FFCR Volunteer Jodi Hessel Receives “Woman of Valor” Award

FFCR Citizen Review Panel volunteer, Jodi Hessel, was one of four outstanding women recognized as Women of Valor by Temple Beth Am on May 14^th for her extensive community service and volunteerism. Jodi has been an FFCR volunteer since 2011 and has spent decades sharing her time and expertise with a multitude of local and national Jewish organizations, primarily those focused on youth and education. The event featured an inspirational keynote address by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Letinen who advised the more than 300 attendees to, “Be active and make an impactful difference in our community.”

Jodi’s daughter, Rabbi Joui Hessel, presented the award. She shared that Jodi’s parents were in show business and although she faced many challenges and obstacles from a young age, Jodi lived by the family motto: “The Show Must Go On!” Rabbi Hessel explained that the modern interpretation of the Hebrew Woman of Valor prayer describes the virtues of a woman who understands the inherent value of each person, something that Jodi embodies in her life and her volunteer work.

In receiving the award, Jodi said that she was humbled and honored to be chosen as a “Woman of Valor” by a community she has loved and served since 1979. The consummate advocate for children in foster care, Jodi made a point to tell the audience about how fulfilling it was to volunteer with FFCR, gave an excellent overview of our work and encouraged everyone to get involved! The entire FFCR family is so proud of Jodi for receiving this most deserved recognition, and we are deeply grateful for all that she does for children and youth.

If you are interested in volunteering with FFCR, please visit our website or contact Marissa Leichter (mleichter@fostercarereview.org or 305.679.2740).