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. […]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]