Education Matters

The JFCS Legacy of Betty Schoenbaum

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

The purpose of this monthly column is to place a spotlight on difference-making people, places, events, programs, and organizations in our community that have a strong educational focus. One name that has come up time and time again is the late Betty Schoenbaum, whose philanthropic and personal commitment to education touched the lives of more people than anyone could possibly count. 

For someone with the well-known motto “the joy of giving is the joy of living,” it’s no surprise that the number of beneficiaries of that joy is vast. The Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center in Charleston, West Virginia. The Schoenbaum Family Foundation. The Alex and Betty Schoenbaum Science, Education, Cultural and Sports Campus in Kiryat Yam, Israel. And many local charities, as well, including the Women’s Resource Center, the Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center, and the Salvation Army.

But a local organization that was always dear to Betty’s heart is JFCS of the Suncoast, a multi-function family agency that serves residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties. Throughout the years, Betty funded a host of initiatives through them to promote education, help children, and support cancer survivors. I’ve written about her support in these areas before, and I can’t tell you how many times people call her a champion, a hero, and a Godsend.

Though Betty passed away at age 100 on July 31, 2018, her name is once again appearing in this column thanks to a surprise gift to JFCS. The unexpected $150,000 endowment she left them was designed to help students attend college with a focus on a career in family services. But it’s more than that. The recipients will be those who have been served by the JFCS’ mental health and social services programming in some manner, such as through the Eluna Foundation and JFCS’ Camp Mariposa, which offers free counseling and support to youth ages 9-17 who are coping with the substance abuse of a loved one.

Like others at JFCS, Betty knew that children who live in a home with addiction are often deeply committed to helping others because they know how great the pain can be—and they don’t want others to ever experience it. Turning tragedy into strength is the sort of thing Betty appreciated. 

JFCS’ Chief Development Officer, Laura McManus-Mesia, notes that the impact of Betty’s gift is twofold. 

One—Betty led by example, and her generosity encourages others to give. Plus she thought creatively about her investment and how to make it go far versus simply being a one-off. Setting up a fund where the interest can be drawn without touching the principal will create a long-term ripple effect that can touch many, many lives.

Two—it furthers education efforts, which was one of Betty’s top goals. By helping people who’ve been through trauma, those difficult situations will be transformed through education into a great good. “It’s a fine example of high philanthropy at this time,” notes McManus-Mesia. “She’s created an immediate solution that also has long-term benefits.”

McManus notes that the Schoenbaum family is taking great interest in this scholarship and will be consulted about recipient selections. Who better to help ensure that Betty’s legacy of good work is carried on by a deserving young person with a goal to give back?

At JFCS, says McManus-Mesia, “each child is catered for in their own way. We work to help children make great strides in the classroom and in their lives.” Add in a warm, loving family environment and all the pieces begin to come together. A scholarship like this one—and the thousands of others that Betty and her family made available to a variety schools, such as Ohio State, West Virginia, and the University of Charleston—is what’s making a difference. Betty understood that education is a fundamental part of every strategy for success.

Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County—a frequent partner of Betty’s endeavors—adds that “Betty believed wholeheartedly in helping children and teens expand their opportunities through education. It is heartwarming to know that the gift she left for JFCS will forever provide learning scholarships in her name and honor her giving spirit.”

McManus-Mesia has worked in the development side of nonprofits in Ireland, Australia, and the UK for two decades. What’s different about Sarasota, she explains, is that “the diversity of giving here surprises me, and the generosity inspires me.” With philanthropic leaders like Betty leading the way in both word and deed, our community’s commitment to support is contagious.

“There are no luggage racks on the hearse,” Betty once said. And this latest gift to JFCS says all of that. And more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about JFCS of the Suncoast, please visit

JFCS-Cares.org, or call 941.366.2224.