As summer fades and a new season unfolds, we are reminded that each season brings a fresh start and an opportunity to begin anew. So, too, does Rosh Hashanah. Friday, September 15 marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year 5784, a time for growth, renewal and aspirations for a sweet year ahead.
It is also a time for reflection and I’m filled with immense gratitude for the accomplishments our community has achieved together thus far. This month, The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard delivered over 1,000 Rosh Hashanah holiday packages including prepared meals for 600 Holocaust survivors and seniors. As we enjoy holiday meals with our loved ones this week, let’s take pride in knowing we’ve extended a hand UP to the food-insecure Jewish families in Broward, ensuring they too celebrate with dignity and respect.
Driven by our shared values of compassion, service and community, I’m confident we’ll continue to make a meaningful difference.
Shana Tova to you and your loved ones.
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Randy Colman
President & CEO
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Highlights and Happenings…
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Feed The Need 2023 Brunch
Sunday, October 15, 11 am - 1:30 pm
Join us for our Feed the Need 2023 Brunch benefiting The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard, Broward County’s largest kosher food choice pantry. We’re thrilled to announce Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet Magazine and author of The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List, as our keynote speaker.
During the event, we will be honoring Valeria Michanie and Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El. Click HERE to learn more about their remarkable partnership and contribution to our mission.
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Please help support this event by purchasing tickets, a sponsorship or inviting friends and family who might be interested in our mission. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/23ftn.
The Cupboard feeds over 600 families monthly, including many Holocaust survivors and homebound seniors. This program is fully supported by donations from the community.
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Nearly $2 Million in State Funding Allocated for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
In the U.S., for every one mental health provider, there are 350 individuals that need support. One in five adults face mental health issues and over 10% of our youth deal with debilitating depression, affecting their daily activities and relationships.
In response to the urgent need, Florida State Senator Lori Berman and State Representative Kim Berfield recently secured nearly $2 million in State funding for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in Florida. This funding enables the expansion of Alpert Jewish Family Service's existing training program from Palm Beach County to nine other counties including Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin and others. Collaborating with Goodman JFS, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) and Direction for Living in Tampa, the initiative aims to train over 2,000 individuals in the upcoming year.
This crucial funding empowers us to train individuals to aid those facing mental health or substance challenges, ensuring they receive timely, appropriate care. This training targets community members, first responders, educators, health professionals, and more, equipping them with essential intervention skills.
Stay tuned for more information on the launch of this important program.
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It’s National Suicide Prevention Month; Here’s What You Need To Know
While September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that suicides take place every hour of the day, every day of the week, and every month of the year. Randy Colman, President & CEO of Goodman JFS; Marc Hopin, CEO of Alpert JFS; Danielle Hartman, President & CEO, Rales JFS; and Miriam Singer, President & CEO, JCS share more information on how to recognize those who are at risk of suicide and how to connect them with life-saving treatment services. Read more.
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Goodman JFS Introduces Inaugural Centenarian Club
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Within the community of Holocaust survivors we support in Broward, only ten have reached the remarkable milestone of turning 100 or more this year. We recently held a special celebration for six of these resilient souls. Surrounded by friends, family, our dedicated staff and our partners from the Jewish Federation of Broward County and Jewish Family Home Care, we proudly inducted them into our inaugural Centenarian Club. With a combined age of 603 years, their lives are a profound testament to endurance, strength, and courage. You can catch a glimpse of the celebration covered by our local news here.
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Why We Give
As recently featured in Lifestyle Magazine, Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman are building a legacy of giving. Read more about why they’ve shown unwavering support since 1995.
Wendi Norris and Ryan Attenson also have a deep-seated passion for giving back. Read why they support Goodman JFS.
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Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman
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Wendi Norris and Ryan attenson
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Staff Spotlight
Emunah Susson, a case manager with Goodman JFS’ Homeless Prevention program, once faced homelessness herself. Drawing from her personal experience and extensive professional background, Emunah passionately supports those in need. Her dedication not only aligns with our agency’s mission but also instills hope and courage in those at risk of homelessness.
