There's Still Time to Give in 2025 – Click Here to Make Your Year-End Gift!

Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers who sorted and delivered Thanksgiving food at Hart Magnet School in Stamford! Their hard work and generosity ensured that families in our community would enjoy a festive holiday meal. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Meals on Main St. and Friendly Fridge for making this effort possible and for their ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity. This collaboration reflects the power of community and the impact we make when we work together.

Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers who sorted and delivered Thanksgiving food at Hart Magnet School in Stamford! Their hard work and generosity ensured that families in our community would enjoy a festive holiday meal. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Meals on Main St. and Friendly Fridge for making this effort possible and for their ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity. This collaboration reflects the power of community and the impact we make when we work together.

Tania Priatka’s work in immigration support services is deeply personal. Her grandparents came to the U.S. from Ukraine as refugees after World War II, and their stories of resilience shaped her perspective. “When the war in Ukraine began, that quiet awareness turned into a sense of responsibility -- even an obligation,” she shares. “JFS enabled me to turn that calling into purposeful action.”

As Senior Program Manager, Tania oversees refugee and immigrant resettlement programs for families from Ukraine, Haiti, Afghanistan, and beyond. Her role includes housing, employment, education, and healthcare access, as well as building partnerships and supervising a dedicated team. “At its core, my work is about creating systems of care that help families begin again with confidence and hope.”

The most rewarding part for Tania is seeing stability return to a family’s life -- watching parents secure jobs or children thrive in school. She draws strength from a quote by Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka: “I have no one to carry the world for me, so I must carry it myself.” For Tania, that means helping others carry their burdens and find their footing again.

On behalf of everyone at JFS, thank you for your unwavering support of our holiday gift drive. Because of your generosity, we were able to serve 418 individuals this season - a true testament to the power of community! During this holiday season, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by so many community members who believe in our mission and trust in our wrap-around services.

We are so grateful to Round Hill Community Church for your generous gift drop-off for our holiday drive.

Many incredible organizations and individuals who made this drive possible: Brunswick School, Dunes Point Capital, St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Greenwich Reform Synagogue, and Quentin Ball & Friends. Your collective efforts embody the true spirit of giving and community.

As each gift was so graciously donated it is important to recognize our wonderful volunteers from the Junior League of Greenwich, along with other community members for unpacking and organizing thousands of items.

Your teamwork and dedication ensured that every gift was beautifully prepared to bring comfort to families in need this season. This effort reflects the true spirit of community - working hand in hand to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most.

Spotlight on Maggie Rodriguez, Staff Attorney at JFS Norwich:

Maggie entered the legal field to help marginalized communities navigate systems that can be overwhelming and inaccessible. At JFS Norwich, she represents immigrants in matters such as asylum, family petitions, green cards, and citizenship applications. Her goal is to make sure that fewer people fall through the cracks.

One moment that stands out for Maggie was winning asylum for a Venezuelan family who had endured political persecution and torture. Securing their status brought relief and hope, allowing them to rebuild their lives in safety.

Maggie values collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and partners like Rose City Learning Center. When clients have their basic needs and emotional support met, they can focus on their legal cases.

Her motivation comes from the resilience and generosity of her clients. Looking ahead, Maggie hopes to see legal services grow in southeastern Connecticut to meet the needs of this tight-knit community.

Did you know JFS provided over 12,917 counseling sessions in 2025?

Each session offered support for individuals and families coping with stress, grief, and life transitions. Thanks to your generosity, we can continue to provide compassionate care and strengthen lives across our community.

If you are looking for support, click here to fill out our confidential intake form.

Shabbat Services: Fridays at 1:00 pm via Zoom

Jewish Health & Healing Service: Monday, January 12 at 12:15 pm 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