As part of Jewish Family Services’ 120th anniversary celebration, the agency is highlighting families that have had a major impact on its success.
Sandi Fried didn’t have to look far for motivation when she decided to become active with Jewish Family Services (JFS).
“Our parents always wanted to help others who needed it most,” said Fried, “and this is who JFS is.”
Sandi Fried’s involvement with JFS began as a board member. She then served as Board Chair from 2013 to 2015. Although not favoring a specific JFS program, Fried clearly explained what she considers the organization’s chief mission that also mirrors her own principles.
“JFS helps people at a time when they need it and offers a shoulder to lean on. The key is having a connection, a support system, all of which are Jewish values,” she said. “...JFS is about being compassionate and making a positive difference. My family and I want to help people get a hand up. I recall many client success stories that after people get a hand up, they are able to live full lives. It inspires me to want to do more.”
“Doing more” is exactly what the White and Fried families have done for several years, both with their time, financial gifts and dedication. Sandi Fried’s husband, Ed; their children and grandchildren; Fried’s brother and sister-in-law, Jerry White and Cyprienne Simchowitz; and sister Linda White have all made JFS a part of their lives. Most recently, Linda White began collaborating with JFS’ KesherKC Mobile program to introduce her Play Curator program to clients and their families. The grandchildren have a philanthropic fund in which they regularly designate funds to JFS.
Fried affirmed that JFS has always shown resilience and flexibility to survive the past 120 years. She described its greatest accomplishment as “growing from a struggling organization to one that’s a leader not only in the Jewish community, but in the Greater Kansas City nonprofit arena. JFS has the remarkable ability to pivot and adopt new programs as needed.”
Additionally, Sandi Fried said that much of the organization’s stability and success is due to JFS’ CEO and executive director of 16 years, Don Goldman.
“Don has built a great staff and significant connections in the community. Don’s humble, quiet, and selfless leadership has led JFS to pivot seamlessly and effortlessly, especially during the pandemic,” she said.
Sandi Fried sees compassionate advocacy as the key to JFS’ future.
“Life is always changing, so who knows what is in store for JFS for the next 120 years? I bet JFS will be ready, though,” she said.
The White and Fried families will be honored at the upcoming JFS Celebration event on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Overland Park Marriott Hotel. During the evening, Sandi Fried will receive the Alfred Benjamin Friend of the Family Award. Sponsorships and individual tickets are available for the celebration; those interested should contact Debbie Bass, JFS chief development officer, at or visit jfskc.org/120.
JFS is grateful for all the White and Fried families have done to help JFS past and present, including past Board Chair Sandi and Ed Fried, Jerry White and Cyprienne Simchowitz, Linda White and Shirley and Lewis White (of blessed memory).
