Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
| | |
Dear JFS Friends, Supporters, and Collaborative Partners,
I hope this finds your family well.
We are less than a week away from Seize the Dream, our major fundraiser and annual celebration, which will be held on Wednesday May 7th at the Westin Waltham Hotel. If you're not yet part of the JFS family, this is the perfect opportunity to learn about the impactful work we do and to hear moving stories of hope—stories that show the incredible power of how a compassionate and united community can transform lives.
At this year’s celebration, we are thrilled to recognize our honorees and share the profound impact they’ve made. Their dedication has not only changed the lives of those we serve at JFS but has also enriched the broader community in countless meaningful ways. From the dozens of refugee families resettled by volunteers with the Immigration Justice Group at Temple Beth Elohim to the hundreds supported through funding from Middlesex Savings Bank and the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, these community leaders have stepped up when assistance has been needed most.
Tickets to Seize the Dream are still available, and we hope you will consider joining us. Come and meet our staff and Board members, enjoy delicious, gourmet delicacies offered by over 20 local area restaurants and caterers (listed below), and learn about the many ways you can get involved to improve the lives of those who need help the most in our community. Click here and reserve your seats now.
While we at JFS are excited to celebrate with our colleagues and stakeholders at Seize the Dream, this event also serves as our primary fundraiser — and we need your help, now more than ever.
In a recent communication, I shared how changes to public immigration and benefits policies are placing a substantial strain on both the clients we serve and our capacity to support them.
I also highlighted the troubling rise in enforcement raids across Massachusetts and the impact these actions have had on those of us who are here legally — leaving many feeling unsafe, unwelcome, and unprotected (click here to read Keeping a Copy of My Passport in My Pocket.)
At the same time, for members of our community who are most vulnerable to these raids, the presence of ICE near schools and the rollback of legal protections for unaccompanied minors are especially alarming — not only for those directly at risk but also for those of us working to support them. In response, JFS is partnering with educators, local officials, and healthcare providers to help families understand their rights and access the resources they need.
As the new administration has moved swiftly to dismantle humanitarian protections and reduce funding for immigration support services, these actions put thousands of families—many of whom JFS serves—at risk of losing work authorization, housing, and access to basic services. The goal of the support services at JFS is to shore up supports for struggling families so they have the tools they need to move towards self-sufficiency and the Federal rollbacks threaten immigrant stability.
One action that directly impacts the clients we serve is the end of humanitarian parole programs. Individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who have been living and working in our community with legal authorization under the CHNV Parole program are now facing uncertainty and potential deportation and JFS is working urgently with legal partners and coalitions to assist them as they navigate this shifting landscape.
With due process and asylum protections under attack, JFS is expanding access to immigration legal support, but the need continues to far outpace resources and while we are advocating at the state and federal level for emergency relief, we need your help to meet urgent and immediate needs.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
-
Community Advocacy is More Critical than Ever: We are raising our voice in coalitions to demand that civil liberties and due process remain intact. We urge our supporters to speak out, stay informed, and contact elected officials.
-
Help Us Respond with Compassion and Action: JFS is seeking additional volunteers, donors, and pro bono legal partners to meet this moment. Your support ensures vulnerable immigrants and refugees don’t face these changes alone.
-
Donate to the JFS Crisis Response Fund: As funding is threatened and reduced, your financial support is needed now more than ever. Click here to make a donation to the JFS Crisis Response Fund so that JFS has the resources necessary to protect vulnerable families.
While the immigrant community has been the initial target of recent policy changes, it is anticipated that future orders will directly impact all of the clients JFS serves — not only low-income immigrant families, but also vulnerable older adults and struggling members of the Jewish community.
Expected cutbacks to programs such as SNAP (Federal food stamp program), TAFDC (financial assistance for families in need), subsidized housing, and Medicare/Medicaid will increase the demand for JFS’ services, and it is only through your partnership that we will be able to meet those urgent needs.
A donation to the JFS Crisis Response Fund can be the lifeline that keeps individuals and families from going hungry, ensures access to vital medical care, and helps prevent the devastating consequences of losing stable housing.
JFS is counting on you to stand with us to ensure that no one in our community is left behind. Whether you give your time, share your talents, or offer financial support, your involvement is critical — we simply cannot do this work without you.
If you are new to JFS, scroll down to discover the many ways we are working to protect, empower, and uplift those in need — and learn how you can join us in making a direct, life-changing impact for the people who need it most.
