Volume 02 | July 10, 2020

We waited, we watched, we responded.

The greatest strength of our agency is the staff. At this year's annual meeting, the JFS board presented the JFS staff with the Ruach Award -- given to an individual or group who represents the spirit of the agency. Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of JFS accepted the award on behalf of the staff and the below video is adapted from her speech. We invite you to meet or reacquaint yourselves with the folks at the very heart of the Jewish Family Service of Nashville.

In Case You Missed It

On Thursday, June 18th Jewish Family Service held a successful drive-in Annual Meeting. With over 75 people in attendance, all were very excited to see each other in a socially distanced way. The following were installed as new Board members for their first 3 year Term: Pamela Carver, David Pearl, Freya Sachs and Cathy Werthan. Leslye Lapidus, who was introduced by her daughter-in-law Kim Lapidus, was honored with the Chaver (friend) award and the staff of JFS was honored with the Ruach (spirit) award. Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of JFS, accepted the award on behalf of the staff.

Leslye Lapidus, front-center, with family Pam Kelner addressing the Annual Meeting drive-in crowd in the GJCC parking lot

June Workshop Series As the pandemic wore on, it became obvious that many in our community were struggling to make this "new normal" work. JFS partnered with Dr. Judy Itzkowitz to create a 4-part Zoom workshop focused on giving people the tools to manage anxiety, stress, or quarantined kids. We got great feedback from those who joined and we hope to facilitate more spaces that allow us to feel grounded and connected to ourselves, our families and our communities.

Supporting Our Community

School Supplies Are you or someone you know having difficulty affording school supplies for your children? JFS can help! Eligible families will receive free school supplies. To learn more, contact: Toni Jacobsen [email protected] 615-354-1672

Telehealth Counseling Phone or Video Call Our professional and compassionate social workers continue to offer mental health services for adults, children, couples and families. JFS accepts private health insurance and Medicare. Sliding-fee scale based on the client’s ability to pay may also be available. Confidential calls are conducted via Zoom and are HIPPA compliant.  Contact us at   (615) 356-4234  or  [email protected]  to learn more or set up an appointment. 20-Minute Conversations Phone or Video Call JFS is here for you. We are offering a free 20 minute consultation/conversation with one of our experienced social workers (meet them in this  video ). During this time, you can explore ways to manage anxiety, identify resources you need and expand your support system. All calls are confidential.  Contact us at   (615) 356-4234  or  [email protected]   to learn more or set up an appointment.

Anxiety Support Group Online If you're experiencing anxiety or stress, this is the place to talk about it. We are in this together -- you do not have to feel isolated or alone. Our secure Zoom video group takes place every Wednesday from 1-2 pm. Contact us at   (615) 356-4234  or  [email protected]   to learn more or join the group. Caregiver Support Group Online  Join the Jewish Family Service Caregiver Support Group and meet with people who understand how necessary it is to share and learn from each other. Our secure Zoom video group takes place the 2nd & 4th Friday of the month from 12:00-1:15 pm.  Contact us at   (615) 356-4234  or  [email protected]   to learn more or join the group.

Let us know!

Are you interested in a Zoom Chavurah? We are gauging your interest in forming Zoom C havurot to keep us connected during this time. Please let us know: would you join a group of others in our community? Groups can be created based on age, shared interests, or anything else you might have in mind. Please let us know! Contact: Toni Jacobsen [email protected] 615-354-1672

JFS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Supporting our community one child, one adult, one family at a time.

Visit us at jfsnashville.org or

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