We are proud to honour our outstanding 2025 AGM Award Recipients, whose leadership and dedication inspire our community.
A heartfelt thanks to each of you for embodying the values of JFS and JACS every day. Your presence and engagement reflect the strength and compassion of our community, and we are grateful to share this work with you.
Meet our Award Recipients
Jody Dales
Sara Ciacci (z'l) Women Leadership Excellence Award
A self-described Professional Volunteer, Jody Dales has been working to further the needs of our Jewish Community for more than three decades. She has served as a Director and President of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Center board, as a Guardian of the Jewish Community Foundation, and most recently, as a Director and Board Chair of the Jewish Family Services board. Jody Co-chaired the King David Building Campaign, and Co-chaired the Fundraising Committee of the Vancouver Talmud Torah Expansion Campaign. She has chaired and/or served on Gala Dinner committees for Israel Bonds, JNF, King David, the VHEC and The Louis Brier. Jody is the very proud wife of Harvey Dales and the Fan Club President of their three children, Rebecca, Arieh, and Eli.
Bill Kaplan
Paula Lenga (z'l) Award
Bill has served on the JFS Board of Directors for 11 years. During his tenure he has devoted his time and energy to a variety of tasks to support the agency. He has chaired the Board, chaired the governance committee, lead a By-laws review process, chaired the community based search committee for our current CEO, and is still the co-chair of the Building Committee for the development of the JFS property on Commercial Drive in Vancouver. Bill is a retired partner from Blakes law firm and has served on a number of charitable boards.
Shannon Gorski
Naomi Gropper Steiner (z'l) Award
Shannon Gorski served on the JFS Board of Directors from 2017-2023. During this time she was involved in the COVID-19 Emergency Fund Campaign, and helped to connect Ukrainians fleeing the war with housing while they rebuilt their lives in Canada. She has advocated for counselling profession regulation in BC and has always been ready to support marginalized people and at-risk youth. Shannon is a founder and the Managing Director of the Betty Averbach Foundation. She has served on the boards of JCCGV, Hillel BC and Richmond Jewish Day School (RJDS) and sat on committees of JCF, King David High School and the Bayit.
Vancouver Police Department
Community Partner Award
We are proud to recognize the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for their exceptional partnership and steadfast support of our community. Amid rising antisemitism and the challenges of our new building, the VPD has been an unwavering ally whose leadership, collaboration, and commitment help ensure our staff, clients, and community feel safe and supported through their proactive response, prevention efforts, and consistent presence.
Golriz Boroomand
Richard Fruchter Staff Recognition Award
We are honoured to recognize Golriz Boroomand as this year’s recipient of the Richard Fruchter Staff Recognition Award, created in tribute to former JFS CEO Richard Fruchter to celebrate a staff member who goes above and beyond.
Golriz has been a beloved part of JFS for 20 years. Often the first voice or smiling face people encounter, she warmly welcomes every visitor and ensures they feel cared for. Behind the scenes, she is essential to our Kitchen, Food Security, and Case Management programs, helping everything run smoothly.