A weekly e-newsletter from JFS of Middlesex County

JFS is a non-profit social services agency serving all members of the community from all backgrounds. Your generous support enables us to provide crucial programs for those in need.

Lunch with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt

This month, JFS in collaboration with the East Brunswick Jewish Center, held the first 2023 Hazak luncheon on January 12th. Guests and volunteers alike enjoyed an afternoon of kosher food and lively conversation with friends. Entertainment was provided by actress Linda Kenyon who performed a monologue portrayal of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Kenyon's performance highlighted the impact the First Lady had on human rights and her life beyond her husband's presidency.

Hazak has many meanings to those who participate. As one guest reported, "Hazak means strength," and serves as a symbol of how a community can come together and persevere despite the challenges that COVID and other life events present. For the month of February, Hazak will be hosting a Sunday brunch on February 12th at 10:30 am with guest performer John Kenrick.

Hazak is a socialization program that brings together active adults 55+ who can enjoy a kosher meal (donation requested) and entertainment. A joint program of JFS Middlesex and the East Brunswick Jewish Center, Hazak is supported by the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ.

It is more important than ever to bring together seniors who have been isolated at home for many months, their physical and mental health and well-being depend on it. Please consider supporting JFS senior services to keep our seniors active, healthy and engaged by donating online. For more information, email office@jfsmiddlesex.org or call 732-777-1940.

The Truth About Immigration and Citizenship

On January 30th, JFS' Immigration & Refugee Services Director and DOJ-Accredited Representative, Debby Alter, gave a free immigration workshop in partnership with the New Brunswick Free Public Library. Local residents learned about eligibility requirements to apply for citizenship and material available to prepare for naturalization interviews, as well as hearing answers to their immigration questions. This event is a part of outreach efforts to inform NJ residents of available support and resources to file immigration applications.

JFS' Immigration & Refugee Services provides low-cost legal assistance to all New Jersey residents who are looking to apply for family visa petitions, consular processing, work authorizations, legal permanent residence, U.S. citizenship, and more. If you or someone you know is interested in these services, please call 732-777-1940 to schedule an appointment.

If your group or organization would like to collaborate on an outreach program, please email office@jfsmiddlesex.org. To sponsor a low-income individual on the path to citizenship, please donate online at: www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate. Thank you!

JFS Immigration Services Flyer

Helping Seniors Avoid Scams

This month, JFS' Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) of NJ held an informational session at the Saint Charles Senior Center in Matawan, NJ. Attendees learned about the latest scams and how to safeguard against abuse and fraud.

The Senior Medicare Patrol empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors and abuse. Read the SMP NJ quarterly newsletter, The Advocate - Issue #36, for more information.

SMP Scam Watch

Important Reminder

NJ ANCHOR Program - Property Tax Relief

The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019, and meet the income limits.

The NJ ANCHOR program provides up to $1,500 in property tax relief for eligible homeowners and up to $450 in relief for eligible renters.

The NJ ANCHOR Program deadline is extended until February 28, 2023, for homeowners and renters to apply!

You can file by telephone at 1-877-658-2972, online at ANCHOR Benefit Welcome - NJ Taxation (state.nj.us) or download a paper application to mail in by visiting NJ Division of Taxation - ANCHOR Program.

Get to Know JFS...

Each week, we will spotlight a JFS program in our Get to Know JFS Series – This week is our JFS Women’s Center.

The JFS Women’s Center assists displaced homemakers – individuals who are single parents, separated, divorced, widowed or living with a disabled partner – in their journey to achieve self-sufficiency. For displaced homemakers, the focus is on securing gainful employment, learning how to support a family and focusing on personal and professional goals for development. JFS helps displaced homemakers by providing them with individual coaching, educational resources and training grants, community resources – with the goals of economic self-sufficiency and personal independence.

For more information on the JFS Women’s Center, call 732-777-1940, email office@jfsmiddlesex.org or visit www.jfsmiddlesex.org/womens-center. To support our displaced homemakers on their journey to self-sufficiency, please donate online at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/donate-form and select "The Women's Center." Thank you!

Join Our Team

We have full- and part-time positions available

View all at www.jfsmiddlesex.org/employment

Send resume & cover letter to office@jfsmiddlesex.org

Jewish Social Service Committee

The Jewish Social Service Committee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Jewish residents in Middlesex County. The Committee provides financial assistance for a wide variety of issues. In service for over 100 years, they have no paid staff and all funds are committed to providing service. If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance, contact us at office@jfsmiddlesex.org or 732.777.1940. JFS is proud to partner with JSS to benefit our mutual clients.

JFS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

JFS is grateful for the support of our sponsors and community partners.