Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
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Monthly Report to the Community | |
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Dear JFS Friends, Supporters and Collaborative Partners,
I hope this finds you and your family members in good health.
Spring is upon us, and with the promise of brighter and warmer days to come, JFS is once again preparing for the distribution of over 3,000 Passover “Seder in a Box” meals to community members who are socially isolated or in financial distress throughout the Greater Boston, North and South Shores, and Metrowest regions. Sponsored by CJP, JFS is proud to work with our partners Jewish Family & Children Services (JF&CS), Yad Chessed, New England Yachad, 2Life Communities, Hebrew Senior Life, Temple Beth Elohim, Congregation Kehillath Israel, Temple Israel in Sharon, Perini Management Services, Inc., Larry Levine’s Kosher Market, Catering by Andrew, Ora Catering, Tova’s Catering, A Perfect Taste Catering as well as over 100 volunteers to ensure that our Jewish community members who are most in need have what they need to have a happy and meaningful Passover.
As a social justice agency, ensuring that our most vulnerable community members are included in observing the holiday is one of the ways JFS addresses inequity in our community.
Also as part of our social justice work in welcoming the stranger, as detailed in the January eNewsletter JFS has been very involved assisting asylum seeking migrants and also newly arriving refugees from throughout the world. From finding housing to furnishing homes, from providing emergency food and clothes to arranging benefits, JFS is working to ensure these individuals and families have safe and appropriate shelter and do not end up living on the street. As this work continues to increase, help from the community is needed - click here to learn some of the ways you can help.
As is the case with all social impact organizations in our area, for clients who are living below the poverty line or are on a fixed income, housing continues to be a top priority concern, especially affordable options for our growing older adult population. The JFS Home-Share Pilot Program, affectionately known as the “Golden Girls’ project and developed in partnership with the City of Framingham and the Framingham Callahan Senior Center, is an innovative solution to this challenge. We are looking for candidates that have homes and are willing to rent to fellow community members with support and coordination through JFS. This program not only helps individuals in need of affordable housing but helps offset the costs of home ownership, which can challenge the financial stability of older adults with limited means. Don’t wait to get involved – click here now to learn how you can participate.
As JFS’ work specific to housing increases, we are also excited to report that JFS has received a grant from the City of Framingham’s Community Preservation Committee to support immigrant family rent assistance. JFS is pleased to partner with the City to ensure that all children in Framingham have safe shelter, both now and into the future.
JFS is deeply grateful for this new funding as it will allow us to expand our work in supporting immigrant families in our area; however as the needs and calls for assistance continue to increase, your support is needed to ensure JFS has the resources it needs to help everyone who comes to JFS in crisis.
In addition to welcome baskets and gift cards, here are some other ways you can help us raise funds or get involved:
Or, scroll down to learn some of the other ways you can get involved.
Thank you to all who partner with JFS to support this vital work. It is only with the help of our talented staff, volunteers, donors and community partners can we continue to serve 7,800 individuals each year.
If you are not yet part of the JFS family, you are invited – contact us today and start making an immediate difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
Sincerely,
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A Message from Board President
Allison Kates
I hope this message finds you and your families healthy and staying warm! The President’s Corner will be a new feature of the JFS Monthly Report to the Community and will highlight the wonderful work that our board members and committees are engaged in, as well as share events from the community and any other board related information.
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As is typical of New England, last week was 60 degrees and sunny and my kids were wearing shorts, and now it's barely 40 degrees and we’re back in winter coats. But the days are getting longer, the sun is getting stronger, the flowers are starting to sprout, and Spring will be here before we know it (at least that’s what I keep telling myself).
For us at JFS of Metrowest, these signs of Spring mean that Seize the Dream is right around the corner. The theme of this year’s event is “Innovative Partnerships for Brighter Tomorrows.” Our honoree is Marty Cohen, founding President and CEO of the Metrowest Health Foundation. Over the last 24 years, the Foundation has provided close to $80 million in support of health and human service programs in the MetroWest area, including JFS. The Max Michaelson Humanitarian Award recipients are the Yale Appliance Company and Yale Appliance Foundation, which began supporting JFS during the Covid-19 pandemic and the partnership has continued to flourish during the last several years, most notably with their donation of 600 pairs of boots to school children in Framingham. Marty and the Yale Appliance Company and Foundation truly exemplify what it means to be a partner and we are so excited to honor them on May 15th.
