Whether you were celebrating Mother's Day or simply enjoying the spring weather, many of us found comfort through family connections this weekend. JFCS is committed to supporting the needs of families throughout these uncertain times - from food distributions to children currently missing out on school supplied meals, to providing engagement for teens, to webinars and blogs on parenting, to feeding our seniors - JFCS is here for all.

What are we doing right now?
  • Last week we held our regularly scheduled pantry hours on Monday and Tuesday and continue to see an increase in visits. Our Mobile Food Pantry also made stops at Eggerts Crossing Village and Ethel McKnight Elementary School in East Windsor.

  • Virtual J-Serve Part II is Sunday, May 17! 6th - 12th graders can join by Zoom for projects benefiting hospitalized children, front line workers and local communities. Register by May 15.

  • May is Older Americans Month, time dedicated to recognizing the successes and challenges specific to the older adult population in our country. Last week our webinar focused on a topic very important to older adults, even more so in light of the current health crisis, "Seven Important Documents for Seniors." Andrea Gaynor, one of our geriatric care managers outlined key legal and medical documents that are critical for planning. View the full recording.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, connection is important to those who are experiencing emotional or mental distress.
Looking for someone to speak to? Do you need support?
  • Connect with a JFCS counselor during "Drop-in" Hours. You can connect one-on-one with a counselor who can provide personalized tips and support. Drop-In hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 AM - 12 PM, Tuesday & Thursdays 5 - 7 PM. Call us at 609-987-8100 and Dial 0.

Find more information and advice in our weekly webinars:
  • Upcoming Webinar! Tuesday, May 12 at 3:00 PM "Pandemic Parenting: Tools for Now & After" Claire Brown, LSW will address how parenting has demanded a new balance during COVID-19 but also focus on strategies and approaches that can be used when the crisis has passed. Join by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 923 1372 6439.
  • Save the Date for next week's webinar, Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 PM "Grieving the Loss of Normal" led by Linda Kanner, LCSW. See site for more info.
  • See recordings of previous webinars on JFCS Mercer Youtube page. Topics have included Managing Anxiety, Skills for Stress Management, and understanding lessons we can learn about resiliency.
Follow our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all month for more Mental Health Month resources.

  • Our Resource Page is a wealth of knowledge blog posts from our team and new links to resources.

What is in the works?
  • We have been awarded funding through the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks Jewish Community COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to expand our Kosher Meals on Wheels program to provide more meals to our current clients and reach more seniors who are in need of supplemental meals.

What can you do?
  • If you are looking for a way to give back and are interested in our volunteer opportunities, contact Eden Aaronson at EdenA@jfcsonline.org.
  • If you or someone you know needs emergency food - call us.
  • If you or someone you know could benefit from our counseling support - call us.
We are so grateful for all who helped us surpass our Giving Tuesday Now goal last week. Together, we raised over $44,400! We ask if you have not yet given, consider a donation, today, tomorrow, or in the coming weeks. This campaign was just the beginning. We know that there will be a lasting impact from the current health crisis which will continue to increase demand for our services.   Each dollar donated is worth even more when it means we can reach another person, another family, another senior in need.