JFCS is proud to offer a wide range of support groups that enable participants to come together, build new skills, and share their experiences with others who understand. The summer session of our Caregivers Support Group is slated to begin on Wednesday, July 17, at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom. Facilitated by an experienced JFCS clinical [...]
22
May
May
By Gail Belfer, MSW, LCSW, CDP - Director of Holocaust Survivor Services & Advocacy Many individuals are concerned when they notice changes in their personality, mood, and behavior - or in their loved ones. They worry that these changes are symptoms of dementia and may delay going to the doctor because they are afraid of [...]
05
Feb
Feb
Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized high school transition program that prepares young adults with disabilities for success in the workplace. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is proud to be the community rehabilitation provider for Project SEARCH at both Jefferson Health and TD Bank. During their year at TD Bank, the Project SEARCH interns [...]
Mental Health, Wellness
Support groups allow those facing challenges to heal through shared experience
31
Jan
Jan
The JFCS Faye Manger Counseling Department offers a wide range of support groups that allow individuals facing life challenges to gather together and heal through shared experience. Our groups enable participants to build community, find connection with others who have experienced similar circumstances, and form supportive networks. We will be offering three support groups starting […]
18
Oct
Oct
The traumatic images of brutality and loss coming out of Israel have undoubtedly taken a toll on our community’s mental health. Many South Jersey residents have close personal ties to Israel, including family and friends living there, while others simply feel a strong emotional connection to the Jewish homeland. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) [...]
Many kids look forward to their birthday party with great excitement, imagining presents, cake, and fun with friends. Cherry Hill resident Samuel Schatz is a typical kid in many ways. A student at Kellman Brown Academy, he loves theater, soccer, Roblox, and his boxing classes at the Katz JCC. But in 2018, when his sixth […]
Café Connection: A Memory Café was created in 2016 by Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), the Katz JCC, and Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service (JSHHS) to sup port individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments, as well as their care partners. Often fearing rejection and stigma, care partners worry that the […]
21
Jul
Jul
The needs of children with developmental disabilities are as diverse as the families who care for them. JFCS strives to provide a wide range of options to help parents and caregivers meet their children’s needs while maintaining the stability and wellbeing of the entire family. The JFCS Self-Hired Respite Care service gives families short-term relief […]
05
Apr
Apr
By Carlos Bermeo, LCSW, NBCCH, JFCS Director of Clinical Services Following the unexpected and sudden loss of a loved one, there is no “formula” for dealing with grief. It is important to find ways to remember the deceased that will allow you to peacefully move on and live the life you were meant to live. […]
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 [...]
08
Sep
Sep
Meet Jen Gerstein, Volunteer Onboarding Specialist! How long have you been working at JFCS? My official start date was June 15, 2026. Tell us about your role. As the Volunteer Onboarding Specialist, I manage all volunteer inquiries and help determine who is appropriate and should be vetted for open positions. I communicate with new volunteers [...]
02
Sep
Sep
On Rosh Hashanah, the piercing blasts of the shofar ring out across our sanctuaries like an alarm clock. The shofar is more than a ritual instrument; it is a spiritual wake-up call, urging us to examine our lives, embrace opportunities for growth, and recognize the possibility of change. As its call approaches and the sweet [...]
26
Aug
Aug
Jewish Family & Children's Service (JFCS) of Southern New Jersey is proud to announce that we have earned national re-accreditation through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current. This achievement reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate services and support to individuals, families, seniors, and communities throughout Southern New Jersey. Re-accreditation is the [...]
14
Aug
Aug
The month of Elul arrives quietly, inviting us to pause and reflect. The shofar’s call begins this month – not with the urgency of the High Holy Days, but as a gentle invitation to ask ourselves important questions: How will I show up differently in the year ahead? Where will I direct my generosity? How [...]
05
Aug
Aug
As summer winds down and the first day of school approaches, families across South Jersey are in motion: Checking off supply lists, filling out forms, and squeezing in one last beach day. It’s a season filled with anticipation and, for many parents, a hope that this year will be a good one for their child. [...]
05
Aug
Aug
Living with vision loss can be a challenging and often isolating experience. Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases can affect an individual's ability to drive, read, manage daily tasks, and maintain their independence - often leading to frustration, anxiety, and social isolation. To help South Jersey's older adults (55+) navigate [...]