Elizabeth “Beth” Noble, Ph.D. of education, prides herself in being a devout promoter of Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) services. She is an advocate, donor and client.
Noble first learned about JFS through one of her doctorate students back in the 1980s. Since then, she has referred several students to JFS for various services, especially its mental health therapy services.
“I love that JFS provides high quality services free of charge to those who need it,” Noble said.
Noble knows of JFS’ high quality services first-hand. About six months ago, Noble was experiencing undetermined anxiety that was keeping her from everyday activities like answering her door. With help from JFS intern therapist Jill Schmuke, Noble overcame her anxiety, using deep breathing techniques and talking through situations. Noble is grateful and relieved that her anxiety subsided.
However, this isn’t the first time Noble has utilized JFS’ services. Due to surgery complications for her macular degeneration in 2005, Noble was left 100% blind. Her blindness left her unable to distinguish between light and darkness. Noble regularly relies on JFS’ JetExpress program with its volunteer drivers to get her to dental and doctor appointments and some social activities.
“My JetExpress driver, Chip Ingram, goes the extra mile to help me feel comfortable and avoid long waits,” she said.
Noble's career as a professor continued after she retired from teaching Ph.D. students in statistics and education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). She then taught women and royalty in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia for two more years.
After retiring a second time, Noble returned to Kansas City, which she has called home for decades. Noble loves UMKC’s Conservatory, KC Repertory Theater, the Kansas City Symphony and many others.
“I’ve always been involved in the community,” she said. “...I want to support organizations that support others. JFS has helped my students and me. I’m not Jewish, and it doesn’t matter to JFS. I’m one of JFS’ top promoters. I believe in JFS and its mission.”
