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"Igniting Potential" for a stronger tomorrow.

Alexander JFS 112th Annual Meeting Remarks

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On January 22, Alexander Jewish Family Service (JFS) introduced its 2025 theme, “Igniting Potential,” at their annual meeting at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, attended by over 150 people. The evening featured a reception with a hot chocolate bar, handcrafted centerpieces, and a festive atmosphere despite the cold weather. HCRJ's president Bruce Shelby and Rabbi Steve Gross welcomed attendees and introduced the four co-chairs: Susan Schneider, Michael Schneider, Irene Weingarten, and Lauren Weingarten Marouni.

The theme "Igniting Potential" was highlighted in an opening video, with Alexander JFS president Carolyn Kaplan inviting guests to join the agency's mission to empower those it serves. The event recognized the staff, board leadership, and over 400 volunteers who are essential to the agency's work.

Laura Signet, Events and Donor Stewardship specialist, received the President’s Award for her contributions to JFS events and programs. Seven staff members were honored for their long tenure, including Rachel W. Davis, Dr. Ada Cheung, Morgan Zeringue, Cantor Vadim Tunitsky, Samara Rosen, Carol Silverman, and Evan White. Their work spans various departments such as Behavioral and Mental Health Services, Case Management, and the Music and Spirit Program.

Volunteers Becky Proler and Gretchen Gemeinhardt were featured in a video highlighting their impact. Melanie Cole Goldberg honored the late Linda Rubenfeld, whose legacy gift established the Linda Rubenfeld Art Scholarship at Celebration Company. Ian Spindler, the 2024 scholarship recipient, introduced Anna Maria Rossitto as the 2025 recipient, celebrating her artistic potential.

“Once a member of the Alexander JFS family, always a member of the Alexander JFS family!”
- Sandi Helfman Wolf, Immediate Past President, thanking board members who concluded their terms.

Wolf thanked outgoing board members and introduced the 2025 board. The meeting concluded with the announcement of this year’s honorees for the JFS LiVE! gala: Courtney Cohen Garson (Shirley and Allen Becker Leadership Award) and Marcy Margolis (Joan Alexander Chesed Award). Event co-chairs for the gala were announced as Dr. Vicki Rabin, Andy Bursten, Sunni and Gary Markowitz, with other leadership roles also revealed.

The evening celebrated the achievements of Alexander JFS staff, leadership, and supporters, emphasizing the agency’s mission to make a transformative impact on the community. Alexander JFS is a partner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and a United Way-funded partner.