Proving support for life’s challenges…… one person, one family at a time
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As summer rolls in, JFS is still going strong in many directions.
One issue with distributing food to those with food insecurity, can be the dearth of healthy, yummy fresh fruits and vegetables. It is much less expensive and easier to produce, procure, store and distribute packaged items. JFS is combating this problem in two ways. We share a community garden at the JCC growing fresh vegetables to distribute. Also, Dogwood Farms, a generous community partner/supporter, donates produce. This harvest is then distributed by JFS to those who need it.
On the Covid front, as our nation continues (God willing) to recover from the pandemic and our response to it, JFS is trying to return our operations to a more normal mode. Hopefully, we can all take the good things we’ve learned and the useful infrastructure we’ve developed and carry it with us as we return to more in person interactions serving our community.
At this time, I personally want to take this opportunity to wish everyone reading a great summer. But I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters: individuals and businesses. Without your help, we could not do what we do!
Alex Marcus
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Summer Happenings at JFS
As you can see from these pictures, our fresh produce program is off and running. The produce on the right is donated by Dogwood Farms and is being distributed to about a dozen families each week and the string beans being displayed below are the first produce from the Community Garden at the JCC. Some of the produce from the garden will be shared with clients of JFS. Pictured at the bottom is Stefan from Dogwood Farms.
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JFS Welcomes 2 New Student Interns
Jenna Holden- Rutgers Masters in social work student- will be interning in special needs group programming, the family mentor program and assisting with the summer produce project
Brianna Wilkerson- Rutgers masters in social work- will be interning in The Family Mentoring Program, Senior Friendly Visitor Program and grocery program
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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.
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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
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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!
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“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
For more information, please contact us at 908-725-7799 or admin@jewishfamilysvc.org.
All volunteer activities are fully supported by JFS licensed clinical social workers
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Sponsor Spotlight
This Month We Highlight & Thank Our
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
Click here to see all the 2021 sponsors and link to the website.
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July United Way Caregivers Coalition virtual Munch & Learn Programs
“Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Funeral Planning But Were Afraid to Ask”
This event is for unpaid family caregivers and the providers who support them.
Munch & Learn
Tuesday, July 13th 11:00am – 12:00pm
Online Event via Zoom
Many of us would prefer to not even discuss end-of-life issues. But, inevitably, we will all have to deal with them, be it for ourselves or our loved ones. So, what do we need to know, what do we need to think about, and what decisions are best made in advance when the time comes to plan for a funeral? And what lessons have we learned about funeral planning from the Covid pandemic? Can we continue to honor family and cultural traditions in the face of a public health crisis? Join us for the conversation and learn what you need to know from an expert, Stephen J. Priola, Manager of Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service. Individual questions will be encouraged and addressed. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtde2srTgrGtWAS0euoDmDyMNOLLRMmLAm
“How a Geriatric Care Manager Can Help Family Caregivers”
This is an event for unpaid family caregivers only.
Caregiver TimeOut Group
Tuesday, July 20th 10:00am – 11:00am
Online Event via Zoom
Caregiving and navigating the eldercare system can be a daunting task. Many people just don’t know where to turn. A geriatric care manager guides the family through assessing the needs of the older person, developing a care plan to include resources, advocacy, crisis intervention, and caregiver education. Presented by Anne P. Grogan, MSW, CCM, APG Eldercare Services.
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JFS Tributes
To share a joyous occasion or acknowledge a sadness, click here.
This Month's Tributes:
To Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Slass, In Honor of Emily, Jenny and Michael’s Graduations, From the Prezant Family
To Mr. Mel Rimmer, In Honor of His Special Birthday, From Mark & Laurie Berlin
To Ms. Florence Zevin & Family, In Memory of Her Sister Lillian Looney, From Joan Flynn, From Steven & Jeanmarie Fledman, From Robert & Elise Prezant, From the Board & Staff of JFS
To Ms. Kate Gullo, In Honor of Her Son’s Graduation, From the Board & Staff of JFS
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Celebrate Your Simcha with a Mitzvah Beautifully Designed Bimah Baskets
We transport to and from your event.
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Your tax deductible donation directly supports our Emergency Assistance and Holocaust Survivor Programs.
Mazel Tov on Your Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!
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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 eprezant@jewishfamilysvc.org 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.
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Upcoming Jewish Life Events
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Click here for more information on Jewish LIFE program and events.
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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
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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
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Resources for Those That are Unemployed
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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 eprezant@jewishfamilysvc.org with any specific questions or concerns regarding your job search.
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Employers
Did you know that JFS can advertise your job openings to hundreds of job seekers at no cost to you.
Send job leads to eprezant@JewishFamilySvc.org.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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Keshet is a national organization focused on LGBT+ in the Jewish community
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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.
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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.
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Sharsheret is a Jewish breast cancer organization that helps women and their families face breast cancer
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Sign up with Amazon Smile
and JFS benefits when you make a purchase
Click here to see how JFS Changes lives every day.
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