A weekly e-newsletter from JFS of Middlesex County
JFS is a non-profit social services agency serving all members of the community from all backgrounds. Your generous support enables us to provide crucial programs for those in need.
As an organization that serves individuals and families from different countries and ethnic backgrounds--many with personal experiences of fleeing genocide and war--JFS urges you to support each other and pray for peace during this troubling time. Threats to a country's sovereignty and attacks on its people have lasting humanitarian consequences that require global support. We've seen the impact that violent conflicts have on families and children, including long-term support needed.

Presently, JFS Middlesex is mobilizing to collect unopened medical supplies and hygiene items to drop-off to the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral, which is airlifting supplies to Ukraine-Poland borders. Priority items requested:
  • Tourniquets
  • Gauze, bandages, bandaids, wraps, etc.
  • Sterile alcohol prep pads (no alcohol bottles)
  • Eye drops
  • Medications to relieve skin irritation and to heal burns and wounds
  • First aid kits
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, etc.)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Diapers and wipes for children
  • Sterile gloves
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste (all ages)
  • Socks, non-bulky
  • Underwear (all ages)

Please drop-off requested items at our North Brunswick or Monroe offices between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. JFS Staff will deliver donated items by Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Any questions, email media@jfsmiddlesex.org.
JFS Middlesex supports our partner, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, in raising funds to help in Ukraine. Ukraine’s estimated 200,000 Jews rely on the strong presence built up through years of Federation support that is today serving as a lifeline for the community in crisis. To learn how to designate a gift for Ukraine aid with the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, please click on the link below:
JFS Café Europa:
Connecting Holocaust Survivors Online
Music to uplift the soul
Throughout the pandemic, we've felt the impact that social isolation has had on our health and emotional wellbeing especially among our most vulnerable groups. Staying connected continues to be a challenge for many older persons who are not yet ready or able to meet in-person. For JFS' hundreds of Holocaust survivors, the adjustment to online events has not come easy but, once again, they’ve persevered to stay connected and engaged.
 
On February 22, 2022, Café Europa hosted singer and saxophonist, Ilya Gruzdev of Ella Events, LLC who performed a medley of favorite songs and played some jazz on his saxophone. While music has its own effect on mood, spending time with others, seeing friendly faces and enjoying an energetic performance brought joy to the participants. For February, 90 kosher meals were delivered and approximately 30 Holocaust survivors were able to take part in this virtual event. Want to hear some of the tunes? Check out the event's playlist on Spotify.
 
Café Europa is a monthly socialization program for Holocaust survivors that offers a community connection, healthy kosher meals, transportation services and entertainment. To support our JFS Holocaust survivors as they age into their 90s and 100s, please donate online today.
Stay Informed with Senior Medicare Patrol
Protect. Detect. Report.
With the rise in Medicare scams this enrollment season, JFS staff and volunteers from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are working to meet with seniors from across NJ to share information on how to prevent Medicare fraud and abuse.  

Recently, SMP attended a Health & Wellness Expo at Market Fair in Princeton to connect with seniors and help them learn how to detect and report fraud.
 
To stay informed on the latest SMP news or to report Medicare fraud, visit JFS Senior Services.
From left: Ed Campell, SMP volunteer joins SMP Director, Charles Clarkson, to share informative brochures on how to safeguard against Medicare fraud and abuse. 
March 2022 Community Fundraiser
Did you know JFS Middlesex is part of Stop & Shop's Bloomin' 4 Good Program? Each month, a local Stop & Shop sells specially marked Bloomin' 4 Good bouquets to support a local organization fighting hunger.
 
For the month of March 2022, JFS Kosher Food Pantries have been selected to receive a $1 donation for every $10.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold at the Stop & Shop located at 1221 Route 27 Franklin Township, NJ.
 
Thank you to all our supporters and community partners who purchased a bouquet in the month of January. To donate directly to our Kosher Food Pantries visit our website.
JOIN OUR TEAM
JFS is seeking energetic, motivated clinical social workers to join our supportive multidisciplinary team providing counseling for children through senior adults; individual and family therapy. 
JFS is hiring part-time drivers to help transport senior adults, including Holocaust survivors, to medical appointments and agency events, as well as to help with Kosher Meals on Wheels deliveries.
Please visit our employment opportunities page for more information;
contact office@jfsmiddlesex.org for questions or to apply.
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JFS COMMUNITY PARTNERS
JFS is grateful for the support of our community partners.
To contact JFS of Middlesex County:
call: 732.777.1940 email: office@jfsmiddlesex.org
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