Proving support for life’s challenges…… one person, one family at a time
|
|
The JFS Year in Review
What a year it has been!!
Unless you have been living under a rock and don’t have wi-fi, you know there has been a pandemic, a lot of virtual/zoom programming…
But what has JFS been doing? I think it can be broken down into two major areas.
At the end of the last JFS year/last spring and over the summer and beyond, the agency pivoted rather adeptly to serving people remotely. Food delivery continued physically but socially distanced. Hebrew free loan and emergency assistance continued as before as did supporting Holocaust Survivors in need of home care, coordinated by JFS, funded by the Claims Conference. Counseling went remote and so did most of the programs such as job seekers, Café Europa, special needs, family mentoring, Ohr Tikva, Family Life Education…
Secondly, we used this opportunity to build some infrastructure.
Zoom, Hybrid… We set systems so our team, including the clinicians, could counsel people over the internet. These changes also dovetailed with a grant we coordinated to assist seniors unfamiliar with Internet access to have some access using their television.
Expanding our volunteer base. While some felt unable to volunteer because of the pandemic, some folks had new found time or inclination to volunteer because of the pandemic. Hopefully, as previous volunteers return, the new volunteers will remain and our volunteer base will be even stronger. Last year volunteers donated more than 3000 hours of service, in addition to paying for their own transportation etc.
Financial stability and our dedicated staff is also part of our infrastructure. During the height of the pandemic, JFS maintained all of its employees on their regular hours. Hopefully, this commitment to our employees will help keep them as the dedicated team serving our community. JFS also benefited from a PPP loan. And we also, along with the whole Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Jewish Federation, worked on establishing a new relationship with the Greater Mercer County Jewish Foundation. We are hopeful to take advantage of synergies from this relationship in the future. One program in particular, they are helping us develop a Life and Legacy program. This program facilitates people maintaining their support of the institutions our predecessors left to them and that they have supported, and benefited from during their lives. Please contact us for more information on this opportunity. These donations will help build an endowment for JFS and throughout our community.
As a board and professional team we used zoom to meet and offer community events, which were also fundraisers. Our annual Soup for the Soul was a big hit. The community and speaker were virtual but the super yummy soup was real. Our Spring Symposium offered humor as well as a trip down memory lane through the Catskills.
We want to offer a special thanks to outgoing board member Monica Skydell and outgoing board member, board secretary (and souper :-) chef) Barbara Drew. We welcome Jill Lavitsky, David Singer and Carolyn Katz to the executive committee and thank Helaine Weisberg for her years on the executive committee helping to steer JFS through the up’s and down’s and especially during this past year of the pandemic. We also wish to thank Ruth Edelman for her many years of service as board member, agency president and agency professional.
Finally, I personally want to thank all of our supporters; JFS could not do its work without you. Among our supporters, as special shout out to our board and executive committee members for all your work. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank our professional team, lead adeptly but unassumingly by Jerry Starr, for their tireless devotion to the people we serve.
Have a great summer!
|
|
|
JFS LIFE & LEGACY
JFS thanks the family of Betty Roswell JFS Founder and First President
for the generous bequest gift to the JFS Endowment Fund in her memory, helping to ensure social services and mental health services will be available for future generations to come.
For more information about JFS LIFE & Legacy please visit our website:
Or call our Executive Director, Jerry Starr at 908 725-7799 x104
|
JFS Annual Meeting
Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties (JFS) held its’ Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2021
JFS’ 41st Annual Meeting was highlighted by the installation of its new Board of Trustees and Officers for 2021-2022 including Alexander Marcus, MD, President, Walter Yosafat, Vice President, Jill Lavitsky, Vice President, David Singer, Vice President, Joan Handel, Treasurer and Carolyn Katz, Recording Secretary. Returning Trustees include Bea Abrams, PhD, Cathy Binder, Olivia Edelman, Brian Engelstein, Debby Feldman, Jill Fuerst, Leora Isaacs, PhD, Steve Krauss, Esq., Nancy L. Lee, Kari Scaglione, David Singer and Gabrielle,Walborsky, Helaine Weisberg.
