As Jewish Family Services (JFS) celebrates its 120th anniversary of serving greater Kansas City, JFS President and CEO Don Goldman will be honored with the Dr. Phyliss and Robert A. Bernstein Humanitarian Award.
The award was established on JFS’s 100th anniversary, honoring the Bernsteins’ long commitment to the agency. The award recognizes those whose lives, like the Bernsteins, “exemplify the dedication and support that improves and sustains the quality of life in the Kansas City community.”
Goldman will receive the award during the upcoming JFS 120th Celebration event on Thursday, Aug. 24, at Marriott Overland Park, 10800 Metcalf Ave. The celebration will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the entire community is invited to attend. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, a live auction and donated musical entertainment from the Jewbie Brothers. Longtime community volunteer Sandi Fried will also be recognized with the Alfred Benjamin Friend of the Family Award.
More details and tickets to attend the celebration are available at jfskc.org/120.
“Don possesses heartfelt compassion to help others exuding warmth and acceptance,” Phyliss Bernstein said. “He leads by example and brings out the best from the JFS staff, volunteers, and board of directors. The many programs and expanded services he has developed and implemented in his 16 years as executive director could not have been imagined 16 years ago. He has taken JFS to such greater heights.”
Goldman came to JFS in 2007, bringing with him more than 35 years of leadership experience in a Fortune 500 corporation, start-up ventures and nonprofit organizations. During his tenure, JFS has tripled in size, now providing essential human services for more than 10,000 individuals and families each year of all faiths, ages, cultures and identities. Goldman has guided JFS through changes in programming, client needs and the pandemic, which affected JFS older adults and lower income clients particularly hard.
“While I am more comfortable presenting rather than receiving awards, I am so honored to receive this award,” Goldman said. “Phyliss and Bob have been such great leaders and supporters for JFS and our community that receiving this award in particular is deeply humbling.”
Goldman plans to retire in October. A search is currently underway for his successor.
JFS has been celebrating its anniversary throughout the year. The 120th Anniversary Families for JFS include the Krigel, Regnier, Sosland, White and Fried families.