Our Resource Development team and a cadre of volunteers continue to secure restaurants for Seize the Dream – we currently have 22 restaurants from all around the area. If you’ve been to Seize the Dream before, you know the food is one of the highlights. I promise you will not be disappointed with this year’s offerings! In addition, our Marcom committee is working on putting together a series of promotional videos that will feature some of our Board members highlighting their favorite JFS partnerships. Keep an eye on your social media pages for these videos and please share them with your friends and family.
Our Board Education and Engagement Committee has been busy! On February 5th, along with Temple Shir Tikva, they hosted Lyana Rotstein, an Israeli educator and historian who spoke about the impacts of the Israel-Hamas War. The audience was riveted, many with tears in their eyes, as Lyana described the events of October 7th and the aftermath of the attacks. She shared pictures of Israel before and after, victims of the war, as well as many stories of heroism and community. It was an incredibly powerful and inspirational presentation. The Committee also organized an enlightening panel discussion on antisemitism that was moderated by CJP’s Melissa Garlick and featured Rabbi Lila Kagedan and JFS Board member Rabbi Danny Burkeman. The timely discussion focused on the root causes of antisemitism, why antisemitism is on the rise, and how we can effect change in our communities. Rabbi Danny and Rabbi Lila shared their perspectives on the historical roots of antisemitism and why incidents have skyrocketed since October 7th. Thank you to all who joined the virtual conversation. Right now, the Committee co-chairs are working on planning a social event, probably involving food and drinks, which promises to be a good time!
Finally, our new Mental Health Workgroup met recently to discuss ways that we can continue to support our clients and staff. We hope to start circulating an electronic newsletter to clients as a way to provide information about various aspects of well-being, mental health, and self-care. This is a way for us to maintain contact with those clients who no longer require our services on a regular basis and to share useful information, strategies, and resources to those who might not otherwise know how to access it. In addition to the wellness training that is already in place for staff, we hope to expand the scope to include training around working with clients who have experienced trauma. Many of our social workers and caseworkers are faced with traumatic situations on a regular basis and it’s important that we give them opportunities to process these situations and resources, so they feel supported.
In partnership,
|  | Allison Kates, Board President | |
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National Social Work Month started in March of 1963 by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This month is a way to encourage support from the public for the profession and highlight all of the incredible work they do each day!
At JFS, our dedicated, compassionate staff and volunteers live these principals every day, supporting community members in crisis, individuals and families who are struggling to break barriers and find the pathway to a brighter future.
Thank you to all Social Workers for showing up, every day, and working to make change happen in the lives of those who need help the most!
LEARN MORE
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Congregation Beth El in Sudbury has been hosting a donation drive over the last two months for JFS of Metrowest. Over the course of these months, Ann Kramer and Ann Barysh (pictured in bottom right corner) have been bringing all kinds of wonderful donations to JFS. The donations included clothing of all genders and ages, diapers, gloves, hats, and other winter supplies. These donations will help many people and families that visit the Resource Room at Framingham Public Schools.
LEARN MORE
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Michelle Parven, Art Teacher at Natick Public Schools and friend of JFS, recently volunteered to host an interactive art class with some of the Haitian families that are working with JFS. The class focused on young children and their families. Michelle brought markers and oil pastels for the kids to draw and color with on construction paper. The children also got to practice writing the names of colors in English! All of the families who attended expressed their gratitude and really enjoyed spending quality time together.
LEARN MORE
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CJP recently hosted a collaborative event with JFS, Repair the World, and JALSA. 110 young professionals were in attendance. The event was set up as a round robin where JFS, JALSA and Repair the World had a table and an activity. Repair the World hosted trivia of social action, JALSA hosted Jewish jeopardy and JFS hosted two packing projects. At the end of the event, young professionals had the option of writing a card for the welcome baskets for incoming refugee families, and many participated.
LEARN MORE
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One of the main reasons people attend a Memory Café is the sense of community they foster. These cafés become spaces where everyone feels understood and accepted, reducing the isolation families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. At our cafés, experts from Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions are on hand to answer questions and share resources!