Joan Handel expressed appreciation for the service of outgoing board member Monica Skydell and Barbara Drew and for Helaine Weisberg who is stepping down from the Executive Committee for her many years of leadership.
JFS staff member Ruth Edelman, gave special recognition to volunteers in the Ohr Tikvah, Senior Shopper, Family and Senior Mentor programs.
President Alexander Marcus thanked the board for their hard work over the past year, welcomed the new officers on the Executive Committee and expressed appreciation to the outgoing board members. He also thanked the staff as they have adapted to working remotely, because of the current health crisis, and have continued to help all those coming to JFS for help without interruption.
|
Executive Director Jerry Starr
|
JFS Staff Member Ruth Edelman
|
Life and Legacy Co-Chair Jill Fuerst
|
President Alex Marcus, MD
|
Volunteer Spotlight
Family Mentor Q&A: “The Gift of Time”
Recently we connected with one of our compassionate volunteer mentors, Pam Tobman, who spent THREE years mentoring (our typical commitment is one year) a growing family with young children (seven total at the culmination of her time). Here’s our Q&A (paraphrased & edited for space):
Q: How have you changed because of your volunteer experience?
Originally, I thought that I’d be working mostly to support the mother in this family but as I became more involved, I realized my relationships and connection with the children benefitted the family unit as much as assisting their mom. Taking a few of the kids out for ice-cream or to the playground could give mom some respite from the busyness of everyone at home. I learned how to accept situations as they are rather than my expectations of them and then figure out ways to best help. I got to see up close how families do their best to care for each other.
Q: As you reflect on your time as a mentor, can you tell us a memorable moment?
During one of my visits to the apartment, I mentioned that I was headed out to the grocery store. The eldest daughter, who was responsible for many caregiving activities for younger siblings, asked if she could join me. As we walked through the aisles, I realized how important that alone time was for her. She never asked for anything at the store, just to get out and do something one-on-one. In that moment I understood how important and meaningful individual attention was for each kid.
Q: Would you become a mentor again?
Yes, absolutely. Sometime in life, everybody needs a helping hand. When I was young, JFS was there for me and my family so I know what a positive difference a person can make for a family. I am willing to enter this close type of relationship again. At the end of the day, the gift of time is the most important gift one can give.
|
|
Life and Legacy Program
The Jewish communal institutions of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties have proudly joined together to strengthen our roots through the launch of our Life & Legacy program. Our community-wide Life & Legacy program will create a unified approach to Legacy Giving across our organizations to ensure that our community will flourish for generations to come.
|
|
Partner Organizations: Chabad of Greater Somerset, Congregation B'nai Israel, Congregation Kehilat Shalom, Flemington Jewish Community Center, JCC Camp Ruach, Jewish Center of Northwest New Jersey, Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, Or Chadash, Shimon & Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Temple Beth-El, and Temple Sholom
With the guidance of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer & Harold Grinspoon Foundation's Life & Legacy program
|
|
Young Adult Social Club
On May 5 we held our first in person Young Adult Social Club meeting in over a year to plant veggies at the JCC in Bridgewater! Here is Jen and two of our club friends braving the persistent rain to put the plants in the ground. We planted pumpkin, squash, peppers & tomatoes! We can't wait to see how they grow this spring and summer!
|
|
|
JFS Support Groups
Rest….Relax….Rejuvenate Together!
A weekly supportive phone group for seniors during the Coronavirus Pandemic continues Tuesdays at 2 pm.
- Share thoughts and concerns
- Chat together in an accepting, confidential and welcoming environment
- Learn and practice stress relief exercises you can recall at home
- Recognize that we can move through this time TOGETHER
For more information or to register please contact Debra Rimmer, LCSW at 908-725-7799 X119 or [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer with JFS
WANT TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR SOMEONE ELSE?
WANT TO LEARN NEW SKILLS OR SHARPEN EXISTING ONES?
