Jewish tradition teaches that every person carries unique gifts – talents and perspectives that the world needs. Yet for many individuals with disabilities, the path to employment is often blocked by barriers in access and understanding. At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), our Supported Employment Program exists to dismantle those barriers. Through vocational assessments, [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
19
Oct
Oct
Mark first connected with JFCS in 2018, inspired by a deeply personal experience. When a family member who lived far away was diagnosed with a degenerative memory condition, Mark was moved to find a meaningful way to support others facing similar challenges. He found that opportunity through Café Connection, JFCS’s monthly gathering for individuals living [...]
14
Oct
Oct
Parenting a child with disabilities can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. Many parents and caregivers find themselves balancing appointments, advocacy, caregiving responsibilities, and daily family life -- often feeling isolated in experiences that others may not fully understand. That's why connecting with people who truly "get it" can make such a meaningful difference. [...]
12
Oct
Oct
After the intensity and joy of the High Holy Days, the month of Mar Cheshvan brings us into a quieter time. With no major holidays on the calendar, we have the gift of time to pause, to reflect, and to carry what those holidays meant into the rhythms of our everyday lives. This is when [...]
05
Oct
Oct
Lessons from a pioneering Dutch community and what they could mean for families in Southern New Jersey By Reva Farenback-Brateman, MSW, CDP, JFCS Geriatric Case Manager & Community Educator For many families, a dementia diagnosis brings understandable fear. Questions about safety, independence, quality of life, and long-term care often arise immediately. Too often, the conversation [...]
30
Sep
Sep
Abuse often hides behind closed doors. A friend, neighbor, colleague, or family member may be living in fear while appearing perfectly fine to the outside world. Domestic violence is more than physical harm. Rather, it’s a pattern of power and control that can include emotional manipulation, financial control, sexual coercion, stalking, intimidation, and digital abuse. [...]
28
Sep
Sep
The loss of a son or daughter is one of life’s most profound and life-altering experiences. Grief can bring overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and isolation, often leaving parents wondering where to turn for support. At JFCS, no parent has to face that journey alone. The JFCS Parental Bereavement Support Group offers a compassionate [...]
28
Sep
Sep
Looking back on your time as Board President, what accomplishment makes you the most proud? It is difficult to choose one particular accomplishment. Rather, what I am most proud of is seeing the meaningful impact of our work for so many people across our community. As the president, I have been honored to be a [...]
15
Sep
Sep
This fall, you can help stock the shelves of the JFCS Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry by participating in Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s Community High Holiday Food Drive. Your donations of kosher, non-perishable food items and household essentials help provide nourishment and dignity to neighbors facing food insecurity. Most-needed Kosher items include shelf-stable [...]
11
Sep
Sep
As Rosh Hashanah begins tonight, we welcome a season of reflection, renewal, and hope. This sacred time reminds us of our capacity to grow, heal, and begin anew. At Jewish Family & Children's Service, we are honored to support individuals and families on their journeys of resilience and transformation. We are deeply grateful to all [...]