This fall, a one-of-a-kind structure made of canned goods and pantry items will come to life as part of Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) Canstruction—a creative, community-wide initiative to spotlight food insecurity and the many challenges that both contribute to it and result from it. Through creative design, community wide programs, and local partnerships, Canstruction invites us to reflect, engage, and take action, together.

For David Klain, owner of DB Klain Construction and grandson of Anton “Popsie” Berkovits, this year’s Canstruction project is more than a build; it’s a tribute.

“Popsie’s Pantry has a great deal of meaning to me,” David said. “It provides an incredible resource for those with food insecurities and at the same time, provides privacy and dignity to those who are in need of services.”

David is making a significant contribution by donating all materials and labor for the structure. It is in honor and memory of Lori Popp Moss (z’l) and Elaine Levinson (z’l), both of whom played an integral role in the development of the pantry, as well as in memory of his grandfather, Anton “Popsie” Berkovits, a Holocaust survivor who risked his life smuggling food in the prison work camps to help others survive. David is including his sons in the build, passing on a powerful message.

“No matter how difficult things may seem, there are always others in greater need,” he said. “Don't only focus on taking care of yourself but also focus on helping others get through their difficult times as well.”

JFS views Canstruction as a unique opportunity to engage the broader community, share its mission, and celebrate the values that bring people together.

“Canstruction is an exciting opportunity for us to display who we are and the importance of the work we do in the community through our holistic approach,” says Rachel Katz, Executive Director of Jewish Family Services. “There are meaningful ways for everyone to get involved, and it’s an honor to shine a light on the story of Anton ‘Popsie’ Berkovits and the legacy of compassion he inspired.”

In order to highlight the work of JFS and Popsie's Pantry, the representation of the Canstruction will be designed as a home.

“Our logo for JFS is a house, symbolizing the place to go for support and belonging,” said Julie Sondhelm, Clinical Director of Jewish Family Services. “Similar to a home which relies upon its multibranch foundation to be secure and strong, our work with our clients reflects this concept. We approach each person in a wholistic way, identifying how we can support and strengthen each essential element of a person and family's wellbeing to help them thrive and meet their goals. Each pillar supports the other and relies upon the other element to create the structure of well-being. From safe and affordable housing, to having quality medical and mental health care, to accessing healthy, nutritious and affordable food, to sustaining meaningful employment, etc., JFS programs and services work together and integrate to create a safety net for our clients. Whether at a crisis point or sustaining everyday life, each element must be present for quality of life, and JFS is dedicated to this effort for our community members and clients.”

Two cornerstone events will bring the community together around this powerful installation. Family Day on September 7 welcomes families to explore the Canstruction display while participating in fun and meaningful service activities benefiting Popsie’s Pantry. Then, on September 15, Community Panel Night will feature local experts, including Fred Glass, CEO of Gleaners, and Dr. Braca Cantor, Geriatrician at Community Health, who will discuss the far-reaching impacts of food insecurity across generations.

JFS is currently seeking sponsors to help reach a fundraising goal of $18,000, which will directly support Popsie’s Pantry and the agency’s broader services. Link Office Suites, LLC is recognized as a Cornerstone Sponsor, and DB Klain Construction, LLC is acknowledged as an in-kind sponsor. Please contact Rachel Katz at rkatz@jfgi.org for sponsorship opportunities.

Visit www.jewishindianapolis.org/canstruction for more information and to register for one or both of these events.