Held at the stunning home of Eve & David Sorkin, the event served as a platform for laughter, learning, and heartfelt stories from the JFS President and other leaders. As they shared their reasons for contributing to this 150-year-old social service agency, the event became a testament to the transformative power of giving.
A Memorable Gathering
The event organized by JFS brought together members of the 1861 Society and showcased the profound impact of their contributions. Against the backdrop of the beautiful Sorkin residence, attendees enjoyed an evening filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the vital role JFS plays in the community.
Messages of Support and Inspiration
As influential leaders took the stage, they used their voices to amplify the importance of giving back. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt stories, they shed light on the remarkable work carried out by JFS and articulated the reasons behind their unwavering support for this respected organization.
Illuminating the Path: The Holiday Fund
In a world where compassion and support can make all the difference, we invite you to join us in creating a meaningful impact through your generous contribution to the Holiday Fund.
By supporting this vital initiative, not only do you directly benefit JFS, but you also lend a helping hand to ten other agencies that play crucial roles in illuminating the path for those in need within communities across New Jersey.
Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of those in need and foster a stronger, more inclusive society. Join us in this journey by donating at www.holidayfund.org/donate.
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey makes an impact by delivering meals to thousands.
Amazing news from Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey! A team of 46 dedicated volunteers have made a significant impact in our community by delivering an incredible 4,729 meals to over 180 clients.
Delivering Meals And Support
Each meal delivered is a message of care, support, and community solidarity. These volunteers are not just delivering meals, they’re delivering hope and comfort to those who need it the most.
This initiative exemplifies the spirit of giving and shows how every act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of these volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service.
To each of the 46 volunteers – thank you for your selfless service. Your efforts are truly making a difference!
Donate To Provide Essential Help
Did you know that a gift to the Holiday Fund directly benefits critical organizations like Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey? Each donation you make has a profound impact, providing essential aid to those in New Jersey who are most in need. Your contribution to the Holiday Fund isn’t merely a monetary gift; it’s a lifeline for those seeking hope. Spread hope by donating online today.
Jewish Family Services provides practical information, emotional support, and connects caregivers to local resources and services. Care Consultation, an evidenced based program recognized by the National Council on Aging, is a free telephone-based program designed to serve family caregivers and care recipients. It provides ongoing support, solutions, and referrals to meet unique family needs, and the program’s licensed clinicians can help caregivers understand the physical and emotional needs of the care recipient, share community resources, and learn to manage challenging behaviors.
Your donation to the Greater Newark Holiday Fund will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those served by the JFS.
Meet F.T. – a mother of three who endured threats and abuse from her husband for over two decades.
She turned to the Jewish Family Service of MetroWest for help to leave her husband and attended weekly individual and group counseling. With their support, F.T. and her children were able to move to a safer location with better schools and obtain a final restraining order. The Safety Net Fund provided financial support for basic supplies for their new home. With continued emotional support, F.T. is now a strong parent, and her children are thriving.
Through their many programs such as counseling, Rachel Coaltion, Holocaust Survivor Services, and volunteer services, JFS has been available to respond to the needs of New Jersey communities.
FOUR WAYS JFS HELPS
Children, Teens, And Parents
Families are helped by several types of psychotherapy, including: individual and family therapy, play therapy, and specialized therapies for children exposed to trauma. JFS also provides preschool services, counseling and assistance for children with learning differences and special needs, as well as support groups and workshops.
Adults
JFS MetroWest offers a range of programs and services to assist adult members of the community and their families in coping with challenges. Resources include individual, family, and couples counseling, group services, financial assistance and community workshops.
Older Adults
JFS provides a wide range of information and referrals, Family Caregiver Services which include Comprehensive Assessments, Geriatric Care Management and Care Consultation. JFS also offers counseling and support groups, Holocaust Survivor services, Alzheimer’s and related dementia programs, and emergency financial assistance.
Individuals With Disabilities
JFS offers services for children with learning differences and special needs, Support Coordination for individuals eligible through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, and Coordinated Care for family members of individuals with disabilities.
Make ONE DONATION to the Holiday Fund and support 10 life-changing organizations in New Jersey.
JFS Impacting Lives
Quickly after the pandemic forced the country to shut down, JFS identified a need for safely delivered hot meals and groceries for isolated Holocaust survivors and older adult clients who had been advised to shelter-in-place. To fill that need, they began organizing weekly meals and coordinating weekly grocery shopping by volunteers.
Celebrating Chanukah
By the end of December, 2776 meals had been delivered by 78 volunteers to over 180 clients. Meals were dropped off with no contact to maintain safe social distancing to protect both volunteers and clients.
When the holiday season arrived, JFS partnered with other local organizations to distribute Chanukah packages. Here’s what Suzy Berman, Director of Volunteer Services at JFS, said:
“The holidays can be sad and lonely for our clients. This year, our older adult clients feel especially isolated and vulnerable due to the current COVID crisis. We hope that these Chanukah packages will bring joy, comfort, and a friendly face from our JFS volunteers, who are delivering the packages to the seniors. Now more than ever, in these difficult times, it is wonderful to see our community come together to care for our elders.”
When organizations can quickly assess needs and respond accordingly, lives are impacted.
Here’s a snapshot of the kind of impact JFS has had in their community during a six-month period:
Numbers Served From Mid-March Through August 2021
3,583 telehealth counseling sessions
565% increase in financial assistance for food
615 counseling sessions for domestic violence victims
748 Shabbat meals for Holocause survivors and older adults
440 essential care packages for Holocause survivors and isolated older adults
100 play therapy kids for child and adolescent clients
The numbers speak for themselves. In just six months, JFS has made huge strides for New Jersey residents in need.
Mission of JFS
JFS MetroWest has been helping families and individuals of all ages manage life’s challenges since 1861. Guided by the wisdom and values of tradition and respect for all people, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey provides innovative, compassionate, and outstanding social services to enhance the independence and well-being of individuals and families throughout all stages of life
JFS Vision
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest aims to be the premier agency within the MetroWest New Jersey area providing for the social services and mental health needs of the greater community with unparalleled professionalism, humanity, and respect for all who seek its support.
Volunteering With JFS
Do you have a similar mission and vision?
JFS MetroWest offers a wide array of meaningful volunteer opportunities. The volunteer staff will match your interests and talents to community needs to ensure a gratifying experience.
There are opportunities for mitzvah projects, adult volunteer opportunities, Rachel Coalition volunteer possibilities, and the RSVP Center of Essex & Hudson Counties, which is a comprehensive community service organization catering to individuals 55 and over.
