Celebrating Volunteers, Legal Support, and Community Connections at JFS

APRIL 27, 2025

On behalf of everyone at JFS, we extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers who give so generously of their time, energy, and compassion to support our community.

Since January of 2025, our volunteers have contributed more than 1,400 hours to our agency. Their dedication makes a lasting impact, and we are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable group as part of our JFS volunteer family.

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we had the pleasure of welcoming our volunteers for a celebratory breakfast—a joyful morning of connection and community. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to make the event special.

A heartfelt thank you to Round Hill Community Church for graciously hosting us in their beautiful venue.

To every volunteer: Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your kindness uplifts our mission every day.

JFS Hosts Successful Legal Clinic with Volunteer Support

JFS hosted a legal clinic to provide education and guidance to clients navigating the asylum application process.

Thanks to an incredible team of volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and translators, dozens of individuals received the support and information they need to take their next steps with confidence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer who made this clinic possible. Your dedication to serving our immigrant community is deeply appreciated and truly inspiring.

A special thank you to Christopher Kelley, JFS Director of Immigration Legal Services, for his leadership and commitment to ensuring the clinic’s success.

Together, we are building a more just and compassionate community.

Bringing Vital Services to Norwich Housing Fair

Darly Mervius, Case Manager for the Refugee and Entrant Assistance (REA) program, represented JFS at the Community Housing Resource Fair in Norwich, CT—an event dedicated to connecting local residents with essential housing resources.

Based in the JFS Norwich office, Darly offered critical support to the immigrant community. Partnering with our longtime collaborators at the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, Darly provided information on the wide range of support available to new neighbors—including housing assistance, ESL programs, help with food insecurity, and referrals to other vital community services.

We are proud of Darly’s dedication and grateful for the opportunity to strengthen connections in the Norwich community.