Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
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Dear JFS Friends, Supporters, and Collaborative Partners,
As we approach the close of summer and the long Labor Day weekend, we pause to reflect on what has truly been a whirlwind season at JFS. The past few months have brought both opportunities and tremendous challenges, reminding us how urgently our community depends on us—and how deeply we must now depend on you.
Since January, shifts in public policy have directly impacted our work. Immigration changes have altered how we deliver critical services, and looming cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid are already reshaping how we think about serving our families in the future. While immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers remain at the forefront of current changes, the reality is broader: all individuals and families living at or near the poverty line will feel the effects of these reductions.
At JFS, we are preparing with determination and compassion. But the truth is clear: public dollars are shrinking, and the need is growing. Only with the strength of the philanthropic community can we continue to meet this moment.
As we look ahead to Fiscal Year 2026 (beginning October 1st), our priorities reflect both the immediate and long-term challenges facing MetroWest families. Our definitive approach will be FOCUS. We realize we cannot do more with less and therefore will focus in areas where we can make a measurable impact.
Standing with Immigrants and Refugees
Preparing for Anticipated Cuts in late 2026 and 2027
Innovation and Community Engagement
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Expanding housing solutions through our JFS Home-Share and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) initiatives.
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Equipping our community with tools to fight antisemitism and hate through our Active Bystander program and community trainings.
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Leveraging the JFS Innovation Center in FY26 to build smarter, leaner, volunteer-driven non-profit and faith community approaches to service delivery.
The years ahead will bring significant challenges. But they also offer us an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and compassion. And yet—we cannot do this alone. Now more than ever, JFS needs the philanthropic community to stand with us, to close the widening gaps, and to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are not left behind.
Whether you are new to JFS or have been part of our family for years, you can make a difference today:
Because of your generosity, JFS serves more than 8,000 people each year. With your continued partnership, we can respond as the numbers for assistance grows.
We could not do this work without our talented staff, dedicated volunteers, and motivated Board of Directors. Thank you for making a difference!
And thank you to our community for standing with us in this urgent, vital work. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate future for all.
| | SUPPORT THE CRISIS RESPONSE FUND | | |
SUPPORT THE CRISIS RESPONSE FUND NOW
In response to shifting federal immigration and social service policies, JFS is mobilizing rapid-response initiatives and strengthening partnerships to protect those most at risk—low-income Jewish individuals and families, older adults, and immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers.
With philanthropic support, JFS provides assistance with housing, food, referrals to legal aid and counseling, and job assistance—giving people the tools to rebuild their lives with dignity.
We are ready to act, but we cannot do it alone. As public support declines, your investment is essential to closing the gaps in services and safeguarding our most vulnerable neighbors.
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.
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Since 2022, JFS has partnered with Second Chance Cars (SCC) to provide donated, refurbished vehicles to hardworking adults in need—helping them secure and maintain employment so they can support their families and build brighter futures.
Most recently, two families resettled by JFS - one from Cuba and one from Afghanistan - were granted vehicles. For them, transportation opens the door to second jobs, higher income, and greater self-sufficiency.
Have a car you no longer need? Your vehicle could be the key to helping someone rebuild their life.
Click here to learn how your donation can put a car - and a brighter future - within reach.
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Photo top right courtesy of Axie Breen; Photos bottom right and left courtesy of Sheldon Golder.
For the 14th year, JFS brought our community together to pack 275+ backpacks filled with school supplies for young students in need!
Thanks to our amazing volunteers, donors, and partners, more than 5,000 backpacks have been distributed since the program began—helping local children start school ready to learn.
Special thanks to our hosts The Rashi School, the Morse Institute Library, Natick and the Weston Public Library, the over 300 volunteers who attended the events, the dozens of donors who provided supplies through the Amazon wishlist, and everyone who made this year's Build-a-Backpack events a success!
| | WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER! | | |
Join JFS on Wednesday, September 10th (1-2:30 pm) at the Callahan Senior Center in Framingam for a joyful drum circle led by Cornell Coley. Sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council.
Individuals living with memory changes and their care partners are invited to attend.
Connection, creativity & community await.
Learn more & RSVP
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JFS seeks an experienced Social Worker to support older adults and caregivers across the Metrowest/Greater Boston area.
This is a full-time role with great benefits - including paid time off, a flexible schedule and access to health insurance - in a mission-driven, inclusive nonprofit where your expertise makes a real impact every day.
Learn more & apply today!
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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.
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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
| | JFS Supports Our Veterans | | |
JFS has a commitment with our partner agencies to ensure
no veteran is left behind.
Many individuals who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces leave active duty without accessing the benefits they've earned—often because they feel they don’t need them or don’t have time to navigate the enrollment process.
However, as life circumstances change with age, the need for additional support may arise. Even if a veteran did not need assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) earlier in life, these benefits can become essential when medical or physical challenges begin to impact wellbeing and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is an older adult veteran who could benefit from learning about VA services, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-elderly.asp to get started.
Need extra guidance? Our expert Geriatric Care Managers are here to help—whether it's supporting you as you navigate the VA benefits system or addressing gaps in care as needs evolve with age.
Contact us today to learn how our Geriatric Care Managers can help you plan for and manage the changes that come with aging.
Click Here for More Resources for Veterans.
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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
Click here to learn more about this program
Click here to donate a car
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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
| | 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 8,000 individuals yearly, 50% of whom are not Jewish
- In the last 3 years, JFS resettled 490+ individuals from countries including Ukraine, Haiti, Venezuela, Guatemala, Algeria, and Syria.
- 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
- JFS engages over 350 volunteers across 17 programs.
- JFS distributed over 5,500 clothing items for children of low income families within the past 6 months.
- 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
- 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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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.
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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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