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SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
Wishing you a Happy Labor Day! Our office will be closed Monday, September 7.
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This September, JFS proudly marks five years of providing critical support to immigrant families throughout Connecticut.
Our journey began in 2021, as the world watched the humanitarian crisis unfold in Afghanistan during Operation Allies Welcome. At that time, refugee resettlement was not part of the work of JFS, but we felt compelled to respond. We raised our hand and said yes.
What began as a commitment to welcome a small number of Afghan families grew into a comprehensive program serving newcomers from around the world. Over the past five years, JFS has helped families navigate unfamiliar systems, overcome barriers, and build stable lives in their new communities.
From case management and employment assistance to behavioral health, housing support, language resources, immigration legal services, and community connections, our team has stood alongside families through some of the most challenging moments of their journeys.
This milestone is about far more than services. It is about parents finding jobs, children succeeding in school, and individuals gaining confidence and independence. It is about friendships formed, cultures shared, and communities strengthened.
Five years later, we are deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters who helped turn that first decision to respond into an enduring commitment to immigrant families throughout Connecticut.
The need has changed and grown, but our commitment has not. JFS will continue to respond when people need us most and help newcomers build lives of stability, opportunity, and belonging.
Click here to watch Rachel Kornfeld's video and learn more about the impact of JFS immigrant support services over the past five years.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
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Senator Chris Murphy, in partnership with JFS Norwich and the Rose City Learning Center, joined Mayor Singh, Councilwoman Hayes, and leaders from local schools, law enforcement, and community organizations for a roundtable discussion on the challenges facing immigrant families in southeastern Connecticut.
JFS clients shared how removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other federal policies are affecting immigrant families working and living in the region. Immigrants from Haiti and Peru spoke about their lived experiences, highlighting the impact of uncertainty on stability, education, workforce opportunities, and access to essential services.
The discussion underscored the power of storytelling and served as a reminder that in every immigrant's story, we find a relatable thread that strengthens our shared humanity.
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- Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new naturalization procedures that expand investigations into eligibility for citizenship. Applicants may now face neighborhood inquiries and increased scrutiny during the naturalization process.
- USCIS also implemented new Affidavit of Support forms with no grace period for older versions. These forms create additional requirements for sponsors and increase the risk of application delays if forms are not completed correctly.
- Recent immigration court decisions illustrate the challenges facing immigrant communities. New rulings address financial penalties for individuals who did not depart the United States after receiving voluntary departure orders and limit the ability of immigration judges to review custody decisions once a removal order becomes final.
- USCIS has issued several new processing alerts affecting asylum applicants, including changes to interview rescheduling, biometrics appointments, and procedures for submitting supplemental evidence.
JFS helps immigrants and refugees to understand these new requirements. We give them access to timely legal information, trusted guidance, and expert advocacy during this period of significant policy change.
These changes have serious consequences for local families. Recently, the JFS Legal Department assisted a family of five who lost their immigration status. Our team quickly helped them file for asylum and connected them with financial assistance to cover rent, food, and work authorization application fees.
JFS gives immigrants and refugees access to timely legal information, trusted guidance, and advocacy. JFS stands with families as they pursue safety, stability, and the opportunity to build a future in our communities.
We ensure that changing policies do not become insurmountable obstacles for those seeking hope and opportunity in the United States.
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For Ellie Silber, volunteering with Bikur Cholim is about making meaningful connections during moments when people need them most. Inspired by her daughter’s commitment to giving back and encouraged by Rabbi Mary Jane Newman, Ellie stepped outside her comfort zone to become a hospital visitor, a decision that has enriched her life ever since.
Although she still feels nervous before entering a patient's room, Ellie quickly focuses on getting to know the person behind the patient. Through conversations about family, careers, pets, and life experiences, she helps people feel seen and valued.
On one memorable visit, Ellie met a man in his 90s who proudly shared stories about his career while his wife and daughter listened nearby. He passed away several days later, but Ellie is grateful she was able to give him the opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of accomplishments. Ellie treasures the purpose, structure, and personal growth that volunteering brings to her life. Her advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple: "It's a win-win for all."
Thank you, Ellie, for your compassion, dedication, and the comfort you bring to so many through Bikur Cholim.
JFS will be offering Bikur Cholim volunteer training this fall. To learn more or sign up, email Jayme Schneider.
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September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about food insecurity and the impact it has on individuals and families in our community.
JFS is committed to ensuring that our neighbors have access to nutritious food and essential support. So far in 2026, we have helped provide 26,611 meals through our Mobile Pantry in partnership with Meals on Main Street and 4,620 meals through The Friendly Fridge, connecting thousands of community members with healthy food when they need it most.
This work is made possible through partnerships with Meals on Main St, Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, and The Friendly Fridge, as well as the support of dedicated volunteers and donors.
This month, we invite you to join us in taking action against hunger. Whether you volunteer, donate, or help spread awareness, your support makes a meaningful difference. To learn more, contact Melissa Basile-Reolon.
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SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress) is an evidence-based group designed to help teens manage stress, anxiety, and emotions in a supportive, skill-building environment.
The group will begin this fall and meet after school at JFS Greenwich.
Click here to learn more. To register or ask questions, please email us.
| | Book Beat is kicking off the 2026-2027 season on Thursday, October 8, with This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman. Whether you are a longtime member or joining us for the first time, come be part of a welcoming community that loves great books and meaningful discussion. | | |
Shabbat Services: Fridays at 1:00 pm via Zoom
Jewish Health & Healing Service: Our next service will be September 14.
Rosh Hashanah Service
Join us for a special Rosh Hashanah service in the hospital chapel on Sunday, September 13, at 1:15 p.m. To register, please email Jayme Schneider.
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