Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
Monthly Report to the Community
April 2023
From Israel, pictured is Renée Finn (former JFS Board Member), Aron Ain (JFS Past President) with JFS CEO Lino Covarrubias and a group photo featuring JFS Senior Director of Philanthropy Jayne Lampert.
Dear JFS Friends, Partners and Supporters,

Greetings from Israel! Over the last week my colleague, Jayne Lampert, Senior Director of Philanthropy, and I have had the privilege of participating in CJP’s Spark Community Experience to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Israel’s establishment as a nation. This has been an extraordinary experience, one that reminds us of the importance of making connections and building community.

It has also reinforced our focused commitment to fight acts of hate and antisemitism at home. Traveling through areas where a few words often may be the only barriers between peace and destruction highlights the fragility and fugacity of the relative safety of our tempered routines in the United States and lends urgency to our responsibility to work towards a better future for our families and communities. 

As we have been abroad, the team at home has been hard at work preparing for several upcoming events that we hope you will consider attending:

  • Sunday May 7, 1-2pm (virtual only) - Tools for Empowering Students to Navigate and Counter Antisemitism at School and in the Community. This interactive workshop, designed for high school students and parents, will provide opportunities to unpack scenarios that occur on school campuses so that participants can increase their skills in recognizing antisemitism when it occurs and know how to respond effectively. This program offered in collaboration by JFS and TribeTalk. Click here to register.

  • Wednesday June 7, 6:30-8:30pm (in-person only) - Join JFS and Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston for a special screening of the award-winning film, My So Called Enemy at Hebrew College, Newton. My So-Called Enemy is a seven-year coming-of-age story about six Palestinian and Israeli teenage girls who reach out across personal, political, religious and cultural divides to know their "enemies" as human beings. The film provides a platform for multi-faith and multi-cultural understanding and addresses issues of identity and "othering.” Following the screening, stay for a conversation moderated by JCRC CEO, Jeremy Burton with director & producer, Lisa Gossels, along with two of the film's participants. Space is limited, click to complete the form and reserve your seat today!

JFS is proud to partner with these organizations to offer these programs, particularly at a time when acts of antisemitism in our area increase and continue to appear in the news.

We are also just days away from our Seize the Dream Gala at the Westin Waltham Hotel, Thursday May 11, 6-9pm (in-person only). This highly anticipated event will feature gourmet delicacies provided by 25 local restaurants and caterers and offers a fun opportunity for you to get to know the work of JFS and its impact in the community. Space is limited so purchase your tickets today!

And, we hope you will mark your calendar for the JFS Annual Meeting, Monday June 12, 6-7:30pm (virtual and in-person). Details will be provided at a later date.

It is only with the support and contributions of our friends, donors, staff and volunteers that JFS is able to make a meaningful difference in our community and in the lives of over 7,500 individuals each year. These upcoming events are just a few ways you can join JFS to make our community a safer and more welcoming place for all.

At, JFS there is something for everyone. If you feel compelled to be a voice against racial injustice, sign up to attend a future Active Bystander training. If you have a special place in your heart for older adults, spend a few hours a month volunteering as a Patient Navigator. If you are disturbed by world events and want to support Immigrants and war refugees as they work to build a new life for their families, learn how you can help with resettlement or citizenship or how you can provide immediate assistance to families new to the Framingham area. Or, scroll down to learn about other ways you can become part of the JFS team - job openings, donation opportunities, community service initiatives and more!

YOU are invited - now is the time to ACT. 

Thank you to all who partner with JFS to accelerate social equity - we cannot achieve our mission without you.


Sincerely, 
Lino Covarrubias, CEO
RESETTLEMENT PROJECT UPDATES
Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis:
As part of the Uniting for Ukraine initiative, The Shapiro Foundation, Alight, Social Finance, Kuja Kuja, Talent Beyond Boundaries, and Miles 4 Migrants are partnering to build a Jobs Sponsorship Program, which will
match Ukrainians with relevant skills and language to employers with substantial vacant jobs. Thus, the initiative creates a pipeline that predictably delivers large volumes of Ukrainian candidates who meet employers’ needs.

