Dear JFCS Family,
What a wonderful week it has been here at JFCS. We are abuzz with excitement and enthusiasm for our annual fundraiser, Stepping Out with JFCS, on Thursday, April 11. I hope you’ll join us to celebrate our agency’s past, present and future! Click here for more information!
I am also excited to announce that this year, our very own Project SEARCH New Jersey was awarded First Place under the Workforce Development category for the 2024 NJ Social Innovation Awards sponsored by the Social Innovations Journal.
Project SEARCH is a unique, internationally recognized, Transition-to-Work Program supporting one-year employment preparation for young adults with disabilities. The program takes place entirely in the workplace, and its outcome is competitive, integrated employment. New Jersey currently has 15 Project SEARCH sites with expansion occurring each year. Our JFCS interns are placed at Y.A.L.E. School and Lenape High Schools, TD Bank (Mount Laurel), and Jefferson Hospital in both Stratford and Cherry Hill. Our collaborative partnership includes supports and resources from local school districts, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Community Rehabilitation Provider, interns, and families.
But of course, our staff (and clients) are the real miracle makers! Led by Janeene Martin, our team – Shannen Murphy, Julia Grayer, Melissa Heaney, and Maria DeStefanis-Turner – creates a strong and beautiful connection with our clients and helps them reach their full potential.
Project SEARCH and the other programs of our Disability Services Department all have one thing in common: they help our clients become the best version of themselves. Our staff create a kind and caring atmosphere where clients can learn and grow their skill sets.
Congratulations to our Project SEARCH team and to everyone who made this award possible. Heartfelt thanks to our former JFCS Executive Director, Marla Myers, for the nomination!
Wishing you love and peace on this Shabbat and always. I hope to see you all next week at Stepping Out!
All my best,
Raechel
