Elizabeth “Beth” Noble, Ph.D. of Education, prides herself in being a devout promoter of Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) services. Beth is an advocate, a very generous donor, and client.
She first learned about JFS through one of her doctorate students back in the 1980s. Since then, Beth has referred several students to JFS for various services, especially its mental health therapy services. Being part of her students’ lives was an important value Beth exhibited. Devoting her life to teaching and helping others is Beth’s trademark. After retiring from teaching Ph.D. students in statistics and education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Beth taught women and royalty in Saudia Arabia and Malasia for two more years.
After retiring a second time, Beth returned to Kansas City, which she has called home for decades. Beth loves UMKC’s Conservatory, KC Reparatory Theater, the Kansas City Symphony, and many others.
“I’ve always been involved in the community,” she said.
JFS, though, is at the top of her list.
“I love that JFS provides high quality services free of charge to those who need it,” Beth said.
Beth knows of JFS’s high quality services first-hand. About six months ago, Beth was experiencing undetermined anxiety that was keeping her from everyday activities, like answering her door. Thanks to an incredible JFS intern therapist, Jill Schmuke, Beth overcame her anxiety, using deep breathing techniques and talking through situations. Beth is grateful and relieved that her anxiety subsided.
However, this isn’t the first time Beth has utilized JFS’s services. Due to surgery complications for her macular degeneration in 2005, Beth was left 100 percent blind. Her blindness left her unable to distinguish between light and darkness. Beth regularly relies on JFS’s JetExpress program with its volunteer drivers to get her to critical dental and doctor appointments and some social activities.
“My JetExpress driver, Chip Ingram, goes the extra mile to help me feel comfortable and avoid long waits,” she said.
Why has Beth been such a loyal, generous major donor to JFS?
“I want to support organizations that support others,” she said. “JFS has helped my students and me. I’m not Jewish and it doesn’t matter to JFS. I’m one of JFS’s top promoters. I believe in JFS and its mission.”
Thank you, Beth, for being such a great inspiration to all of us.
