Every Canvas Has a Story: Inclusion and Belonging Through Art

A special exhibit has been displayed on the small wall of the Eisenberg Gallery during the month of October.  “Every Canvas Has a Story” features the artwork of Yachad participants, and Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Resident, David Silver.

Yachad, which means “together” in Hebrew, is a program offered through Jewish Family Service (JFS) and is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities. The program aims to enhance their participation in the Jewish community and strengthen their connection to Judaism through social and educational programs and support services.

Heather Topil, JFS Emergency Financial Assistance Coordinator & Yachad Coordinator, oversees the program which currently has approximately 10-13 members.

“Yachad reminds us that inclusion is not simply about making room for everyone as it is about making sure everyone knows they truly belong,” Topil said. “The program plays an important role in creating an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities can build meaningful friendships, develop social connections, and participate in activities together. Yachad is a place where everyone belongs, regardless of ability, and where each person is welcomed, valued, and celebrated for who they are.”

The Yachad group typically meets once or twice a month, although the schedule may vary depending on the month, special activities, and Jewish holidays.

“Throughout the year, members participate in a variety of activities, including art projects, bowling, Topgolf, and celebrations of Jewish holidays and special events,” Topil said. “We also offer a weekly yoga class through Zoom, giving members another opportunity to connect and stay active together.”

Despite all these fun outings, Topil stressed that Yachad is much more than simply attending activities. It is about creating friendships, building confidence, finding a sense of belonging, and knowing that there is a community where individuals are accepted and appreciated.

“When I began serving as the Yachad coordinator a couple of years ago, one of my goals was to expand the program to individuals of all ages. I believe that providing opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to come together is an important part of creating a truly inclusive community,” Topil said.

Art has become one of the many ways Yachad members express themselves and enjoy time together. Last year, members participated in an art show where they painted pottery. This year the group visited Painting with a Twist, a local Omaha art studio. Participants had the choice of creating their own landscape or picture or following along with the instructor, who guided everyone step by step. The resulting creations are what is currently on display on the small wall of the Eisenberg Gallery.

“The painting session was a wonderful opportunity for members to be creative, try something new, and enjoy each other’s company,” Topil said.

Hanging alongside the artwork by Yachad are pieces by David Silver.

Silver, a resident at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH), is a self-taught artist who began painting during the COVID pandemic. His works are primarily done in acrylic. He draws his inspiration from Judaism, human connection, animals, landscapes, and abstraction. His bold use of color and expressive style bring a distinctive voice.

A hallmark of RBJH is the meaningful relationships formed between staff and residents — relationships rooted in knowing each individual and what matters most to them. When staff discovered David’s passion for art, they helped him find ways to display it. In addition to showing his work in the Eisenberg Gallery, his paintings are also frequently displayed in the lobby of RBJH.

Silver paints daily and is always open to painting new subjects, even things he may not have done before. He enjoys painting things that make him feel good, such as dogs, flowers, and Judaism. He appreciates the challenge of trying new things and searching for the spark that will inspire his next piece.

“I feel honored to be able to share my paintings with everyone that comes through the gallery as well as to be alongside the Yachad organization for this display,” Silver said. “It gives me a feeling of camaraderie to be working with organizations such as Yachad and RBJH to put on this display of talented artwork from so many different artists. The membership I have with the Jewish Community Center also brings me a lot of joy to continue being connected with a community I love.”

The exhibit will be on display in the Eisenberg Gallery at the Staenberg Omaha JCC until October 28th. Admission is free. The public is invited to attend the closing reception on Sunday, October 25th at 3:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.  From November 2–6, the artwork will move to the upper sitting area near JCC Member Services before traveling to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, where it will remain on display for the rest of November.

Anyone interested in learning more about Yachad, its requirements, and how individuals can become involved can contact Jewish Family Service at (402) 330-2024 or at www.jfsomaha.com. Information about the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home can be obtained by calling (402) 330-4272 or visiting www.rbjh.org

Jewish Family Service and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

 

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JFS Offers Events Geared Towards Retirees

Jewish Family Service recently hosted two informative programs geared towards retirees.

The first program, “Honoring the Aged” was held on September 1st. Professor Israel Doron, internationally recognized gerontologist, was the guest speaker. Professor Doron spoke directly to the lived experience of the older adults in attendance, emphasizing the vital role older adults play as active, dignified leaders in our community. His presentation had a profound impact by shifting the narrative around aging from institutional decline to one of empowerment and active dignity. Forty individuals attended the event which was sponsored by a grant from the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and presented in partnership with UNL’s Gerontology Department.

The second event,“Don’t Get Scammed”, was held on September 3rd. This event welcomed welcomed Douglas County Attorney, Don Kleine, and Chief Deputy County Attorney, Brenda Beadle, as guest speakers. Forty-five community members attended this event and learned how to better protect themselves from financial exploitation, fraud, and identity theft. The event was organized by Jewish Senior Outreach, a department of Jewish Family Service.

Join Us! 
The Next Chapter program proudly offer monthly programs to individuals ages  55+?  Programs are designed to help individuals stay active, healthy, and socially connected. All are welcome. For a full listing of events, click here.

Jewish Family Service and the Staenberg Omaha JCC are agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha

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The Story of “Snothing”: Donations from David and Carol Alloy Help Fight Food Insecurity

Guided by the core values of Judaism, the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies respond to critical issues on a daily basis, including the everyday challenges faced by members of our community. Jewish Family Service (JFS), one agency of the JFO, is on the front lines assisting our community with these needs. Their services work to restore hope and meaning when life’s struggles seem insurmountable. They support clients with dignity, privacy, and compassion. Counseling and mental health care, assistance to families and caregivers, senior services, and referrals to other community resources are some of the many services they offer. 

