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Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
Monthly Report to the Community

July/August 2024

Senior Director of Innovation and Community Engagement Adam Smith offers assistance at a Pop-Up clothing distribution event at Daniel's Table (left); Volunteers enjoy refreshments from Trombetta’s Ice Cream truck during a summer volunteer appreciation event (right).

Dear JFS Friends, Supporters and Collaborative Partners,


I hope you are well and you’re enjoying the summer with family and friends.


I recently had the privilege of participating in CJP’s Israel Innovation Mission Trip during which our group met with Non-government Organizations (NGOs) focused on addressing the many needs of families affected by the Oct 7th attack. Click here to read my reflections on the mission.


When the war first began, JFS took the lead working with other agencies in assisting Israeli war evacuees that came to Massachusetts to protect their families and escape the violence. Whatever their needs, we were here to ensure that they felt welcomed and supported during this terrible time. Even today we are still caring for a few families that continue to extend their stay in our communities.


Our commitment to Welcoming the Stranger has been a mission of JFS since our founding in 1979 (we celebrate our 45th year anniversary this year) and it extends to all who come to JFS in need of assistance. As world conflict and climate change bring more and more migrants and immigrant families with young children to our communities, we need your help to meet the growing demand, which is currently at an all time high. The term ‘it takes a village’ is true at its core - that in order for a family to have the best shot at success, they need to be surrounded by a compassionate team of community members who can help them along the way. Our case managers can’t do it alone – we need your help. 


At this time we are looking for organizational sponsors to partner with JFS to shore up the supports around these families in need. For mission-oriented organizations of all sizes, this is an opportunity to make a life-changing difference for a family who has suffered more than we can ever imagine. Click here to learn about the many ways your organization can get involved.


While organizational partnerships are crucial to JFS’s ability to help over 7,800 individuals each year, so too is our partnership with the hundreds of individuals who volunteer with JFS every day. 


If you are new to JFS, or someone who is already part of the JFS family, we invite you and your children to bring an empty backpack and volunteer at one of the Build a Backpack events scheduled for August 25th-27th. This year with your help we have the opportunity to DOUBLE our impact and provide 600 backpacks to young low-income students so they have the supplies they need to start the school year off right. Click here to sign up for one of the events in Dedham, Wayland, Wellesley or Weston or click here to make a donation to support these efforts.


The Build a Backpack events are a great way to have a little fun volunteering while also helping someone who otherwise would go without. Scroll down to learn other ways you can get involved – join the team as a Patient Navigator volunteer or learn about available job openings. Become a JFS donor and make a contribution so we have the resources we need when our neighbors come to us for assistance. Learn about the many programs offered by JFS – such as Geriatric Care Management and Citizenship Assistance - so that when you need help, you know who to call.


And last but not least we are in an affordable housing crisis here in MA affecting all populations including immigrants and migrants and especially older adults on a fixed income. Our JFS Housing Taskforce is at flank speed working to identify creative solutions and join with professional and organizational partners who are involved with housing and/or real estate to find long-term placements for our community's most vulnerable members.


One innovative initiative, the JFS Home-Share program, presents an opportunity for older adults who have extra space in their homes to lower their housing costs while also helping an individual or family in need.


Another opportunity for landlords is to partner with JFS and the HomeBASE program which provides guaranteed state funded rent for 1-3 years for the housing of newly arrived asylum seekers. We are looking for apartments, mostly 2 bedroom, anywhere in Metrowest, Boston, and Worcester County. Please help us accelerate these efforts by sending out the Home-Share and HomeBase flyers through your networks and connect us with any housing options that come to your attention.


Thank you to all who partner with JFS to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve and in helping our community a better place to live for everyone.


Sincerely,

Lino Covarrubias, CEO

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

A Message from Board President

Allison Kates


It’s hard to believe it’s August and more than half of the summer has passed (I don’t understand how all of our seasons are the same length, yet summer always seems SO short)! I hope you’ve been able to relax and spend time with friends and loved ones. My family started our summer vacation with a trip to Paris and Amsterdam. We ate way too many croissants and baguettes, did all the touristy things one does in those cities, and enjoyed the time away together.

As much as I love to travel, I also love to come home. Unfortunately, home is a luxury that so many of our clients don’t have right now. As you’re probably aware, we are in the midst of a dire housing crisis. To that end, JFS has established a Housing Task Force within the agency, as well as a Housing Workgroup made up of board members with professional experience in the field of housing. We are working tirelessly to find appropriate and affordable housing for our immigrant families to help them start on the path to stability, as well as our older adult population who might not be able to afford to continue living in their single-family home. If you are aware of any properties for rent, please contact us!

