No amount of rain could deter our survivors from attending our Café Europa Independence Day Cookout! If any group truly appreciates independence, it is our nearly 200 Middlesex County Holocaust Survivors. On June 24th, JFS fired up the barbecue and served our beloved survivors (indoors, of course!) freshly grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and other favorites. It wasn't just the food and spirit of independence that made the day so special – the group enjoyed the incredible talent of violinist, Alexei Yavtuhovich, and his brother, Dimitri, on the piano.

Together, the skilled musicians filled the room with soulful melodies that lifted spirits and brightened the stormy day for all. The event was a true celebration of independence and community, and we were honored to bring a smile to the faces of our brave survivors. Join us next time by volunteering once a month for this event. Call 732-777-1940 or email office@jfsmiddlesex.org to learn how you can help.

Café Europa is a monthly socialization program under JFS' Holocaust Survivor Services, which includes funding from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ. This program offers survivors crucial nutritional, social and medical services to help them age safely and comfortably with dignity at home. To learn more about this program or other JFS senior services, visit us online. To bring much-needed services to our survivors as they age into their 90s and 100s, please make a donation online: www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

Calling all community members!

JFS' Annual School Supply Drive is here and we're excited to invite you to be part of this incredible initiative. Together, we can help make sure that children in need have the essentials to succeed in the upcoming school year.

Donations of pen/pencil pouches, binders, notebooks, markers, and more are desperately needed. Please view the attached flyer for a complete list of the most requested supplies. Donated items may be dropped off at JFS' North Brunswick or Monroe locations through August 4th.

Please spread the word or host a collection for this great cause! Let's make sure that every child feels valued and empowered, and ready for success. For more information call 732-777-1940 or email womenscenter@jfsmiddlesex.org. To make a donation, visit our website at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate. Thank you for your support and generosity! 

Summer is the perfect time to focus on your wellness and self-care. Whether you take a break from your busy schedule to enjoy a moment of pause or seek to create a bit more harmony in your life, don't let the rainy days of summer dampen your progress. While we expect and hope for those warm beach days where we can soak up the sun or hike in the woods, there are plenty of indoor activities that can help you embrace a wellness routine on those less than sunny days.

Consider designating a space in your home where you can take a pause to read, meditate or mindfully enjoy tea or a healthy snack. If you enjoy yoga but can't make it to a class, identify 2 or 3 yoga poses you enjoy and take a 5-minute yoga stretch break at home or in your office. If you enjoy writing, start a journal with one or two experiences you would like to participate in this summer; describe the experience and who you'd like to include. Or create a gratitude journal where you identify what you're grateful for each day. Prioritizing your mental, physical and emotional health will require a shift in how you approach your day or meet challenges. Whether it rains or shines, you have the opportunity to focus on what you need and how best to nourish yourself. And if you need support, make sure to connect with loved ones or a professional to help you on your journey.

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Keeping Wellness in Mind is a monthly spotlight to promote wellness. Each month, JFS Counseling Services highlights practices promoting mental and emotional wellbeing. JFS Counseling Services provides professional behavioral health therapy to assist individuals, couples, and families in addressing life’s challenges. To learn more, call 732-777-1940 or visit www.jfsmiddlesex.org/counseling.