Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) will celebrate its 80th anniversary at its Annual Celebration on Monday evening, September 23, at the Katz JCC. This special evening will honor the dedicated staff, board members, advisory council, and volunteers who help the agency fulfill its mission of providing support and hope to vulnerable individuals in South Jersey.
The evening will begin at 6:30pm with a pre-reception featuring a delicious buffet of appetizers and drinks, followed by dessert during the Annual Celebration program, starting promptly at 7:30pm. The event is open to the community, but advance reservations are required by September 13.
In a cherished JFCS tradition, the presidential “torch” will be passed from outgoing Board President Stacy Asbell Levin (pictured above, left) to incoming President Margo Orlin (pictured above, right). “As I began my presidency two years ago, I recognized the significant changes happening in our community,” said Levin. “Now, as my term concludes, I am incredibly proud of how our exceptional staff, lay leaders, and volunteers have navigated the evolving needs of our clients and community. I am confident that JFCS will be in excellent hands with Margo!”
JFCS is fortunate to have passionate and dedicated lay leaders guiding its path. On September 23, the agency will welcome incoming Vice President Jennifer Gerstein and new Board members Rabbi Richard Address, Ian Richman, Lori Silver, and Ilene Weinberg, along with new Advisory Council members David Francis-Maurer, Melissa Morrow, Miriam Stern, Jaime Whalen, and Beth Wynne. Outgoing Board members Stefanie Levine Cohen, Geoff Hammel, Debra Janove, Hope Morgan, Jerry Rothkoff, and Miriam Stern will be recognized for their years of service. Outgoing Advisory Council members Myron Buchman, Patricia Lahn, Jeffrey Nash, Scott Seligman, Chris Warren, and Gregg Wolfe will also be honored for their vision and guidance.
The evening will also celebrate the contributions of two Volunteers of the Year, Stacey Barnett and Stephanie Zinn. “The work of this agency would not be possible without the support of outstanding volunteers like Stacey and Stephanie,” said Sherri Jonas, Director of Volunteers. “Both of these women exemplify our core values of commitment, empathy, and empowerment.” MOM’s Organic Market will receive the Community Partner Award for its dedication to alleviating food insecurity in South Jersey.
Another highlight will be the recognition of JFCS staff members for their exceptional achievements. Sherri Jonas, Director of Volunteers, and Rachael Satanoff Ovitz, Director of Marketing & Communications, will receive the Beth Wynne Unsung Hero Award. Geriatric Social Worker Eileen Hoffing will be honored with the Sondra Berman Memorial Award, and Senior Director of Programs Meredith Siegel Cohen will receive the Kavod Award. “The word ‘kavod’ means honor and respect in Hebrew. Anyone who has interacted with Meredith during her thirteen year tenure at JFCS knows she exemplifies these qualities,” said Melanie Stoopler, Chief Financial Officer.
To commemorate its 80-year milestone, JFCS will produce a beautiful tribute journal to be distributed at the Annual Celebration. Placing an ad in the journal is a meaningful way to support the agency’s important work and celebrate the achievements of the honorees. To RSVP or place a tribute ad, please visit www.jfcssnj.org/annualcelebration.
This event is sponsored by Fox Rothschild LLP / Ian D. Meklinsky.
