A Message From Tom Beck, JFS Executive Director

As Jewish Family Service is in the midst of celebrating 100 years of service to the community, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments over the past year as well as the past hundred years. What a noble history the agency has had: from a small group of founding individuals to over 3,000 supporters; from a handful of clients to more than 6,800 served last year alone.  What a staggering commitment to our community, as our statistics will show.

During 2011, we provided homecare services to the elderly and the frail, play therapy to children, and offered emergency financial services to those who, through no fault of their own, found themselves without income or a stable home.  The Economic Response Initiative, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, has become a model for helping people find work.  In fact, 300 individuals have been served through this program.  Our goal, as always, is to help people live with dignity and independence.

Our challenge is to evoke a sense of community, that we all make our world a better place (tikun olam- repairing the world): better for our parents who are challenged by aging and dealing with health issues; better for the distraught wife, the unemployed spouse, and the children who are caught somewhere in-between; better for the family that has no roof over their head and no food on the table.

Because of the generosity and humanity of our gifted professional staff, volunteers, and donors, we were able to accomplish the following to make the world a better place for these people:

•   23,000 hours of Individual and Family Counseling, including Social Work and Registered Nurse home visits to the elderly 

• 30,000 hours of Home Care services

• 21,600 Kosher Meals on Wheels

• 366 Group and Family Life Education Programs to 1,500 individuals.  Examples of these programs include: T’ai Chi, blood pressure screenings, parenting groups, health fairs, socialization groups, and others.

• 1,000 individuals helped by our Food Pantry and Food Assistance program

• 2,200 Personal Care Transportation rides to medical appointments 

As the lead agency for the State of New Jersey, we now provide $2 million in funding from The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany for services to Holocaust Survivors across the state.  This is the fifth highest in the nation.

We have become the lead agency of the county-wide Home Health Aide Training funded through the Union County Division on Aging.  During the past year, we led two classes through JFS, now 30 individuals have been able to get their Home Health Aide License.

New this year has been our Care Transitions Program.  We have a Registered Nurse Health Coach who works with patients who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure to provide intensive follow-up to prevent re-hospitalizations.  Financed by the Grotta Fund for Senior Care and working cooperatively with Holy Redeemer Home Care NJ and Trinitas Regional Medical Center on this new program enables us to be well-positioned to apply for a federal grant in the near future.

Through the many efforts of (and funding from) the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, we have been able to provide many services to the unemployed through the Economic Response Initiative, as well as receiving $4,000 worth of food through Supermarket Sweep and Super Sunday.  In addition, Federation has helped us launch Project Kesher, which is providing the community with outreach programs this year, ranging from raising breast cancer awareness to family mitzvah projects and lectures on family issues.  We are truly grateful for this partnership.

Thanks to all our funding sources:  The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest; The Union County Division on Aging; The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; The United Ways; and so many foundations and corporations (over 60 in all). 

All of this can only continue with the hard work and commitment of dedicated board members, staff, and volunteers from our community.   I urge everyone to contact me at tbeck@JFSCentralNJ.org, or 908-352-8375, if you have some time to donate to become a Friend Advocate for an isolated elderly individual, help maintain our Urban Community Garden, deliver food to a family in need, or donate your professional time to the agency.

I wish you all the best to you and your families for a Happy and Healthy New Year.

What You Can Do to Help JFS Fight Hunger

Jewish Family Service of Central NJ recently received several grants to support the JFS Kosher Food Pantry which provides food packages to over 250 individuals and families a month and 1,000 emergency food packages a year.  In addition to funding from the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program, JFS  received generous  grants  from the Ann Earle Talcott Fund, Shoprite Partners in Caring, and Stop & Shop Supermarkets to support our efforts to provide supplementary food packages for people who walk into the agency requesting emergency food.  Proceeds from our recent Art Show and Family Concert helped maintain all of our food programs including Kosher Meals on Wheels.

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, a California based national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and alleviating hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds, granted JFS of Central NJ $7,000 for our advocacy work to alleviate hunger. Rabbi George Nudell, of Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains, says, "For over twenty years, MAZON has been addressing the problem of hunger, both in the United States and in Israel. Rather than creating another relief agency, MAZON screens and provides funding for organizations already at work fighting hunger, providing strategic initiatives to help people in poverty to become self-sustaining. With over 50 million Americans (mostly children!) and with almost a quarter of all Israelis living without enough to eat each day, the work MAZON does literally saves lives."
 

