News & Events

Lehigh Valley Jewish Family Service news & events: food pantry, counseling, older adult services and programs, accessibility and inclusion, & more!

Intern Kelly Brightbill: Building the Social Work Experience at JFS

Jewish Family Service has partnered with Cedar Crest College’s School of Social work for eight years to provide supportive educational experiences to students. Over the past eight months, Kelly Brightbill fulfilled her practicum hours by interning at JFS. As we celebrate Kelly’s graduation, she shares her thoughts about the time she’s spent at JFS. Working […]

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Celebrating Older Americans

President John F. Kennedy designated May as Older Americans Month, an occasion to honor and acknowledge the contributions of older adults. The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on challenging stereotypes of aging, as well as exploring opportunities for staying engaged, highlighting opportunities for purpose and connection. JFS strives to address this on

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Thank you JFS Volunteers!

Oscar Wilde said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” National Volunteer Recognition Month is observed in April. With a weeklong celebration on April 20-26. Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley is truly grateful for the 80 volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to the meaningful work of

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Embracing Inclusion in our Community

The topic of accessibility and inclusion can be overwhelming as there are many different approaches and meanings. Our goal at JFS is to include and celebrate all abilities in our community. We hope to bring awareness, encouragement, and advocacy for all individuals, regardless of ability. Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is traditionally

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Through The Healing Lens

Friday, January 31, 202511:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Location: JFS office or Zoom JFS will hold a monthly guided healing experience led by Debbie Zoller, MSW, LCSW with music, spirituality, and reflection. Participants can take an hour to connect with others and build resilience as we share stories and creative ways to cope with the world.

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A New Year and a New Look for JFS

Jewish Family Service has recently completed a transformation of the waiting room and common areas thanks to a project inspired by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s Volunteer Challenge. The Volunteer Challenge mobilizes local corporations and businesses to partner with nonprofit organizations to complete sustainable projects. In May of 2024, Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

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Kindling the Holiday Lights

Debbie Zoller MSW, LCSW – JFS Executive Director This year, the first night of Hanukkah begins on December 25 which is also Christmas Day. Since the start of the 20th century, there have only been four previous times when the two holidays coincided, including 1910, 1921, 1959, and 2005. Christmas is a major Christian holiday

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Cheers for Volunteers

CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS Thank you to our caring community for helping JFS honor exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond for Jewish Family Service and the greater Lehigh Valley Jewish community. Your support of Cheers for Volunteers will enhance the programs and services JFS provides and help ensure that no one in our community

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Photo of Tavia Minnich

Staff Update

Jewish Family Service is proud to introduce Tavia Minnich as the new Manager of Marketing and Donor Development. The decision to hire Tavia in July of 2024 was based on the philosophy that marketing and donor development are not just about transactions; they are about building lasting connections. Tavia grew up in the Lehigh Valley

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Through The Healing Lens

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 811:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Location: JFS office or Zoom Led by Debbie Zoller, MSW, LCSW JFS held a guided healing experience with music, spirituality, and reflection. Participants took an hour to connect with others and build resilience as we share stories and creative ways to cope with the world. Event was free to

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