A weekly e-newsletter from JFS of Middlesex County

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.

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Our Community Comes Through Again This Holiday Season

Gift-giving season is rapidly approaching! In this challenging socioeconomic climate, many families are reaching out to JFS for help. With a steep increase in the number of families requesting assistance, it is only with the aid of our community that we are able to help so many.


Picture-Left: Maureen O., NJDOW and Lisa B., JFS Women’s Center. North Brunswick Domestic Violence Response Team (NBDVRT) members dropping off gifts.

Representatives from Hadassah Stonebridge of Monroe delivered gifts.

Toy donations from the community.

Thank you to everyone who donated toys and gifts this holiday season. You can still help by donating online at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate. Thank you!

Empowered Youth Inspires Others to Give Back This Holiday Season

This giving season, JFS was reminded of the positive contributions emerging young adults have on the community. Meet Hayden R., a Monmouth County resident, who has spent the past few months preparing for her Bat Mitzvah and organizing a toy drive to benefit children whose families are part of JFS programs. With the support and guidance of her parents, family and friends, Hayden inspired her guests to share her wish of gifting toys to children of all ages this holiday season. 


In addition to toys, she raised $545 in gift cards to distribute to teens so they too can enjoy the holiday season by purchasing essential items. 


Through her thoughtfulness and generosity, Hayden is helping JFS spread joy for the holidays. Thank you, Hayden, for all your efforts and we hope you and your family and friends enjoyed your Bat Mitzvah! Your caring and generosity is humbling and inspiring and we know you have a bright future ahead of you.


If you would like to make a donation to JFS programs and services visit us online at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate or call 732-777-1940.

In Memoriam:

Long-Time Volunteer Will Be Missed


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long-time JFS volunteer, Diane Altman. Diane has been the Volunteer Coordinator for the Kosher Meals on Wheels (KMOW) program for more than two decades. She scheduled all the volunteers delivering KMOW to the Monroe area, a very complex and important job with 11 routes, and also obtained substitute drivers as needed, sometimes at the last minute.



Diane was a powerhouse of energy and spirit, and she will be sorely missed. Last month, our agency sent Diane a tribute with well wishes for her health. This is how she responded: 


“Dear Sara and everyone I have known at Jewish Family Services, I have had the privilege and honor of working with you for 27 years. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Fondly, Diane Altman”


Diane, the honor and pleasure was all ours. Rest in peace.


Diane wished memorial contributions to be made to Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County in memory of her work and the community she was a part of at JFS. Donate at: https://jfsmiddlesex.org/tribute/.

Café Europa:

Bringing Holocaust Survivors Together

Rain couldn't keep members of Café Europa from gathering and enjoying some lively entertainment and good food. More than 50 Holocaust survivors attended last week's luncheon. Many survivors only feel genuinely comfortable among others who have shared similar experiences and instinctively understand each other.

The group was happy to see Fay Ross (pictured left), Coordinator of JFS Holocaust Survivor Services, who works hard to make sure that JFS’ nearly 200 survivors have essential services to remain in their homes safely and comfortably after a life marked by trauma and upheaval. 

Café Europa is a monthly socialization program that encourages and supports bonds among Holocaust Survivors while they enjoy nutritious food and live entertainment. The name comes from a cafe in Stockholm, Sweden where survivors would meet after the war to try to find family and friends.



JFS staff and volunteers enjoy helping out at Café Europa, seeing first-hand how much our survivors relish the time with their friends. Please consider a donation to ensure that our survivors have the critical services they need to age in place: 732-777-1940, office@jfsmiddlesex.org, or donate online today. Thank you!

Pictured (from left): Keith Zimmerman with JFS staff, Judy Cavaliere and board members and volunteers, Jack Goldberg and Jeff Einbond. 

JFS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

JFS is grateful for the support of our sponsors and community partners.

Parker Health Group, Inc.

To contact JFS of Middlesex County:

call: 732.777.1940 email: office@jfsmiddlesex.org

visit: www.jfsmiddlesex.org

North Brunswick Office


219C Blackhorse Lane

North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Monroe Township Office


1600 Perrineville Road, Suite 52

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

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