Are you a child, teen parent or senior who needs assistance? Do you or someone you love live with a disability? Are you in an unsafe living situation?
The Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey wants to help you.
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.
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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.