jfscharlotte.org

JFS’ Annual Family to Family campaign is our largest fund raising activity of the year. This year the campaign is especially critical to our ability to ensure JFS is able to fully meet the needs of our community. JFS continues to experience an increase in our community’s needs especially in the areas of mental health and support to seniors. The success of the Family to Family campaign is one way JFS is able to grow our capacity to meet these growing needs. 

Geared towards adults 60+ who have experienced trauma, grief or loss.

Whether this was during the COVID-19 pandemic or at an earlier time in life, these workshops will offer alternative ways to cope with the emotions associated with trauma. Multiple forms of stress coping practices will be explored using mindful breathing, gentle movement, music listening and rhythm-making, among other techniques.

The workshop series is 4 weeks, with 90-minutes sessions meeting once/week. All workshops are free but space is limited and registration is required. Participants will answer a brief screening questionnaire to assure the workshop is a good fit for them. Interested individuals can call JFS. Upcoming workshops are:

Wellness Through Movement: at Eastway Rec Center on Thursdays from 10:30 – 12:00 January 4, 11, 18, 25

Wellness Through Movement: at The Barclay at SouthPark on Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:00 January 11, 18, 25 and February 1

TLC Caregiver

An evidence-based psychoeducational workshop intended for those caring for someone with dementia or any chronic medical condition.

This is a 6-session workshop geared at addressing the common issues related to caregiving, such as stress, frustration, isolation and sadness. Practical and useful techniques to address these emotions are taught by a trained facilitator. While the group is not a support group, members do feel supported and engaged as they develop tools to assist them in their caregiving journey.

This group will be offered on Tuesdays from noon – 1:30, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6 & 13.

JFS, like many other non-profit organizations, relies on the support of our community. Monetary donations ensure we can provide necessary services like therapy, support groups, and programs and services. Volunteers help to keep things operating in a variety of capacities. No matter how long they’ve been with JFS, its volunteers that provide necessary time and energy.

We'd like to recognize and thank Frada for over 10 years of service to the Food Pantry. “Frada has been instrumental in operating the Food Pantry- maintaining inventory, updating most needed items and the menu, maintaining meticulous organization and ensuring adherence to strict guidelines the pantry is required to follow,” said Roberta Rodgers, JFS Community Liaison. We interviewed Frada to learn more about her and her experiences while volunteering over the years.

JFS: We appreciate your time and commitment. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved?

F: Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity to give back. I'm originally from Philadelphia, but have been in Charlotte for 40 years. I love to read, and have a Master’s degree with a background in history and library science. I worked for many years as a reference librarian at UNCC, and volunteered at the call center at Loaves and Fishes. During that time a friend shared information about the opportunity to volunteer for the JFS Food Pantry.

JFS: What do you like best about volunteering for the Food Pantry?

F: Before the pandemic began, I loved interacting with the clients. During Covid, we made changes to how we collect donations and distribute food. While there was less interaction, the curbside has been easier and more efficient. In addition to interacting with clients, I love the people I work with- volunteers, therapists, and JFS staff.

JFS: Please tell us a little bit about what you do for the Food Pantry.

F: I volunteer 2 times per week, and spend my time collecting donations, organizing items, and managing the food pantry inventory. Twice a month, I update the list of most needed items and I also update the food list/menu clients use to place their orders. My library experience and skills help to keep the food pantry shelves organized and well run.

JFS: Take us through the process of what happens to an item once we donate it.

F: Volunteers collect donations at our Food Pantry Drop Off days or from food bins across Shalom Park. From there, volunteers check the expiration date of each item and then place them on the designated shelf in the pantry. Twice a month clients fill out a form requesting needed items. Volunteers fill orders and clients either pick up orders on designated days or volunteers deliver orders to clients who lack transportation.

JFS: What is one thing you want people to know about the Food Pantry?

F: Many clients are older and never had to worry or ask for help in their life, but find themselves in the situation. Some families are immigrants. Some are just unexpectedly in a difficult situation and just need an extra hand temporarily. Hearing stories from our food pantry clients really brings to light how easy it is to lose security. When we supplement needs, we are really changing someone’s life.