JFCS proudly continues to deliver our services to the community as we enter the seventh week of our "new normal." Several of our programs, such as food pantry & delivery and senior support, have seen increased demand during the health crisis. As we remain committed to this essential support, our staff also recognizes the importance of connection and engagement during this time of social distancing. Due to this dedication, our teen programs and volunteer opportunities have been able to successfully pivot as seamlessly as our direct-client services.

What are we doing right now?
Volunteers step up in big ways to help JFCS deliver to the community...
  • We launched our #JFCSFeedsTheFrontline initiative, a volunteer driven program delivering meals and snacks to staff of nursing homes and senior care facilities.
  • Volunteers serve as shoppers for our senior clients who have expressed a need for help as they've been unable to go to store on their own or find available delivery options.
  • Families help pre-pack bags of groceries for pantry clients at our offices.

Community Webinars are here to provide support for all with professional insights and discussion of issues affecting your mental well-being as we cope with the effects of the health crisis.
  • Tuesday, April 28 at 3:30 PM "Practical Skills for Stress Management" Arlene Munoz, LSW, will provide several techniques for actively managing and minimizing stress. Join tomorrow by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 938-4614-3811.
  • Tuesday, May 5 at 3:00 PM "7 Important Documents for Seniors" Andrea Gaynor, LCSW and geriatric care manager, will describe what documents are key to ensuring your intentions are communicated with caregivers. Join by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 970-2977-0817,
  • See recordings of previous webinars on JFCS Mercer Youtube page.

  • JFCS 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.

  • Reminder - scholarships available! Our Annual Mensch Awards for 8th and 12th graders (due April 30) and the Wollin Scholarship for future or current Rutgers University students (Due June 1). Follow links for details and applications.

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

What is in the works?
  • Expanding the capacity of our Kosher Meals on Wheels and Kosher Cafe programs to meet the growing demand.

What can you do?
  • If you are looking for a way to give back and are interested in our volunteer opportunities, contact Eden Aaronson at EdenA@jfcsonline.org.
  • 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 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.