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.

25 Years of Dedication

This month, we sat down with Debby Alter (née Aneis) who celebrated her 25th year of service working at JFS Middlesex. Amidst several caseloads of individuals filing for citizenship, green cards and petitions for family members, Debby maintains a level of focus, professionalism and compassion for her work as Accredited Representative and Program Director of JFS Immigration & Citizenship Services.

"I'm a child of immigrants, and I realized how hard it was for my parents to make the adjustments that they needed to make which they didn't always make completely. Often the children of immigrants have to take on that role [of representative]. So, I wanted to help people in that position because it felt familiar and most rewarding."

When asked about her longevity with JFS, Debby affirms, "Firstly, I support the mission. And I feel it is very important for a Jewish agency to have a presence in Middlesex County. And as corny as it sounds, I really like being able to help people. I realize now more than ever Immigration is complex...help is needed to help immigrants understand what they are eligible for and the challenges they will face when they are not eligible for immigration benefits."

Debby started off at JFS as a volunteer, delivering meals to seniors with her friend and children in tow before being hired to help immigrants apply for U.S. citizenship. She became accredited by the Department of Justice in order to fully represent and help immigrants and refugees achieve their immigration goals. She maintains a sense of humor, "What would I be doing if I wasn't working at JFS? Babysitting. Babysitting my grandchildren." She quickly recenters and adjusts her response to: "Delivering meals. And I really do feel good about helping people through JSS (Jewish Social Service Committee). I see the situation they are in, and if there is anything we can do to help them I'm really happy to facilitate it." Read more on the challenges and fond memories Debby has experienced at JFS over the past 25 years.

We thank Debby for her dedication and hard work through all the ups and downs of the last 25 years – thank you Debby, your JFS family loves you! 

Recognizing the Signs of

Compassion Fatigue

Given so many recent events, the term compassion fatigue has come into the current landscape. The horrific nature of mass shootings, earthquakes, war and other devastating events, it is not surprising to wonder if we are all experiencing an unwanted loss of empathy and compassion. Since we all are plugged into news 24 hours a day now, you see events in a much more visual and affecting way. This type of event can be labeled vicarious trauma. That is when we see a traumatic event which we are not directly involved with but still affects us emotionally. Some symptoms of compassion fatigue can include exhaustion, disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, headaches, stomach upset, irritability, numbness, a decreased sense of purpose, emotional disconnection, self-contempt, and difficulties with personal relationships.

If you are feeling symptoms of compassion fatigue, reconnect yourself with relationships that matter to you and disconnect more with those that don’t. Watch the news less and be with your family and friends more. It is not uncommon for us to feel varying levels of empathy for different events. That differing level empathy is also connected our own lives and whatever troubles we may be living through ourselves. Having compassion fatigue does not mean you’ve lost your sense of caring for the people around you. It simply means that sometimes we need to take a break and save our strength for another day.

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 isit www.jfsmiddlesex.org/counseling. 

JFS Kosher Food Pantries have been selected to receive $1 from every Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet sold during the month of March 2023 at the Stop & Shop located at 647 Route 18 South, East Brunswick NJ. 

Spring may be a few weeks away, but the flowers are in bloom! Look for the Bloomin' 4 Good red sticker on bouquets at the East Brunswick Stop & Shop to support JFS' Kosher Food Pantries.



If flowers aren’t your thing but you would like to help JFS keep the pantry shelves stocked, contact us to arrange a food drive or donation or donate online at jfsmiddlesex.org/donate. We thank you for your support!

Get to Know JFS...

We have full- and part-time positions available.

View job descriptions at: www.jfsmiddlesex.org/employment

Send résumé/C.V. & cover letter to office@jfsmiddlesex.org

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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