
To Jewish Family Service (JFS), 2022 is extra special, something unique. It’s the group’s sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of its life-changing community service in Denver. Back in 1872, Denver was a whopping 14 years old, its train depot had welcomed rail travel for all of four years and the first dedicated fire station was just five years old. While today’s JFS annually holds a number of entertaining and noteworthy events, there’s a little added sparkle to all of them this year.

(l to r): Brent and Kitty Ohman, with Roxanne and Tom Miller-Freutel
On Thursday, March 10, supporters gathered at History Colorado for a spirited reception that featured a JFS traveling history exhibit, a mayoral appearance and a reading of the official JFS entrance into this year’s Congressional record. Guests all paused to peruse the exhibit as they chatted and indulged in passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet offerings and beverages. A short program featured remarks by: JFS Board Chair Aaron Hyatt; 150th Anniversary Chair Jane Rosenbaum; Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; Mile High United Way President & CEO Christine Benero; Ricardo Gutierrez, Constituent Advocate for Congressman Jason Crow; and JFS President and CEO Linda Foster. Remarks not only focused on the good works of JFS, but also about the organization’s upcoming lineup of stellar events: beginning with a luncheon featuring comedienne/actress Amy Schumer in April and concluding with a festive end-of-year gala in November. The evening ended with a toast celebrating 150 years of JFS.

Aaron Hyatt, Linda Foster (center) and Jane Rosenbaum toast to 150 years of JFS community service in Denver.
Jewish Family Service is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need – regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs. The organization believes in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community. JFS exists to fulfill one of the most important Jewish values: that of Tikkun Olam, the obligation to make the world a better place.
Founded 150 years ago, JFS currently offers more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support and disability services. JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family, and provides the appropriate services all from one organization. The organization continuously evaluates the evolving challenges of our community and adapts or develops programs that respond to the resulting needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.jewishfamilyservice.org/ .
- President and CEO Linda Foster in front of the traveling JFS history exhibit
- Christine Benero (left), president & CEO of Mile High United Way; with JFS President & CEO Linda Foster
- Roxanne and Tom Miller-Freutel
- Matthew Fredrickson and Amanda Dubon
- Bill Foster (left), Leah Weinkle and board member John Keith
- 150th Anniversary Chair Jane Rosenbaum and Dr. Michael Opatowski
- Jennifer Kraft (left) and Ruth Malman
- (l to r): Brent and Kitty Ohman, with Roxanne and Tom Miller-Freutel
- JFS Board Chair Aaron Hyatt and CEO & President Linda Foster
- (l to r): Committee members Niah and Aaron Hyatt, with President & CEO Linda Foster and son Jeremy Foster
- Ginna and Jeff Rinkov
- (l to r): Board member Derek and Megan Conn, with committee members Jordan and David Feiner
- Jo and Richard Sanders
- Guests peruse the JFS 150th Anniversary traveling exhibit.
- The JFS history exhibit drew guests throughout the evening.
- Patrice Berry (left), with Lisa and Justin Levy
- Jeremy Foster (left), Melissa Mascarenas and Jason Delgado
- Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a Denver skyline backdrop.
- Rabbi Eliot Baskin (left) and ADL Regional Director Scott Levin
- Selecting the perfect bite
- Laurie Levy and Mark Rosenblum finish their tidbit toast with a flourish.
- (l to r): Committee member Robin Chotin, Lisa Solcher and Cintra Pollack
- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and JFS President & CEO Linda Foster
- Brent and Kitty Ohman
- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and JFS President & CEO Linda Foster in front of the JFS history exhibit
- Chatting with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (second from left)
- (l to r): Jeremy Foster, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, JFS President & CEO Linda and Bill Foster
- Renee Rockford (left), with Cindy and Carl Rossow
- The reception gave JFS friends a chance to catch up.
- The reception featured beverages, as well as passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet items.
- The stage is readied for the evening’s program.
- Guests at the reception in the MDC Ballroom at History Colorado
- Aaron Hyatt, board chair, and Jane Rosenbaum, JFS 150th Anniversary Chair
- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
- Ricardo Gutierrez, Constituent Advocate for Congressman Jason Crow
- Christine Benero, President & CEO of Mile High United Way
- JFS President & CEO Linda Foster
- Aaron Hyatt, Linda Foster (center) and Jane Rosenbaum toast to 150 years of JFS community service in Denver.
- Committee and board member Amanda Greenberg (left) with Kate Shephard, associate director of development
- Heather and Josh Seiden
- Dicia Kemp (left) and Heather Seiden
- At the reception buffet
- Rabbi Jay Strear and Beth Hornstein
- (l to r): JFS staff members Jessica Reeves, Melanie Foster and Lynne Basche
- Roberta Levin (left), board member Dr. Gilad Gordan and Jessica Zeidman
- Steve and board member Mindy Peckar, with Mark Rosenblum
- (l to r): Rabbi Eliot and Dr. Hilary Baskin, Fin Nieberg and Elise Liss
- (l to r): Jenny Herren, marketing and communications director; Eric Johnston, Dicia Kemp and Heather Seiden
- Jo Sanders selects an enticing tidbit at the reception.
- Vic Sulzer (left) and board member Mac Macsovits