JFCS is proud to offer a wide range of support groups that enable participants to come together, build new skills, and share their experiences with others who understand. The summer session of our Caregivers Support Group is slated to begin on Wednesday, July 17, at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom. Facilitated by an experienced JFCS clinical [...]
22
May
May
By Gail Belfer, MSW, LCSW, CDP - Director of Holocaust Survivor Services & Advocacy Many individuals are concerned when they notice changes in their personality, mood, and behavior - or in their loved ones. They worry that these changes are symptoms of dementia and may delay going to the doctor because they are afraid of [...]
05
Feb
Feb
Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized high school transition program that prepares young adults with disabilities for success in the workplace. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is proud to be the community rehabilitation provider for Project SEARCH at both Jefferson Health and TD Bank. During their year at TD Bank, the Project SEARCH interns [...]
Mental Health, Wellness
Support groups allow those facing challenges to heal through shared experience
31
Jan
Jan
The JFCS Faye Manger Counseling Department offers a wide range of support groups that allow individuals facing life challenges to gather together and heal through shared experience. Our groups enable participants to build community, find connection with others who have experienced similar circumstances, and form supportive networks. We will be offering three support groups starting […]
18
Oct
Oct
The traumatic images of brutality and loss coming out of Israel have undoubtedly taken a toll on our community’s mental health. Many South Jersey residents have close personal ties to Israel, including family and friends living there, while others simply feel a strong emotional connection to the Jewish homeland. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) [...]
Many kids look forward to their birthday party with great excitement, imagining presents, cake, and fun with friends. Cherry Hill resident Samuel Schatz is a typical kid in many ways. A student at Kellman Brown Academy, he loves theater, soccer, Roblox, and his boxing classes at the Katz JCC. But in 2018, when his sixth […]
Café Connection: A Memory Café was created in 2016 by Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), the Katz JCC, and Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service (JSHHS) to sup port individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments, as well as their care partners. Often fearing rejection and stigma, care partners worry that the […]
21
Jul
Jul
The needs of children with developmental disabilities are as diverse as the families who care for them. JFCS strives to provide a wide range of options to help parents and caregivers meet their children’s needs while maintaining the stability and wellbeing of the entire family. The JFCS Self-Hired Respite Care service gives families short-term relief […]
05
Apr
Apr
By Carlos Bermeo, LCSW, NBCCH, JFCS Director of Clinical Services Following the unexpected and sudden loss of a loved one, there is no “formula” for dealing with grief. It is important to find ways to remember the deceased that will allow you to peacefully move on and live the life you were meant to live. […]
25
Sep
Sep
As food insecurity continues to rise across Southern New Jersey, the JFCS Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry is working harder than ever to meet the needs of our community. This past year alone, the pantry provided nutritious, kosher food and household essentials to 2,700 individuals—a number that continues to grow. You can make a [...]
17
Sep
Sep
The death of a spouse or life partner is one of the most painful experiences a person may ever face. While each individual grieves in their own unique way, no one should have to go through the process alone. As part of our commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of the South Jersey [...]
28
Aug
Aug
For many, the High Holiday season is a time of family, tradition, and togetherness. But for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, this season can bring painful reminders and heightened feelings of absence. To help community members navigate these complicated emotions, JFCS invites you to join The Empty Chair at Our [...]
27
Aug
Aug
A few hours of fun, food, and entertainment...? A chance to meet LGBTQ+ folks from diverse ages and backgrounds...? And it’s free to attend...? Why yes, please! On Sunday, September 14 at 3:00pm, JFCS will host Rainbow Table, a unique gathering designed to bring together LGBTQ+ adults of all generations. The event is open to [...]
25
Aug
Aug
As the month of Elul arrives, there's a subtle shift. The summer light softens, the days still hold warmth, yet there’s a quiet stirring in the air—a gentle reminder that seasons, like souls, are preparing to turn. In Jewish tradition, Elul is our most intimate month, a time of drawing close to what matters most. [...]
12
Aug
Aug
Join Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) for an unforgettable evening of joy, gratitude, and inspiration as we come together to celebrate 81 years of service to our community. The JFCS Annual Celebration will take place on Monday, September 15 at 6:30pm at the Katz Jewish Community Center—and you’re invited to be part of this [...]
11
Aug
Aug
How JFCS works with schools and families to make a difference By Emily Witmier, LAC - Mental Health Clinician & Community Educator At Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), we see the impact of unsupported mental health challenges every day—students struggling with more than just schoolwork. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 40% of [...]
30
Jul
Jul
A New Way to Stay Social, Active, and Independent! Are you—or is someone you know—a young adult with disabilities looking for fun, friendship, and new experiences? JFCS is thrilled to launch SAIL Junior, an exciting new social program designed just for neurodivergent young adults ages 18–24! SAIL Junior is all about building community, having fun, [...]
28
Jul
Jul
This past Shabbat, we welcomed the month of Av – a time that carries both profound sorrow and unexpected hope. In Hebrew, Av means "father," and we often add the word Menachem, meaning "comforter," giving us Menachem Av. This beautiful name reminds us that even in our darkest moments, comfort and consolation are possible. The [...]
23
Jul
Jul
Volunteering with JFCS doesn’t always require grand actions—sometimes, it begins with the simplest of gestures. Meet two dedicated volunteers whose handmade birthday and holiday cards bring joy and connection to our Older Adult and Holocaust Survivor clients. Jessica Yao, a rising high school senior from Mount Laurel, began volunteering with JFCS in March 2022, when [...]