Posted by Kate Weldon LeBlanc

I love the 10,000 Maniacs song "These Are Days." It is about those contented moments when, in their words, "you know it's true that you are blessed and lucky." They can be experienced on "big" occasions or in everyday moments. As an individual, I certainly felt this way surrounded by family and friends on my wedding day, and I feel this way sometimes while having a simple conversation with my young daughter. As an agency, JF&CS feels this way every year at our Annual Benefit. Last Saturday night I volunteered at the Benefit, and attending for the first time, I was awestruck by the outpouring of generosity. As a current employee and former client, I am genuinely moved by the support of so many individuals and organizations that may not personally know the families that JF&CS serves but recognize the impact that we have on their lives.

Jackie Weinstein and Rimma ZelfandThis special evening was also a great opportunity for a wide audience, especially first time attendees, to get to know JF&CS better. Board Chair Jackie Weinstein (pictured left) shared a comprehensive and heartfelt overview of our JF&CS mission and services. She added, "As you can tell from the big smile on my face, I am very happy to see all of you here." I also especially liked how our CEO Rimma Zelfand (pictured left) summarized the agency's 75-page strategic plan, "It's simple. We will serve more people, and in more profound ways."

Indeed, JF&CS is blessed to have such strong and widespread support, and we feel immensely grateful.

Check out this great photo montage of the evening, courtesy of Allegro Photography.

Kate Weldon LeBlancKate Weldon LeBlanc has been the administrative director of CERS since August of 2009. Kate is passionate about child and family issues, particularly on building communities of support for parents. Prior to her arrival at JF&CS, she spent nearly ten years working in the departments of Child Advocacy and Government Relations at Children's Hospital Boston. She holds a BSW from Skidmore College and a MPA from UMASS Boston.