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We often say "we couldn't do this work without you" and it's true!
Your generosity—whether through time volunteered, donations made, or partnerships formed—enhances the care and services JFS provides. You help by fostering a sense of community, building relationships, and empowering those we serve. Thanks to you, JFS is better able to deliver highly personal and individualized services to Delaware's most vulnerable populations and help our community thrive.
In recent months, we have been especially moved by the loyal and overwhelming support JFS has received for our Refuge Integration Support Effort (RISE). As the only resettlement agency in the state, we truly rely on your volunteerism, generosity, and partnership to assist and advocate for these newcomers. You have shown up for us in full force and we are immensely grateful.
We are pleased to share some updates about RISE and the refugee families you help us support.
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FAMILY UPDATES & EXPECTED ARRIVALS
Since June, JFS has been busier than ever welcoming refugee families from countries around the world including Sudan, Rwanda, Vietnam, Eritrea, as well as refugees fleeing from Afghanistan.
To date, we have welcomed 40 individuals to Delaware:
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Most families have secured permanent housing thanks to the generosity of community partner organizations and local landlords.
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Some of the adults have gained employment or are working through the application process. (This will be our next big effort, so if you know of employment opportunities or connections please let us know!)
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The children are being enrolled in school and English lessons, as well as enjoying activities like visiting the library and trick-or-treating.
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Each family has a trained and trusted 'Circle of Care' of volunteers from local congregations and groups who are helping them navigate each aspect of integration into the community.
With added support provided by volunteers and donors, JFS' Case Managers are able to focus their attention on assisting these refugees with important benefit applications and addressing their physical and mental health needs.
JFS Delaware expects to welcome an additional 22 individuals before the end of the year.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Donate to JFS
The best way to support our refugee families is by making a donation to JFS. You can designate your gift to RISE-specific funds, which go directly towards meeting refugees’ basic needs—food, clothing, housing, translation services, transportation, education, and more—as well as supporting our RISE team while they coordinate all of these critical efforts.
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JFS is not currently accepting donations of furniture, clothing, or other in-kind items. If you have items to donate, consider the following options:
Furniture - Donate Habitat for Humanity
3 years ago, JFS formed an important partnership with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County through which any gently-used furniture and household items donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore with mention of JFS or RISE will result in store credit for refugees to come shop for their own home furnishings.
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Clothing - Donate to the Friendship House
Our friends at the Friendship House Clothing Bank accept new and gently-used clothing for men, women, and children. They also provide employment opportunities for women looking for a path back into the workforce.
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Volunteer
Refugee resettlement involves various opportunities and levels of volunteer engagement to supplement the coordination and case management provided by JFS staff. Volunteer activities can take place before, during, or after a family’s arrival and may include one-time or ongoing commitments.
THANK YOU in advance for your continued support!
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Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is a nonprofit human services agency with a mission to strengthen individuals, families, and the community by providing counseling and support services. With an interdisciplinary and innovative approach, we combine talent, expertise, and leadership to make our robust therapeutic and support services available to everyone, regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or special need.
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99 Passmore Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
20684 John J Williams Hwy, Suite 4
Lewes, DE 19958
(302) 478-9411
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