Jewish Family and Children’s Services passes the gavel to a new chairman

The Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS-Cares.org), the multi-county premier multi-function social service nonprofit, recently installed a new board member and welcomed its new board chairman at the nonprofit’s annual meeting last week.

Joe Mendels, the outgoing JFCS chairman, gave the gavel to Steve Seidensticker, a three-year JFCS board member and founder and CEO of the TableSeide Restaurant Group. Seidensticker will serve a two-year term in his new position.

New board member Dean Miller joins the nonprofit’s current 16-person board, which includes Gerri Aaron, Peggy Abt, Margery Barancik, Vice Chair Shaun Benderson, Audrey Coleman, Vice Chair Lauren Fineman, Treasurer Karin Grablin, Michael Harshman, Marc Kanoff, Vice Chair Eric Kaplan, Marion Levine, Secretary Scott Levine, Joe Mendels, Nora Patterson, Michael Richker and Stanley Rutstein.

"It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to work with such a compassionate and dedicated board and staff," said Seidensticker. "I look forward to progressing the mission of JFCS."

As chairman, Seidensticker hopes to maintain, strengthen and expand programs that align with the nonprofit’s mission and benefit the needs throughout the region. He will also work to ensure JFCS’s fiscal sustainability and security as the organization moves forward.

"Steve's leadership role in the Sarasota community, his passion for social justice and his great interpersonal skills make him a natural leader to advance the work of an organization that plays a central role in making this a better place for everyone to live in,” said Mendels, a retired psychiatrist who has been on the JFCS board for six years.

From 2014-15, over 15,000 individuals received more than 75,000 services from JFCS, including case management, individual and group counseling, life skills education and assistance with basic life necessities, such as food and emergency financial assistance for homeless prevention. JFCS’s over 450 volunteers provided more than 7,500 hours of service during that time.

"Each board chair brings a unique set of skills to the position," said Rose Chapman, president and CEO of JFCS. "I look forward to working with Steve and benefiting from his business expertise to continue to strengthen and grow JFCS as a leading social service organization serving all people in our community."

About Jewish Family and Children Services of the Suncoast

Celebrating 30 years of service to the community, Jewish Family and Children Services of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS) is the multi-county premier multi-function social service nonprofit. JFCS served over 15,000 individuals between 2014-15 and more than 75,000 individuals received services from JFCS, including case management, individual and group counseling, life skills education and assistance with basic life necessities, such as food and emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness. For more information, visit JFCS-Cares.org or call 941-366-2224.

About Steve Seidensticker

Steve Seidensticker is the founder and CEO of the TableSeide Restaurant Group, which includes Libby's Café + Bar, Louies Modern, Muse at the Ringling, The Francis, Banyan Café and the newly opened Oak & Stone. He maintains full responsibility for operations and strategic direction of large, upscale dining venues in Sarasota. Prior to launching the TableSeide Restaurant Group in 2008, Seidensticker held increasingly responsible management and ownership positions at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, Williams Island private community, the Annapolis Yacht Club and various other Florida resorts. Throughout his career, he has recognized the synergy between business, a thriving community and public service.