Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
| | Highlights from the JFS Annual Meeting - CEO Lino Covarrubias and Homebase Coordinator Amira Elamri present the Community Humanitarian Award to Anita Hebert and Claire LeBlanc on behalf of Charlesbank Estates; Ian Rubin offers his first remarks as President of the JFS Board; Outgoing Board President Allison Kates, former Board member Karen Tichnor with her husband Michael Tichnor, and former Board President Josef Volman; Staff members celebrating their 25th anniversary with JFS: Justo Rosario-Lebrón, Dámaris Medina-Hernández, Maryann Cardani, and Malka Young; Outgoing Youth Board Member Ben Gelber, new Youth Board Members Talia Frieze and Jacob Darish with Joni Fishman, Middle School Dean of Students at The Rashi School. (Photos: Sheldon Golder) | | |
Dear JFS Friends, Supporters, and Collaborative Partners,
I hope this message finds you well and that your summer is off to a good start.
We’re excited to share highlights from the recent JFS Annual Meeting, a special evening that brought our community together in celebration and reflection. We are deeply grateful to Rabbi David Finkelstein and Congregation Or Atid for graciously hosting this meaningful event.
One of the most inspiring parts of the evening was recognizing exceptional individuals with the CEO’s Roll Up the Sleeves Award for their extraordinary dedication to our clients: Lauren Adams, Deborah Freed (Yad Chessed), Sarah Keselman, Rob and Jess King, Rob Levine, and Mara Sherman.
Additional honors presented during the meeting included:
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Levi Minkoff, a member of the JFS/Rashi Learning and Leadership Council – Ellen Bloch Youth Leadership Award
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Anita Hebert and Claire LeBlanc, on behalf of Charlesbank Estates – Community Humanitarian Award
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Leslie Bazer and Vera De Souza, JFS Case Managers – Lebold Award for Staff Excellence
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Maryann Cardani, Dámaris Medina-Hernández, Justo Rosario-Lebrón, and Malka Young – Honoring 25 years of dedicated service at JFS
We also welcomed new leadership to our organization:
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Board Members Michael Gilman, Michael Katzman, Julian Rich, Jessica Rubinstein, and Susan Wilk
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Youth Board Members Jacob Darish and Talia Frieze (scroll down to learn more about our new Board Members)
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And our new Board President, Ian Rubin.
These individuals are a powerful representation of what fuels JFS – the commitment, compassion, and talent that propel our mission forward to support the most vulnerable in our community.
Our featured speaker, Michael Tichnor, delivered a compelling reflection on the state of the world, the rise in antisemitism, and the vital role JFS plays in serving our community and providing care during difficult times.
In the face of rising global conflict, the rollback of domestic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, and increasing economic pressure on marginalized communities, JFS remains steadfast in our mission: to serve those in need, to stand against hate, and to fight for equity and justice.
Recently, I had the honor of representing JFS at Framingham’s Juneteenth Celebration. While the mood was joyful, the event underscored our renewed commitment to equity—especially now, as DEI values come under public scrutiny and attack.
Our hearts are with all those affected by recent violence, both globally and here at home. The needs in our own communities continues to grow every day. We are particularly concerned about proposed significant federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. These cuts could have devastating effects on vulnerable populations across Massachusetts.
Calls for help are rising throughout the Greater Boston Metrowest region—from:
- Older adults on fixed incomes at risk of homelessness due to soaring rents
- Young families slipping into financial crisis due to exorbitant car repairs or medical bills
- Immigrants—legally residing here—who fear leaving home or sending their children to school
At the same time, due to cuts in Federal and State funding JFS is facing an over $1.5 million shortfall—a 21% reduction in our $7 million annual operating budget.
But we will not turn away.
JFS is committed to this work, and we need you with us. Your support—through time, action, or donation—is not only appreciated; it’s essential.
How You Can Make a Difference
To those who are already part of the JFS family, thank you for being a vital part of our community. If you are ready to deepen your involvement, now is the time.
Get involved today and help JFS continue to live its values and meet every challenge with strength, compassion, and unwavering resolve.
With gratitude,
| | JFS is PROUD to support our LGBTQIA+ staff, friends, family, and community members–especially BIPOC folks–as we celebrate a commitment toward equality, inclusion, and visibility this month and always! | | MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE JFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS | | |
Michael Gilman
Michael is an attorney who has practiced labor and employment law for over 50 years, largely in the public sector, representing cities, towns, county government and private non-profits. He is a graduate of Colby College, Suffolk University and New York University Law Schools. Michael and his wife Laura have been members of Temple Beth Elohim (TBE) in Wellesley for over 40 years where he has held several leadership positions including serving as President from 1998-2000, and where Laura taught at the Temple pre-school for 16 years. Their now married daughters, Rachel and Jaclyn, grew up at TBE where they each became a bat mitzvah and were confirmed.
