Colorado Jewish Community Agencies Combine Domestic Abuse Services.

DENVER -- CHAI, Colorado's Jewish community resource on domestic abuse, and Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) are merging their respective services and programs addressing domestic abuse. The combined resources will enhance the Jewish community's ability to serve victims and survivors and will ensure the sustainability of existing prevention and education programs. E[acute accent]Since its founding in 1987 in response to a high-profile incident of domestic abuse in the Denver Jewish community, CHAI has provided emergency assistance to victims of domestic abuse throughout metro Denver. CHAI utilizes professional staff, an extensive referral system, and the assistance of other area domestic abuse resources including the JFS Counseling Center. CHAI's education and prevention programs, including a nationally recognized teen date abuse prevention program, a rabbinic education project, a traveling exhibit, trained speakers and an annual symposium, have significantly raised Jewish community awareness of and sensitivity to domestic abuse issues. E[acute accent]Jewish Family Service of Colorado touches the lives of 18,000 people each year, including a significant number of victims of domestic abuse. The agency, now 134 years old, provides confidential mental health counseling, adult care management and in-home services to the elderly, emotionally vulnerable, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and the hungry. An extensive network of volunteers provides more than 21,000 hours of service annually. E[acute accent]"By combining the programs and resources of CHAI with the professional services and networks of Jewish Family Service, we will be able to significantly improve our effectiveness in helping the survivors of domestic abuse in our Jewish community," said Yana Vishnitsky, JFS president and CEO. "CHAI has established itself as a leader in the fight against Jewish domestic violence and we are very pleased to combine assets and resources which will be of great benefit to the community." E[acute accent]CHAI's teen abuse program is currently offered in the Community Hebrew High School as well as various synagogues and Jewish youth program settings. The interactive program is taught by peer trainers who devote many hours to learning the curriculum and teaching techniques. A parent awareness program accompanies the teen program. E[acute accent]"Our teen program is the jewel of CHAI's accomplishments," according to Sheryl Goodman, president of the CHAI board of directors. "Hundreds of teenagers have learned how to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationships through this program and how to help themselves and their friends get out of and protect themselves from abusive relationships. We believe we are building a healthier community starting with our youth." E[acute accent]The teen abuse prevention program will continue once the merger with JFS is completed later this spring. Members of the CHAI board are working cooperatively with the leadership of JFS to provide a smooth transition. CHAI's emergency phone number (303-825-HELP) will continue to be available to victims of domestic abuse. JFS will continue to provide client intake at its counseling center (303-597-7777).