A New Way to Stay Social, Active, and Independent! Are you—or is someone you know—a young adult with disabilities looking for fun, friendship, and new experiences? JFCS is thrilled to launch SAIL Junior, an exciting new social program designed just for neurodivergent young adults ages 18–24! SAIL Junior is all about building community, having fun, [...]
Author Archives: Rachael Ovitz
28
Jul
Jul
This past Shabbat, we welcomed the month of Av – a time that carries both profound sorrow and unexpected hope. In Hebrew, Av means "father," and we often add the word Menachem, meaning "comforter," giving us Menachem Av. This beautiful name reminds us that even in our darkest moments, comfort and consolation are possible. The [...]
23
Jul
Jul
Volunteering with JFCS doesn’t always require grand actions—sometimes, it begins with the simplest of gestures. Meet two dedicated volunteers whose handmade birthday and holiday cards bring joy and connection to our Older Adult and Holocaust Survivor clients. Jessica Yao, a rising high school senior from Mount Laurel, began volunteering with JFCS in March 2022, when [...]
22
Jul
Jul
At 77, Henry* struggles with many things he once loved, like playing cards with friends or riding bikes with his grandchildren. “I sometimes get sad,” he shared. “It’s a challenge to do things I took for granted even a few years ago.” Henry is one of millions of Americans facing vision loss. With people living [...]
16
Jul
Jul
JFCS Creates Meaningful Mitzvah and Volunteer Opportunities for Teens! Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is proud to offer meaningful opportunities for local teens and B’nai Mitzvah students to connect with our community and begin a lifelong journey of service. Whether it’s a mitzvah project, school requirement, or personal passion, JFCS can help students make [...]
09
Jul
Jul
When the final school bell rings each June, children across South Jersey celebrate the freedom of summer. But for thousands of families in our community, that same bell signals the beginning of a hidden crisis: The sudden loss of reliable breakfast and lunch programs that provide essential nutrition throughout the school year. The Jewish [...]
02
Jul
Jul
On June 12 and June 17, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) proudly hosted its third annual Holocaust Survivor Day Celebrations in Cherry Hill and Vineland, respectively — moving tributes to the resilience, legacy, and enduring spirit of Holocaust Survivors in our community. These annual gatherings are part of a global movement to honor Survivors [...]
26
Jun
Jun
As we enter the month of Tammuz, we find ourselves in a time marked by both sorrow and the possibility of renewal. Jewish tradition teaches us that these weeks of reflection—beginning with the 17th of Tammuz and leading to Tisha B'Av—invite us to face the world's brokenness while actively seeking healing. Even in pain, we [...]
18
Jun
Jun
At JFCS, we understand that life’s challenges don’t pause for the summer. That’s why we’re offering a range of support groups to help community members share their experiences, develop new coping skills, and feel less alone. Whether you're navigating caregiving, addiction and recovery, or health-related changes, JFCS provides compassionate, expert-led spaces to heal and grow. [...]
10
Jun
Jun
Summer arrives with a promise of longer days, warmer weather, and the freedom of looser schedules. Yet for many families in our community, this season also brings challenges. School routines disappear, temperatures climb, and the very freedom that defines summer can feel overwhelming. At Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), our counselors and social workers [...]