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Dear Friends,
As the weather gets warmer and spring approaches, we find ourselves in an exciting time - a time of true renewal. Vaccines are becoming more readily available and life returning to normal is on the horizon. At JFCS, we are grateful to both feel and convey bright hope for the future of our community.
It’s been a year since our mental health and care management services went fully remote. Regardless of how “locked down” we were, JFCS always found ways to get services, food and supplies to the people who needed them, no matter what, and we continue to do so. Thankfully, we are now beginning to strategize on what a complete re-entry will look like for our employees and our clients.
This past year has been astounding. Absolutely nothing has been predictable. Pain and suffering have been abundant. Loss and fear have been experienced by more people in more ways than ever before in my lifetime. Yet, I have also never seen so much genuine love, hope, generosity and help being offered by so many to so many. Our own staff, volunteers and leadership have not stopped for a minute, and I am in awe of each one of them every day.
Passover is around the corner. It is evident that the holiday's themes of 'new beginnings’ and 'renewal' take on even more meaning this year. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from any of our services, we are only a phone call (201-837-9090) or email (info@jfcsnnj.org) away. Our prayer this season is that anyone and everyone in need can experience a new beginning. We can help...
From my family to yours, I am wishing you a very sweet Passover!!!!
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P.S. Look out for a JFCS Community Connection newsletter every two months! Our next one will hit your inbox in May. |
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Message from our President |
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A few years ago, Alice was given devastating news when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. However, her husband, Harry, took the news in stride. He quickly learned what medication she needed to take, assisted her to all of her doctor appointments and did his best to keep her spirits up.
Yet, at the beginning of 2020, Harry received a terminal diagnosis himself. His doctors told him that had stage 4 lung cancer and he needed to prepare himself for a very tough battle. Immediately, Harry's thoughts went to Alice. His nights were filled with worry about who would take care of her when he passed.
Harry called JFCS for help. Both he and Alice started psychotherapy sessions with a licensed clinician so they could each process their worries about their individual diagnoses. After hearing their many concerns, their therapist recommended that they take advantage of JFCS's comprehensive wrap-around services and they were soon assigned a care manager. Harry and Alice's care manager helped them navigate the medical and government benefits available to them. She also introduced them to the Wolff Caregiver Respite Care Assistance program so Harry could undergo his chemotherapy treatments while knowing that Alice was in the company of a competent and loving caregiver. In addition, she signed them up to receive Kosher Meals on Wheels so they would have healthy food available every day.
Of course, Harry and Alice still have a long road ahead of them but at least Harry can sleep better now knowing he can rely on JFCS for ongoing support.
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JFCS Corner Market provides Kosher for Passover food to those in need. |
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In response to this year's increased need for affordable food, the JFCS Corner Market food pantry is providing Kosher for Pesach food for pick up by appointment. Some of the offered items include grape juice, matzo meal, oil, cheese, chicken and gefilte fish. Recipients of food packages also receive ShopRite gift cards in accordance with their family size. If you would like to make an appointment for food pickup, please call 201-978-8492.
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According to Maimonides, out of eight levels of tzedaka (charitable giving), the highest form is helping a person find employment or start a business so that they can be self-sufficient.
Please consider giving your time and becoming a mentor to a Re-Launch Career Services client. Over several short virtual meetings, you can help an appropriately matched mentee/protégé assess and hone their unique skills, and make sound and thoughtful decisions to ensure their success.
“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.”
- Steven Spielberg
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March 23rd: Wolff Caregiver "Who Was I, Who Am I Now, Who Will I Be?" with Rabbi Barbara Kipnis Cohen (jfcsnnj.org/caregivers)
April 8th: JFNNJ Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration
June 21st: Annual End of Year Meeting
October 24th: Celebration of JFCS
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Contact us at:
201-837-9090
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