That’s a lot of gelt…. but I think we can do it!
It is definitely a worthy cause.”

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