According to Tom Beck, JFS Executive Director, “JFS is pleased to have been selected once again for one of MAZON’S Partnership Grants to advocate on behalf of those in our community who need food.”  Mia Hubbard, MAZON’s  Vice President of Programs, says “Charitable food programs are struggling to keep up with unprecedented demand, and at the same time government food and nutrition assistance programs are under attack.”  The JFS Food Pantry Program, which helps over 250 individuals and families a month, has seen a sharp reduction in funding from FEMA.  “Funding from MAZON will help us advocate on the legislative level as well as educating the community about the plight of the unemployed or underemployed in our community who are having a hard time putting food on their tables” said Beck.

The Shoprite Partners in Caring Program, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, and the Ann Earle Talcott Fund are committed to a number of causes including fighting hunger.   JFS is most appreciative to these foundations and to everyone in the community who is our partner in helping alleviate hunger in our community.

In addition, the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest has been a generous partner in helping provide food and support for the Food Pantry.  Their annual Super Market Sweep before Passover  engages the entire community in purchasing food for the Pantry and culminates in sorting and storing the donated food in our main office where the pantry is located.  Donating and packing food is an integral activity for Super Sunday, scheduled this year for December 2, 2012.

Here are some ways you can help:

·    Donate Kosher Food -- JFS has an ongoing Kosher Food Pantry supplying monthly food packages to over 250 individuals and families a month.   The packages consist of non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables and beans, tuna fish, cereal, peanut butter, jam, pasta, crackers, oil, baby food, coffee tea, tomato sauce, etc.  In addition we provide over 1,000 emergency food packages to anyone who comes to our office seeking food.  We accept all kosher food items with a current expiration date on an ongoing basis.

·    Volunteer to maintain the JFS Urban Community Garden at the JFS Elizabeth office.

·    Help Pack and Deliver Food to the Needy—Contact Volunteer Coordinator Elie Bodner, ebodner@jfscentralnj.org, or, 908-352-8375,  if you are interested in donating food, money or your time.

·    Participate in the Supermarket Sweep and Super Sunday activities from the Jewish Federation of Great MetroWest. 

·    Donate funds or gift certificates to allow us to purchase food for the needy.

JFS Urban Community Garden Takes Root

On May 25, the JFS staff began work on their new Urban Community Garden, helped by an eager group of middle school students. Located directly outside JFS headquarters in Elizabeth, the garden currently contains a variety of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and squash. The fresh produce is being delivered in our monthly Food Pantry packages, to the homebound elderly, clients on the Friend Advocate Program, and Kosher Meals on Wheels recipients. The JFS Urban Community Garden will not only supplement our food programs, but provide healthier food to JFS's clients. It has also increased opportunities for Jewish Family service volunteers.

 

The funding for the JFS Urban Community Garden came from a grant from Philips Bayway 66 Refinery, and assistance from Groundwork Elizabeth, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve urban landscapes by encouraging communities to improve the environment. Representatives from Groundwork Elizabeth assisted in planning the garden, providing plants and valuable information about soil conditions and mulch.
If you would like to help out with the garden, please contact Elie Bodner, Volunteer Coordinator at: 908-352-8375, ebodner@jfscentralnj.org.

JFS Goes to the Cloud: Foundations Fund iPads, "Cloud Software," & Security Badges ot Improve Client Care

JFS has been able to make several upgrades in technology thanks to grants from the Hyde and Watson Foundation, the E.J. Grassmann Trust, the Overlook Hospital Foundation, and the Westfield Foundation, all of New Jersey.  These upgrades are improving our ability to deliver service to clients in and around Union County.   

Thanks to a grant from the Hyde and Watson Foundation and the Westfield Foundation, we upgraded our systems to conform to the latest HIPPA billing systems for Medicare and private insurance. With our software now in the "cloud", JFS began looking into technological ways to improve client care for our nurses and social workers who make home visits.  Thanks to the E.J.Grassmann Trust and the Overlook Hospital Foundation, JFS has purchased iPads that conform to our client software.  Field staff now have the ability to access agency documents and resources including a client’s electronic charts, and make referrals to improve client care all while in the home of the client.  JFS field staff can spend more time addressing clients’ immediate needs in their homes and less time in the office.

