A Letter from our CEO and Board Chair |
|
Dear JFS Family,
Although we might typically associate renewal with Spring, Fall brings with it its own new beginnings. We recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah, which rang in the year 5782. Our kids are starting a new school year (whether it be in-person or online), and we are preparing for what is likely another eventful season.
Fall is a time of transition and change. With the ever-changing state of the pandemic, it might seem like this autumn is particularly turbulent. However, just like the falling leaves, we encourage you to let go of your stress surrounding the unknown. Trust that JFS and your community are here for you and that when the time is right, we will all bloom again.
Our staff at JFS is here for you through all the seasons of life. Whether you are experiencing anxiety about sending your kids to school, transitioning into a new role at work, or navigating new family dynamics, you can count on us to help you work through times of change.
We hope this Fall is one of comfort, warmth, growth, and celebration.
Best,
|
|
Cathy Barker
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Julie Liberman
Board Chair
|
|
|
September 23rd is North Texas Giving Day! NTGD is about coming together in hopes of making more possible in the North Texas community.
When you make a donation to JFS now through the 23rd, your dollars translate to providing accessible and comprehensive care for community members of all ages regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay.
Your NTGD gift will make more possible by:
- Providing critical emergency financial assistance
- Delivering Kosher Home Delivered Meals to home-bound seniors and individuals with disabilities
- Distributing healthy food options through our Food Pantry
- Giving tools and resources to those who are looking for new careers or re-entering the job force
- Offering virtual and in-person support groups for guardians of individuals with special needs, family violence survivors, and so many more.
Last year, through North Texas Giving Day, JFS donors gave a record-breaking $86,215 to support our core programs and ongoing COVID relief efforts.
By increasing your donation this year, you are making more possible.
|
|
The holidays will be here before you know it! You can help make the holiday season a little brighter for JFS clients! “Embrace-A-Family” with love and support during the holidays by providing gifts. From single-parent households, to military veterans, to older adults struggling to get by on their own, we make a holiday celebration possible for those who would otherwise go without. There's more than one way to Embrace-A-Family this holiday season.
Let us know you'd like to be an Embracer and our Volunteer Engagement team will send you a description of the individual or family you're matched with, the items on their holiday wish list, and timeframe for delivery.
|
|
Your donation can cover the cost of last-minute gift requests and help to reach families who haven't been matched with an Embracer. Last year, these costs totaled about $2,000. NOTE: Please mark your designation as “Other” and write in “Holiday Gifts” or “Embrace A Family”. |
|
Save the Date for our JFS Town Hall |
|
Join us for a virtual town hall to learn more about what we accomplished together last year and our plans for the next year.
A live Q&A session will also take place with JFS Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Barker and Chair, JFS Board of Directors, Julie Liberman.
Thursday, October 14th, 2021
6:30pm - 7:30pm
|
|
Meri-Kay Star (right), with friends Karen Reisman and Robin Sachs at a JFS benefit concert in 2009
|
|
L'Dor V'dor: Three Generations of JFS Giving Podcast |
|
JFS has been fortunate to have three generations of support from the Gutman-Star family. It's remarkable that since JFS was founded in 1950, there has always been a Gutman-Star woman involved in making more possible for the individuals and families we serve.
We had the opportunity to speak with Meri Kay Star, a volunteer and donor, whose mother and grandmother not only passed on the importance of tzedakah, but their love for JFS as well. She is the fundholder of The Star Endowment Fund for Children’s Mental Health Services, which was established in honor of her family.
|
|
The JFS Lifeline: Rebecca's Financial Success Story |
|
There are few times in a person’s life that bring a sense of profound helplessness. The sudden death of a spouse or partner is one of those times. When this occurs, there is little time to say goodbye or get your affairs in order. JFS has often been a referral source for such occasions, and we are proud to offer services to widows and widowers on their journey to repair and rebuild their lives.
Such was the case of Rebecca*. Her husband of twenty years, with whom she shares three children under the age of eighteen, passed away quickly after being diagnosed with cancer. Before his death, Guy* came to JFS seeking a notary for his will and assistance for his wife. Guy was worried about Rebecca. How would she handle everything on her own following his death?
|
|
Learn about why we’re wild about our PLAN Clubhouse at a family-friendly day at the Dallas Zoo!
Sunday, October 17, 2021
1:00pm-4:00pm
Perks include:
Parking pass, shuttles to private pavilion, light treats, PLAN scavenger hunt, special animal encounter, and tickets to ride the carousel
Ticket Prices:
Family Pass: $120 ( Includes 2 Individual Tickets + 2 Youth Tickets)
Individual Ticket: $50
PLAN Member Ticket: $36
Youth Ticket: $25 (ages 3-12)
Free Admission for Society of Life Members
|
|
The purpose of PERK is to create social and support connections between adults who are raising children or caring for adults with special needs. PERK events are facilitated by professionals from the JFS Special Needs Resource Team and are designed to give parents tools and support for everyday challenges.
We are transitioning back to one meeting per month, so we hope you will make every effort to join us for an evening of community and connection on the dates below.
You can subscribe to text reminders for PERK meetings by texting "PERK" to (833) 502-0115.
Save the dates for our upcoming meetings:
October 14th, 2021
8:00pm - 9:00pm
November 11th, 2021
8:00pm - 9:00pm
December 9th, 2021
8:00pm - 9:00pm
|
|
Diaper Shower Collection During the Month of October! |
|
Did you know that food stamps don’t cover diapers? Without diapers, a child can’t go to daycare and without daycare, a parent can’t go to work to support the family. That’s why every year we ask the community to help us stock the JFS Food Pantry with diapers, pull-ups, and wipes for families in need.
JFS will be collecting diapers and wipes during the entire month of October for our annual Diaper Shower.
Diapers and wipes can also be dropped off at any of our satellite locations: Akiba Yavneh Academy, Anshai Torah, Goldberg Family ECC at the JCC, Ann & Nate Levine Academy, Congregation Shearith Israel, and Speech TX.
Since its inception in 2011, the JFS Diaper Shower has collected more than 1 million diapers and wipes to distribute in our community.
|
|
JFS Distributes Hundreds of Backpacks to Children in Need |
|
Many North Texas parents struggled with the decision to send their children back to in-person learning this school year due to the Delta variant, but they were also faced with the rising cost of school supplies. The average cost was expected to be as much as $270 per student this year, according to a study conducted by KPMG. Many of the families who turn to JFS for support are still reeling from the financial stress of the pandemic. The cost of new school supplies could mean not putting food on the table or being late on rent. |
|
JFS Celebrates New Dream Court |
|
Clients, clinicians, and community members alike gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of JFS new Dream Court, generously donated by Nancy Lieberman Charities and the David family.
This court will serve as a safe place and therapeutic option for pre-teens and teens to utilize during counseling sessions. Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.
The ceremony concluded with an open court, where teens got to shoot hoops with Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman and enjoy treats from an ice cream truck!
|
|
Drop off donations at JFS! |
|
We are accepting your gently-used items at the JFS Office!
5402 Arapaho Road Dallas, TX 75248
Donations accepted 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday
*Donors can bring items to the front doors and leave them in the bins in the vestibule
Do you have bulk donations or large furniture? Call (214) 710-1362 to schedule a safe donation pick-up from your home! Please anticipate a delay due to the volume of calls.
|
|
Designate JFS as your charitable organization of choice on AmazonSmile |
|
With everyone shopping online significantly more, we want to remind Amazon users to make sure you are shopping on AmazonSmile, which will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
Follow the 3 easy steps above to designate JFS as your preferred charitable organization! For more information click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
