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Welcome Vito Veneruso,
Chief Executive Officer
Leading with expertise,
compassion, and strategic vision.
The Jewish Renaissance Foundation (JRF) is pleased to welcome Mr. Vito Veneruso, who joined as CEO on March 9, 2026.
A Message from the CEO:
Dear Community and Valued Stakeholders,
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as CEO for the Jewish Renaissance Foundation and to be part of a community so deeply committed to making a meaningful impact. I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued trust, partnership, and dedication to our shared mission.
As we move forward, my focus is on strengthening our collaborations, expanding access to the services we provide, and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. Together, we have an opportunity to build on our strong foundation and create even greater outcomes for our community.
I am committed to transparency, open communication, and working closely with all of you as we shape the next chapter of our organization. Your support and engagement are essential to our success, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.
Warm regards, Vito Veneruso
| | | For Jenny, leading with purpose means: "Purpose isn't a destination — it's the "why" behind every conversation, every resource connected, and every team member invested in. When you lead from that place, service becomes more than a job. It becomes a calling." | | |
Jenny Alvarez,
Assistant Director of Community and Family Services
For over 15 years, Jenny has dedicated her career to the JRF, walking alongside families through both everyday challenges and life's most difficult moments. Rooted in a prevention-first mindset, she meets families where they are; offering educational resources, supportive services, and a steady presence that builds on their strengths. Her work spans the full spectrum of family need, from early intervention to crisis support, housing and food insecurity, ensuring no family faces hardship alone.
Jenny leads her team with the same empathy she brings to every family she serves; coaching others to show up with intention, compassion, and purpose.
| | | Each issue shares a closer look at the people of the JRF shaping our work and leading with purpose. | | |
Give Kids a Smile Day
On Friday, February 6th, the JRF Community Health Center proudly hosted Give Kids A Smile Day 2026, bringing joy, care, and brighter smiles to our little ones. Dr. Vega, our incredible Dental Director, delighted everyone dressed as the Tooth Fairy — reminding us that dental visits can be both fun and empowering!
Give Kids A Smile Day provides free dental care to underserved children, ensuring access to essential oral health services. This important initiative helps reduce dental disease in children and establishes a dental home for families who need it most. It also serves as a powerful reminder that good oral hygiene is a shared responsibility — and every child deserves a healthy smile.
At JRF Community Health Center, our commitment to pediatric health goes beyond one day. By participating in Give Kids A Smile Day, we continue working to improve dental health outcomes and reduce oral health disparities in our community.
💙 Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future — one smile at a time.
Schedule your child’s appointment today and meet our friendly staff at the JRF Community Health Center by calling 732-482-9600.
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Building Healthier Habits and Ensuring Access to Food
March was all about nutrition in honor of National Nutrition Month—a time to focus on building healthier habits and ensuring everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.
At JRF, our My Choice Store program supports families experiencing food insecurity by providing access to fresh, nutritious options while promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. We are committed to helping individuals and families of all ages make choices that support their overall well-being, and we believe every family deserves the opportunity to make informed, healthy decisions — “My Choice Store is where all families have a choice to make.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we’re here to help!
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Bayside FSC Parent Leadership Awards Ceremony: Celebrating Community, Resilience, and the Power of Purpose
March 5, 2026 - At the Bayside Family Success Center (FSC) Parent Leadership Awards Ceremony, eight outstanding parent leaders were honored and celebrated by their families, partners, and community in a room filled with pride and purpose.
Esteemed community partners, including Horizon NJ Health and the City of Perth Amboy's Housing and Human Services; were recognized for their unwavering commitment to Perth Amboy families. The City of Perth Amboy generously sponsored the event space and food, making the evening possible.
At Bayside FSC, we believe that when you invest in a parent, you transform a family, and when you transform a family, you strengthen a community. Parent leadership is how that belief comes to life. The honorees that evening embodied that truth, sharing heartfelt reflections on how their involvement with Bayside FSC's leadership team has rebuilt their confidence, deepened their sense of purpose, and fundamentally transformed their lives.
For more content, resources, and event information, Click Here
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STEP-UP and Step-Into: Empowering Youth Through Life Skills, Health Education, Community Service and College Readiness
The first quarter of 2026 has been nothing short of impactful for our Step-Up Program. Rooted in its mission to deliver holistic, student-centered health and wellness programming, Step-Up continues to support youth through meaningful, hands-on experiences that go beyond recreation. Each month is thoughtfully designed to focus on key pillars that build confidence, awareness, and future readiness.
