JFS is a non-profit social services agency serving all members of the community from all backgrounds. Your generous support enables us to provide crucial programs for those in need.

Celebrate our One Community with us – support those in need who don’t have enough to eat, who need help handling life’s challenges, who are ready to become U.S. citizens, who want a job or better job, who are homebound and need meals, who survived the Holocaust and want to live the rest of their life in their own home. Read on to see how your support helped Ms. A overcome loneliness and food insecurity to have a nutritious meal in the company of other seniors.

JFS’ Lunch with Friends Program finally reopened after the long COVID shutdown. Area seniors were looking forward to the Program to connect with old friends, make new friends, and enjoy a nutritious kosher meal together. Ms. A, a shy, 92-year-old widow with few family and limited means, heard about JFS’ Lunch with Friends from a neighbor. After going through lockdown alone in her apartment and alone during her daily walks, Ms. A decided to check out Lunch with Friends. At first, she was too shy to mingle with the others in the Program; she stood outside the room and listened to the music before rushing back home. With encouragement from JFS’ Lunch with Friends staff and other seniors in the Program, Ms. A began to participate, staying longer at each lunch group, shyly contributing a dollar or two toward the meal when she was able. Today, she attends regularly, often arriving early and leaving late. Some of the friends she’s made at the Program play cards or board games with her during evenings and weekends or join her on her walks through town. Ms. A says she feels like the Lunch with Friends group has become her “family.” Thanks to the support of our community, Ms. A, and other seniors like her can enjoy a nutritious meal in the company of others regardless of financial means.

Look at the impact your support has on the lives of local seniors and families. With JFS, 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs providing essential support, resources, and opportunities for those in need, creating a brighter future for all in our community.

Gather your friends for a fabulous evening to support our One Community. Reserve your tickets online or contact gala@jfsmiddlesex.org to learn more. Visit our website at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/2023OCgala. Our community thanks you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the Gala!

Congratulations to Ms. M who was chosen by the Displaced Homemaker Network of NJ as Middlesex County Displaced Homemaker of the Year. One of seven extraordinary women recognized across NJ, Ms. M received a well-deserved legislative proclamation from Assemblyman Joe Danielsen who commended her for her strength, dedication and achievements during her long, tumultuous journey toward self-sufficiency. Despite facing many challenges, Ms. M relied on the invaluable assistance of the JFS Women's Center, where she found constant support, career coaching and general guidance, helping her stay focused on reaching her goals.

"[JFS Women's Center] always listened to me and supported me through each issue. The things I went through changed me, but I knew not to give up."

This recognition serves as a testament to her empowering journey and the profound impact she has made in inspiring others facing similar challenges. Ms. M was able to stay focused, transform her story and make positive changes in her life. We are proud to honor her for all her hard work. Congratulations once again, Ms. M, on this well-deserved award.

JFS Women's Center helps displaced homemakers - individuals who are working to become economically self-sufficient after the loss of a partner. Many displaced homemakers struggle to enter or re-enter the workforce; JFS provides individualized coaching to help participants set personal goals and identify resources for professional development. If you would like to learn more about services available or make a donation to support this incredible work, please donate online. Thank you!

The Jewish Social Service Committee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Jewish residents in Middlesex County. The Committee provides financial assistance for a wide variety of issues. In service for over 100 years, they have no paid staff and all funds are committed to providing service. If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance, contact us at office@jfsmiddlesex.org or 732.777.1940. JFS is proud to partner with JSS to benefit our mutual clients.

JFS is grateful for the support of our sponsors and community partners.

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