If you are already part of the JFS family, thank you for standing with us through these challenging and uncertain times. Your unwavering dedication and compassion are the driving force behind everything we accomplish.
With gratitude,
| | |
A Message from Board President
Allison Kates
I hope this message finds you all well and enjoying the beautiful spring weather. The blooming flowers, the warm sunshine, and the clear blue skies feel especially rewarding after the long winter.
My family and I spent a week in Florida in February, our little escape from the cold. Upon returning to Boston, the plane sat at the gate for quite a while before the doors opened for us to deplane.
| | | |
As I exited the plane, I saw a couple of State Police officers surrounding someone who I quickly realized was Governor Healey. At first, I thought she was doing a press conference, but as we walked through the terminal toward baggage claim, I noticed that she was walking behind us. She had been meeting passengers also traveling on the flight.
As anyone who has flown into Logan Airport can attest, it often takes a really long time for the luggage to come out. After waiting in the Dunkin line for a treat for my son and seeing the belt still not moving, I figured it was as good an opportunity as any to introduce myself to the Governor – likely the only opportunity I’d ever have! I told her that I’m the President of the Board of JFS of Metrowest and I relayed how grateful we are for her continued support of our work. After thanking me for the work we do, she lowered her voice slightly, leaned her head in, and said, “It’s going to get really hard,” to which I replied, “It already is.”
That exchange made me realize how proud I am to be a part of JFS. No matter how hard the work is, no matter how tight the budget gets, no matter how uncertain things are from week to week, we keep showing up. I like to think of JFS as the “little agency that could”... we might be small, but we never give up. I think we can all agree that our client populations have endured unimaginable challenges during the last few months. Our staff and leadership wake up every day and continue to fight for our clients, never wavering from their commitment to assist the most vulnerable in our community.
Your continued support is critical in allowing us to do the work we do. The theme for this year’s Seize the Dream is Empowering Communities and Celebrating Hope. We rely on our donors, supporters, 100 plus community partners, and more than 300 volunteers to carry out our mission. I continue to be amazed at the power of community and what we can do when we work together.
I hope to see you all at Seize the Dream on May 7th and I thank you for believing in the work we do.
In partnership,
| | Allison Kates, Board President | | |
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month!
We are deeply grateful to the more than 300 dedicated volunteers who make it possible for JFS to support over 8,000 individuals each year. Your time, compassion, and commitment make a lasting difference in our community.
Hear a special message of thanks from our CEO, Lino Covarrubias:
| | |
In 2017, JFS welcomed the Hayani family from Syria after years of fleeing violence. Surrounded by a support team of volunteers from Temple Beth Elohim, Abdulkader rebuilt his life, starting as a tailor at a local factory.
Now, eight years later, he and his family are the proud owners of Hayani Tailor: Alterations and More in Natick, MA — a powerful testament to perseverance, community, and the American Dream.
Congratulations to Abdulkader, Asmaa, and their family on this remarkable achievement — and cheers to the many successes that lie ahead!
Click here to learn more.
| | |
In this interview with Debbie Gotbetter — JFS Board Member, 2025 Seize the Dream Honoree, and Volunteer Coordinator for Temple Beth Elohim's Immigrant Justice Group (IJG) — Debbie talks about her inspiring work supporting refugee families since 2017. Through hands-on service, advocacy, and leadership, Debbie and IJG have helped resettle 21 families and continue to make a difference every day.
Click here to learn more about their journey and impact.
| | |
JFS was proud to join the “What We Can Do Fair” hosted by Congregation Beth Elohim’s Na’aseh social action group! Board member Ann Budner shared updates on our work, including the challenges in refugee resettlement and the innovative JFS Home-Share program for older adults. She also inspired attendees to get involved and make a difference through volunteering.
Thank you to journalist Alissa Nicol and the Acton Exchange for covering the event, and thank you to Na’aseh and all who came out to learn, connect, and take action!
Click here to learn more.
| | SUPPORT THE CRISIS RESPONSE FUND | | |
SUPPORT THE CRISIS RESPONSE FUND NOW
In light of the changes to Federal immigration and social services policies that have been implemented in recent weeks, JFS is developing rapid-response initiatives, defining urgent funding needs, and strengthening partnerships to protect our community's most vulnerable: low-income Jewish community members, older adults, and immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers. We face an urgent challenge - protect as many lives as possible, right now, while we still can.
