Dear Friends, 

Words can hardly express the gratitude I feel towards everyone who attended and supported the Breaking The Silence, Building Resilience event last Thursday. It was a resounding success, and we achieved it together—as a team, as an organization, and as a community. If you were with us, I sincerely thank you for your presence and your contributions towards our mission of making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by trauma and crisis. Together, we raised over $315,000 for our trauma informed programs. 

For those who could not attend, I invite you to enjoy the photo gallery included below. 

I am continually inspired by this community's spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world). 

As Passover approaches, we are reminded that the essence of this holiday is about resilience. Goodman JFS serves as the light that shines through the darkness for many of Broward County’s most vulnerable residents, and it is because of YOU that we can offer them a chance for a brighter, more resilient future.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at Goodman JFS, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and meaningful Passover.

Sincerely, 
Randy Colman
President & CEO
Highlights and Happenings
Our Breaking The Silence, Building Resilience fundraiser was designed to inspire, educate and entertain and was underscored with messages of resilience, community and the power of support. 

The program included a tribute to Howard and Gwen Dvorkin, Stacey Udine and the entire Board of Directors of Parkland Cares for their steadfast commitment to mental health and social services in Broward County. It also included an engaging conversation with TikTok star and Jewish activist Montana Tucker, who offered enlightening perspectives on the positive power of social media; a moving testimonial from a Goodman JFS client illustrating the life-changing effects of our programs and her path to resilience; and finally, renowned comedian Sarge entertained us, reminding everyone of the importance of laughter, even in the face of adversity. A special thank you to co-chairs Betsy and Mike Masarek for their unwavering commitment to providing high quality mental health to Broward County residents. 
If you’d still like to support, it’s not too late.
KESHET Professional Development Training 
Goodman JFS’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, where everyone feels a sense of belonging, remains a top priority. We are proud to share that we have completed our professional development training with Keshet. Keshet is dedicated to achieving full equality for the LGBTQ Jewish community, ensuring that communities offer welcoming spaces for all members. We are eager to apply the insights and strategies gained from this training across all Goodman JFS programs. 

Fun Fact: Keshet means rainbow in Hebrew
Purim Packages with Purpose
Purim symbolizes the triumph of good over evil; community and solidarity; charity and generosity; and of course joy and festivity. 

In the spirit of Purim, Temple Solel of Hollywood generously donated and assembled over 400 Mishloach Manot (Purim baskets) filled with treats including cereal bars, peanut butter crackers, juice, groggers (noisemakers) and more. Plus, thanks to the generosity of Lu Fiegler, Cultural Community Liaison for Goodman JFS’ Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard, baskets also included traditional hamantaschen cookies.   

Goodman JFS extends its deepest gratitude to Temple Solel of Hollywood and Lu Fiegler for their invaluable contributions which brought dignity and joy to families in need this Purim. 
Passover Partnerships: A Community United in Giving
Across the county, our community is coming together in a tremendous display of unity this Passover. From food drives to packing events, Goodman JFS and its generous partners are on a mission to distribute 1,100 Seder meals and gift bags, including hand-written greeting cards, to those in need. Holocaust Survivors and seniors will receive prepared Seder meals and a gift bag, while younger families will be gifted large family-sized bags filled with holiday essentials.
A sincere thank you to ALL our supporters for bringing this mitzvah to life: 
  • Donor and Board Member Amy Goldstein and daughter Sarah
  • Board Member Karen (Chani) Dennis and Young Israel of Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale 
  • Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El
  • Posnack School K-12
  • Jewish Federation of Broward County
  • Temple Dor Dorim
  • Temple Beth Emet
  • Temple Sholom
  • B'nai Aviv
  • Lanaar Elementary School
And as always, our incredible team at the Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard 

This Passover, through the collective efforts of our volunteers and the generosity of our community, we're not just delivering meals, we're delivering hope and the spirit of the holiday to every corner of Broward County. All Passover meals and baskets will be distributed and delivered on Sunday, April 14.

Passover begins at sundown on April 22 and ends at sundown on April 30. 
GOOD Work
211 Broward recently presented Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc., (CCLA) and Goodman JFS with the Non-Profit Award for Collaboration during the 13th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards. The award recognizes the achievements of the Senior Citizen Continuum of Care Project, a collaboration between CCLA and Goodman JFS.

Launched in 2018, the Senior Citizen Continuum of Care Project provides wraparound services for seniors, providing a continuum of care for low-income, vulnerable seniors to prevent homelessness and ensure they age in place. The two organizations collaborate to provide these seniors with legal representation, case management, financial assistance and social services.
Goodman JFS Upcoming Events
Virtual Bereavement Support Group
A group for individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Mondays | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. | FREE
Call 954-909-0888 for more information.
Parent to Parent Support Group
Join our monthly Giborim United and Joshua's Path support group for parents who are raising a child or an adult with exceptional needs.
April 17, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.| FREE
June - Cafe Europa Honoring Holocaust Survivors & 2nd annual Centenarian Club Celebration
Make a Difference. Make a Gift Today.
Goodman JFS is dedicated to empowering individuals
and providing exceptional social service.
CONNECT WITH US
Goodman JFS of Broward (GJFS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, providing programs and services to those in need in Broward County since 1963. A copy of the official registration SC-00196 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State or visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.