At every stage of life, people face struggles–unexpected crises, challenging transitions, moments that test our strength. And no one should face those moments alone.
For more than eight decades, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) has served as a beacon of hope for South Jersey residents navigating life’s challenges. What began as a commitment to ensure that Jewish residents of Camden County would not be overlooked has evolved into a comprehensive network of support–serving individuals of every age, faith, and background across Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties.
Through times of celebration and times of uncertainty, JFCS has continued to grow and adapt, meeting our community’s ever changing needs with innovation, creativity, and unwavering devotion.
Guided by Shared Values
At the heart of this work is the spirit that connects our South Jersey Jewish community: A shared commitment to social justice, human dignity, and tikkun olam–repairing the world. At JFCS, these values are not abstract ideals. They guide everything we do and compel us to help transform the lives of the most vulnerable among us.
Every day, our staff and volunteers respond to situations that require compassion, expertise, and steady support. A young man with disabilities builds independence and vocational skills through our Soups & Sweets culinary training program. A mother and daughter fleeing domestic violence find safety and support through Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home). An older adult living on a fixed income can attend critical medical appointments thanks to their dedicated volunteer driver. A couple who lost their child to overdose finds a safe space to speak openly about their grief in our bereavement support group.
Through these programs and so many others, JFCS creates meaningful pathways every day–from crisis to stability, from isolation to belonging.
This work reflects our holistic understanding that life’s challenges rarely exist in isolation. Economic hardship, mental health, family dynamics, and social support are deeply intertwined, and by meeting people where they are, we help address the full spectrum of their needs.
Powered by Community
We are keenly aware that this impact is only possible because of you. JFCS may be the conduit, but our volunteers, donors, and partners are the current that powers us. You embody the values that bring us together and help us repair what is broken.
The JFCS mission–to provide quality, affordable, and accessible social services while empowering individuals to help themselves–is one we take seriously. Day after day and year after year, this commitment has enabled us to bring help, hope, and healing to thousands across South Jersey.
And now, it’s time to celebrate.
An Evening of Celebration and Inspiration
On Thursday evening, Mar. 26, JFCS invites you to join us for Stepping Out with JFCS, our annual celebration led by Co-chairs Jennifer Gerstein and Stephanie Krause, along with a dedicated Stepping Out Committee. More than a fundraiser, Stepping Out reflects the values that guide our work and creates space for genuine connection.
Guests will enjoy a fabulous buffet, open bar, raffles, music, dancing, and entertainment, while also hearing powerful stories from JFCS clients whose lives have been transformed through our services. These personal reflections offer a firsthand look at what becomes possible when a community chooses to show up for one another.
Stepping Out raises critical funds that sustain JFCS programs across South Jersey, while giving us the chance to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and help write the next chapter of our agency’s story.
Three Spotlights on Transformative Work
While the evening will celebrate the full spectrum of JFCS services, this year’s educational program will spotlight three transformative areas of our work:
Grief and Loss Support: We’ll explore the many ways JFCS helps individuals and families find healing after loss- -whether grieving the death of a parent, child, or spouse, or navigating the complicated pain that comes with a loved one’s addiction.
J-Time After-School Respite: New this year, J-Time offers children and young adults with disabilities a safe, welcoming space to learn, play, and connect after school. Through structured activities that build skills and encourage socialization, J-Time also gives parents and caregivers something equally meaningful: Time, support, and peace of mind.
Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry: You’ll gain new perspective on this life-sustaining service by hearing from a volunteer who regularly delivers groceries and essentials to clients. The story you hear just might surprise you–and remind you how much dignity and care can be delivered in a single bag.
Join Us! We hope to see you on March 26 for this special evening celebrating everything we have built together.
For tickets and information, please visit jfcssnj.org/steppingout
For questions about the event or to become a sponsor, please contact Kelly Guiliano, Relationship & Development manager, at kguiliano@jfedsnj.org or (856) 424-1333, ext. 1270.
Together, we are creating a community where no one faces life’s challenges alone–and that is always worth celebrating.
