As we approach the High Holidays, a sacred time in the Jewish tradition for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to our values, all of us at Jewish Family Services of Greenwich are grateful for the opportunity to serve a community made stronger by people of many backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and traditions.

Over the past year, JFS has continued to provide critical behavioral health services, food assistance, immigration legal support, older adult care, and youth and family programs to thousands of individuals and families across Connecticut.

Rooted in the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming the stranger), our mission extends to everyone. We proudly serve people of all ages, stages, backgrounds, faiths, and identities, ensuring that compassionate, high-quality support is available wherever, whenever, and however it is needed.

We are deeply grateful to our clients, supporters, volunteers, community partners, and neighbors who make this work possible and who share in our belief that caring for one another strengthens us all.

From all of us at JFS, Shanah Tovah to those who celebrate, and our warmest wishes to our entire community. May the year ahead bring health, peace, hope, and happiness to you and your loved ones.

JFS recently brought together participants in the Men Empowerment Network, a support group for Haitian clients, focused on building connection, community, and resilience. The event was coordinated by Yveline Dorlean, JFS Case Manager, whose leadership and dedication helped make the gathering possible.

The group provides a welcoming space where men can share experiences, discuss challenges, and support one another in a culturally responsive environment. The Men Empowerment Network reflects JFS commitment to empowering clients through programs that foster belonging, support, and personal growth.

A Big Win in Tough Times: We are thrilled to share that a Haitian client was officially approved for lawful permanent residence last week! After arriving in the U.S. at age 10, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allowed him to thrive, earn a UConn degree, and work at local nonprofits. When his status was stripped in July, his future hung in the balance, until JFS legal advocacy secured his life here for good.

This is just one example of why JFS Immigration Legal Services are so important right now. Here is what else JFS is doing to handle major updates from the past week:

• Keeping up with ever-changing policies: U.S. immigration rules are changing fast, bring new challenges, as well as new ways to get help. The JFS legal team follows these changes closely, working hard to protect local families and help them understand the new rules.

• Beating Strict New Deadlines: The U.S. government is starting tough new financial rules for immigration applications on September 18, 2026. They are also requiring brand-new versions of family sponsorship forms on October 1, 2026. The JFS team is rushing to fill out and submit perfect paperwork for our clients before these deadlines arrive, so their cases do not get delayed or denied.

• Helping Asylum Seekers: A top immigration court recently ruled that because the political leadership changed in Venezuela, it is now harder for people from that country to win asylum. JFS lawyers are working extra hard with our Venezuelan clients, gathering deep, specific evidence to prove they would face real dangers if sent back.

• Using Court Victories to Help Clients: We are following big court battles very closely. For example, a federal court just stopped enforcement of a rule intended to deny citizenship rights to certain children born in the U.S. Other courts have ordered the government to stop freezing applications without a clear reason. JFS relies on these court victories to push the government to process our clients' cases fairly.

By staying on top of these complex rules, JFS continues to keep families together and ensure our neighbors can safely build their lives here.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, emotional distress, or thoughts of suicide, support is available. The JFS Bennett Center for Behavioral Health provides compassionate, confidential mental health services for children, teens, adults, and families. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 203-622-1881 or visit our website.

Please join us for a meaningful and empowering free group experience focused on coping with antisemitism - a rising concern in the media, on campuses, and in our communities that stirs anger, fuels anxiety, and leaves many feeling uncertain about how to respond.

Upcoming sessions: September 15

Time: 7-8:30pm | In-person meetings – location details will be shared upon registration.

Click here for more information or email Jayme Schneider to register.

A heartfelt thank you to First Congregational Church of Greenwich for donating 50 fully stocked backpacks along with additional school supplies for local students. Their generosity is helping children and families prepare for a successful school year by ensuring students have the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Shabbat Services: Fridays at 1:00 pm via Zoom

Jewish Health & Healing Service: Monday, September 14 via Zoom.

For more information or to receive the Zoom link, please email Jayme Schneider.

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THANK YOU FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING JFS OF GREENWICH!

Jewish Family Services of Greenwich

67 Holly Hill Lane | Greenwich, CT 06830

203-622-1881 | info@jfsgreenwich.org | www.jfsgreenwich.org