Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
|
|
Monthly Report to the Community |
|
Dear JFS Friends, Supporters, and Collaborative Partners,
As we approach the long Memorial Day weekend, I am pleased to share the above photo. I was so grateful to once again be involved with the Brothers for Life and New England Injured Soldiers event at Gillette Stadium hosted by the Kraft family. This event brings wounded warriors from Israel to visit our community and meet local U.S. injured soldiers. There is a special bond amongst wounded warriors and certainly there was discussion on how each got his/her/their war injuries and the struggles that have come with recuperating both physically and mentally. Moreover, there was the realization that they were the lucky ones. That many of their fellow warriors did not make it back to family and loved ones.
During my recent visit to Israel on CJP’s Spark trip I had the opportunity to witness Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) traditions firsthand. The contrast with how we observe Memorial Day in the United States was stark. In Israel, at the start of Memorial Day at 8PM a siren sounds for 1 minute and the following day at 11am a siren resounds for two minutes, bringing the entire country to a standstill. People from all walks of life pause their daily activities to remember and honor the fallen. This collective act of remembrance creates a powerful bond and a shared understanding of the sacrifices made for their nation. I will never forget the feeling of understanding and clarity I had during the sounding of the sirens on those two days.
In my Memorial Day message, I recall friends and fellow Sailors and Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our way of life. Especially in my thoughts are all the Gold Star Families (americasgoldstarfamilies.org) that this weekend will be remembering a fallen loved one.
Honoring our own also reminds us of others who are paying the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom. We continue to stand united with the people of Ukraine as they struggle against tyranny and here at JFS, our work to support incoming individuals and families is expanding. Donations are needed to ensure we have the resources to meet the needs of these victims of war, and we continue to seek housing for new arrivals. Click here to learn how you can support these efforts and get involved and follow JFS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram to receive updates as they occur.
Thank you in advance for spending a bit of time remembering and commemorating our war fallen and their families.
Wishing you a meaningful and safe Memorial Day weekend and to those who observe Shavuot (a major Jewish Holiday celebrating life and teaching), Chag Sameach!
Sincerely,
|
|
Lino Covarrubias, CEO and Veteran |
|
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.
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.
JFS ALSO SEEKS TO HIRE A CASE MANAGER.
_________________________________________________________________________
NUMBERS UPDATE
Resettlement:
JFS has welcomed 66 new cases (126 individuals) this fiscal year so far.
Total numbers to date since Fall 2021 = 193
Individuals:
50 Afghan clients (first arrivals October 2021)
120 Ukrainian clients (first arrivals June 2022)
8 Venezuelan clients (first arrivals Septemer 2022)
15 Haitian clients (first arrivals February 2023)
For more information or ways to help:
|
|
“I’m beyond humbled and honored to be celebrated with some of my most esteemed colleagues including Guimel DeCarvalho from Wayside, Jesse Edwards from the City of Framingham, Christina Gonzalez from Staples, and Jay Kim from the Foundation from Metrowest.”
— Lino Covarrubias, CEO
|
|
Through JFS’ partnership with Second Chance Cars, an organization that matches working people with donated cars, JFS Resettlement client Sergii (pictured above with JFS Case Manager Patrick McGrath) was able to get a car in great condition to help ensure he can reliably get to and from his job, as he is starting his career path to become an accountant and support his family as they build a new life in Massachusetts.
|
|
As summer approaches, it is important to be prepared for the heat, especially older adults. With higher temperatures and longer days, the risk of heat-related illness and dehydration increases. Learn 5 tips from expert Malka Young, LICSW that can help you and your loved ones enjoy the summer months while staying safe and healthy.
|
|
Thank you to all who attended and supported Seize the Dream!
|
|
Ijeoma (IJ) Anyanwu
Job Title: Director of Volunteer Services
With JFS since: August 2022
From: Nigeria
Speaks: English, Igbo, Yoruba, and a little bit of French
Ijeoma Deborah Anyanwu, (IJ) as she likes to be called, is JFS’ Director of Volunteer Services. She is also a doctoral candidate at UMass Boston receiving her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the McCormack Graduate School of Public Policy. She has a Master’s in leadership and Administration, a Master’s in Public Policy, and a B.Sc. in Political Science. Her research area is mentoring to address racial/ethnic inequality gaps in secondary education that lead to college success in Newton Massachusetts. Before her role at JFS, she worked at the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy as a Research analyst and worked there for 4 years.
Aside from her work, IJ is a community organizer, board member of the Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ). She is also on the board of 3 NGOs, one of which is the Suzuki School of Newton MA, a community arts and music non-profit organization. IJ is a wife and mother of 2 wonderful boys, a mentor, and a counselor. IJ loves to sing, dance afrobeat and spend time with her boys and friends.
“JFS is making a real difference in the everyday lives of those they serve, which aligns with my personal goal of helping to meet the needs of people in my community. I believe that the work at JFS makes the world a better place one person at a time and I am delighted to be part of it.”
|
|
Lindsay Goldberg
Job Title: Case Manager, Jewish Family Assistance
With JFS since: January 2023
From: Originally from Canada
Speaks: English and Conversational French
"I am an LICSW, who was most recently working at JF&CS, working with individuals and families to help them access basic needs and achieve their goals. I have worked with people across the lifespan and in diverse settings, and most of whom have been low-income and/or homeless. I love reading, running, and, whenever possible, being at the beach. I am also active in my Temple community."
“I believe my work at JFS is important because it is helping individuals improve their life situations in a holistic manner. We meet clients where they are at, give them the tools they need to self-direct their path, and help them to improve their lives. We provide connection, compassion and show them we believe in their power to change”.
|
|
Alexis Vincuilla
Job Title: Marketing Communications Specialist
With JFS since: January 2023
From: North Attleboro, MA
Speaks: English and some Spanish
"I graduated from Bridgewater State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2021. Before this role, I was a nanny for many families over the last eight years and was a marketing intern at a startup called Complete Energy Services in Raynham, MA. I have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Zoey and Bentley, who love to go on walks and meet new people. In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, hockey games, reading, going to the beach, watching documentaries, and spending quality time with my friends & family. I am a big hockey fan, my favorite team is the Bruins, and David Pastrnak is my favorite player. My favorite tv show is The Office, but I am really enjoying Ted Lasso currently."
“I believe my work at JFS is important because I have seen first-hand the incredible work we do for the community and beyond. I am excited to work for the greater good and help people in the community thrive!”
|
|
YOU ARE INVITED
Attend the 45th JFS Annual Meeting
Monday June 12, 2023
6:00-7:30 PM
-----------------------------------------------
Temple Beth Elohim
10 Bethel Rd, Wellesley, MA 02481
-----------------------------------------------
This event will be hybrid.
Guests may attend in person, via Zoom or watch the meeting stream live on the JFS Facebook page.
Your family members and friends are welcome to attend this meeting, however please click the button below and complete the form to let us know who will be attending so we may plan accordingly.
|
|
Join Community Vibes Framingham for a Juneteenth Celebration!
Saturday June 17, 2023
|
|
Need help caring for an aging loved one?
JFS Geriatric Care Managers can help.
|
|
JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
|
|
JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
|
|
Are you in need of mental health services?
|
|
JFS Supports Our Veterans |
JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure
no veteran is left behind.
This Memorial Day weekend, remember those who gave their lives in support of our liberties and freedom.
|
|
|
|
WANT TO MAKE A MEANINFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER! |
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