 

Although summer is a time for rest and relaxation, our Budget and Finance committee has been working hard to finalize our FY25 budget, which has increased from last year so that we can continue to support the many clients throughout the area who need our help. Our Governance and Nominating committee has been putting the finishing touches on their goals for the year and our Mental Health workgroup continues to strategize about how we can best support the well-being of our staff and clients.

 

At the end of the month, JFS will hold the 13th annual Backpack Events. Think back to your first day of school… you probably arrived in new clothes and shiny shoes carrying a brand-new backpack filled with colorful notebooks and folders and crayons. Sadly, many of our school-age clients have likely never had this experience. The Backpack Event provides much-needed school supplies and brand-new backpacks to low-income children in the Framingham Public Schools. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back in an easy, yet very meaningful way. If you can’t attend but would like to donate school supplies, click here to make a donation. This event is a personal family favorite, and I hope to see you there!

 

Finally, I want to extend another warm welcome to our two new Board members, Ann Budner and Cheryl Carner. Both come to JFS with impressive professional and non-profit leadership experience. I’m confident that Ann and Cheryl will fit right in and be a wonderful addition to our already talented and dedicated board.

 

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the summer!

Allison Kates, Board President

HIGHLIGHTS

JFS Receives Organization of the Year Award from Rotary International Framingham

JFS was honored to receive the Organization of the Year Award from Rotary International Framingham for our work making an impact in the community, especially the work the team has done resettling refugees and asylum seekers in the community.


CEO Lino Covarrubias and Board President Allison Kates accepted the award from former Board Member and Rotarian Javier Cevallos at their annual meeting.


Thank you to the Rotary Club of Framingham for this award and for partnering with JFS to make a difference in our community! 


Learn More

A Day in the Life of a JFS Patient Navigator!

One component of JFS' work within the community is our Patient Navigator Program! Our Patient Navigators are trained volunteers who accompany older adults to their medical appointments.


The photos above highlight JFS' Patient Navigators with older adults on two recent appointment days. Both Patient Navigators showed up with their JFS Volunteer identification and notebook so they can write down all important information and give the older adult a written record of the appointment that they can share with their families.


Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who support the work of JFS!


Learn More

From Refugee to Future Dentist: Marwa’s Inspiring Journey

In February 2024, a young woman named Marwa, made the journey from Afghanistan her new life in America. Marwa was not alone in her journey; she was welcomed and resettled by the dedicated team at JFS.


Marwa held fast to her dream of attending medical school to study stomatology: oral medicine. Her caseworker at JFS provided invaluable guidance, assisting her in researching schools and preparing her documents for community college admissions. She also applied for a work authorization permit and enrolled in public benefits, including SNAP and MassHealth.


Marwa completed a radiology certification course at Boston University (a prerequisite of the FSU Biology program) and secured a part-time job as a cashier at Kohl’s near her home in May.


The work of JFS is crucial in helping refugees like Marwa rebuild their lives. Click here to find out how you can support this cause and make a difference!


Learn More

Congratulations to JFS' Alma Cothias for Completing the MetroWest Health Leadership Program!

JFS is proud to announce that Senior Director of Immigrant Services, Alma Cothias (pictured second from the right) has completed the 2024 session of the MetroWest Health Leadership Program!


An initiative of the MetroWest Health Foundation, the program selects ten individuals who work at nonprofits or municipal health/human service organizations in the Metrowest region to participate in knowledge and skill building sessions that take place over a six-month period, January to June. Sessions are conducted using an interactive curriculum and participants use their learning to work together and develop innovative solutions that address local health issues.


Congratulations to Alma and the Class of 2024 and thank you to the MetroWest Health Foundation for creating opportunities for our community's leaders to learn and innovate together!


Learn More

Everyone Needs an Updated COVID-19 Vaccine This Fall, Especially Older Adults

August is National Immunization Month! It's important for Older Adults to get vaccines and boosters yearly, because they are at the greatest risk. The pandemic may be over, but COVID-19 is still affecting people. The experts and social workers of Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions are here to help! In this article, elder expert Malka Young details how COVID-19 is still rampant in 2024, why it is important to get booster vaccines and what the CDC recommends.


Click here to learn more about how COVID-19 has affected Older Adults and how to prepare for the cold season!


Stay safe and healthy this season by ensuring you're up to date with your vaccinations. Your health and the health of those around you depend on it.


