National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Winnipeg Section held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2013.  Michelle Glass, outgoing co-president, conducted the business portion of the AGM. Incoming members of the Board of Directors for 2013-2014 who were installed are: Michelle Glass, past president; Cindy Lazar, president; Carolina Fridman, vice-president; Heather Gillman, Secretary; Judy Lipsey, Treasurer.  Members at large are: Sharon Allentuck, Rose Aziman, Silvana Benesdra, Kathy Cobor.

Following the AGM, there was a presentation by Ivy Kopstein, who is the first Addictions Services Coordinator for Jewish Child and Family Service. Her topic was Jews and Addiction? Let’s Talk”. Ivy Kopstein holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree of Social Work from the University of Manitoba.  She had previously worked in the areas of corrections and services to people with disabilities.  Ivy was the Directors of Social Work at the St. Amant Centre for 10 years.  Her volunteer involvement includes the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, Camp Massad, Shalom Residences, and the Guardian Angel Benefit for Women’s Cancer.

JACS (Jewish alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others) has been around for a number of years and meets weekly.  It is a self-help 12 step recovery program. JCFS is now increasing its services and Ivy discussed these support services for individuals and their families who struggle with and/or recover from drug, alcohol and other addictions.  After Ivy’s presentation, she introduced a guest speaker who shared her family’s story of struggles with addictions.

More information and discussions are needed regarding addictions in the Jewish community. NCJW, Winnipeg Section was pleased to have presented this issue at its AGM.