JFS VOLUNTEERS ARE PROVIDING IMPORTANT SERVICES DURING THE PANDEMIC. JOIN US!! VOLUNTEERING HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!
|
|
“While new to JFS, I can tell you (volunteering) brings instant gratification and a sense of fulfillment. I was drawn to JFS because their activities are rooted within the local community and thus have a direct impact on our neighbors. …I am thrilled to do something so simple and yet so vital to a senior’s life.” Jill
To discover what we have to offer, follow these links:
As part of our team you will receive: Training - Supervision – Support
All volunteer activities are fully supported by JFS licensed clinical social workers
|
|
Sponsor Spotlight
This Month We Highlight & Thank Our
Silver Level Sponsors
Roundview Capital, LLC
Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Debby Feldman
It’s not too late to join the list of 2021 Sponsors
If you would like to be a JFS Sponsor please contact Jerry Starr
Click here to see all the 2021 sponsors and link to the website.
|
|
JFS Tributes
To share a joyous occasion or acknowledge a sadness, click here.
This Month's Tributes:
|
To Mr. Jeff Dube, To Get Well Soon, From Jerry Starr & Pamela Keen
To Ms. Cathy Binder, In Memory of Her Daughter Rachel, From Larry & Beatrice Abrahms
To Mr. & Mrs. Steven Feldman, In Honor of Their Son Andrew’s College Graduation, From the Prezant Family, From the Board & Staff of JFS
To Mr. & Mrs. Charles Scaglione, In Honor of Their Daughter Julia’s Graduation, From the Board & Staff of JFS
To Mr. Eric & Ms. Jill Lavitsky, In Honor of Their Son Jonathan for Being Sworn into the Israeli Defense Force, From The Board & Staff of JFS
To Mr. & Mrs. Howard Weinberg, In Honor of Their Son Daniel’s Wedding to Jori Layton, From Jerry Starr & Pamela Keen
To Ms. Debra Wentz, Exec. Director & Staff, In Recognition of NJAMHAA’a 70th Anniverary, From the Board & Staff of JFS
To Ms, Suzanne Kalafer & Family, In Memory of Steve Kalafer, From David Neibart
To Mr. Edward & Ms. Leslie Weinberg, In Honor of Their Son Mark’s Graduation from Medical School, From Jerry Starr & Pamela Keen
|
|
Celebrate Your Simcha with a Mitzvah Beautifully Designed Bimah Baskets
We transport to and from your event.
|
Your tax deductible donation directly supports our Emergency Assistance and Holocaust Survivor Programs.
Mazel Tov on Your Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!
|
|
|
Upcoming JFS Program & Events
CAREER SERVICES
Job Seeker Success Group
The next JSSG will be held via Zoom on on July 7, 2021, 7 pm “Targeted Career Reinvention”, presented by Terrence Seamon, Executive Career Transition Consultant, The Ayers Group. Contact Elise Prezant at [email protected] to register and to receive the Zoom invitation.
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR SUPPORT SERVICES
Cafe Europa
A Monthly Group for Holocaust Survivors held via Zoom
Call Elise Prezant at 908-725-7799 X108 for more information
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Call 908 725-7799 x123 for more information about groups during the current coronavirus crisis. Supporting individuals with special needs and their families.
Social Club for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Developmental Disabilities
Monthly Meetings, Tuesday, 4:00-6:00pm
For info or to enroll contact JFS 908-725-7799
Social Learning Group
A 10-week program for youth ages 10-13, or 13-16, meets on Sundays, focuses on social, relationship and communication skills for youth struggling with peer relationships. Contact Jennifer Walters, LCSW at JFS 908-725-7799 for information.
Parent/Caregiver Support Group for the parents and/or caregivers of children with special needs. One Sunday afternoon a month. Please contact Jennifer Walters, LCSW at JFS at 908-725-7799 for more information.