In addition, the Union Foundation of New Jersey, generously supported our efforts to upgrade security for Agency employees.  Thanks to this grant, employees gain access to the main office in Elizabeth with electronic badges.  Nurses, social workers, home health aides, homemakers, and Meals on Wheels personnel also wear these badges so they are easily identifiable when in the field making home visits.

Jewish Family Service is grateful to these foundations for their support.

A Message from Incoming President Abe Suckno

I am humbled and honored to have been elected president of Jewish Family Service of Central NJ. This year marks our one hundredth year of service to the community.  What had made the Jewish Family Service not only survive, but prosper during these one hundred years?



Abe Suckno, incoming JFS President, delivers acceptance speech at JFS annual meeting.

 Leadership
From our first president, Al Kessler to our immediate past president Jennifer Pollak, we have been blessed with leadership that is hard working, giving of their personal time, and has an abundance of entrepreneurial wisdom.
From Mildred Hamilton, our first official Executive Director as a professional organization,  to Tom Beck today, we have enlisted the top executive directors. They are willing to give as much time, effort, vision, and professionalism as is necessary to keep JFS in the forefront of community services.
 

Responsive Board of Directors
These are people who give of their time freely and without hesitation.  They are always willing to help the Jewish Family Service, whether it be delivering food, stuffing envelopes, being on special committees or helping the staff.  All of the previous and current board members are always ready to help.

Dedicated Staff
Our staff is distinguished by their relentless effort to help those in need.  From serving the needs of our aging Holocaust victims, to feeding the poor, to helping older adults age in place, or helping couples in their quest to adopt a child, our past and present staff use all of their strength and effort to satisfy a client’s needs.

A Supportive Community
No organization, politician or leader, can survive without the support of the community.  Our successful first hundred years are thanks to the county, corporations, private foundations, the various funds, donors, and most important, people like you.
Of course, I would be remiss in not mentioning that even though we are all affected by the economics of today, there are still those who desperately need our help, and your donations are still the backbone of our survival.

 
Thank you for this honor. I will do my best to help lead Jewish Family Service into its next hundred years.

(Photos by Seth Brown)

Outgoing JFS President Jennifer Pollak delivers her final address and welcomes Abe Suckno as incoming JFS President for a two year term.

Stan and Pearl Ehrlich of Westfield receive Volunteer Awards for their work with the Food Pantry. Stan also consults with the JFS on a number of administrative projects and counsels clients with financial issues.

Susan Klapper of Scotch Plains accepts a JFS Volunteer Award for her work ordering food and supplies for the Food Pantry. She has also been a member of the Fall Concert Committee and the recent Art Show Committee.

Lenny Lauer (right) of Elizabeth, with Abe Suckno and Elie Bodner Volunteer Coordinator (center). Lenny was recognized for his work with the Cafe Europa monthly social group for Holocaust Survivors.

Sonnie Suckno receives her award from Abe Suckno for lending her services a s a real estate broker during the sale of a  house JFS received from a donor, and for her work with Cafe Europa.



Michelle Rosen of Westfield is accepting her Volunteer Award for serving on the Concert Committee, the Art Show Committee, and for working as a Friend Advocate Volunteer.

Summer Job Search Boot Camp

This summer, JFS Economic Response Initiative will be hosting a free Job Search Boot Camp, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Metro West. The program is designed for the recently unemployed and new college graduates. There will be seven classes in the series, which runs from July 11 – August 22. The classes meet Wednesday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Temple Shalom/Fanwood Presbyterian Church (74 S Martine Avenue). Learn how to create an effective resume, target the right companies, improve your interviewing skills, and much more! 

Remember to like JFS on Facebook for a weekly job tip and more, and don't forget to spread the word!