Learn More

JFS Partners with Daniel’s Table to Provide Clothes and Personal Care Items to 100 Families in Need!

Recently, JFS in collaboration with Daniel's Table held a pop-up event in Framingham! JFS pop-up events are an extension of the JFS/FPS Resource Room where clothes, shoes and other items are brought to and set up at locations in the community so that families can select and receive items at no charge, close to where they live and work so that barriers such as transportation do not prevent them from getting items they need but may not otherwise be able to afford.


We were able to help over 100 families in the Framingham area from this event alone!

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and partners at Daniel's Table for another successful event! 


Learn More

UPCOMING EVENTS

Kick off the 2024-2025 school year on a positive note by extending your support to the children in the Metrowest area. JFS of Metrowest warmly invites you to participate in our 13th Annual Build-A-Backpack Event.


This initiative is dedicated to aiding low-income students by providing them with essential school supplies. Bring an empty new backpack, JFS will have the supplies! The completed backpacks will be distributed to the children in our community who are most in need.


This event is complimentary and open to everyone. However, we do require registration to ensure we have sufficient supplies for all participants.



Also, this year we have the opportunity to DOUBLE our impact - help JFS help more students in need by making a donation today!


Register here for this year’s event and make a difference in a child’s educational journey!


Click here to learn more

MEET THE STAFF

Sobely Katzman 

Operations Manager

 

For the last fifteen years I worked for Commonwealth Care Alliance “CCA” where I pioneered the development of various administrative initiatives and projects. In my last position as a manager, I was responsible for the Durable Medical Equipment Unit overseeing the day-to-day operation and 14 staff members. The unit was responsible for supplying medical supplies to more than 30,0000 members across the state of Massachusetts among three other states in the USA.

JFS has unique programs that are offered to the community. I will help improve day-to-day operations, as well as develop workflows with the administrative staff to support the needs of our clients, programs, and our agency overall so that we may better serve the community.

Amira Elamri

Housing Specialist

 

I am currently in school to finish my second bachelor’s degree in legal studies from University of Massachusetts. I enjoy cooking and exploring new places with my husband and three kids. Prior to my work in JFS, I used to work as a special education assistant teacher in a public school. Ever since immigrating to the United States, I have been volunteering with immigration agencies.

I am a Syrian Immigrant myself and I know firsthand how immigrants struggle when they come. JFS is the perfect hand that immigrants need to be able to thrive.

Clarisa Mildred Lopez 

Personal Care Homemaker

 

I was born in Guatemala City and graduated from Mariano Galvez University. I am a mother to three children and came to the United States with the hope of getting ahead in life. It was then that I decided to continue my education to help older adults. I worked for 14 years in Guatemala City at a children's care center. During this new phase of life, I want to take care of older adults, to fulfill my passion after helping older neighbors as a child. My last job in the U.S. was at the Residence Paine Estate in Wayland caring for older adults.

The work JFS does is very important because we are working with a very vulnerable community and if we can help them guarantee their well-being and quality of life by providing them with emotional, social and physical support. We must do it with all the love and affection just as God has served us.

Click here to meet more new members of the JFS team!

NEED HELP?

Introducing JFS of Metrowest's Home-Share Program!

JFS of Metrowest, in collaboration with the City of Framingham Office of Community Development and with the Framingham Council on Aging - Callahan Center has launched the Framingham Senior Home-Share pilot program. This innovative program connects older adults with extra space in their homes with others looking for affordable housing to rent.


If you are interested in participating in this program, please click here to complete the form and a representative will contact you shortly. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this program, please contact Diana O'Brien via email dobrien@jfsmw.org or by phone at 508-875-3100 x 700.  

Need help caring for an aging loved one?

JFS Geriatric Care Managers can help.

Ready for Success Employment Support

JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.



Learn More

Are you in need of mental health services? 

Click Here

JFS Supports Our Veterans

Meeting with the Brothers for Life team in Israel.

JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure

no veteran is left behind.


Read reflections from CEO Lino Covarrubias about his participation in CJP's Innovation Mission Trip as Israel works to Build Back Better in the wake of the October 7th attack.


Click Here for Resources for Veterans

WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER!

Family Assistance Network (FAN) Food Support Volunteer

Role & Responsibilities

  • Support FAN staff by assisting with tasks related to helping clients obtain adequate food
  • Meet with clients to assist with pantry use
  • As requested by staff, gather food from the pantry and deliver it to the clients house
  • Organize and update food related resources for staff and client use
  • Calls to area pantries to update the pantries list
  • Assist clients with basic SNAP applications
  • Create pamphlets/information sheets for clients to save money and eat well on a budget
  • Additional administrative tasks to support the program


Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Any background in human services is helpful


Preferred Skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills for working with clients
  • Highly organized
  • Strong phone and computer skills
  • Comfortable with phone research and computer searches
  • Able to work independently once trained and set up
  • Comfortable with paperwork and managing documentation



A flexible schedule is helpful but not required.

