Caregivers Support Group offers compassion, understanding

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 [...]

Is It Depression or Dementia? Recognizing the Difference.

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 [...]

Project SEARCH Interns Give Back to our Community!

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 [...]

Support groups allow those facing challenges to heal through shared experience

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 […]

It’s okay if you’re not okay. JFCS is here to help.

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) [...]

Nine-year old Samuel Schatz spreads kindness to community members in need

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 engages individuals with memory challenges – no diagnosis required!

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 […]

Respite care program offers relief for parents of children with special needs

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 […]

Finding Comfort After the Loss of a Parent

Losing a parent at any stage of life can bring deep and lasting grief. At JFCS, we believe no one should have to navigate that journey alone. Our new Loss of a Parent Support Group offers adults 55+ a compassionate space to share experiences, find comfort in community, and begin to heal together. Meeting dates [...]

Celebrating Empowerment and Inclusion at our Dubrow Vocational Celebration Breakfast!

Domestic violence thrives in silence, yet stories of courage and healing remind us that change is possible. This October, JFCS calls upon our community to respond with compassion, justice, and hope. Full Article Text: Jewish Family & Children’s Service is proud to announce its 19th Annual Dubrow Vocational Celebration Breakfast, taking place on Friday, November [...]

Breaking the silence: a community’s call to end domestic violence

Jewish tradition teaches that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim–in the image of God. When abuse shatters that dignity, it is our responsibility as a community to respond with empathy and support. Domestic violence is often hidden, yet it affects families in every community including our own here in South Jersey. This October, during Domestic Violence [...]

Help us fill our pantry shelves this High Holiday season!

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 [...]

Tishrei 5785 / September 2025

As we reflect on our first year as Associate Executive Directors of JFCS, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for your support, encouragement, and the countless moments of connection we’ve shared. Last week’s Annual Celebration, where more than 300 people gathered to honor our agency’s accomplishments, left us smiling and deeply moved. The evening reminded [...]

Walking the Journey of Loss Together – Grief Support Group Begins Oct. 10

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 [...]

Finding strength and sharing light: a Rosh Hashanah message from JFCS

As the shofar’s call draws near and the sweet scent of apples and honey fills our homes, Rosh Hashanah reminds us that the new year is more than a calendar change—it’s an invitation to renew our spirits, deepen our connections, and recommit to building a more compassionate world. Life has a way of presenting us [...]

“The Empty Chair” offers comfort during the High Holidays

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 [...]

Rainbow Table: Building an Intergenerational LGBTQ+ Community

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 [...]