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JFCS NEWS
| Cherry Hill Office:
1301 Springdale Road
Suite 150
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone: 856-424-1333
Mount Laurel Office:
Suite 702 Birchfield Drive
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone: 856-778-7775
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Wishes for a sweet and happy New Year.
L'Shana Tova.
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Greetings!
Welcome to the new online version of the JFCS NEWS, formerly our print newsletter. Going paperless with the JFCS NEWS will help us conserve precious funds that would otherwise go to printing and mailing expenses and direct those funds to clients who are struggling in these difficult economic times - and be a little greener in the process!Rest assured that we will continue to provide the same news and information about our agency, and we hope you will continue to enjoy reading about the many programs and services we provide to the community. Please help us spread the word about our new e-newsletter by sharing this with your family and friends! They can sign up to receive future issues of the JFCS NEWS here. Want even more regular updates about what's happening here at JFCS? Become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
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JFCS needs your help
For the first time ever, JFCS is entering a new fiscal year with a budget deficit. Over the past year, we have given out $310,000 in free and subsidized counseling, special needs, and senior services, financial assistance for housing and utilities, and food. This is far more than we projected going into fiscal year 2009. However, it remains our mission to turn no one away due to their ability to pay. It is through the generosity of our donors that we are able to continue to provide these services to this community. Please be on the look out for our annual Friends Campaign letter in the mail after the High Holidays. Your donation truly helps to touch people's lives.
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Domestic abuse services up in response to increased need
For many reasons, domestic abuse seems to increase as the economy worsens. October will mark Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, and will also mark the fifth anniversary of our Project S.A.R.A.H. Domestic Abuse Program (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home).
Over the past four months, 31 new individuals have called asking for Project S.A.R.A.H. services. That's more than a 200% increase over the past four month period. Of those 31 individuals, 15 have since entered the program for counseling.
JFCS has increased services and recently started a support group for women who have left their abusers. Participants tell us they are grateful to have a safe place to share their feelings, and one sums up the feelings of many when she says, "I finally have a place to talk with other women who truly understand my experience, don't undermine or belittle it, or try to compare it to a bad divorce."
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Imagine what it would be like to go to bed hungry
The JFCS Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families who need help putting food on the table. In addition, we are the only local resource that provides kosher food directly to those in need. In the past year, the Food Pantry has increased distributions of food to the community by over 300%, and the demand continues to grow.
In an effort to keep up with demand, we often utilize the services of the South Jersey Food Bank, which provides food to member organizations at a discounted price, but does not distribute directly to individuals. While this is a resource for us should we fall short of our need, it does come at a cost. Therefore, the JFCS Food Pantry truly relies on the generous donations we receive from area synagogues, Jewish organizations, youth groups, and members of our community (like you!) to stock our shelves, especially as the High Holidays approach.
When donating food and personal care items, please remember those who need help right here in your own backyard, and consider donating to the JFCS Food Pantry. We gladly accept non-perishable kosher food, personal care items, and grocery store gift cards to purchase perishable items. Click here for our full "wish list".
 The JCC Camps at Medford collected non-perishable kosher food to donate to the JFCS Food Pantry during Spirit Week. The Gesher CIT's spear-headed the drive, which netted over 20 boxes of food for the pantry. |
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JFCS to offer screening of In the Family about inherited breast cancer
A screening of the Emmy-nominated film documentary In the Family, about inherited breast cancer and the courageous journey of the filmmaker, will be hosted by JFCS on October 27th at 6:30 PM in the Social Hall at the Weinberg Jewish Community Center. JFCS will partner with the Family Risk Assessment Program at Fox Chase Virtua Health to present this gripping film which has been released nationwide. This event is free and open to the community, but space is limited so register today by calling 1-800-Virtua-3. Click here to see our flyer.
At age 31, filmmaker Joanna Rudnick faces an impossible decision: remove her breasts and ovaries or risk incredible odds of developing cancer. Armed with a positive genetic test result that leaves her essentially 'a ticking time bomb', she balances dreams of having her own children with the unnerving reality that she is risking her life by holding on to her fertility. In the Family follows Joanna as she takes us on a journey through the unpredictable world of predictive genetic testing. Intensely personal and timely, In the Family is a ground-breaking investigation that attempts to answer the question: How much do you sacrifice to survive?
A panel discussion will follow and include:
Dr. Karen Atkin
Dr. Randolph Deger, Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Priya Gor, Medical Director of Virtua Health Cancer Genetics Program and Medical Oncologist
Bridget LeGrazie, Advanced Practice Genetics Nurse and Manager of Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Genetics Program
Dr. Eric Miller, Breast Surgeon
Janice O'Connell, Board Certified Genetics Counselor
Contact Margie by email or by phone at 856-424-1333 for more details on this groundbreaking and riveting program!
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JFCS to offer free legal services
As the JFCS Family Assistance Program (FAP) continues to expand, we have experienced an increased number of clients who come in with the need for legal services. We plan to meet this need by offering free legal consultations starting this fall. Volunteer attorneys will meet with potential clients on Monday evenings in the Cherry Hill office free of charge and with no appointment necessary.
Each week, a different area of specialization will be highlighted, including bankruptcy, elder law, trusts and estates, consumer affairs, and family law.
If you know of an attorney who may be interested in volunteering his or her time, please contact Lydia by email or by phone at 856-778-7775.
Watch for more publicity coming soon!
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Check out our new website!
JFCS has totally re-designed and upgraded its website and we are pleased to share it with you! The new site is loaded with information about our programs and services, as well as how community members can get involved with our agency.
Learn more about all the wonderful things that JFCS does through our new agency video. Check out our new career center, audio podcasts on a variety of topics, event calendar that scrolls upcoming events on every page, information about volunteering, expanded photo gallery, publications archive, press room, helpful links to other sites, and so much more! Purchase tribute cards and learn how you can make financial and in-kind donations. Everything is user-friendly and interactive.