With the support of our donors, JFS provides critical support—housing, food security, legal aid, trauma counseling, and employment assistance— so those in need can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. Your investment can make an immediate, meaningful difference - click here to learn how.
JFS is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge head-on, however to ensure these families continue receiving the support they need, even as government safety nets unravel, we need your help.
There’s no time to wait. Click here and make your gift online today..
Or, to contribute through a DAF (Donor Advised Fund), search for JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF METROWEST, INC., EIN number 04-2730898.
Together, we can offer safety and hope to those who need it most.
| | |
JOIN US AT SEIZE THE DREAM 2025!
Honoring: Debbie Gotbetter
and
The Leadership Team of Temple Beth Elohim’s Immigration Justice Group:
Michael Gilman
Jessica Lasser
Lina Musayev
Ed Shapiro
Susan Sidel
Receiving the JFS Max Michelson Humanitarian Award:
Middlesex Savings Bank
and
Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation
___________________________________
Reserve your tickets today and enjoy gourmet food offerings from over 20 local restaurants and caterers, including:
A Perfect Taste Catering
530 Washington Street, Stoughton
781.297.7997
www.aperfecttaste.com
The Biltmore Bar & Grille
1205 Chestnut Street, Newton
617.527.2550
www.thebiltmoregrill.com
Online ordering available, reservations on the website.
The Buckley Kitchen & Bar
440 Franklin Street, Framingham
508.309.4614
www.thebuckleykitchen.com
Online ordering available, reservations on the website.
Burton’s Bar & Grill
30 Worcester Road, Framingham
774.540.6005
www.burtonsgrill.com
Online ordering available, reservations on the website.
Chubby Chickpea
588 Washington Street, Canton
781.828.6868
www.thechubbychickpea.com
Online ordering available.
Farm Grille Rotisserie
40 Needham Street, Newton
617.964.7766
www.farm-grill.com
Online ordering with Toast.
Gourmet Caterers
3867 Washington Street, Boston
617.522.2820
www.gourmetcaterers.com
The Hummus Shop
37a Charles Street, Boston
860.794.6687
www.eatjustus.com
Order ahead online with Toast.
Larry Levine’s Kosher Market/Catering by Tevya
474 Lowell Street, Peabody
978.535.6449
www.levineskoshermkt.com
Mamaleh’s Delicatessen Restaurant
1659 Beacon Street, Brookline
617.958.3354
www.mamalehs.com
Delivery offered on their sites in Brookline & Cambridge.
Michael’s Deli
256 Harvard Street, Brookline
617.738.3354
www.michaelsdelibrookline.com
We offer a 6 day a week Home Delivery service of bulk deli items.
The link to order form and info is here:
https://michaelsdelibrookline.com/online-order/
New City Microcreamery
28 Main Street, Hudson
978.333.7144
newcitymicrocreamery.com
Online ordering available.
New Horizons Senior Living
400 Hemenway Street, Marlborough
508.665.1714
www.countrycommunities.com
Not Your Average Joes
56 Market Place Drive, Waltham
781.966.5637
www.notyouraveragejoes.com
Online ordering available; delivery available.
Off the Vine Catering
163 Morse Street, Norwood
781.762.9770
www.offthevinecatering.com
Rail Trail Flatbread Co
33 Main Street, Hudson
978.293.3552
www.railtrailflatbread.com
Online ordering available, reservations on the website.
Delivery available through Door Dash, Uber Eats. Grubhub all link on their site.
Salt Patisserie
792 Beacon Street, Newton Centre
617.467.0637
www.saltpatisserie.com
Online drink ordering available.
The Villa
124 E Plain Street, Wayland
508.653.8570
www.villarestaurantwayland.com
Online ordering available.
Yummy Mummy
50 E Main Street, Westborough
508.366.4200
yummymummybakery.com
We ship nationwide and deliver locally.
Zaftigs Delicatessen
1298 Worcester Street, Natick
508.653.4442
www.zaftigs.com
Online ordering available.
Don’t miss out on this festive celebration of food and community — reserve your tickets today!
| | |
JFS Allies in Aging - Elder Care Management Solutions
Growing older is inevitable for all of us, and sometimes the transition is a relatively smooth one. But when changing conditions cause difficulties, Allies in Aging can help.
Our Elder Care Managers (also known as Geriatric Care Managers or Aging Life Care Professionals) use an integrated approach to help you or a loved one manage challenges for the best possible outcome. As part of a multi-service organization, we can call upon an interdisciplinary staff and a variety of programs to meet a wide range of needs. And as a non-profit, we are committed to offering services that are reasonably priced and affordable.
