By John Fisher-Klein, Acting CEO of Jewish Family Services of Delaware
One of my fondest childhood memories is planting flowers—mostly tulips—with my grandparents. Each fall, hundreds of bulbs were tucked back into the soil at their home. By spring, the yard would burst into color, so stunning that passing drivers would often stop to take pictures. As a child, I was simply delighted they bloomed at all—especially after my grandfather warned me they wouldn’t if I accidentally planted a bulb upside down.
As an adult, caring for my own yard has become a source of great joy. When I nurture growth—whether in plants or in people—I feel my grandparents’ presence. They were, and always will be, my heroes. They showed me unconditional love and a true zest for life. Over the years, my garden has taken many forms: from meticulously manicured, to joyfully overrun with fast-growing native plants, to its current iteration—a desert-inspired oasis. No matter its form, my garden is where I feel most at home.
I was reminded of that feeling when I first visited Jewish Family Services of Delaware’s (JFS) Wilmington office and was greeted by the Dory Zatuchni Garden. Named after a former CEO, this beautiful space welcomes guests at the front entrance and stretches alongside the Jewish Community Center’s early childhood center playground. I was especially excited to learn that children use the garden as an extension of their play space. Having previously worked in early childhood education, the familiar sight of children playing outside my office window instantly made me feel at home.
When I joined JFS just over a year ago, I had no idea how often I would experience that same sense of belonging. The team welcomed me with open arms, offered grace and patience as I learned the organization, and ultimately won my heart with their authenticity and commitment to service.
Now, as I step into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer, I feel as though I am coming home once again. I have served in similar roles before and, while the work can be demanding, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. I am honored that the Board of Directors has entrusted me with this responsibility, and I look forward to working alongside our community to strengthen and support our neighbors.
I would be remiss not to extend my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to retiring CEO Renna Van Oot. Her leadership, mentorship, and friendship have left an indelible mark on JFS and on all of us who have had the privilege to work with her.
Spring has arrived, and both the gardens at home and at work are beginning to show signs of new life. At JFS, we are embarking on another year of service, and I am grateful to help lead the organization through this period of transition. The Board will begin its search for a permanent CEO later this year. In the meantime, I will be tending to the garden—and embracing the sense of home that JFS continues to provide.
