Greetings!
As we look forward to Thanksgiving, we want to thank you for being a part of our JFS family and for helping us do what we do best- tikkun olam- our commitment to heal and repair the world, one person at a time. We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Thanksgiving.
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Update on Our Work With Haitians in Western Massachusetts
At the end of this past summer JFS began seeing a wave of Haitians arriving to this area. The majority of those arriving are in dire need of housing and other forms of socio-economic and legal support. Many are already facing deportation.
In September, JFS was fortunate enough to find and hire Marie Ange Laroche as a full time case manager. Among her many responsibilities, Marie Ange helps these clients to secure the services that they are eligible for, such as healthcare, housing, food assistance and legal consultation. Her initial case load began with 17 families and has now grown to more than 150 people. This month we hired an additional case manager, Jean Rejouis, to help address the increasing need.
Photo caption: Marie Ange Laroche, JFS Haitian immigrant and case manager spoke at an outdoor rally for immigration justice at the Connecticut River Greenway State Park on Damon Road in Northampton on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.
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JFS Partners with VITA to Offer Free Income Tax Preparation to Refugees
JFS is thrilled to offer free Income Tax preparation to our JFS refugee clients through the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program with the help of JFS community member volunteers. The program will cover Federal (IRS) and MA taxes for 2022, as well as 2020 and 2021 if needed. For non-English speakers, the tax preparer will use an IRS provided over the phone interpreter service. Appointments will be scheduled in-person at our office in Springfield.
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Join us for the Last 2 Sessions of our Zoom
Series Building Resilience from Within!
There's still time to sign up for our self-care series Building Resilience from Within for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Learn simple techniques to build core resilience, balance the nervous system and deepen a healthy connection to your body. Join us on Zoom, Thursday, Dec. 1st & Dec. 8th, 10am-10:45am. All ages are welcome, and all exercises can be done seated or standing. No experience required.
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100% Employment Rate for our Afghan Clients!
Tatyana Abashina, our dedicated JFS Employment Coordinator, reported at our November staff meeting that 100% of our Afghan clients seeking work are now employed! In addition, Tatyana continues to have great success in securing employment for our other refugee clients, and is pictured here with a group of new immigrants who will start working at Conklin Office Furniture this week.
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JFS Pilots New Afterschool Soccer Program!
JFS will run an afterschool soccer program at Emergence Academy Middle School in Springfield from January to June, 2023. Emergence Academy provides students with limited or interrupted education with a strong foundational educational experience. Many JFS clients attend the school, making it a perfect fit for the program.
The program will be based on the Soccer Without Borders model of using soccer as a vehicle for positive change for newcomer youth by eliminating barriers to participation, providing language and academic support, and building a close community. JFS will continue to grow its partnership with SWB Boston to receive assistance with training materials and program oversight.
We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to help with this program. The commitment would be every Friday the Springfield Public Schools are open (January - June) from 1:30 - 3:30pm. Experience coaching or playing soccer, and working with newcomer youth is preferred. To volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application form on our JFS website at https://www.jfswm.org/volunteer/. For more information contact Evan Bixby at e.bixby@jfswm.org.
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How You Can Help!
Everyday brings new Ukrainians and Haitians to JFS, in addition to our ongoing resettlement work welcoming refugees from other countries including Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala and Syria. While we aim to keep our storeroom supplies stocked, with the urgent influx of need, we are continually working to replenish our inventory. Please help us fill our shelves by purchasing items from our WISHLIST.
We update this list weekly with our most needed items, and invite you to check there often to see how you can help. Click here for the link to our Amazon WISHLIST, and designate delivery to JFS, 15 Lenox Street, Springfield, MA 01108. Please fill out a gift receipt with your order so that we can thank you!
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GivingTuesday is Coming Soon!
Be a part of GivingTuesday and donate to JFS on November 29, 2022. Every act of generosity counts--your time, your kindness, your skills, your voice are all things you can give in addition to charitable donations.
Join us in our commitment to heal and repair the world. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others.
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