Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
in Our Community
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Monthly Report to the Community |
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Dear Friends,
While the pandemic continues to take its toll on so many in our community, we at JFS are energized and prepared for what comes next.
In January, our country welcomed not only a new President, but also the first woman (and first Black and first Asian American) Vice President (and first Vice President with a Jewish spouse) in our nation's history. The country has voted for change, for the breaking down of barriers, and these dynamic leaders have set an agenda that prioritizes policies that advance justice, expand opportunities for marginalized populations and will directly impact JFS' efforts to Accelerate Social, Health and Academic Equity in our community.
I am also pleased that that the transgender restrictions on service members in the military have once again been lifted. This policy change may affect a veteran's benefits, so if you need help understanding your options, visit the JFS Veteran's Resources page for links to organizations that can provide guidance and assistance.
As the new administration works to repair the country and world through policy change, the work of the JFS Committee on Anti-Racism and Fighting Antisemitism also continues. In case you missed it, our partner the Greater Framingham Community Church has shared several programs being offered in the coming weeks to celebrate February as Black History Month. Find links to those events below and Like/Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to receive updates in real time.
For those of us in the Jewish Community, we celebrate Purim this month https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim. Simply put, Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther. It is a story we at JFS live by every day. It takes courage to do the right thing and help those in our community struggling to make ends meet.
It is only through collaborative partnerships, donations and contributions such as these that JFS is able to respond when we get desperate calls for help, particularly at this time as the pandemic continues to affect the jobs, health, childcare and finances of so many.
A cultural shift is occurring - it is no longer enough to stand by and hope for change. As the voters in our country voiced through the election, now is the time for action, now is the time to demand - and work towards - a world that is better for our children, our aging neighbors and all who reach out for help.
Join JFS and make a difference in our community - follow the links below and get involved today! Enjoy the highlights and a special thank you to our volunteer and staff profiles. Without them we could not do our impactful work. Chag Purim Sameach. Happy Purim. Thank you for being courageous.
Sincerely,
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Thank You to the Metrowest Women's Fund for Their Continued Support of the JFS Children's Clothing Closet! |
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Their efforts resulted in the collection of over 650 new and gently-used girl’s clothing items
Thank you to the Metrowest Women’s Fund for their support and collaboration!
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Thank you to Temple Beth Torah & the Metrowest Chapter of Hadassah Sisters for Supporting New & Expecting Mothers in the JFS Womb to 5 Program! |
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Expectant and new mothers participating in the JFS Womb to 5 program will soon be receiving kitchen supplies and hand-made children’s hats thanks to teens from Temple Beth Torah in Holliston and the Metrowest Chapter of Hadassah Sisters!
Womb to 5 is a long term initiative that combines nutrition and social service interventions to ensure proper nutrition will be available to expectant and new mothers, newborns and their growing families. JFS and partner, Daniel’s Table, strongly believe this innovative approach will help our community’s most vulnerable expectant mothers thrive and their children, when entering kindergarten, will be healthy and ready to learn.
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JFS Committee on Anti-Racism & Fighting Antisemitism |
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Honoring Black History Month
Upcoming community event:
Black Boys Beyond Stereotypes: A Call to Action
Thurs. February 18th (1:30-2:30 PM)
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Other upcoming events include:
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No Place For Hate!
Learn how to report an antisemitic or bias incident with this helpful guide
"Everyone has a role in confronting antisemitism and hate when they see or experience it. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to reporting, which is a very important action in standing up and speaking out about antisemitism and hate. By reporting, you are helping us monitor trends, improve communal security, direct resources where the needs are greatest, and advocate for funding to combat bias and bigotry in our communities."
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JFS Supports Our Veterans |
JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure
no veteran is left behind.
and the
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JFS is Hiring!
Title: Specialist II–Housing/Benefits Specialist
40-Hour (Full time position w/ benefits)
JFS seeks a case manager experienced in assisting low-income clients as they navigate the housing and public benefits systems.
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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
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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.
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Are you eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, but aren't sure what to do next or how to book an appointment?
JFS Allies in Aging "Ask Ally Series" is here to help
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Massachusetts has just begun Phase II, beginning on February 1st. Adults aged 75 and over are now eligible to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine. We have all been waiting for this moment, so it is hard to find an open appointment.
