June is Pride Month, a month dedicated to not only embracing love in all its forms, but also recognizing the ongoing struggle towards equality for, and acceptance of, the LGBTQ+ community.
JFCS does not stop at standing in solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community. We also celebrate their courage, their resilience, and the vital contributions they make to Louisville, and we are deeply committed to supporting the community through various initiatives and events.
You will see JFCS at the Kentuckiana Pride Parade this month celebrating the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. This is always a favorite event for our staff and volunteers. Our march together serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity, and of the importance of standing together against discrimination.
We are excited to once again be part of the Pride Festival later this year, as it provides a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with people, share information about our services, and celebrate the rich tapestry that makes up the LGBTQ+ community. We hope you’ll stop by our booth and say hello as we offer resources and support, while showcasing JFCS as a welcoming space for all.
One significant event we held last year was the JFCS Community Chat entitled “Supporting Transgender Youth in Our Community.” This discussion brought together experts, advocates, and community members to address the unique challenges faced by transgender youth. It provided a platform for education, awareness, and the sharing of the best practices for creating a supportive and affirming environment for all young people. You can watch a replay of that event here: https://youtu.be/0wvsY6vU8yE. (For more information on our JFCS Community Chat series, please click here).
JFCS is committed to providing ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to the events listed above, last year JFCS initiated the “Parents/Caregivers of Transgender Youth” support group, a safe and nurturing environment where parents can share experiences, seek advice, and find solidarity. This group is an invaluable resource for families navigating the complexities of supporting their transgender children, offering guidance and understanding from those who have walked the same path.
This year at JFCS’ Annual Meeting on June 18th, the support group will be recognized and honored with the Mary Gunther Memorial Award, which is presented annually to a JFCS program that is innovative or new. We are looking forward to celebrating this vital support group and the service it provides to the Community.
As we begin June, we ask that you join us as we reaffirm our collective support for the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s celebrate with compassion, pride, and a shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive Louisville for everyone.
JFCS believes in the power of love, acceptance, and community, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where “All in Greater Louisville live with dignity and purpose.” Pride Month gives us the opportunity to honor our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, the progress we’ve made as a community, and the work we have to do as we continue working toward a future where all individuals are valued and respected for who they are.
By Valecia Quinn DEI+ TIC Chair/Director of JFCS Navigate
We see it everyday! Women across Jewish Family & Career Services, the Louisville community, throughout Kentucky and worldwide, women are leading by example, making significant and impactful contributions.
Coming from the news publishing industry, it was especially helpful to have women in leadership providing support and growth opportunities in a predominantly male industry, driving results every day for readers and advertisers. Coming up on three (3) years in the nonprofit sector and in this role, as Director of JFCS Navigate, I’m fortunate to work with and support the strong business ecosystem in Louisville for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, many of which, are women.
As we move from Black History Month, March gives special meaning to the women around the world and here in Kentucky, as we celebrate Women’s History Month. Women are making an impact and taking charge! No matter the career focus, stage in life or the choice to stay home, women are the backbone to the rapid social transformation and economic successes in the world we live.
At JFCS, we’re working to propel our clients to achieve their business dreams or goals, by starting, stabilizing, or growing businesses. These aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners are working to become an integral part of the local business community. Over 55% of Navigate clients are women (slightly higher than the national trend), with many running households, raising children, or volunteering their time in the community. In some cases, they are running their informal business structures ‘side gigs’ for extra income and wanting to take their passion to the next level. You will find many Navigate clients with businesses tied to personal care, cleaning, food service, just to name a few of the key industries. Women entrepreneurs are ambitious, experienced, creative, and innovative,
Many of the group trainings that I conduct on entrepreneurship in the Louisville community, a greater percentage of participants tend to be women. This supports the national growing trend of women entrepreneurs and Louisville, KY is a great city for supporting a person who wants to pursue self-employment. History has shown that women not only have what it takes to succeed in entrepreneurship but to excel and lead by example.
Every so often, I’m asked what appealed to work in the nonprofit space, working with many people from different walks of life. I think the greatest appeal is the mentorship element of serving clients in developing skills and increasing knowledge to manage a business financially and operationally. I’ve been fortunate to have had a mentor throughout my news publishing career, and currently still with my same mentor, in my move to nonprofit nearly three (3) years now. The mentoring approach is taking the necessary time that a client needs to achieve their business dreams. This has been a critical strategy for our work at JFCS.
So, promote and support women around you who are running a small business in Louisville. Elevate women to the highest level to make the greatest impact for us all. Amplify women in leadership roles so the next generation can see that women can accomplish anything they put their mind to.
How to participate in Black History Month through education and celebrations
This year’s Black History Month theme is African Americans and the Arts. Historically, the arts have been a way for the social justice movement to reach activists in a unique and powerful way. Through poetry, music, performing arts, or even digital arts, African Americans have used their vast talents to overcome struggles and resist oppression. As we kick off Black History Month, we celebrate African Americans’ achievements made throughout the history of the United States.
Many times, throughout Black History Month, the focus is solely on the oppression that the black community has faced without celebrating Black excellence and the incredible contributions they made to society (which was often not acknowledged or taught at the time). Through education, it is important to learn about the struggles that they overcame, AND learn about everything that we have today because of the sacrifices and ongoing contributions of Black artists, scientists, academics, politicians, doctors, activists, lawyers, teachers, and more.
This month, the National Museum of African American History & Culture will celebrate focus areas of Black artists who used their talents in the arts for social justice. The week breakdown is below:
- Week 1, Feb. 1-4: Literature and Poetry
- Week 2, Feb. 5-11: Performing Arts
- Week 3, Feb. 12-18: Visual Arts
- Week 4, Feb. 19-25: Music
- Week 5, Feb. 26-29: Digital Arts
We will work to promote not only African American artists but will highlight the contributions and work of Kentucky artists who have made a difference in Louisville, our state, our country and the world. We will also promote local events that are taking place to celebrate Black History Month. Together, let’s learn, promote, discuss, and CELEBRATE Black History Month!
The start of every new year finds many of us reflecting on the past and contemplating ways to make the upcoming year more meaningful and fulfilling. Whether it’s going to the gym, a change in eating habits to be healthier, New Year’s resolutions often revolve around personal growth and happiness. Many find a powerful way to achieve these goals is to seek out opportunities to give back to the community by volunteering.
Volunteering can be a transformative experience. It goes beyond self-improvement; it allows individuals to connect with their neighbors and foster a sense of community, belonging, and purpose. JFCS has a wonderful core group of volunteers, some of whom have been connected to the agency for many years. I would like to invite you to join them.
Whether it’s helping inside our food pantry, hosting Shabbat services at a local assisted living facility, or providing companionship and thoughtful conversation to someone who lives alone through our Telephone Reassurance program, there are myriad ways you can join us and make an impact this year.
Beyond individual achievement, volunteering can create meaningful bonding experiences for the entire family. Many studies have shown that getting young people involved in volunteering not only nurtures important life skills like leadership and teamwork but also provides a meaningful way for them to grow personally. Not only do they get satisfaction from making a positive impact in their community.
When setting New Year’s resolutions, I hope you consider volunteering at JFCS. Whether it’s committing a few hours each week or dedicating a single day to service, every hour you spend helping someone else makes a difference, not just for JFCS clients but also for you.
As you contemplate your New Year’s resolutions, I hope you consider the profound impact volunteering at JFCS can have on your life and the lives of others. You not only contribute to positive change in our community, but the positive effects volunteering can have on your life in the coming year could be life-changing.
For more information on volunteering at JFCS, contact Courtney Evans at cevans@jfsclouisville.org or call (502) 452-6341.