Originally published in the Jewish Journal.

Connecting with JF&CS on the North Shore“The mission of JF&CS to improving people’s lives resonates with me because I have known personally what it is to be in need in a variety of ways. Everyone has moments when they need the support of others,” says Laura Shulman Brochstein, new JF&CS North Shore Outreach Manager. “JF&CS provides so many resources that let people know that they’re not alone in the world, whether they’re caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s or feeling isolated and anxious as a new mother. It’s an agency with a vast number of programs that work together, supporting them through challenging times while encouraging independence and the dignity of the individual.”

“Working with others – helping others – is a big part of who I am,” Laura explains. Previously the Associate Director of the Families with Young Children Initiative at Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), she also brings to JF&CS her experience as Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Leadership Development at the Jewish Federation of the North Shore, and as Assistant Director of CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection.  Laura is excited about the many facets of her new role at JF&CS. She will be responsible for expanding agency and program awareness in the North Shore community through building relationships, organizing JF&CS speaking events, donor identification, and volunteer engagement. Also on her agenda is increasing agency visibility and working to bring specific JF&CS programs to the North Shore. “I want to raise people’s awareness and participation in our exceptional programs. My role is to get the message out and connect people to programs and volunteers to the right opportunity, as well,” she adds. “My roots are planted in both the North Shore and in the Jewish community here. This is where I choose to raise my family.”

Laura, who lives in Marblehead with her wife Rebecca and their two children, Noa (age 7) and Eitan (age 5), is passionate about working to help others. With a BA in Women’s Studies from Bates College and a Master’s degree in Jewish Communal Leadership from Brandeis University, Laura is currently finishing her last semester pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at Salem State University.

“I am very much involved with the North Shore, both personally and professionally,” Laura adds. “I want to see the role of JF&CS on the North Shore grow so that even more people can participate in or volunteer for our wonderful programs.  I am proud to be a member of the JF&CS family and I am excited about helping to bring its message to more people and families in new communities. It gives me the privilege of assisting others in need; it’s a perfect fit for me.”

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