Throughout my tenure as interim CEO of JF&CS, I have had the opportunity to witness the lengths that staff go to in order to help those in need every day. I recently sat in on a meeting of direct service staff across the agency where they shared current cases and success stories. I was told about clients that entered the agency through different avenues with different needs. In this meeting, I heard about people who had come looking for help in domestic abuse situations, while others needed help applying for and acquiring the benefits to which they’re entitled.

One client I heard about has stayed with me. She and her children fled an abusive relationship two years ago, and she has never received the court-ordered child support owed to her. She was unable to financially care for her children and worried about the holidays, but after turning to JF&CS for help, our staff was able to guide her in getting back on her feet after being left with emotional and physical scars from her abusive relationship.

What impresses me most is how staff establish a support system that will last clients a lifetime. No matter what they come to us for, they leave with all their needs met. We don’t just look at the one issue they walked in with, but a whole variety of other challenges they could be facing. Staff know just the right questions to ask to learn about the whole person and ultimately offer help in ways clients never expected. At JF&CS, we offer a range of services that support families and individuals in all different ways. Whether they need help with foodhousinglegal services or acquiring benefits, our staff go above and beyond to find resources that will build a foundation for resilience and well-being.

I am so grateful that I have been able to witness our mission come to life every day. Our staff set out to make an impact in the community while valuing our Jewish traditions. Supporting the well-being of anyone in our community is what we’re here for, and we strive to provide the services our clients need to move from crisis to stability.

Carl Zack is interim CEO of JF&CS.

If you’re interested in getting involved with JF&CS, find our numerous volunteer opportunities here.

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