May 2020
COVID-19 Update
as of May 21, 2020
The JFS Orlando building continues to be CLOSED to the public for safety reasons during COVID-19.

 Although the building is closed, our programs and services have been and continue to be OPERATIONAL.

• The Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry continues to distribute food to those in need.

• Mental health counseling continues virtually via telehealth sessions.

• Family Stabilization Program caseworkers continue to advise and refer necessary resources to individuals and families who are struggling .

•The Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly (RIDE) program continues to arrange rides to medical appointments for seniors and disabled adults.

•The JFS Community Rabbi continues to provide spiritual guidance via phone.

Thank you to all who have supported us during these difficult times. Now more than ever, your help is vital to continue our services for the Central Florida community!

Scout & Cellar Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Scout & Cellar virtual fundraiser. Thanks to your support we raised $1,000 for JFS Orlando! And a special t hank you to our fundraiser sponsor, Megan Minkow Kessler.

Cheers!
#GivingTuesdayNow
Thank you to everyone who joined #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5th , the global day of unity to strengthen our communities during the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. You donated nearly $1,000 to aid the essential services provided by JFS.

Thank you!
#InCaseYouMissedIt...
Due to the new US tax deadline and school closures during COVID-19, the application deadline for the 2020 Kobrin Family Scholarship has been extended to  July 15 th .

The scholarship is available to a qualified, full-time graduating high school student of the Jewish faith from Orange, Osceola or Seminole County who will be attending the University of Central Florida.

The scholarship is available in the amount of $2,500 per year for a maximum of four (4) years. The student must maintain a 3.1 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) each year in order to remain qualified for the scholarship.
The Power of Giving:  Counseling, Growth and Development Program
To celebrate, this month's program spotlight is dedicated to the JFS Orlando Counseling, Growth and Development program .
Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, a total of 46.6 million in 2017. (Source: NIMH)

That’s why the work of our   Counseling, Growth and Development program is so vital. Our 16 clinical therapists are specialized in a variety of areas, including stress, career concerns, parenting, depression, marital and premarital, grief, and weight loss. They are trained to help their clients cope with major life problems in a timely and effective manner and guide them through major life transitions.
In 2019, JFS therapists provided a total of 3,614 counseling sessions.
Our goal is to ensure everyone is able to access counseling services. JFS accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and virtually all commercial insurances. JFS is also one of the few remaining agencies in Central Florida that operates on a sliding fee scale for those who do not have insurance.

Additionally, thanks to the support from our community, we have been able to continue counseling sessions via telehealth during COVID-19. Last month alone, we provided more than 380 telehealth sessions.
Get matched with the perfect therapist to meet your needs!
Book your first appointment by contacting our Intake Coordinator at 407-644-7593 ext. 300 or by email through the button below.
Volunteer Spotlight:
The Gift of Time
Carla Betts and Jane Cohen

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, especially our JFS Orlando mom volunteers! Carla Betts is the mom of JFS Assistant Director Heather Petrusky, and Jane Cohen is the mom of JFS Program Coordinator Audrey Cohen. Both moms found out about volunteering at JFS from their daughters...

Beyond the
Counseling Couch
7 Mental Health Tips for Adjusting to the New Normal

By Shannon Hargrave, LMHC,
JFS Mental Health Therapist  

“I can’t wait for things to get back to normal.” I know I have said it many times over the past couple of months and I hear it from all of my clients. The problem is, that may never happen...

Grant Funder's Corner:   Thank you!
Thank you to the following grant funders for supporting
JFS Orlando's programs in April:
•  Chesley G. Magruder Foundation
Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly (RIDE)

•  TD Charitable Foundation
Family Stabilization Program
JFS Orlando
The George & Madeline Wolly Center
2100 Lee Road
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-644-7593
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