Partnerships in the community have been key to JFCS expanding the reach of our programs over the past weeks. The Mobile Food Pantry has fostered new connections as word spreads about this resource and other programs have been able to grow specifically due to funding support of community organizations. We are thankful for our growing network as we aim to serve even more in need.

What are we doing right now?
  • Last week the Mobile Food Pantry made 4 distributions to low-income senior housing complexes Redding Circle (Princeton) and Wheaton Point (East Windsor), as well as Community Middle School (West Windsor-Plainsboro) and Project Freedom (Hamilton), a housing development for adults with disabilities. Over 250 individuals were served through these distributions.

  • The expanded Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program is officially underway, our existing KMOW clients are now receiving 14 meals/week compared to 5 meals/week previously; and 20 newly identified clients, many of whom are Holocaust Survivors, will be receiving 7 meals/week.
We are thankful to the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks for the funding support of this 8-week expansion of our KMOW program.

  • The Friendly Phone Calls program connecting volunteers with isolated senior clients is growing! We now have 68 seniors receiving weekly calls.

  • Tonight, Gesher LeKesher will will hold its 19th Annual Moving Up Ceremony on Zoom celebrating the accomplishments of the 33 Gesher LeKesher Madrichim. Teens will have an opportunity to talk about their experiences mentoring younger Jewish teens in the community. During the ceremony, participants will also hear advice from some of our Gesher LeKesher Alumni.  

  • Join us for the next webinar, Wednesday June 3 at 6:00 PM "Mental Health and Our Emotions" led by Julie Harris, MSW Intern. Webinar discussion will explore our mental health and how to deal with our emotions in positive ways. Join by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 917 9332 3108. 

  • Connect with a JFCS counselor during "Drop-in" Hours. 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. Call us at 609-987-8100 and Dial 0.

  • J Serve Part III is Sunday, June 14! JFCS is partnering with United Way of Greater Mercer County for their Strike Out Hunger initiative. Open to Jewish teens grades 6 - 12. See online registration for more details.

What is in the works?
  • LOOK OUT FOR OUR YEAR IN REVIEW THIS WEEK! JFCS will miss our traditional Annual Meeting gathering for the community but do want to share our reflections on the past year and what is ahead. Look out for our video recap later this week!
  • We'll be introducing interactive, virtual events in addition to our weekly webinars which will continue to support your mental health needs while providing a forum for connection and discussion with other community members.
  • Our Virtual Event, Blintz Bake-Along, was a hit! Look out for more interactive, cooking & baking demonstrations with Andrea Gaynor throughout the summer.

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.

Our Resource Page i s a wealth of knowledge blog posts from our team and new links to resources.
We know that there will be a lasting impact from the current health crisis which will continue to increase demand for our services. If you can make a donation, consider a contribution today. Each dollar donated is worth even more when it means we can reach another person, another family, another senior in need.