Here’s a glimpse of what our students engaged in this quarter:
| | For more information, details, and photos, be sure to visit us at: LINK | | |
January 2026
Students kicked off the year by setting intentions through a Vision Board Life Skills activity. They also participated in a Human Trafficking Prevention initiative, raising awareness on an important issue, and strengthened their digital awareness through a Social Media Safety Workshop.
February 2026
College and career exploration took center stage with a Success Bound session in partnership with MCC Admissions. Students also explored Healthy Relationships as part of their health education, and expressed creativity and cultural pride by contributing to a Black History Month Wall Mural.
March 2026
The quarter wrapped up with meaningful reflection and skill-building. Students created Gratitude Bracelets to promote mindfulness, supported Child Abuse Prevention efforts through a community banner project, and gained essential financial knowledge during a Financial Literacy Workshop.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their engagement, growth, and commitment to making a difference in their communities.
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MEN-torship Program
at The Base
January-March 2026 - In addition to a multitude of events and initiatives geared towards providing students year round intervention and support services, this quarter we are highlighting the JRF School Base Youth Services Program (SBYSP) Men’s Mentorship Program, which is a monthly, lunch-time initiative hosted by male police officers from the Perth Amboy Police Department designed to support and empower male students through mentorship, open dialogue, and positive role modeling, serving 60 participants this quarter alone. The group provides a safe and welcoming space where students can discuss topics such as mental health, peer pressure, identity, purpose, and healthy decision-making. Through guided conversations, activities, and mentorship from trusted officers, students build confidence, resilience, and life skills while developing a stronger sense of direction for their future.
The program aims to foster connection, personal growth, and supportive relationships within the school community. To learn more about all the amazing things happening at The Base, Click Here
| | OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN & TO SERVE | | |
AmeriCorps Service Opportunities
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. As an AmeriCorps member at the JRF, you will build a competitive resume and gain leadership skills that will help take your career goals to the next level. Click Here to Learn More!
AmeriCorps Week
From March 8–14, we proudly celebrated AmeriCorps Week, recognizing and thanking our members for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving our community.
Whether mentoring youth, supporting programs, assisting families, or working behind the scenes, their impact is felt every single day. Their service truly reflects this year’s theme, AmeriCorps in Action: Americans Serving America.
We are grateful for the difference they make and proud to celebrate their continued commitment to strengthening our communities. To learn more about all the incredible events of the week, click here.
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Alternative Education Institute
The Alternative Education Institute (AEI) program is a comprehensive educational program delivered in a non-traditional learning environment to help youth with parental consent between the ages of 16 – 17 and adults earn their New Jersey State High School Equivalency Diploma. AEI students can choose between two tracks — English or Spanish — and meet virtually or in person each week.
Enroll Today!
Cohort #10
Our current cohort, Cohort #10, includes 41 dedicated students—18 in the English cohort and 23 in the Spanish cohort.
Looking ahead, the AEI Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for June 26, 2026, will be a celebration of achievement for all graduates who have tested and passed since the last graduation held on in June of 2025, including general testers, Edison Job Corps participants, and AEI students.
| | | PROMISE, PROGRESS AND IMPACT | | |
We are proud to share that Precious Ojeda, our LEAP Coordinator, SBYSP Program Assistant was recently featured in NFTE’s Women’s History Month Celebration.
This recognition honors her commitment to empowering students and creating spaces where young people can grow, lead, and thrive.
JRF is grateful for the passion and dedication Precious brings to her work every day and honored to see her representing JRF in the community. Thank you and Congratulations Precious!
To learn more about the event, visit: NFTE
| | JOIN US: TEE UP FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT | | |
The JRF invites you to our 18th Annual Golf Outing — for a day of friendly competition, connection, and community impact. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Community Action Agency, and Federally Qualified Health Center, JRF provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services, along with youth programs, education, job training, and family support services. Every sponsorship and contribution directly supports programs that strengthen our community and expands access to care for those who need it most.
Why Join Us?
This isn’t just a great day on the course — it’s a chance to:
- Elevate your brand through event recognition and marketing exposure
- Make a tax-deductible investment in a trusted nonprofit
- Connect with community leaders, partners, and supporters
- Enjoy team-building, friendly competition, and a memorable day of golf
This fundraiser event features awards, prizes, contests for Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive, a silent auction, raffles, and a luncheon reception. Golfers will also have the opportunity to win a $10,000 Hole-in-One Prize.
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Whether registering a foursome or exploring sponsorship opportunities, we invite you to tee up for a great cause and help drive meaningful change in our community.
Scan QR code or click here to register:
| | JOIN OUR TEAM & STAY CONNECTED | | | | |