Preschool Consultation for children with special needs. Staff training and consultation are also available. Please contact Jennifer Walters, LCSW at JFS at 908-725-7799 for more information.
|
|
Upcoming Jewish Life Events
|
|
Click here for more information on Jewish LIFE program and events.
|
|
|
2021 Sponsors
Platinum Level
Steve and Kathy Harris
Nancy L. and Arthur E. Lee
Gold Level
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
of Johnson & Johnson
Jill and Eric Lavitsky
Silver Level
Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Debby Feldman
Roundview Capital, LLC
Bronze Level
Advantage Promotions, LLC
Atlantic Health Systems
Susan and Steven Darien
The Doctor is In
EMKA Home Care Services
Dr. Steven and Mrs. Heidi Ginsberg
Alex and Debbie Marcus
Preferred Pension Planning Corporation
Senior Helpers
Somerset Pediatric Group
Joan and Steven Handel
The Wilf Campus for Senior Living
Friends
Dogwood Farms
Investment Title, LLC
Kearney Bank
Peapack Private
Radiant Webscapes
ShopRite of Hunterdon County
Skydell Contracting, Inc.
SSG Executive Advisory Group of Raymond James
Suplee, Clooney & Co
Helaine and Allan Weisberg
Walter and Denise Yosafat
Herz Biotechnology Consulting, LLC.
Additional Supporters
Creative Print Group, Inc.
Marcus Business Machines
Wiss & Company, LLC
Personally Yours
|
|
|
|
Board Officers
President
President Alexander Marcus, MD
Vice Presidents
Walter Yosafat
Jill Lavitsky
David Singer
Treasurer
Joan Handel
Recording Secretary
Carolyn Katz
Immediate Past President
Walter Yosafat
Past Presidents
Betty Roswell*
Alvin Levine
Rabbi Michael Abraham*
Kenneth Segal
Gilbert Pelovitz
Dossie Weissbein*
Jules A. Swickle*
Marc D. Geller, PsyD
Linda Jerrow
Stephen Offen
Ruth Edelman
Nancy Gorrell
Steve Harris
Nancy L. Lee
Charles N. Singman, PhD
Joan Handel
Helaine Weisberg
Walter Yosafat
Board Trustees
Bea Abrams, Phd
Cathy Binder
Olivia Edelman
Brian Engelstein
Debby Feldman
Jill Fuerst
Leora Isaacs, Phd
Carolyn Katz
Steven Kraus, Esq.
Jill Lavitsky
Nancy L. Lee
Kari Scaglione
David Singer
Monica Skydell
Gabrielle Walborsky
*Deceased
|
|
|
|
Resources for Those That are Unemployed
-
The first is a recent article in the Star Ledger – “A Survival Kit for all in NJ who are newly unemployed” which highlighted some useful information. Click here to read the article.
- LinkedIn is also a good source of information on companies that have an immediate need to increase their workforce as a result of the Coronavirus.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Elise Prezant, Career Counselor at 908-725-7799X108 or [email protected] with any specific questions or concerns regarding your job search.
|
|
Employers
Did you know that JFS can advertise your job openings to hundreds of job seekers at no cost to you.
|
Donate Your Unwanted Vehicle to JFS through the CARS program
Please call CARS at (877) Jfs-4-Cars or (877)537-4227. Proceeds from your donated vehicle directly support JFS programs and services.
|
The Evan Jaffe Memorial
Hebrew Free Loan Program
One-time interest free loans offered to address a specific financial problem. Loans range from $500 to $1,500 interest free.
To request an application, contact JFS of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties at 908-725-7799 or visit our website:
|
|
|
FAST, FREE & CERTIFIED TAX PREPARATION
United Way of Northern New Jersey is partnering with NORWESCAP and Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church to offer free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Call: 973-993-1160 x521
|
Apply for FREE Legal Help (908) 231-0840
Legal Services of Northwest Jersey (LSNWJ) is a private nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services to seniors and to people with limited income and assets in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren Counties.
|
Keshet is a national organization focused on LGBT+ in the Jewish community
|
|
Coronavirus Vaccine Information
A vaccine call center to assist individuals to pre-register for vaccine and make vaccine appointments, including those with no computers, will go live with call agents on Monday, January 25th. Call center hours of operation are 8 am-8 pm.
The call center number is: 855-568- 0545.
|
NJ's Register Ready
“Register Ready – New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters” allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs and their families, friends, caregivers and associates an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency.
|
Sharsheret is a Jewish breast cancer organization that helps women and their families face breast cancer
|
|
|
|
Sign up with Amazon Smile
and JFS benefits when you make a purchase
Click here to see how JFS Changes lives every day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|