LEARN MORE
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On Friday March 8th, 2024, A federal judge granted the Biden administration to continue work on a program that gives temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
A JFS volunteer Nan Langowitz has personally sponsored two Venezuelan families through Temple Beth Elohim, a synagogue in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Nan was ecstatic about the ruling on Friday since she had submitted a declaration to the court in favor of the program. “I look forward to continuing to welcome other newcomers who can contribute their energy to our country” she said.
Thank you Nan Langowitz for your continued work and support in the community and beyond!
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Ilene Perlman was the guest speaker at the Rashi Learning & Leadership Council earlier this month. Ilene is a photographer who travels the world to tell the stories of Jewish community members from all different backgrounds and ethnicities. She travels to places like Ethiopia, Cuba, Ireland, Germany and Paris. Ilene recently received a grant from CJP to continue telling stories all over the world. When Ilene travels to a new country she writes about things such as her experience there, the environment when they would celebrate holidays, people's practices, and what was similar and different to the United States.
LEARN MORE
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Earlier this week JFS hosted a kickoff event for our runners on Team Framingham running the 2024 Boston Marathon! Jack's Abby graciously hosted the event and gave back 20% of the proceeds from the day. There were great raffles, silent auctions, and t-shirts to support JFS and our work in the community. Many people showed up to support our runners and thank them for running for a good cause! A shout out to the Framingham Fire Department for showing up and supporting the event especially their very own Asst Chief Shultz.
Three members from Team Framingham Cynthia Fraine, Jerome Rubin, and John Schultz have decided to run to benefit JFS of Metrowest. Click here to learn more about JFS or donate.
Cynthia Fraine
Cynthia is a kindergarten teacher in Framingham, MA. She is very excited to support JFS of Metrowest because the support can directly impact the students and families she works with. By donating to Cynthia, JFS of Metrowest can provide vital resources and services to those in need. Some of the programs that your donation would support would be resettlement, food assistance, and career counseling. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference!
Click here to view Cynthia's Given Gain page
Jerome Rubin
Jerome is passionate about supporting individuals and families in need, especially when it comes to mental health, senior care, and food assistance. Donating to Jerome will help JFS of Metrowest make a meaningful impact on the lives of those struggling, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, we can make a difference and create a stronger, more compassionate community.
Click here to view Jerome's Given Gain page
John Schultz
John is the Assistant Fire Chief at the Framingham Fire Department. He decided to run the Boston Marathon in support of JFS because he has seen firsthand the work we do in the community and beyond. John was very impressed with the resettlement work we have done and continue to do with the asylum seekers in Framingham. He is thrilled to raise money for JFS of Metrowest and support his community!
Click here to view John's Given Gain page
LEARN MORE
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Karina Pimenta
With JFS since: February 2024
Job Title: Case Manager
From: Brazil
Speaks: English, Portuguese, and Spanish
"I am a social worker by nature. I am trilingual and I have over 7 years of experience in human services. I hold a degree in Social Services, and I am working towards a psychology degree.
I know I am only one person, and I can't do everything myself, but I can definitely make an impact. I will not let what I cannot change interfere with what I want to do for my community. I want to dedicate my life to serve as many people as I am able to."
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Paola Gutierrez
With JFS since: February 2024
Job Title: Homemaker
From: Guatemala
Speaks: Spanish and English
"My name is Paola Gutierrez, I am 21 years old, and I am from Guatemala. I have a super positive attitude and one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family. I am a volunteer in my community, and I am always happy and willing to help others. I love to laugh, learn, listen to music, taking care of my plants, and watch sunrises!
Because of my love and willingness to help others, I hope to become a nurse! I see nurses helping so many in need, and I want to be able to do the same for the people in my community!"
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SEIZE THE DREAM
WEDNESDAY MAY 15, 2024, 6:00PM
The Westin Waltham Boston, Waltham MA
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JFS is excited to celebrate its 45th year anniversary
with our extraordinary 2024 honorees:
Martin Cohen
and receiving the
JFS Max Michelson Humanitarian Award:
Yale Appliance Company
and
Yale Appliance Foundation
Click to Learn More
or
Click here to reserve a Special Friends Sponsorship, a Tribute Book Ad or Tickets to the event
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Join us at our upcoming Memory Cafe on
Wednesday April 10th, 2024, at Temple Beth AM!