CLASS SCHEDULE

July 11: Knowing How To Sell Yourself

July 18: Creating a Resume that Gets You in the Door

July 25: Creating an Effective Networking Strategy

August 1: Maximizing Social Marketing and Media

August 8: Career Planning and Targeting Companies

August 15: Reinventing Yourself; Developing Your Own Brand
August 22: Polishing Your Interviewing Skills

JFS Recieves Grants from The van Ameringen Foundation, Inc. and The Turrell Fund for the Play Therapy Program

Jewish Family Service of Central NJ received generous grants from The van Ameringen Foundation, Inc. of NY and The Turrell Fund of NJ, to fund the JFS play therapy program, called “Project Play.” Although toys and games were always used in therapy for children, the Play Therapy Program was formalized ten years ago in the aftermath of 9/11, to help traumatized children and their families deal with their losses.   Over the years, The Hyde & Watson Foundation, The Grassmann Fund,  and The Union Foundation, all of NJ,  provided generous funding for JFS to equip three state- of- the art Play Therapy rooms with the necessary toys, puppets, games, and craft materials. 

Play therapy is a technique used with children ages 2-11 as an alternative to traditional therapy.  Often children, especially those with psychological problems, social skills deficits or learning disabilities have difficulty expressing themselves.  Experienced play therapists, who are licensed social workers, help children express what is troubling them and enable them to explore relationships when they do not have the verbal language to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
During a session, a therapist will observe the way a child plays in order to interpret how best to help him/her.  Play involves items such as dolls, clay, board games, and art materials, all of which are instinctively used by the child as a form of self expression. The therapist will also meet with the child’s parents/guardians in order to promote better understanding and communication in the family.  The goal is symptom alleviation and better coping abilities at home and in school.  

There is a high demand for Project Play and a lengthy waiting list. However, thanks to grants from The van Ameringen Foundation, Inc.  and The Turrell Fund, Project Play’s services will be provided to additional disadvantaged children and their families over the course of two years.
Jewish Family Service of Central NJ is grateful to The van Ameringen Foundation, Inc.  for their past support of our consulting child psychiatrist/ social work team,  and to  The Turrell Fund for their past support of our New Jersey After 3 program.
If you are interested in our Play Therapy services, please call the JFS Intake Coordinator at 908-352-8375.

A Message from Outgoing President Jennifer Pollak

As my term as President at JFS comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to share my list of accomplishments with you and thank the community for your support.

I assumed the presidency of JFS at a time of great economic instability and I am proud to report that we have managed to stabilize the agency’s finances by decreasing expenses and increasing income.

While I’m on the topic of  fundraising, our dinner dances over these two years honoring Lesley and David Brooks, Elinor and Leonard Goldman, Chet Fienberg, Mike and Isa Beck, Gordon Haas, Ruth Margolin and Mayor Chris Bollwage, were highly successful and we are busy planning a major centennial celebration.

Our Fall Family Concert  featured the “Maccabeats” and brought over 800 people together for a fun and inspiring afternoon of Jewish music and afforded us the opportunity to reach out to a new population who might not be familiar with our work.

We sponsored two Art Shows to support the Food Programs at JFS, one at the L&M Art Gallery in Elizabeth and the most recent one at the Evalyn Dunn Gallery in Westfield.  We are truly grateful to the hard work of all committee members and to Julie Sirotkin and Michael Sirotkin, owners of L&M, and to Jacie Civins, owner of the Evalyn Dunn Gallery for graciously hosting the events for us.

 We continue to apply for private as well as government grants we have had in place for some time and continue to seek out new sources of funding.  We also hold many direct mail campaigns for membership, food and assistance for children and the elderly throughout the year.

Our newly created website www.JFSCentralNJ.org is up and running, and proudly displays all of our services and allows you to contribute to the Agency’s many fundraising campaigns with greater ease.  Many thanks to our past interns, Debra Klee Wenger  and  Rikki Naiman for their help, and most recently Talia Nudell for designing and editing our new E-Newsletter.

In response to people who are able to pay for home health aide services,  we have launched Caregivers at Home as a private pay service.  The Older Adult Services Department continues to innovate new ways to assist the frail elderly.  The Grotta Fund for Senior Care and the Merck Corporation, Inc.,  recently funded The Care Transitions Collaboration Program to help reduce hospital readmission rates for seniors with congestive heart failure and/or chornic obstructive pulmonary disease.

We have strengthened our network of services as the statewide provider for services for Holocaust Survivors with the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.  Our own Café Europa program increased from 10 to 12 meetings a year and utilizes resources from community partners such as the Jewish Educational Center, Congregation Beth Israel, and the YMHA of Union County.