While the day-to-day work of JFS is carried out by professional staff, it is the on-going support of the community through the JFO Annual Campaign that keeps everything moving. Whether through donations of goods, time, or money, the participation of the community is what keeps these essential services viable.

Such is the case with David and Carol Alloy.

In 2023, David and Carol came to the Staenberg Kooper Fellman campus to tour the recent renovations. It was during that visit they first learned of the JFS food pantry.

The JFS food pantry provides groceries and personal hygiene supplies to members of the Jewish community who are struggling to make ends meet. It serves as a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. The pantry provides a calm, welcoming environment where individuals can shop discreetly. Clients experiencing financial hardship may also receive additional support services, including financial assistance, Tzedakah gifts for Jewish holidays, and back-to-school support for children.

Since April 2025, the pantry has been coordinated by Heather Topil, JFS Financial Assistance Coordinator. Heather oversees daily operations, including stocking and shopping for the pantry, as well as working directly with individuals navigating difficult financial circumstances. Over recent months, she has observed a steady and noticeable increase in demand for the pantry.

“This upward trend began in September of last year and has continued as economic pressures have intensified,” she said.

Heather believes inflation and disruptions to public assistance programs have driven the increase in demand. Over the past 5+ years, JFS has seen an estimated 20% increase in requests for this service.

“The JFS food pantry exists to help ease burdens,” she said, “and contributions help ensure the pantry remains stocked with essential items for those who need them most.”

The pantry accepts shelf-stable items, frozen foods, toiletries, and diapers. Perishable items that require refrigeration are only accepted if they are able to be frozen. The pantry does not accept clothing or other material goods.

The discovery of the food pantry was an unexpected philanthropic opportunity for the Alloys. Having once experienced food insecurity himself, David immediately felt compelled to get involved.

“There was a time in my life where I was living on $80 a month unemployment benefits. My rent was $100 a month. I had no extra resources for food,” he said.

At that time David was receiving some assistance in the form of government food and utility vouchers, but it was barely enough to get by.

“I was living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There were some days where dinner would be my only meal,” he said. “My grandfather (Sam Wiesman) once taught me a word he coined. That word was ‘snothing’. The meaning of the word is when you have less than nothing. I was at a point in my life where I had ‘snothing’.”

After rejoining the workforce and working his way up, David went on to start a successful business. Years of hard work and dedication have now left David and his wife, Carol, in the position to help others. Today they use their resources to support the causes they are passionate about. Food insecurity is one such cause. At least once a month, David and Carol drop off food donations to the JFS food pantry. They give extra around holidays.

“There were sacrifices along the way, but we’ve been fortunate in life,” David said. “That is why it is important for us to donate.”

The Alloy’s generous donations to the JFS food pantry and the JFO Annual Campaign make a substantive impact.

“The continued success of the pantry would not be possible without the generosity of community partners, particularly the Alloys,” Topil said.  “Over the past year, the Alloys have become an integral part of the pantry’s mission, contributing substantial and countless food donations, financial support, and volunteering their time to shopping. Their dedication has made a meaningful difference for the many individuals and families who rely on the pantry’s services. We are deeply grateful for the Alloys’ unwavering commitment and partnership, which has strengthened our ability to meet growing needs and sustain our work in the community.”

Teresa Drelicharz, JFS Executive Director, agrees.

“It is in the times of uncertainty where connection and compassion matter the most,” she said. “Uncertainty is the undercurrent of so many situations; individuals experiencing food insecurity, children experiencing anxiety, seniors facing isolation, families juggling the pressures of work and finances – it further compounds situations that are already difficult. But, when we reach out to one another and lean on the strength of our community, we create resilience, dignity, and well-being. This is why we are so thankful to David and Carol, and to all those who support us. Their donations, along with the funding we receive from the JFO Annual Campaign, allow us to help those in need. Community support is the driving force behind every life touched, every family uplifted, and every dream realized,” she said.

 The ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others is something David and Carol take immense pride in and they encourage others to do the same.

“Get involved somehow, even in a small way,” David said. “Giving Tzedakah is a mitzvah, not just an act of kindness. It is a moral imperative. Helping others less fortunate gives you a sense of self pride.”

All donations make a difference. They allow the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies (Jewish Family Service, Institute for Holocaust Education, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, The Jewish Press, Jewish Community Relations Council, Staenberg Omaha JCC) to serve our community. As demand continues to rise, JFS and the JFO remain steadfast in supporting community members during times of hardship—ensuring that no one has to face it alone.

Donations to the Jewish Federation of Omaha 2026 Annual Campaign are currently being accepted and are an easy way to help all JFO agencies succeed at their missions. The Annual Campaign is centralized, meaning it is concerned with the entire community and its continued viability. 80% of Annual Campaign funds are re-invested in the local community to support JFO agencies and partner organizations. Together, these agencies and partners provide the programs, services, learning, connections, and inspiration the community relies on. The JFO counts on all contributions, no matter the size, to ensure the Omaha community remains resilient.

To learn more about the JFO Annual Campaign please contact Rachel Ring, JFO Director of Development, at (402) 334-6443. To learn more about Jewish Family Service contact their office at (402) 330-2024.

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