Dear Friends,

Last week, we were shocked and horrified by news of the mass shooting in New Zealand, targeting Muslim worshipers, many of whom were likely migrants and refugees. We know too well the inconceivable horror of an attack in a place of worship and we are utterly heartbroken that violations of sacred spaces have become a reality in our world.

At Jewish Family Services, we work every day to spread love, kindness, and healing to ALL our neighbors... regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, special need, or immigration status. In her response to the unfolding tragedy, New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, spoke three powerful words that echoed throughout many communities, including our own: "THEY are US."

Certainly, when a refugee family arrives in Delaware, we welcome them HOME. Our community becomes their community and we welcome them like family...because our people were refugees too. And, though this act of violence and hate sought to divide communities and demonize the "other," it only succeeded in bringing us closer together, in solidarity and peace, friendship and love.

JFS RISE is immensely grateful to everyone in our community who continues to help us open doors, hearts, and minds in Delaware. Our work in refugee resettlement, community building, family healing, and heartfelt advocacy has never been so vital. Thank you to everyone who helps us reject the forces of hatred and violence in our society; thank you for creating and maintaining a community of peace, with a heart overflowing, always embracing those who need us most.

We could not do this important work without you.
Thank you for making our community stronger,

Your JFS RISE Team
Success Stories & Updates:
JFS Staff & RISE Team members, Jenevive and Sophie, joined Family Crisis Therapist, LaToya,
at Marbrook Elementary School to represent
JFS RISE at their MultiCultural Night.
Congrats to Asia for completing her nursing certification course! We wish her luck on the exam!
Operation: Walk in Our Shoes
On March 13, RISE participated in an event at Newark Charter High School which educated students, families, and community members about the refugee experience.
We were proud to support Innocent, who shared his story publicly for the first time,
and share the stage with New Castle County Executive, Matt Meyer.
NEW: Preferred Communities
JFS RISE is very excited to announce a new service being provided to refugees needing support in Delaware! Following the Reception & Placement program (which allows 90 days for resettlement, cultural orientation, and case management), the Preferred Communities (PC) program provides additional intensive case management for particularly vulnerable refugees , including:

  • those with medical or mental health issues or physical disabilities
  • LGBTQIA+ refugees
  • single parent households and women-at-risk
  • and elderly refugees without family support.

The PC program provides case management to help these refugees navigate relevant services and systems, such as social service, healthcare, education, transportation, and legal systems; there are also opportunities for extended cultural orientation, including lessons on budgeting and personal finance, social supports, parenting and childcare, and links to community resources.

JFS RISE is grateful for the opportunity to extend our services to refugees in need and help them achieve self-sufficiency and comfort in their new home!
COMING UP:
The Lion King KIDS
by Albert Einstein Academy Drama Club
We are grateful to Albert Einstein Academy for including Mmunga & Kiza Etto in their drama club's production of The Lion King! We hope you'll join JFS RISE in cheering them on from the audience!

Thursday, March 28 at 7pm
Sunday, March 31 at 2pm

Siegel JCC Auditorium

More info: 302-478-5026
One of a Kind Pottery
By Eva Weissman
Purchase pottery for a purpose!
We are grateful to local artist and community member, Eva Weissman, for opening her home to host a sale of her beautiful pottery. All proceeds will benefit JFS RISE!

SAVE THE DATES
Preview Night:
Thursday, May 2 from 5-7pm

Open House Fundraiser:
Sunday, May 5 from 12-4pm

More details coming soon!
Thank you to all who continue to support JFS RISE!
We cannot do this important work without you.
Jewish Family Services of Delaware
99 Passmore Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 478-9411
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