As part of this program, JFS is proud to partner locally with Bright Horizons and Temple Beth Shalom to welcome 30 Ukrainian cases to the Metrowest and Greater Boston area. We are expecting our first case to arrive next week. To support this endeavor, we are looking for volunteers and or community groups to secure and furnish apartments, welcome the newcomers, get them settled, and support them as they start work!



_________________________________________________________________________

NUMBERS UPDATE

Resettlement:
JFS has welcomed 40 new cases (76 individuals) this fiscal year so far.  
Total numbers to date since Fall 2021 = 162
Individuals: 
50 Afghan clients (first arrivals Oct 2021) 
115 Ukrainian clients (first arrivals June 2022) 
8 Venezuelan clients (first arrivals Sept 2022)
 
For more information or ways to help:


HIGHLIGHTS
Together, with the help of over 150 volunteers and staff, JFS of Metrowest coordinated the delivery of over 3,000 Kosher meals for Passover to families and older adults throughout Metrowest, Boston and North and South Shore communities.
With the support of Senate President Karen Spilka, JFS received a grant through the Commonwealth to improve the security of the agency’s front entrance. With that grant, JFS was able to replace a glass window door with a ballistic proof door. As a Jewish agency, JFS is vulnerable to attacks fueled by antisemitism, and this grant enabled JFS to improve the security of the agency and better protect staff, volunteers and clients.
JFS is so grateful to Dignity Matters, Hope & Comfort, and Coco Tree Kids for helping us bring necessities to those in need in the Metrowest area and beyond! Dignity Matters' mission is to assist homeless women and girls by providing underwear and hygiene products. Hope & Comfort is the only organization in Boston solely dedicated to addressing youth hygiene insecurity. Coco Tree Kids helps families facing financial hardship, so they can focus on purchasing other necessities such as food and housing.


If you have a loved one who is worried about the future of aging in place. Read this article from expert Malka Young, LICSW and learn about ways to help the older adults in your life!
MEET THE STAFF
Gail Chancey
Job Title: Event Specialist
With JFS since July 2022
From: Framingham, MA
Speaks: English

My name is Gail Chancey. I am the new Event Specialist for JFS Metrowest. I currently live in Ashland with my husband Larry. We have twin daughters who are both nurses. I have my Masters in Education along with a Degree as an Administrator. I have worked for 36 years in the Framingham Public Schools teaching first grade, then transitioning into a Social Emotional Behavior Coach. I have taught college courses about De-escalation strategies along with training Framingham staff in Crisis Prevention. I am also Director of Education for a non-profit organization called SABEH. I have my own business as an Event Planner. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love to travel, skiing and crafting. Most recently, I enjoy spending time at our summer home in Falmouth.

Working in the Framingham Public Schools, I have had the opportunity to see what JFS has done for so many of our students/families in Framingham. I am excited to be a part of such an amazing organization where helping others is a priority.
Patrick McGrath
Job Title: Ukrainian Resettlement Case Manager
With JFS since August 2022
From: the US
Speaks: English, French, German, Russian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian

Patrick’s background is in research and policy, primarily in the non-profit and public sectors. He received a BA in International Relations from Tufts University and an MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Most recently, he worked as an economic policy advisor for the state government of Rhode Island. Previously, he worked with think tanks and NGOs in Austria, Slovakia, Albania, Serbia, and Ukraine.

"I hope to ensure that families and individuals arriving in the US from Ukraine are connected with the best possible assistance and services to make them feel welcomed and supported. I believe that JFS plays a critical role in striving to provide these supports to clients in the Metrowest area."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Seize the Dream
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Join us in celebrating this year's honorees:
David and Gail Milowe

and receiving the JFS Max Michelson Humanitarian Award:

Ed E. Zuker and Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR)

Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Westin Waltham Boston
Join Community Vibes Framingham for a Juneteenth Celebration!
NEED HELP?
Are you in need of mental health services? 
JFS COMMITTEE ON ANTI-RACISM & FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
Want to learn what you can do to respond when incidents happen in the community? Sign up to attend a future training and become an Active Bystander.

