NEWS & EVENTS | Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley

JFS to Receive a Food Pantry Refresh Thanks to Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

April 30, 2026

The Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley’s annual Volunteer Challenge is known for bridging the gap between corporate teams and nonprofits to complete long-lasting and high impact projects. For the third consecutive year, Lehigh Valley’s Alvin H. Butz, Inc. has selected Jewish Family Service as its project partner, continuing a multiphase transformation of the JFS building. […]

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The Many Ways Volunteers Make a Difference at JFS

April 30, 2026

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to recognize JFS volunteers of all ages and life stages who unselfishly give their time, energy, and heart to support the mission of JFS. “Volunteers enable JFS to provide services that address food insecurity, promote the social and emotional well-being of clients,and foster connections to the Jewish community.

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Celebrating Year Two of Corporate Sponsorships at JFS

April 30, 2026

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley is proud to celebrate the launch of the second year of its annual corporate sponsorshipprogram, an initiative that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of JFS clients. The purpose of the corporate sponsorship program is to strengthen JFS’s ability to serve the community year-round by building

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Empowering Adults with Disabilities and Their Families

February 13, 2026

At Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, the mission is clear: to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels empowered,valued, and connected. For adults with disabilities and their families, JFS offers a specialized cache of support groups designed tonavigate life. What Makes These Groups Unique Each group is intentionally structured to meet participants where they

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The Power of Partnership by Chelsea Karp

January 8, 2026

January is here, with shorter days that can feel heavier. At JFS, challenges are bringing about feelings of uncertainty for clients. Yet this past November when SNAP benefits were frozen, our community reminded me that we are not alone. Individual community members, along with every synagogue and community agency, showed up to make a difference.

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Chance Encounter Leads Lisa Kirshner to Her Role at JFS

January 8, 2026

Several years ago, Lisa Kirshner connected with Debbie Zoller, the former executive director of JFS, about a possible position. At the time, the position wasn’t quite right and the timing wasn’t ideal, but they kept in touch. Everything eventually aligned after a chance meeting with Chelsea Karp at Jay’s Local. As Chelsea transitioned into her

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Welcome Back, Carah, Our New Older Adult Case Manager!

December 22, 2025

Jewish Family Service is thrilled to welcome Carah Tenzer to the staff, but welcome back is probably more appropriate. Carah’s journey spans nearly 15 years, with roles as an intern, a board member, a volunteer, and now as part of the older adult services team. Initially, Carah connected with JFS as a social work graduate

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The Value of a Happy Dance

November 25, 2025

By Chelsea Karp, JFS Executive Director I am filled with excitement to begin my role as Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley. For more than eight years, JFS has been my professional home. From my first days as Volunteer Coordinator to my role as Grant Program Manager and my most recent

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Debbie’s JFS Journey

October 27, 2025

New Chapters by Debbie Zoller, JFS Executive Director Since arriving at Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley in December 2012, the world has changed in countless ways. As I reflect on the unique experience of serving as JFS Executive Director, I find it hard to let go of a role that has allowed me

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2025 Volunteer Challenge Highlight – Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

August 12, 2025

Alvin H. Butz, Inc. for the second year in a row chose JFS as the recipient of the 2025 Volunteer Challenge project. The project wasa door to close off pantry storage space in a hallway. Due to the space, they selected to install a sliding barn door that would not obstruct the hallway or carts

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