Our team of experts include:
| | |
Malka Young, LICSW, CCM
Director
With JFS since 2000
Malka is the Director of the Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions program, where she leads a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive life care management for older adults and their families. A seasoned geriatric social worker with a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University, Malka brings decades of experience addressing the complex needs of aging, from chronic illness and cognitive decline to family caregiving and grief.
Learn more about Malka on LinkedIn.
| | |
|
|
Halie Goldwire, LCSW
Geriatric Care Manager
With JFS since 2024
As a Geriatric Care Manager, Halie brings a unique blend of clinical and spiritual expertise to her work with older adults. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry from Boston College, and has specialized experience supporting aging populations. In her work within a nursing home setting, Halie built strong, trusting relationships with residents and employed innovative, person-centered approaches to foster deeper engagement, deliver meaningful emotional support, and significantly enhance their quality of life.
| | | |
Laila Vehvilainen, MS, MPH, NASM-CPT, CDP
Geriatric Care Manager
With JFS since 2015
Laila brings extensive experience in fitness and dementia care to her practice as a Geriatric Care Manager. Prior to joining the Allies in Aging team, Laila worked with the JFS Healthy Aging program as a Fitness Instructor and provided Personal Training to improve the balance, strength and mobility of Geriatric Care Management clients in their homes. Laila holds certifications as a Senior Fitness Specialist, Arthritis Instructor, and in Dementia Care. She earned dual Master’s degrees in Gerontology and Public Health. In April 2024, she presented at the 36th Global Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International on using personalized fitness to support clients living with dementia.
Learn more about Laila on LinkedIn.
| | | |
|
|
Eileen Winston, MD
Geriatric Care Manager
With JFS since 2022
Eileen is a Geriatric Care Manager with over three decades of experience as a practicing rheumatologist in Framingham. In addition to her clinical work, she taught interns and residents, leading introductory rheumatology lectures. Passionate about healthcare advocacy, she has worked to improve medication access and affordability throughout her career. Eileen’s medical background uniquely equips her to support older adults facing complex health conditions, helping them navigate care and plan for the future.
| | | |
In memory of Paul Rosenberg’s 40+ years of dedicated service, JFS and the Rosenberg family established the Paul Rosenberg Memorial Fund to advance administrative excellence at JFS and support future leaders in finance.
Two scholarships are awarded annually to students pursuing degrees in accounting or finance.
Applications open now through August 30th!
Click here to learn more.
| | |
To address the affordable housing shortage, JFS has launched the 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.
| | Join Us for the May JFS Memory Café! | | |
Looking for a welcoming space to connect, have fun, and enjoy entertainment? Funded in part by the Mass Cultural Council, the JFS Memory Café offers a judgment-free and supportive environment for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
When: Wednesday, May 14th, at 1:00 PM
Where: Temple Beth Am of Framingham
Come socialize, share experiences, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with others in the community who understand the journey.
RSVP today! Call 508-875-3100 x 550 or email memorycafe@jfsmw.org to reserve your spot.
We hope to see you there!
| | |
JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
Learn More
| | |
Are you in need of mental health services?
Click Here
| | JFS Supports Our Veterans | | WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER! | | |
Patient Navigators are trained volunteers who accompany older adults to their medical appointments, easing the stress of the appointment for both the patient and their families. Patient Navigators 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.
The need for Patient Navigators is at an all time high - help make a direct and meaningful difference - join the team today!
Click here for more information.
| | |
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
Click here to learn more about this program
Click here to donate a car
| | |
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 8,000 individuals yearly, 40% of whom are not Jewish
- JFS engages over 300 volunteers across 17 programs
- JFS distributed over 5,500 clothing items for children of low income families in the last year
- JFS serves 3,500 older adults by increasing access to healthcare and safe aging solutions
- JFS, in partnership with CJP, distributed 2,000 holiday meals for Passover
- 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 180 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!
| | |
Smart donors give with confidence—and for good reason.
At JFS, our strong financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability have consistently earned recognition from top evaluators like Charity Navigator and Candid. We invite you to review our most recent audited financials and IRS 990s to see how your donation directly supports programs that advance social, academic, and health equity in Metrowest.
Click here to view our financials and see why JFS is a wise investment.
| | |
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!
| | | | |