300 Pleasant St, Framingham, MA 01701
Memory Cafés are a comfortable, social gathering that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one/caregiver to engage in an activity, connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free to attend and welcome to all!
To RSVP or for more Information, please contact:
Laila Vehvilainen
50-875-3100 x 550
lvehvilainen@jfsmw.org
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JFS of Metrowest, in collaboration with the City of Framingham Office of Community Development and with the Framingham Council on Aging - Callahan Center has launched the Framingham Senior Home-Share pilot program. This innovative program connects older adults with extra space in their homes with others looking for affordable housing to rent.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please click here to complete the form and a representative will contact you shortly. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this program, please contact Diana O'Brien via email dobrien@jfsmw.org or by phone at 508-875-3100 x 700.
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Need help caring for an aging loved one?
JFS Geriatric Care Managers can help.
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JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
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JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
LEARN MORE
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Are you in need of mental health services?
CLICK HERE
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JFS Supports Our Veterans | |
JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure
no veteran is left behind.
When we think of the sacrifices that veterans make, we often think of time, life, or obvious physical injuries. Sometimes the sacrifices are more subtle, however. Veterans who served in combat zones experience both Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at higher rates than the general population because of their exposure to hazards like explosions as well as other forms of violence and trauma.
To help veterans and their families, here is a guide to walk you through the basics of dementia and memory care. In this guide, you’ll explore several ways that the VA can help you afford memory care services.
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WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER! | |
New Volunteer Opportunities: | |
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FAN Food Support Volunteer
Role & Responsibilities
- Support FAN staff by assisting with tasks related to helping clients obtain adequate food
- Meet with clients to assist with pantry use
- As requested by staff, gather food from the pantry and deliver it to the clients house
- Organize and update food related resources for staff and client use
- Calls to area pantries to update the pantries list
- Assist clients with basic SNAP applications
- Create pamphlets/information sheets for clients to save money and eat well on a budget
- Additional administrative tasks to support the program
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Any background in human services is helpful
Preferred Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills for working with clients
- Highly organized
- Strong phone and computer skills
- Comfortable with phone research and computer searches
- Able to work independently once trained and set up
- Comfortable with paperwork and managing documentation
A flexible schedule is helpful but not required.
Flexible expectations in case the needs of the program shift from week to week
Interested? Click here to complete the form!
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Introducing Lauren Marks
Lauren has lived in the MetroWest area her whole life. She is married and has one daughter who go married this past September. Lauren has a small immediate family but a large extended family on both sides who lives close by.
Lauren has known about JFS for many years because she used to volunteer as a friendly visitor! She was looking for a volunteer opportunity and patient navigator sounded interesting to her and gave her a lot of flexibility. Lauren has driven a couple of family members to appointments over the years and thought it would be a perfect fit.
Lauren likes to volunteer to give back and help others. She does not look to gain anything from volunteering with JFS other than feeling good about helping and connecting with other people.
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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
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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
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Framingham History Center is hiring a Part-Time Community Engagement Manager
Job Responsibilities:
• Outreach Partnerships: Serve as an ambassador and facilitator for the Framingham History Center, building relationships and partnerships with institutions that align with our mission in order to meet the needs of our diverse community.
• Community Events: Oversee our presence at community events, including Farmer’s Markets, festivals, and other local tabling opportunities.
• Development Support: Play a crucial role in the coordination and scheduling of engagement
opportunities with donors and sponsors, building skills and learning best practices in the field of Development.
Click here to apply!
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Framingham History Center is hiring a Part-Time Education Manager
Job Responsibilities:
- Educational Programming Leadership: Oversee the comprehensive Third Grade Program with plans for expansion to other grade levels, ensuring programs are engaging, educational, and accessible.
- Curriculum Development: Spearhead in-school project development, including the creation of innovative lesson plans, docent training programs, and the traveling trunks initiative, to bring local history alive within schools at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
- Onsite Tour Development: Create engaging tours for onsite visitors to explore temporary and permanent exhibitions at the Framingham.
Click here to apply!
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JFS COMMITTEE ON ANTI-RACISM & FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM | |
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.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT...
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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 7,800 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.
Make a donation now!
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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!
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