As your child with disabilities approaches adulthood, planning for their future can feel complex—but families are not alone, and meaningful options do exist. While challenges such as limited affordable housing and long waitlists remain, innovative programs and supportive resources are helping to create more pathways to independence and community living. On Tuesday, May 5 at [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
17
Apr
Apr
As we welcome the month of Iyar, we enter what Jewish tradition calls the month of healing, reminding us that healing happens not just within ourselves, but through the care we extend to one another. This month brings a profound journey through memory and hope. We begin with Yom HaShoah, honoring those lost in the [...]
15
Apr
Apr
As Passover approaches, the theme of freedom fills our homes and hearts. It’s woven through our prayers, our rituals, and our conversations around the Seder table. But freedom means different things at different moments in our lives. Many Kinds of Freedom At Passover, we commemorate the Exodus from Egypt–the dramatic liberation of the Israelites from [...]
27
Mar
Mar
Volunteering with Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is a meaningful way to give back while strengthening the fabric of our local community. Each day, our dedicated volunteers help support neighbors in need, build lasting connections, and experience the deep sense of purpose that comes from making a tangible difference. We currently have several open [...]
23
Mar
Mar
Life’s most profound challenges—loss, grief, and major transitions—can feel isolating. Support groups offer a powerful reminder that no one has to navigate these experiences alone. By bringing people together in a safe, compassionate environment, these groups create space for connection, understanding, and healing. Sharing stories, listening to others, and being witnessed in your grief can [...]
19
Mar
Mar
As the month of Nisan arrives, it brings with it the first whispers of spring and the promise of renewal. We’re preparing for Passover, reflecting on our people’s journey from hardship to hope, and thinking about how those ancient themes live on in our work today. The Haggadah teaches us to welcome everyone to our table: “Let [...]
18
Mar
Mar
As Passover approaches, the theme of freedom fills our homes and hearts. It’s woven through our prayers, our rituals, and our conversations around the Seder table. But freedom means different things at different moments in our lives. Many Kinds of Freedom At Passover, we commemorate the Exodus from Egypt–the dramatic liberation of the Israelites from [...]
18
Mar
Mar
As Passover approaches, many of us prepare our homes and our tables, gathering with family and friends to retell the story of liberation. At the start of the Seder, we recite a powerful invitation: “Whoever is hungry, come and eat. Whoever is needy, come and celebrate Passover.” This call is more than tradition—it is a [...]
04
Mar
Mar
Passover is a time of tradition, connection, and gathering around the Seder table with friends and family. Yet for those who have lost a loved one, the holiday can feel tender and bittersweet, marked by an empty chair and cherished memories. If you are carrying grief during this season, please know you are not alone. [...]
18
Feb
Feb
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 [...]