Here’s what our clients are saying…
“The cycle continued until I connected with Emunah and the Goodman JFS staff. They restored my faith in humanity. The fact that we were part of your program gave me hope.”
“I am writing this to show my sincere gratitude and appreciation for Goodman JFS and the financial assistance that they were able to provide for me to get a home for myself and my twin niece and nephew. Emunah was incredibly supportive and compassionate during the process, and I really don’t know if I would have been able to achieve what I have without her support.”
“I made a call to your organization last week, to my good fortune, I spoke to Emunah. A blessing, she reacted to my situation with urgency. Emunah came to my aid without hesitation, she showed her heart, and I want to thank you for having such a wonderful human being assisting you with your program. I thank you, gratefully, for what you've done for me, please acknowledge her.”
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Goodman JFS Upcoming Events
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Virtual Bereavement Support Group
A group for individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Facilitated by Joshua Hernandez, Ph.D, LMFT
Mondays | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. | FREE
Call 954-909-0888 for more information.
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Parent to Parent Support Group
Join our monthly Giborim United and Joshua's Path support group for parents who are raising a child or an adult with exceptional needs.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.| FREE
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Feed the Need Brunch benefiting The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard
Keynote Speaker: Alana Newhouse
Honorees: Valeria Michanie and Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El
Sunday, October 15, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Make a Difference. Make a Gift Today.
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Goodman JFS is dedicated to empowering individuals
and providing exceptional social service.
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Goodman JFS of Broward (GJFS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, providing programs and services to those in need in Broward County since 1963. A copy of the official registration SC-00196 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State or visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.
Goodman JFS is funded by The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Jewish Federation of Broward County; United Way of Broward County; Leslie L. Alexander Foundation Inc.; BankUnited; BBX Capital; Jodi & Doug Berman; Sam Berman Charitable Foundation; B’nai Aviv; Brauser Maimonides Academy; Center on Holocaust Survivor Care |The Jewish Federations of North America; Chabad of Parkland; Carol Clarkson; Clarkson Foundation; Community Foundation of Broward; Consolidated Credit; David Posnack JCC; Debt.com; Downtown Jewish Center Chabad; Ellman Family Foundation; Farm Share; Feeding South Florida; Marty Foyer; Gateway Community Outreach; Dorit & Ben J. Genet; Stanley & Pearl Goodman Charitable Foundation; Grove Kosher Market; Steve Gurland; Macy & Marty Hoffman; Holman Community; HOPE Outreach Center; Stephen & Michele Jackman; Debbie & Douglas Jacobs; Jewish Family Home Care; The Jewish Federations of North America; Lisa & David Kasten; Kavod-Shef Foundation; KHK Solutions; Harry Kramer Memorial Fund; Kol Tikvah; Los Olas Chabad Jewish Center; Olga & Marc Lowell; Betsy & Mike Masaryk; City of Miramar; The Jim Moran Foundation; Neighbors Helping Neighbors; Ronit & Gil Neuman; Wendi Norris; O'Connell & Goldberg Public Relations; Parkland Cares; Posnack Day School; Premier Produce; Prince Distributors; Publix Super Markets Charities; Esta & Dr. Sheldon Ross; Alan Rubin; Carrie & David Schulman; Sharon & Aaron Schwartz; Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation; Society of St. Andrew; State of Florida; Sunshine Cathedral; Temple Beth Am; Temple Beth El; Temple Beth Emet; Temple Beth Israel; Temple Dor Dorm; Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El; Temple Shalom; Temple Sinai; Temple Solel; Toyota of North Miami; United Jewish Community of Broward County; Lori & Seth Wise; Mindy & Randolph Wolpbert; and Young Israel of Hollywood.
As of 12/2022
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