2 p.m. >> STAYING THE COURS E I’m talking to a potential donor regarding a gift for the $600,000 expansion of our West Valley clinic to include primary medical care. JFCS is still moving forward with this project that we had on the calendar. We’re doubling the current space’s footprint, adding medical and lab equipment, creating larger spaces for patient rooms and play therapy, and separate waiting areas for sick individuals. This is the fourth center where we have integrated behavioral health and primary medical care. 4:30 p.m. >> PARTNERSHIP WITH A SPARK We are working on a few projects with the Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University. They’re providing tech-savvy volunteers to help our clients get comfortable with the platforms they’re using, particularly our older adult creative aging classes, Memory Cafes, and supporting our behavioral health clients. We’re also discussing a partnership where JFCS provides Safe Talk Training, which teaches individuals to be a suicide alert helper who looks for signs, knows what to do, and who to contact for professional help. 6:30 p.m. >> FILLING HEART + BODY After work, I love to cook dinner. I love, love, love to cook using vegetables from the garden in our backyard! It’s fun and relaxing, and a way for me to create and control. One thing I’ve realized is that, despite my husband and I being empty nesters for five years, I have not mastered quantity adjustments and still cook for five people. While I cook dinner, I FaceTime with my three kids, who live in Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. After dinner, I like to watch “PBS NewsHour” with Judy Woodruff and “The Crown.” To learn more, go to jfcsaz.org . Each year, JFCS hosts an eight-month professional leadership program. This volunteer opportunity brings together philanthropically-minded professionals from the metro-Phoenix community that have a passion for social service. Julie Coleman | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Studies show that animal- assisted therapy helps lower cortisol levels in the brain, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, eases anxiety, and increases endorphins and oxytocin. JFCS employs therapists, clinicians, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who serve more than 12,000 people across the Valley every year. NOV/DEC 2020 | 14 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

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