For those who celebrated a holiday over the past week, we remembered the importance of coming together. By coming together (through technology or in spirit as we continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines), we will be there to support each other. JFCS is here to support this community.

What are we doing right now?
  • Looking for activities for your children? We know many are in the midst of Spring Break or have extra hours to fill after remote learning. Here is a list of online resources and opportunities to provide your child with meaningful, engaging activity.
  • J-Serve is next Sunday 4/19! Pre-registration is required for this virtual opportunity for 6th - 12th graders. Follow link to register.

  • Our Senior Services team keeps working incredibly hard to ensure our clients needs are being addressed. They serve as advocates for our clients, valuable sources of information for adult children who are out of town or out of state, and connect seniors with resources for transportation, home care and food delivery.

  • Food programs continue to see increased demand; many community members who are new to the pantry have turned to JFCS due to job loss and emergency needs. Last week we served 60 families out of the pantry through both scheduled visits and emergency need.

  • Join us tomorrow for the next Community Webinar Tuesday, April 14 at 3:00 PM "#Don'tGetTooClose What We Learn & How We Grow" Andrea Gaynor, LCSW will present the first in a Chat Series focusing on what we are learning about ourselves and what we can take away from this time. We’re all familiar with the challenges of living through a pandemic, Andrea will help us explore how this crisis has, and can continue to create opportunities for personal growth and relationships. Join tomorrow by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 949 018 236.
  • See all webinars afterward posted on JFCS Mercer Youtube page.

  • JFCS now offers "Drop-in" Hours where you can connect one-on-one with a counselor who can provide personalized tips and support. Drop-In hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 AM - 12 PM, Tuesday & Thursdays 5 - 7 PM.
We thank the Princeton Area Community Foundation for their emergency grant to support these expanded mental health services.

Our Resource Page is a wealth of knowledge blog posts from our team and new links to resources.

What is in the works?
  • Launching Zoom for counseling clients where it would serve to benefit more of our younger clients and give valuable face-to-face time.
  • Making connections with front line workers including those in healthcare, delivery and more, to provide virtual support groups and needed mental health care.

What can you do?
If you or someone you know needs emergency food - call us.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our counseling support - call us.
JFCS remains here for you.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:
JFCS is here for our entire community while remaining rooted in our Jewish values. As such, we observe all Jewish holidays as an agency. We will be closed for the following days during Passover:
Tuesday April 14 (Close at 4 PM)
Wednesday April 15 Closed
Thursday April 16 Closed

Secure@Home on-call staff will remain available 24/7 to our members during this time.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1.
JFCS is incredibly grateful to the support we have received from our community in the midst of this crisis. We know the impact of COVID-19 will last a long time, and we want to be prepared to provide our critical services for counseling, food, and senior support to the capacity that is needed by our community. If you are able to give, we ask that you donate to ensure your neighbor, your friend, your family member, has access to the resources they need to weather this storm and see brighter days ahead.