We welcome your feedback and any suggestions you may have for future content. Contact Karen or Sherry by email or give us a call at 856-424-1333.
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SAIL Program navigates new waters
There's never a dull moment in our SAIL Program, a social and recreational program for young adults who have special needs. New events seem to form every month, and here are some of the newest ones: SAIL Sings! (choir); Guys and Girls Groups, which feature discussions of interest to young men and women; and nights at the movies. Recently, a lively and well-attended discussion group was held about Facebook issues and safety. Bet you didn't know that SAIL has its own Facebook group (SAIL JFCS of South Jersey), open to members only!
The Girls and Guys Groups talk about friendships, sex, dating, and dating violence. Group leader Staci says participants learn to develop interpersonal skills, and what it means to be a friend and to make connections. The group ranges from about 4 to 7 members, aged 20-26, and they meet at various locations within the community twice a month.
 The SAIL softball team competed in the June 2009 Special Olympics,
and the soccer team has started practicing for the fall season.
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Blue Genes Shabbat coming to a synagogue near you!
Nothing is more heartbreaking than for a child to be born with a Jewish genetic disease that could have been detected or prevented through testing. Fortunately, screening is available for many of these diseases with one simple blood test.
To raise awareness and educate the community about these diseases, JFCS will partner with one of the world's foremost biotechnology companies, Genzyme, to host a series of Blue Genes Shabbats this fall at local synagogues. Currently scheduled is Temple Emanuel on October 23rd, with others to follow. Each synagogue will plan its own event and host an educational Kiddush.
Blue Genes Shabbat is modeled after the successful Pink Shabbat program that
has been in place for a year and a half at area synagogues. Pink Shabbat provides healing and support for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families, and raises awareness of the JFCS Yad b'Yad Breast Cancer Support Program.
Approximately one in four people in the Ashkenazi Jewish population is
a carrier of a Jewish genetic disease. If two carriers of the same
condition have children together, there is a 25% chance with each
pregnancy that their child will be born with the disease. There are more than a dozen inherited diseases that are common in the Jewish
population. Some, such as Tay-Sachs disease, Dysautonomia, and Canavan disease,
can lead to the early death of a child, while others such as Gaucher disease can be treated so the individual can lead a normal life. Early
detection is key.
Through Blue Genes Shabbat, JFCS hopes to ensure that
the birth of a child in a Jewish family will be a time of joy instead
of worry and grief.
We've updated our website with a wealth of information and resources to educate the community about the different Jewish genetic diseases. Click here to learn more.
 Making plans for the Blue Genes Shabbats are: David O'Connor, Erin O'Rourke, and Sarah Gonzalez from Genzyme with Michele Ettinger, Beth Wynne, and Jennifer Dubrow Weiss from JFCS. |
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New programming for Jewish addicts
The picture of an addict does not fit the stereotypical image that
many people may have of Jews. There is a tendency to believe that
Jewish addicts are rare, if they even exist at all. After all,
everyone knows that Jews don't drink or abuse drugs!
In reality, the incidence of alcoholism and drug abuse is the same
in the Jewish community as in society in general, affecting about 12%
of the population. People can also be addicted to prescription drugs,
food, gambling, shopping, and even sex. An addiction is any activity
that becomes compulsive and obsessive and begins to interfere with
daily life. Unfortunately, serious denial exists within the Jewish
community because Jews traditionally have been helpers but are
reluctant to help themselves. Addiction is considered such a stigma in
the Jewish community, that many addicts go to great lengths to hide
their secret from their family, friends, and even themselves.
Nevertheless, approximately 76 million Americans have experienced
some form of alcoholism or addiction in their families according to the
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. JFCS provides the following
programming for individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their
family and friends.
The Jewish Friends of Bill W. - For those who identify themselves as addicts and would like to network and build community with other addicts in South Jersey. Click here for more information.
Jewish Family and Friends of Addicts - Peer support for Jewish family and friends of individuals struggling with addiction issues. Click here for more information.
September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. In conjunction with this, we've updated our website with new information about addiction issues and the resources available to those affected by it. Click here to learn more.
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Caregivers group ends on a successful note
Our Caregivers Support Group just concluded a very successful series and left participants wanting more! Each group member was coping with having to care for either a spouse or parent who has either Alzheimer's disease or a severe physical illness. They shared their common frustrations, anger, and even joys that are connected with the caregiving experience. Group facilitator Rebecca also provided helpful community resources and informational hand-outs. The group officially ended on July 30th, but demand for it to continue was so high that the group was extended for four additional sessions in August. And a new 6-week group is starting October 15th. Click here for more information.
As you might expect, emotions were intense, and group members felt grateful to have the opportunity to express their feelings with others who understand what they are going through. Said one participant, "I didn't plan on spending my life emptying a commode, but I'm doing it and resenting it. My family and friends don't want to hear about these things, but at least this group gave me someplace to vent my feelings."
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I hope you've enjoyed reading about the activities here at JFCS. Thank you again for your support and help in touching people's lives!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Dubrow Weiss
Executive Director
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Ask Miriam
the Maven
Got questions? Need answers about parenting, relationships, or managing the daily stress of life? Email your questions to Miriam the Maven at askmiriam@jfedsnj.org.
Click here to learn more about this service on our website. |
How has JFCS touched your life?
Has a JFCS program or service touched your life in some way?
Tell us how!
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Samost Jewish Family &
Children's Service is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Southern
New Jersey and proud recipient of funding from Federation's Annual
Campaign, The Raymond & Gertrude R. Saltzman Foundation, Jewish
Community Foundation, and United Way of Burlington and Camden Counties. |
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