While we certainly appreciate all of our community partners, I would like to thank our Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey for all of their help. They quickly came to our aid with extra financing for our Kosher Meals on Wheels Program when some of the government funding was recently cut. They run two generous campaigns a year to bring food to our doors during their Annual Supermarket Sweep Foodraiser, and, as one of the activities for Super Sunday they purchase and have volunteers pack  food items to give to those in need. We are fortunate to count on the YMHA of Union County to provide our seniors with nutritious Kosher Meals on Wheels, five days a week.

Our Federation answered our call three years ago to get the Economic Response Team off the ground with Sheri Brown and Carol  Einhorn  assisting unemployed people all over the county with everything from networking workshops, to career advice and resume assistance. Many thanks to the JCC of Central NJ for being available to host our numerous programs throughout the year.

The Federation has also helped us with a $50,000 grant to fund Project KESHER to strengthen our outreach effort to the community.  Partnering with Sharsheret and Trinitas Regional Medical Center we have formed a Breast Cancer awareness group which meets monthly.  Volunteer Mitzvah projects, an Urban Community Garden, and lectures have already taken place and others are currently being planned.

To better accommodate the community’s needs, our Counseling Department  now has more evening and weekend hours  for individuals, couples, and family counseling.  We continue to provide Play Therapy for children with three furnished offices at our main office in Elizabeth and branch office in Clark and  Adoption Home Studies

I want to take this opportunity to thank the JFS staff, my fellow board members, and volunteers for  sharing my passion for meeting the needs of the community.  I urge everyone to get involved in any way possible.  We have so many program that I hope you can find one that suits your interests.

 Jennifer Pollak (left) addressing volunteers at the recent Supermarket Sweep

Breast Cancer Support Group to Take Place at JFS

Jewish Family Service has partnered with Sharsheret, a national organization that addresses the unique needs of Jewish women with breast cancer, to hold monthly support groups at our main office, 655 Westfield Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ. The meetings are fully funded by the Jewish Federation of Central NJ as as part of the Kesher Program: The Jewish Family Connection.

The next meeting will be held on Monday evening, June 4, 2012, 7:00 pm 8:30 pm, and will discuss "Strategies for Utilizing Community Support." The group is facilitated by Carol Einhorn, MSW, LCSW.

Women living with breast cancer face an array of challenges, questions, and emotions and often benefit from joining a support group where they can share their concerns with others. This confidential support group will provide an emotionally safe environment for women to discuss relevant topics, give and receive support, and find courage and hope for the future.

Contact Sheri Brown at sherib@jfscentralnj.org, 908-352-8375, if you are interested in joining the group or need further information.

Art Show Update

Thank you to our friends and volunteers for making the Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Art Show a success!

Photo courtesy of Elaine Durbach

Photo courtesy of Elaine Durbach

Photo courtesy of Ruth Bilenker

Photo courtesy of Ruth Bilenker 

Photo courtesy of Ruth Bilenker 

 Photo courtesy of Ruth Bilenker 

Photo courtesy of Ruth Bilenker

Throughout the entire year, the Evalyn Dunn Gallery will donate a percentage of sales when patrons identify themselves as affiliates of JFS.

JFS Annual Meeting to be held June 6th

The Jewish Family Service Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday June 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the JCC of Central New Jersey, Weinberg Conference Center, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains. New officers will be installed as well as new and continuing board members. Jennifer Pollak will complete her two year term as President of JFS and Abe Suckno will be installed for a two year term as president at this time.  

Also on the agenda, is recognition of JFS Volunteers of the Year. This year’s recipients are listed below, along with their main activities:


Stan and Pearl Ehrlich of Westfield, have volunteered both time and groceries to the Food Pantry for a number of years. They are regularly involved in making deliveries, and are highly dedicated members of the Food Pantry.  Stan also consults with us on a number of administrative projects and counseled clients on financial issues.

Susan Klapper of Scotch Plains, combines her keen organizational abilities and a passion for helping the needy  to become one of our main volunteers who assists in coordinating  the JFS Food Pantry. Susan oversees the Food Pantry’s monthly supplies, orders  what is needed, and helps with distribution.  She was instrumental in helping with the recent Supermarket Sweep organized by the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, was a member of the Fall Concert Committee, and  most recently with the  Art Show Committee. We will officially welcome Susan as a new JFS Board Member at the Annual Meeting.

