Having trouble viewing this email? Right click the top of this email and select "download pictures" or "add to safe senders list" to view JFS images & content.
|
|
Honoring and Supporting Women
|
|
Over the past several months, I have had the great opportunity to facilitate HIAS Women’s Empowerment Groups within the RISE department. These groups consist of Afghan Evacuees and a Cameroonian refugee. I have really witnessed the growth, resilience, and eagerness to learn in a group of young women.
When I first started working with these young women, I noticed there was a lot of conflict with adjustment to life in America – culture adjustment issues, career concerns, language anxiety, and essentially a lack of feeling empowered. Yet through all these challenging times, they have all persisted with the help of these groups and have accomplished many of their personal goals. So far, we have covered topics such as financial literacy, professional development, nutritional education, and we are currently focusing on women’s health.
One woman said, “I am very thankful for this group because in Afghanistan, we do not really talk about these things.” Another said, “This information is important to learn about because when I was younger, they split up girls and boys and said it was not necessary to learn about women’s health.”
I had several women state they had no prior knowledge about vaccinations against cervical cancer, diversity in contraception, or the several resources available in the U.S.
Furthermore, we were able to celebrate and honor Women’s Month, as we invited an OBGYN from Christiana Hospital to educate these young ladies on women’s health, reproductive rights, healthy sexual practices, and consenting in America. The young ladies asked many questions, gained a lot of health literacy, and felt empowered to make decisions for themselves. It has been rewarding to see the tenacity, resilience, and hard work of these strong women! - Marsha Akoto, RISE | JFS Group Programming
This important work would not be possible without the generosity and volunteerism of community members and partners like YOU! Click the box below to give to JFS.
|
|
Let’s meet Jordan!
As a Master’s Level Therapist, Jordan provides evidence-based mental health therapy services to individuals and families. She believes in providing a safe environment for each person to be seen, heard, and known and in tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs.
What inspires you to come to work every day?
“As cheesy as it sounds, I do feel that I am doing the work that I was made to do. It is not always easy! But every day I know that I am putting my skills and talents to use in a way that can make a positive impact in people’s lives. I also know that when the work gets hard, I can lean on my co-workers and supervisors for support."
What is a fun fact about you?
"When I was a kid, I won the geography bee at my school twice. (Yes, I am aware that I was a nerd. I still am.)"
What is one food you could eat every day?
“Rice. It’s extremely versatile and I somehow just don’t get tired of it.”
Click here to read more about Jordan!
|
|
Let’s meet Zach!
Zach is a Community Based Counselor at JFS Delaware, working with youth and their families in school, home, and community settings.
What inspires you to come to work every day?
“The ability to help support my family financially and to help support my community emotionally/mentally.”
What is the best part of your job?
“The ability to work with diverse groups of people.”
If you could go anywhere in the world for your next vacation, where would you go?
“For my next vacation, I will be taking a cruise around Scandinavia. My wife and I have already traveled through most of Europe and wanted to branch out to South America, but with the birth of our daughter, we thought a cruise might be easier with an infant.”
What is one food you could eat every day?
“Pizza.”
Click here to read more about Zach!
|
|
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: CARE NAVIGATION |
|
The Care Navigation program is committed to supporting older adults and adults living with disabilities by providing services that improve their quality of life and allow them to retain their independence.
In 2022, 99% of older adults in the Care Navigation program reported increased access to supportive services and care in the community, and reduced isolation due to participation in community activities.
Is Care Navigation Right For Me?
- Do you want to stay in your home as you age, but need assistance with certain chores or tasks?
- Are you returning home from a hospitalization and need support through your recovery?
- Do you need help making adaptations to your home or routine to account for changes in your health or mobility?
- Are you caring for an aging parent and want guidance to find and coordinate care?
- Do you live far away from your aging parent and want them to have local support?
- Do you need professional assistance with decision making, problem solving, health monitoring, and planning for the future as you or your loved one ages?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may benefit from Care Navigation services. Call 302-478-9411 to speak with the Program Manager and learn more.
|
|
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in JFS Delaware's Do More 24 fundraising campaign!
|
|
With the support of our donors, we raised just under $3,000 for JFS in 24 hours on Delaware's annual giving day!
