Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Bonoff.
Hi Terri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a third-generation Minnesotan. My grandfather started a women’s fashion retail clothing store called Jackson Graves, and my father built it up to become a chain of stores. I received a degree in psychology and sociology and always had a passion for helping people.
I began my business career working at Jackson Graves before moving on to Tonka Toys as Manager of Promotional Services. I served as VP/GM for the computer products division of Navarre Corporation for 14 years. I decided to leave the workforce to stay home with my four teenage children. This move was highlighted in a TIME magazine article discussing a trend of executive women taking “teen leaves.” When three of four went off to college, I decided I was ready for a new challenge, and I wanted to make a difference in public service.
I ran for the Minnesota State Senate and served as a State Senator for 11 years, with the last four years as the Chair of Higher Education and Workforce Development. I championed legislation to create the Minnesota PIPELINE Project which expands dual training and apprenticeship programs in emerging and high-demand occupations by partnering employers and students.
After an unsuccessful Congressional race, I joined my husband in Atlanta where he had just accepted a position with Delta Airlines. Once again, I was at a crossroads. I had been very connected to the Jewish Family & Children’s Services in Minneapolis, so when I learned there was a search underway for the CEO of Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta, I was excited to apply. The search committee and the JF&CS Board took a chance on a non-traditional candidate, and I have loved this role from day one!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Stepping down from the State Senate was a tough one. I loved public service, and when my husband had the opportunity to join Delta Airlines, we had to make a choice. It was a risk to leave a life I loved, and it took some time to feel at home in Atlanta.
I became CEO of JF&CS in May 2019. Taking the job at JF&CS and getting to know the Jewish community in Atlanta made all the difference. I now love the city and find the people so welcoming. I greatly appreciate the diversity, the arts and culture, the growing business climate and the vibrance of the city. I serve on the Boards of Quality Care for Children and as the Chair of the Education Committee on the Board of the Alliance Theater.
Of course, leading a human services agency during the pandemic and all things related to that has been the greatest challenge, as well as an incredibly fulfilling opportunity.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have the honor of leading JF&CS, an agency that is filled with caring and dedicated professionals here to help the Atlanta community.
During the pandemic, we saw an unprecedented rise in the demand for our services. Including counseling, emergency financial assistance, access to the JF&CS food pantry & Career Services, and older adult services. The community needed JF&CS more than ever. Many of these needs continue to grow, and JF&CS has stepped up to meet them.
Our Frances Bunzl Clinical Services provides support for mental health and well-being is staffed by 40+ clinicians specializing in a range of practice areas. We have recently expanded our offering with the Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center in response to the urgent need for mental health support for children, teens, and families.
Our Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Services provides best-in-class services at our day program that serves 55 adults with disabilities and a residential program that includes seven four-person homes, led by a house manager and our caring direct support professionals. A huge shout-out to those staff heroes who worked so hard to keep our clients safe and healthy during the pandemic.
Our Aviv Older Adult Services provides much needed care to the aging population in our community with caregiver support, geriatric care management, a friendly visitor program, respite care and the newly launched HomeShareATL program. We also provide support for Holocaust Survivors in Atlanta and for the Southeast Region. Seniors were adversely affected during the pandemic due to social isolation and their increased risks associated with COVID. The JF&CS staff brings such love and care to their work serving this community.
Our Support Services includes free career services coaching and workshops, emergency assistance, and JF&CS Food Pantry to help residents through leaner times. The need continues to grow in these areas due to the current financial climate.
Finally, JF&CS operates the world-class Ben Massell Dental Clinic, offering 100% free comprehensive oral care to low-income Atlantans provided by volunteer dentists and supporting staff of the Clinic.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?Success is in the new smile of our Ben Massell client or the hug a child gives her parent when she is finally feeling better after therapy. Success is in the words of thanks from an older adult receiving the help she needed for her spouse or the note from an emergency assistance client who was able to stay in his home due to our help and now has a new job.
We work hard to meet the dynamic needs of the Atlanta community. We are CARF-Accredited, have a Platinum GuideStar Rating, as well as a 4 Star Charity Navigator Rating.
In March, JF&CS was awarded the most “Meaningful” organization by the Atlanta Journal Constitution in 2022 as well as a Top Workplace. The meaningful award comes as a result of the AJC surveying the staff of all 175 best place to work winners. Receiving this award is one definition of success that I cherish.
JF&CS is a welcoming agency serving over 12,000 clients annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or ability to pay. Our clinical practice accepts insurance and utilizes a sliding fee schedule.
How You Can Help
If you are inspired by our mission, please donate at jfcsatl.org/donate
We have many volunteer opportunities from being a One Good Deed friendly visitor to older adults, a mentor to a child in the PAL Program, to donating food to our JF&CS Food Pantry, to serving on an event or board committee.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jfcsatl.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jfcsatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfcsatl
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JFCSatl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JFCSatl
Image Credits
1. Eric Bern Photography 2. Jeremy Harwell