Be prepared that you may not find a slot right away, so keep trying. It can take several tries before something opens up. Some sites are limited to a specific geographic area. You can also try this newly launched website https://www.macovidvaccines.com/ to book an appointment. Keep trying--it is a great feeling when a slot opens up!
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Save the Date
Thursday, May 6, 2021, 6:00pm
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Josef Volman, Board President
and
Lino Covarrubias, CEO
are excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 Max Michelson Humanitarian Award:
Diane and Chester Black
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AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support JFS of Metrowest every time you shop, at no cost to you!
When you link your regular Amazon account to AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience that you’re used to, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to JFS!
Give today and partner with JFS to improve the lives of over 5,000 people in our community each year.
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Support the JFS Lucy & Joe Press Food Pantry when you purchase a Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet at Stop & Shop! |
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From 2/26-3/31, the Lucy and Joe Press Food Pantry will receive a $1.00 donation for every $9.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker (pictured above) sold at the Stop & Shop store located at
Help to fight food insecurity and support JFS by
purchasing a Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet at
this Stop & Shop location!
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Volunteer Opportunity!
Interested in Helping with Food Distributions?
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Help our Immigrant Services team distribute food, personal care, and other critical items to families in need. The need for these essential items has never been greater. By loading healthy produce, meats, and pantry items into waiting cars, you’ll be helping provide food security to neighbors in our community. Thanks to our partners at Daniel’s Table, Framingham Public Schools, Dignity Matters, and Hope and Comfort.
Contact Gail Gregory, Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Engagement, at ggregory@jfsmw.org for more information.
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Volunteer since February 2019
Linda is a mother, a grandmother, a retired elementary school principal, and currently a part-time coordinator for an early literacy program that supports underserved families. Linda enjoys exercise, international travel, her JFS volunteer work, and spending time with her friends and wonderful family.
Linda volunteers in the Warm Connector program, where volunteers are matched with older adults and create opportunities for them to connect with neighbors, friends, family and the community. During Linda’s two years as a JFS volunteer, she was able to provide friendship and support as the adult she was matched with was able to transition from being isolated in her own home to living at an older adult independent living apartment building. After the pandemic began, Linda continuously made the effort to visit with the client through weekly phone calls. Linda’s compassion for others makes this beautiful friendship between client and volunteer possible.
We’re grateful for Linda's commitment to support those in need. Thank you, Linda!
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Why do you believe the work you are doing at JFS is important?
“I grew up in western Massachusetts with parents who made “reaching out” and “giving back” to others a priority. Through the years that has “translated” into my work in education and through participation in a number of charity-based running and biking events. Now, volunteering for JFS has become a perfect fit. The organization offers unique opportunities for volunteers to reach out to others while at the same time providing a strong network of professional support for both the JFS clients and their volunteers. In these times of “isolation” receiving a call or note from someone who cares to check-in and listen can make a small, but hopeful difference for so many members of our community. As a JFS volunteer, I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of such a caring, generous and supportive team.”
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Malka Young, LICSW, CCM
With JFS since May 2000
"Allies in Aging fulfills JFS’ mission to alleviate suffering, enhance lives and support frail older adults and their caregivers. Families in distress call JFS looking for help, their mother or father is about to be discharged from the hospital, their husband or wife has a new diagnosis of dementia or Parkinson’s or congestive heart failure and they are totally overwhelmed. Googling for help has brought confusion and frustration, nothing being quite right, not knowing what to choose. Whether it is arranging a video conference, bringing siblings together from across the country to discuss what to do with mom or dad, or a JFS care manager advocating for their loved one, using their many years of experience and close community connections to so they can receive the care they need, JFS care managers are here to help.
As the Director of Allies in Aging, I get the daily satisfaction of bringing relief to families and older adults under stress. Working together, using the unique talents of each member of its multi-disciplinary team, families and individuals benefit from years of expertise to support them in reaching their goals–whether it is aging in place in their own home, choosing an assisted living community that meets their needs that they can afford, learning to live with a new diagnosis, or finding the support they need to be the best caregiver they can be while taking care of themselves.”
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Thank you to Linda, Malka, and all who are partnering with JFS to Accelerate Social, Academic and Health Equity in our community.
Your help is needed - get involved today!
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