Make an Impact: Support Students, Strengthen Families, Join Our Junior Board

JULY 19, 2026

BACK-TO-SCHOOL STARTS WITH YOU!

As families prepare for the new school year, many in our community are struggling to afford even the most basic supplies. That’s where you can help.

JFS is hosting our annual Back-to-School event in August to ensure every child starts the year with confidence - and a full backpack. From notebooks to glue sticks, every donation makes a difference!

YOUR SUPPORT CAN GO A LONG WAY

• The average elementary school student uses 50–100 pencils each year - nearly two pencils a week!

• Students go through about 833 sheets of paper annually.

• A fully stocked backpack can carry over 20 essential items, from glue sticks to graph paper.

• The retail cost of a filled backpack is about $100 per child – a significant expense for a struggling family.

The Ripple Effect of Helping One Person

Sometimes, the impact of helping a single person extends far beyond the recipient.

When an individual receives counseling, a family gains stability. When a caregiver finds support, a loved one receives better care. When someone secures employment, an entire household benefits. When a family can access food, financial assistance, or community resources during a difficult time, they are better equipped to move forward with confidence and hope.

At JFS, we witness this ripple effect every day. Our work goes beyond addressing immediate needs -- we help people build stronger foundations for the future. Through behavioral health services, care management, immigration support, family support, older adult services, and basic needs assistance, we empower individuals to overcome challenges and create positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Every act of support, whether through a counseling session, a volunteer's time, a donor's generosity, or a helping hand during a crisis, creates ripples that strengthen our entire community.

Together, we are not only changing individual lives, we are building a more resilient, compassionate, and connected community for all.

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, hope often comes from the simplest places: a kind gesture, a supportive friend, a meaningful moment, or seeing someone overcome a challenge.

This week, we're asking our community: What gives you hope?

Share a sentence, a photo, or a brief story about something that inspires you, lifts your spirits, or reminds you that brighter days are ahead. Your response may be featured in an upcoming JFS newsletter to help others in our community!

Whether it's a family tradition, volunteer experience, act of kindness, or personal achievement, we'd love to hear from you.

Email Jayme Schneider with the subject line "What Gives You Hope?"

Grief can be isolating. You don't have to go through it alone.

This compassionate grief support group is for adults who have lost a spouse or life partner. Connect with others in a safe, supportive space and find comfort, coping tools, and a path toward healing. Day and time to be determined.

All Major Insurance Accepted.

For more information, click here or email Sonia Tembeck, LMSW.