Flexible expectations in case the needs of the program shift from week to week


Interested? Click here to complete the form!


GET INVOLVED

Our Staff is Growing!


Homemakers and Personal Care Homemakers needed!


RN/LPN (PRN)


Click here to learn about other job openings!


Support JFS of Metrowest clients through Second Chance Cars!

Second Chance Cars is a Massachusetts nonprofit with a mission to connect low income working adults with affordable vehicles so they can maintain living wage jobs and support their families.

SCC solicits “gently used” car donations from the public and offers in return:
  • The highest tax deduction – the car’s retail value
  • The most rewarding donor experience – meeting who got your car
  • The most impact – getting someone to work


Make a Legacy Gift to JFS of Metrowest and

Join the JFS Generation to Generation Legacy Circle


Your concerns and priorities have helped shape JFS today. Your legacy gift will help shape tomorrow.


To ensure that the values and concerns that have inspired your involvement in JFS will endure for generations to come, consider:


- Including JFS in your estate planning -

- Making a gift to JFS as a bequest in a will or trust -

- Designating a gift to the JFS Endowment Fund -


Together, we can maintain the agency’s promise to the community to stand up for those left behind.


Contact Jayne Lampert, Senior Director of Philanthropy today

to learn how you can become a member of the Legacy Circle

 Email: jlampert@jfsmw.org - Call: 508-875-3100 x 430


PARTNER INFORMATION

Framingham History Center is hiring a Part-Time Community Engagement Manager

Job Responsibilities:


• Outreach Partnerships: Serve as an ambassador and facilitator for the Framingham History Center, building relationships and partnerships with institutions that align with our mission in order to meet the needs of our diverse community.

• Community Events: Oversee our presence at community events, including Farmer’s Markets, festivals, and other local tabling opportunities.

• Development Support: Play a crucial role in the coordination and scheduling of engagement

opportunities with donors and sponsors, building skills and learning best practices in the field of Development.


Click here to apply!

Framingham History Center is hiring a Part-Time Education Manager



Job Responsibilities:


  • Educational Programming Leadership: Oversee the comprehensive Third Grade Program with plans for expansion to other grade levels, ensuring programs are engaging, educational, and accessible.
  • Curriculum Development: Spearhead in-school project development, including the creation of innovative lesson plans, docent training programs, and the traveling trunks initiative, to bring local history alive within schools at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
  • Onsite Tour Development: Create engaging tours for onsite visitors to explore temporary and permanent exhibitions at the Framingham.


Click here to apply!

JFS COMMITTEE ON ANTI-RACISM & FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
Want to learn what you can do to respond when incidents happen in the community? Sign up to attend a future training and become an Active Bystander.

To learn about upcoming news and events as they occur, like/follow the JFS Committee on Anti-Racism and Fighting Antisemitism social media channels, and CLICK HERE for a list of resources specific to this work.

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ABOUT JFS

DID YOU KNOW THAT...


  • JFS is a multi-year recipient of the 4-star Charity Navigator rating with a 100% PERFECT SCORE! Less than one-tenth of one percent of charities rated earn a perfect score.
  • JFS serves over 7,800 individuals yearly, 40% of whom are not Jewish
  • JFS engages over 300 volunteers across 17 programs
  • JFS distributed over 7,000 clothing items for children of low income families in the past six months
  • JFS serves 3,500 older adults by increasing access to healthcare and safe aging solutions
  • JFS, in partnership with CJP, distributed 6,000 holiday meals for Passover and Rosh Hashanah
  • JFS resettled almost 300 displaced refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Venezuela in partnership with local faith organizations
  • JFS works hand in hand with immigrants and families from 60+ countries
  • JFS is a community convener in the areas of bigotry and antisemitism
  • JFS works with over 100 collaborative community partners throughout Massachusetts
  • 80% of JFS' total annual revenue is philanthropic dollars, supported by donors like you!


Partner with JFS and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Make a donation now!

Thank you to all who partner with JFS to
Accelerate Social, Academic and Health Equity in our community.

Your help is needed - get involved today!
JFS of Metrowest | 508-875-3100 | info@jfsmw.org | JFSMW.org
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