Now residing in Wayland, Michael was a long-term resident of Wellesley where he was a Town meeting member for 10 years and also served 10 years as a board member of the Human Relations Service which provides affordable mental health services for residents of Wellesley, Weston and Wayland. More recently, he is a founding member and member of the TBE Immigration Justice Leadership Team which has partnered with JFSMW in the resettlement of 20 families (71 individuals) from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Algeria, and Venezuela. In 2023, he received the JFS Community Humanitarian Award.
Michael engages in regular Jewish study, enjoys reading and writing, meeting with his Men’s Wise Aging Group, and volunteering in social action activities to make the world better. When not busy with these activities, he and Laura are happy to visit with their daughters and sons-in-law in New York and Connecticut and spending time with their four granddaughters ages 5 to 14.
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Michael Katzman
Michael is currently the Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), where he has worked since 2005. BCBSMA is a locally-based, not-for-profit health plan serving about 3 million members. Michael is responsible for a broad range of issues focusing primarily on affordability and health care reform, having worked on the Massachusetts 2006 Health Care Reform Law that became the model for the Affordable Care Act. As a volunteer with the company’s Blue Crew, Michael has chosen to lend a hand at JFS in Framingham as well as other charities such as the Greater Boston Food Bank and Project Just Because. Prior to joining BCBSMA, Michael worked for six years at the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP) as Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs.
Michael has served on the board of the Massachusetts chapter of the Arthritis Foundation for almost 20 years and has been the Chair of the chapter for over 15 years. In addition to his involvement with the Massachusetts chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, he has worked with the national Arthritis Foundation, serving on various committees and speaking on panels. Michael also supports other nonprofit organizations including the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and Families First.
A native of Rockville, Maryland, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Emory University (1990) in Atlanta, Georgia and is a graduate of New England School of Law. He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.
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Julian Rich
Julian is a veteran of the senior care world, currently the founder of J RICH SOLUTIONS, a consulting firm serving the senior/long term care field providing expert witness, interim executive, and other consulting services.
Julian holds an M.A. in Health Care Administration from George Washington University and has more than 45 years in the healthcare field. His expertise includes compliance, operational management, turnarounds, fund raising, marketing, and business/referral development. He has been a member of the American College of Health Care Administrators for over 40 years and has achieved Fellowship and Nursing Home Administrator Certification status. He served on their national Board of Directors from 2001-2004. He is a past president of the Board of the Massachusetts Chapter and has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Massachusetts chapter of Leading Age, which represents over 30,000 nonprofit senior care organizations. He recently served as the president of the board of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.
In addition to his experience as a speaker, teacher, mentor, and consultant, he also has volunteered with a number of non-profit organizations as a Board member and advisor. For example, he has been president of the board of Temple Sinai in Marblehead, MA and the board of the Haverhill, MA Rotary club, and has also been a board member and consultant for the New England Homes for the Deaf in Danvers, MA.
He and his wife recently relocated to Framingham, MA, after raising two sons in Swampscott, MA, and is now blessed with five young grandchildren.
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Jessica Rubinstein
Jessica is a Senior Medical Director at WellSense Health Plan, a non-profit health insurance company serving over 700,000 members in Massachusetts and New Hampshire through Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and Medicare Advantage plans. Through this work, she drives to remove barriers to individuals’ ability to maintain their wellbeing and obtain adequate behavioral health and physical health services.
Previously, Jessica had a 28-year career as a primary care pediatrician at practices in Acton, Harvard and Concord. She continues to practice urgent care pediatrics on a limited basis.
Jessica completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University. She earned a Medical Degree at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and a Master’s in Healthcare Management from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
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Susan Wilk
Susan resides in Newton with her husband, Dr. Richard Wilk, and their two daughters, Hannah and Talia. She currently works as an independent consultant specializing in higher education, providing sales training, coaching, and recruitment support for graduate school admissions offices.
Susan spent 16 years at EF Education, the world’s largest private educational institution offering educational travel, language and academic training, and cultural exchange programs, serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Europe and Latin America. More recently, Susan provided marketing and sales consulting services for Brandeis University, Bentley University, World Learning, the School for International Training (SIT), and the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
At Jewish Family & Children's Service (JF&CS), she served on the board for 12 years, founded and chaired the Advisory Committee for Services for Older Adults, co-chaired the Nominating Committee, and was an active member of the Development Committee. She also co-chaired the 2020 JF&CS Women’s Breakfast.
Susan participated in CJP’s Cynthia and Leon Shulman Acharai Leadership Program and served as Vice President of Sponsorship for CJP’s Women’s Executive Leadership Board. Additionally, Susan was on the board of Friends of Dana-Farber, where she chaired the Dana-Farber Chefs Cooking for Hope event.
In her personal time, Susan enjoys playing tennis, traveling extensively, and cooking for family and friends. She has lived abroad in Spain, France, Hungary and Sweden, spending a year in each country, and is fluent in French, Spanish, and Hungarian.