To learn about upcoming news and events as they occur, like/follow the JFS Committee on Anti-Racism and Fighting Antisemitism social media channels, and CLICK HERE for a list of resources specific to this work.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Patient Navigators Needed!

Join our Patient Navigator team and accompany older adults to medical appointments, easing the stress of the appointment for both the patient and their families.

You’ll help older adults prepare for upcoming medical appointments, serve as a companion at the appointment, facilitate communication between doctor and patient, and take notes during the visit.

Patient Navigator is a flexible volunteer opportunity that can work with your schedule! We ask you to commit to a minimum of 4 appointments per year. All appointments are during weekday, daytime hours.
PROGRAM UPDATES

Supported by CJP, the JFS Family Assistance Network provides confidential and respectful assistance to individuals and families in Metrowest to help them meet the short-term challenges resulting from financial difficulties.

Our goal is to help households remain independent and financially self-sufficient through a comprehensive array of coordinated services including case management, financial assistance and others. Learn more.
Need help with an aging loved one?
JFS Geriatric Care Managers can help.

When you need expert guidance navigating the challenges that come with aging, the elder experts of JFS Allies in Aging can help.
JFS Supports Our Veterans
JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure
no veteran is left behind.

Interested in pursuing a college degree? Check out these local resources:
GET INVOLVED

Second Chance Cars is a Massachusetts nonprofit with a mission to connect low income working adults with affordable vehicles so they can maintain living wage jobs and support their families.

SCC solicits “gently used” car donations from the public and offers in return:
  • The highest tax deduction – the car’s retail value
  • The most rewarding donor experience – meeting who got your car
  • The most impact – getting someone to work
Make a Legacy Gift to JFS of Metrowest and
Join the JFS Generation to Generation Legacy Circle

Your concerns and priorities have helped shape JFS today. Your legacy gift will help shape tomorrow.

To ensure that the values and concerns that have inspired your involvement in JFS will endure for generations to come, consider:

- Including JFS in your estate planning -
- Making a gift to JFS as a bequest in a will or trust -
- Designating a gift to the JFS Endowment Fund -

Together, we can maintain the agency’s promise to the community to stand up for those left behind.

Contact Jayne Lampert, Senior Director of Philanthropy today
to learn how you can become a member of the Legacy Circle
 Email: jlampert @ jfsmw.org - Call: 508-875-3100 x 430
ABOUT JFS
DID YOU KNOW THAT...

  • JFS is a multi-year recipient of the 4-star Charity Navigator rating with a 100% PERFECT SCORE! Less than one-tenth of one percent of charities rated earn a perfect score.
  • JFS serves over 7,500 individuals yearly, 40% of whom are not Jewish
  • JFS engages over 300 volunteers across 17 programs
  • JFS distributed over 7,000 clothing items for children of low income families in the past six months
  • JFS serves 3,500 older adults by increasing access to healthcare and safe aging solutions
  • JFS, in partnership with CJP, distributed 6,000 holiday meals for Passover and Rosh Hashanah
  • JFS resettled almost 300 displaced refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Venezuela in partnership with local faith organizations
  • JFS works hand in hand with immigrants and families from 60+ countries
  • JFS is a community convener in the areas of bigotry and antisemitism
  • JFS works with over 100 collaborative community partners throughout Massachusetts
  • 80% of JFS' total annual revenue is philanthropic dollars, supported by donors like you!

Partner with JFS and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Thank you to all who partner with JFS to
Accelerate Social, Academic and Health Equity in our community.

Your help is needed - get involved today!
JFS of Metrowest | 508-875-3100 | info@jfsmw.org | JFSMW.org