Our Lunch with Friends program is growing! Part of JFS' Senior Services, Lunch with Friends is an interactive program providing healthy meals and stimulating conversation to keep seniors engaged and connected to the community.

With the support of our Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, JFS currently hosts this program at four sites: JFS' Monroe office, East Brunswick, North Brunswick and Highland Park. The gatherings offer a unique opportunity for seniors to come together to enjoy a nutritious kosher meal, share stories, and engage with new and old friends in the community. Led by experienced professionals, Lunch with Friends offers a warm, friendly environment for seniors to get out of the house and enjoy the company of others, warding off the negative effects of isolation felt by many older adults.

Volunteer with us! We are currently looking for volunteers in our Highland Park group on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 am - 2 pm, and Fridays, 8:30 - 11:00 am. If you are passionate about giving back to the community, enjoy spending time with seniors, and can spare a few hours, we would love to welcome you to our team. For more information, email michelleb@jfsmiddlesex.org or call 732-777-1940.

Lunch with Friends remains committed to enriching the lives of seniors each week creating a space where they can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. To learn more about this program and other senior services, email office@jfsmiddlesex.org. 

In the last decade, social media has served as a platform for connection, recreation, self-expression and news consumption. However, social media can also have a negative impact on mental health, particularly among youth who may be easily misled by misinformation and bullying. Parents are critical in helping children strike a healthy balance between online and offline activities by encouraging real-life engagement to boost confidence and self-esteem.

Promoting a healthy balance with phone usage starts with setting a good example. Spending quality time with family and engaging in meaningful activities outside the virtual world are priorities. Learning about when and why your child uses social media and helping them understand the importance of establishing clear boundaries on usage encourage children to live more offline.

Emphasizing face-to-face communication is crucial. Openly interacting with family and friends helps children develop emotional expression, empathy and meaningful connections outside the online realm. In addition, it is essential to have a supportive, nonjudgmental space for children to discuss social media experiences and challenges. Children should be guided to follow positive and inspiring accounts that promote healthy body image, self-esteem and mental well-being.

Finally, it's crucial to emphasize the value of offline achievements. Celebrate academic accomplishments, creative endeavors and personal growth outside of social media. This approach fosters a sense of confidence that is not solely reliant on virtual validation.

It is crucial to help our children navigate the digital landscape responsibly, striking a balance between social media and real-life engagement. By setting clear boundaries, fostering meaningful connections and emphasizing offline achievements, we can instill in them a sense of purpose, confidence and resilience. Empowering them to develop a healthy relationship with social media will not only benefit their mental health but also pave the way for a fulfilling and purposeful life beyond the screen.

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Keeping Wellness in Mind is a monthly spotlight to promote wellness. Each month, JFS Counseling Services highlights practices promoting mental and emotional wellbeing. JFS Counseling Services provides professional behavioral health therapy to assist individuals, couples, and families in addressing life’s challenges. To learn more, call 732-777-1940 or visit www.jfsmiddlesex.org/counseling.