Barry Halper first became involved with JFS when Wendy Born, then Board President, invited him to join the board in 2015. What began as a simple invitation quickly grew into years of meaningful community connection, and impact. Barry became one of the very first volunteers for JFS’ Mazel Meals program when it launched in 2018. […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Barry Halper Read More »
Since 2019, the Older Adult Services department at Jewish Family Service has been quietly transforming the way older adults in the Jewish community are able to access support, connection, and care. The department was created when JFS recognized that case management alone was not enough. Connecting older adults to services and resources to address emotional,
More Than Services; Creating Community for Older Adults Read More »
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.
JFS to Receive a Food Pantry Refresh Thanks to Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Read More »
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.
The Many Ways Volunteers Make a Difference at JFS Read More »
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
Celebrating Year Two of Corporate Sponsorships at JFS Read More »
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
Empowering Adults with Disabilities and Their Families Read More »
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.
The Power of Partnership by Chelsea Karp Read More »
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
Chance Encounter Leads Lisa Kirshner to Her Role at JFS Read More »
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
Welcome Back, Carah, Our New Older Adult Case Manager! Read More »
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
The Value of a Happy Dance Read More »