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L'Shana Tovah!

The Jewish High Holiday season is an important time of reflection and renewal and, regardless of whether you observe these holidays, the value and timeliness of this introspective period should not be overlooked. While the pandemic has certainly been front and center for many of us in our daily lives, other forces such as civil unrest from racial injustice, the worldwide refugee crisis, and shocking natural disasters have all contributed to significant increases in community needs.

JFS Delaware is positioned to be a leading voice and active participant in the solutions to the challenges our clients and community are facing. We are grateful for the recent increase in support that makes our work possible.

Wishing a happy and sweet new year to those who celebrate. May this time of reflection bring you and your loved ones peace, comfort, and connection.
WELCOMING & SUPPORTING REFUGEES IN DELAWARE:

Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS), the only refugee resettlement agency in the state of Delaware, is in close and consistent contact with state officials and national partners at HIAS regarding our state’s response to the crisis in Afghanistan. While no Afghan cases have been assigned to JFS Delaware’s Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) yet, the agency is scaling up significantly as we prepare to accept SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) and other refugee cases should they be called on to do so. We are prepared to support 10 families or up to 30 individuals between now and early 2022; this is in addition to the 50 refugees JFS was already planning to receive throughout this year from other countries.

Support from individuals, state and county representatives, faith-based organizations, local congregations, community volunteers, and other partners (landlords, employers, etc.) is crucial to ensuring the successful integration of these families seeking refuge in our state. We are all working closely together in anticipation of new arrivals.

GET INVOLVED: Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily at egriff@jfsdelaware.org or learn more and apply at www.jfsdelaware.org/volunteer

View additional information and updates HERE. This page will be updated as we have more details on incoming Afghan families and ways you can help.
First Taste of Rita's!
On August 18th, the RISE team welcomed a family of 3 from Rwanda. They are doing well and have moved in to an apartment; THANK YOU to everyone who helped with their arrival by donating home furnishings, volunteering time, and sharing connections for housing and other supports.

This past holiday weekend, they got their first taste of Rita's after being shown around town by outstanding volunteers!
Incoming Family of 5 From Jordan:

We are expecting a family of 5 from Jordan on September 20th and appreciate your continued support! The family includes 3 children—a 13-year-old son and two daughters ages 10 and 7—and they speak Arabic.

Please find the sign-up list of needed items for this family HERE. If you have any questions about donations, please contact egriff@jfsdelaware.org.
More ways to help:
  • Make a donation to RISE
  • Sign up to volunteer. Contact egriff@jfsdelaware.org
  • Share your contacts and connections (i.e. landlords, employers, lawyers, etc.)
  • Follow JFS on social media and help us spread the word about the refugee crisis
FOLLOW US on social media!
Keep up with what's new at JFS Delaware!
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Job Opening:

Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Position Type: In-Person and/or Telehealth
Salary: Depends on Experience
Why JFS: Clinical Supervision, PTO & benefits, growth opportunities and CEU's, flexibility, and more

Join the JFS team! We are looking for passionate, energized, and skilled professionals who share our goals and want to make a meaningful difference every day.

Blog Posts & Resources:

Coming Up:
JFS Memory Café 
Tuesday September 14th from 12:45-2:15PM
Location: Siegel JCC (101 Garden of Eden Rd)

JFS Delaware is resuming their Memory Café, which provides a safe, supportive space for individuals experiencing memory changes and their caregivers to enjoy engaging activities. Participants can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges through planned activities that stimulate creativity and connection, prompt socialization and support and provide resources and information. Caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend and participate.

Join us every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.
This program is offered in partnership with Ivy Gables Senior Living.

RSVP to Amie Baker at memorycafe@jfsdelaware.org or 302-478-9411
5th Wellness Summit (Virtual)
Thursday, October 21 at 7PM

Last fall, we focused on building resilience during a particularly difficult year. Yet, we know that the conversation around mental health and wellness and resilience needs to continue. With that in mind, we are looking forward to hosting the 5th Wellness Summit virtually with keynote speaker and resilience expert, Dr. G. Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka “Dr. G” works with groups across multiple generations to rewire their attitudes and beliefs toward a common objective and create resilience through personal accountability and a completely different approach to adversity.
 
Our goal is to make sure the 5th Wellness Summit meets the needs of our community at this exact time. Help us understand what you're looking for by completing this short survey.

Read the full Words of Wellness Newsletter HERE for more info and resources.
Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is a nonprofit human services agency with a mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services. With an interdisciplinary and innovative approach, we combine talent, expertise, and leadership to make our robust therapeutic and support services available to everyone, regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or special need.
99 Passmore Road
Wilmington, DE 19803

20684 John J Williams Hwy, Suite 4
Lewes, DE 19958

(302) 478-9411