The toll of human suffering from the outbreak of hostilities on October 7 is universally tragic. These horrific events forced us to accept, or at least acknowledge, the unacceptable. The conflict created personal traumatic experiences as well as historical trauma, a form of trauma that impacts entire communities. This cumulative emotional or psychological wounding resulting
Resiliency in the Face of October 7 Read More »
Dear Friends of Jewish Family Service, Celebrating the Jewish New Year is a time for us to look inward at the blessings in our lives, while also remembering that for some members of our community, this has been a year of loss, financial uncertainty, and physical and emotional challenges. The Jewish Family Service of the
Help Us Help Others – High Holiday 2024 Appeal Read More »
JFS held a panel discussion on Sunday, September 15, 2024 on navigating the emotions and logistics that accompany the decision to downsize, relocate, and begin a new chapter. The hybrid event was held at Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem, PA. During this discussion, older adults and children of aging parents were able to connect to
Annual Phyllis Ringel Memorial Lecture Read More »
Every milestone and life cycle are worth recognizing and commemorating at JFS. Marcia Schechter is the JFS outreach coordinator who reaches two milestones this September: 18 year work anniversary and turning 85 years young. JFS is honored to recognize this extraordinary woman and to share her journey. 18 years ago, JFS saw the needs for
JFS Milestone Moments: Marcia Schechter Read More »
The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley gives community corporations the opportunity to help local nonprofits complete sustainable projects to further their missions and better serve their clients through the annual Volunteer Challenge. Local nonprofits submit applications for Lehigh Valley corporations to review that include enhancing grounds and buildings, leading fundraising efforts, and administrative projects.
Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Partners with JFS on Renovations for the Volunteer Challenge Read More »
Robin:I am honored to have served as JFS’s president for the past two years and sincerely thank both the board and the staff for their trust and collaboration. JFS fights food insecurity, provides older adult case management, offers counseling, facilitates accessibility and inclusion planning for many Jewish organizations, and combats social isolation. Our amazing executive
Robin Rosenau, JFS Board President, Passes the Gavel to Audrey Nolte Read More »
By Carol Wilson, MSW, LSWJFS Clinical Coordinator of Older Adult Services In 1963, President John F Kennedy designated May as Older Americans Month. The theme for 2024 is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of older adults. This population is disproportionately
JFS is Celebrating Older Adults in May Read More »
An Update from the JFS Volunteer CoordinatorJennifer Oxfeld JFS Volunteers play a key role in carrying out our vision that no one in our community should suffer hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress, or lack of community supportand caring. Collectively, volunteers bring joy and sunshine to everything they do, and it is because of
Plant the Seeds and They Will Grow Read More »
JFS Prepares Road Map for Growthby Allen Abbott, JFS Board Member If the words “strategic planning” cause you to yawn and run for the coffee machine, I wish you could have attended the Jewish Family Service strategic planning kickoff meeting on January 21st. JFS board members and senior staff went through a lively, three-hour back-and-forth
Strategic Planning Update Read More »
February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a unified effort among Jewish organizations to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. This year, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley (JFS) partnered with PJ Library and Parkland High School’s American Sign Language Club to educate young Jewish children
JFS Focuses on Accessibility and Inclusion Read More »