Susan earned her bachelor's degree cum laude from Tufts University.
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Jacob Darish - Youth Board Member
Jacob attended The Rashi School from K–8 and is currently a junior at Gann Academy in Waltham. He is an active leader in his school community, serving as Student Body President, Mock Trial team captain, and DECA chapter president.
He also participates in robotics and is Captain of the Gann tennis team.
Outside of school, Jacob serves on the Board of his local BBYO chapter and founded an LLC that helps businesses improve their online presence. He was introduced to JFS of Metrowest through his "Socks and Underwear Project" at Rashi and is always looking for new ways to give back. Jacob is excited to join the JFS Board and contribute to its mission.
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Talia Frieze - Youth Board Member
Talia is currently a student at The Rivers School and an active member of the Jewish Affinity group. She is deeply passionate about community service and is always looking for ways to give back.
Before Rivers, Talia spent nine years at The Rashi School, where she developed a strong connection to her Jewish identity.
She is excited about the opportunity to work with JFS and make a meaningful impact in the community and in the lives of those in need.
| | JFS warmly welcomes these talented individuals to the Board of Directors - we are excited to learn together and benefit from your expertise and leadership in the years ahead! | | SUPPORT THE CRISIS RESPONSE FUND | | |
SUPPORT THE CRISIS RESPONSE FUND NOW
In response to recent federal changes to immigration and social service policies, JFS is launching rapid-response initiatives, identifying urgent funding needs, and reinforcing partnerships to protect our most vulnerable—low-income Jewish individuals, older adults, and immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers.
With the support of our donors, JFS provides critical support like housing, food, legal aid, trauma counseling, and job assistance so people have the tools they need to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.
We’re ready to meet this challenge—but as government support weakens, we can’t do it alone. Your help is needed now more than ever.
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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Kick off the 2025-2026 school year on a positive note by attending the 14th Annual JFS Build-A-Backpack Event!
This initiative is dedicated to aiding low-income students by providing them with essential school supplies.
Bring an empty new backpack, JFS will have the supplies! The completed backpacks will be distributed to the children in our community who are most in need.
This event is open to everyone, however, we do require registration to ensure we have sufficient supplies for all participants.
Can't be there in person? Support this initiative by purchasing school supplies through our Amazon Wish List! Your generous donation will go directly to helping children in need.
Register now to attend this year’s event and make a difference in a child’s educational journey.
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*PLEASE NOTE: These are drop-in events—assembling a backpack takes about 20 minutes, and registered participants may arrive anytime during their selected event's scheduled timeframe.
No backpacks will be distributed during these events. If assistance is needed, please click here and complete the Request Assistance form to inquire about eligibility.
| | Leslie Bazer (center left) - Vera De Souza (center right) | |
Leslie Bazer
Case Manager, Family Assistance
With JFS since September 2020
Leslie joined the Jewish Family Assistance team in 2020 and has been an exceptional asset ever since. She is deeply committed to professional growth, actively pursuing training and licensure to better serve our clients. Leslie advocates tirelessly for the most vulnerable—whether it’s a homeless individual, an older adult exploitation victim, or families in crisis—and brings compassion, creativity, and resourcefulness to every case.
She builds strong partnerships, shares knowledge freely, and always steps up—whether it's supporting colleagues, joining task forces, or representing JFS in the community. Leslie truly embodies what it means to go above and beyond.
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Vera De Souza
Case Manager, Immigrant Services
With JFS since May 2020
Vera has been the driving force behind the Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP), seamlessly managing volunteer training, client support, reporting, and compliance—all with outstanding professionalism, poise, and a consistently positive spirit.
Vera goes well beyond her role as a case manager—running legal clinics, engaging Board members to support clients, and actively representing JFS in the community. Her dedication and compassion leave a lasting impact; clients often express their gratitude through heartfelt gestures extended in her honor.
On top of it all, Vera is a steady, supportive team player who approaches every task with focus, heart, and unwavering composure.
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Through their unwavering compassion, tireless advocacy, and commitment to going above and beyond, Leslie and Vera embody the very spirit of JFS—serving the most vulnerable with dignity, dedication, and heart.
Congratulations to Leslie and Vera on this well-deserved honor!
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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.
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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.
| | WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER! | | |
In collaboration with Framingham Public Schools, the JFS/FPS Resource Room provides seasonal clothing support to elementary school-aged children in the MetroWest area—prioritizing families in Framingham's most economically challenged schools.
Volunteers play a vital role by sorting and organizing new and gently used clothing, helping us manage inventory and prepare clothing packages for distribution. Through pop-up events and seasonal drives, we bring essential items directly into the communities where families live and work—ensuring young learners have the clothing, footwear, and supplies they need to stay comfortable and active year-round.
Contact us today to learn how you can make a difference and help young students thrive.
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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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