We were also the recipient of an additional $250 McCollom D'Emilio Smith Uebler Double Shot Power Hour challenge!
We are so grateful for your continued generosity, which helps JFS Delaware serve our clients and community where, when, and how they need us. With your unwavering support, JFS can continue to adapt, innovate, and respond to immediate and ongoing needs of our community.
|
|
March 8 was #InternationalWomensDay. On International Women's Day, and every day, JFS Delaware is incredibly grateful and proud to have an incredible and diverse group of women from all over the world on our team, working diligently to serve those in our community.
|
|
The JFS Women Empowerment Program is a safe haven for support, mental wellness, capacity building and self-sufficiency for refugee women.
Recently our RISE staff helped some of the women enter their crafts at a local fair organized at Newark High School!
|
|
FOLLOW US on social media!
Keep up with what's new at JFS Delaware!
Comment, Like, and SHARE!
|
|
On March 8 we hosted a gathering at the Siegel JCC for Ukrainian refugees to fellowship and eat a meal together along with JFS volunteers and staff!
We will be hosting another gathering for Ukrainians on Thursday, April 13. Stay tuned for more details!
|
|
Our work is made possible by dedicated volunteers and donors like YOU! Click on the boxes below for information about how YOU can get involved in helping our neighbors, friends, and family thrive. |
|
We are looking for passionate, energized, and skilled professionals who share our goals and values and want to make a meaningful difference every day. |
|
Job Openings:
- Family Crisis Therapist
- Licensed Social Worker in Wilmington
- Licensed Social Worker in Lewes
- JFS Fellowship
|
|
Why JFS?
- Full range of benefits
- Flexible hours & location
- Growth Opportunities & CEU's
- Commitment to DEI
|
|
Our very own Vlad Cerbov, Community Relations Manager, has been selected to be the annual Donor Luncheon speaker for The Auxiliary of the Kutz Senior Living Campus on Wednesday, May 3. Vlad, who sought asylum in the U.S. after leaving his homeland, Moldova, has a fascinating and harrowing story about personal harassment and threats from his government and why he had to leave the country he loves.
Proceeds from this event will help support the residents of Kutz Rehabilitation & Nursing and Lodge Lane Assisted Living and Memory Care. RSVP by April 17. For more information, contact Iris Vinokur, (302) 530-4487, iris.vinokur@gmail.com.
|
|
There's still a few days left to see A View from the Bridge at New Light Theatre! JFS has partnered with New Light Theatre for this production to create awareness and support of our Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE) program.
New Light Theatre is dedicated to improving the human condition by partnering each production with thematically connected charitable causes.
Click here to get your tickets for A View from the Bridge!
|
The Sonia Schorr Sloan Maternal Mental Health Program is a community-based, outpatient, maternal mental health program designed to provide effective, evidence-based psychotherapy for women experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
Join us weekly for virtual groups every Wednesday at noon: "Mom's Space". These virtual groups are educational and offer a space for moms to connect in a safe setting with a trained professional. There is no cost to join.
For any moms needing one-on-one counseling, we do currently have availability with no waitlist. Spaces will fill up fast, so reach out and get the support you need and deserve. At JFS Delaware, our goal is to ensure that moms and their babies get and remain healthy before, during, and after pregnancy. You are not alone, let's us help you to feel and be well.
Click here to register or call 302-478-9411 to contact a member of our Support Services team for assistance.
|
|
On April 20 from 5-7 PM, Siegel JCC Delaware is hosting an outdoor event on the JCC campus called Steps4Sarah, during which they intend to bring the community together to walk, learn, and connect. JFS will be participating, so be sure to stop by our table!
Steps4Sarah is part of the Wellness Summit. The Wellness Summit is a program offered by the Siegel JCC, JFS, and Jewish Federation of Delaware. The program was created in memory of J staff member, Sarah Segerstrom, who died by suicide at the age of 16. The goals of the program are to open up honest lines of communication around mental health and to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
The Wellness Summit is offered free of charge and is open to all.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