 Lenny Lauer of Elizabeth and Sonnie Suckno of Green Brook, are both volunteers with our Café Europa program. Café Europa is a monthly social group for Holocaust survivors provided through our work with the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.  Sonnie is being recognized for her efforts in coordinating the Café Europa Programs, and for lending her services as a real estate broker during the recent  sale of the house JFS received from a donor.  Lenny  donates his time driving our frail homebound elderly to and from various meetings and social events held at Jewish Family Service Halpern Building in Elizabeth. 

Michelle Rosen of Westfield,  initially came to JFS as a Friend Advocate Volunteer.  Her skills as a seasoned  Marketing Executive were quickly recognized when she served on the Concert Committee and the Art Show.  At the Annual Meeting  Michelle will be installed to serve on the board of JFS.
 
Kosher Refreshments will be available at 7:00 pm and the meeting starts at 7:30 PM.You can RSVP at: info@jfscentralnj.org, or calling our office at 908-352-8375.

Heat Advisory

Summer is here and the temperature outside is warming up! The Staff at JFS would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of adequate hydration and limited heat and sun exposure. Dehydration results from not having enough liquid in your body and can cause weakness, low blood pressure and fast heartbeat. Many people are hospitalized due to dehydration each year.

The following reminders will help:

• Drink adequate amounts of liquid during the day to help you to avoid becoming dehydrated. It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses (8-ouch each) of fluid, preferably water, each day. A good indicator of adequate fluid in your body is pale yellow urine.
• It is also very important to avoid the sun between the hours of 10AM and 3PM. This is when the sun’s rays are most powerful. If you must go outdoors, please try to schedule appointments in the morning when it is cooler or early evening when the sun has gone down.
• Avoid exercise during the day as well as sitting in direct sunlight.
• When outdoors, wear light colored, loose fitting clothing and a hat.
• Indoors, it is important to use the air conditioner on days that are very warm and humid.
• There are also some medications that cause more sensitivity to the sun and heat. Please check with your physician about your medications.

JFS Awarded Grants from the Grotta Fund for Senior Care and the Merck Corporation, Inc.

Jewish Family Service of Central NJ was recently awarded a coveted grant through the Care Transitions Collaboration of the Grotta Fund for Senior Care to help reduce hospital readmission rates for seniors with congestive heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The grant is shared among JFS, Holy Redeemer Home Care, and Trinitas Regional Medical Center, all in Elizabeth, NJ. In addition to the Grotta Fund for Senior Care, the Merck Corporation, Inc. has awarded JFS a grant to supplement the program with additional nursing hours.

The collaboration is based on the Mary Naylor Model of Care Transitions, an evidence based program from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Using this model as a framework, JFS and Holy Redeemer have hired two Health Coaches, who are experienced nurses, to assist patients navigate through care transitions from the hospital to Medicare certified Home Care, to Long Term Care. The Coaches meet the client while they are still in the hospital and make their follow up medical appointments within one week of hospital discharge. They keep a close watch on the client with home visits, telephone contact and accompanying the client to the physician to ensure that the client discusses all pertinent issues with the physician and follows the recommended course of care and medication. The goal is to avoid re-hospitalization during this four month period.

At this early stage of the program, there are currently thirty clients enrolled in the program. The Agency is grateful for these grants that will help the Older Adult Services Department expand and improve the quality of services to the Union County clients who have serious medical problems and who are over the age of sixty.

Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Art Show

The Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Art Show to benefit the food programs at Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey will take place at the Evalyn Dunn Gallery, 549 South Avenue West, Westfield, NJ, Sunday May 6, 2012, from noon to 5:00 PM and continue through Friday May 11 from 10:30-5:00 PM.  The show is free and open to the public and will feature the works of over 20 artists, potters, jewelers, and Judaic artists.  Kosher refreshments will be served and there will be chances to win exciting door prizes.  Beckerman & Company Professional Insurance Managers is the sponsor of the show.  Parking at the Watterson Municipal Lot is strongly recommended.

We encourage all of our friends and supporters from the community to attend this enjoyable event and to become a sponsor.  Visit our website at: www.jfscentralnj.org/artshow to donate online.

The Committee, pictured here, is being chaired by Evalyn Dunn Gallery owner Jacie Civins, Chet Fienberg and Toby Golderberger.  The Art Show Committee includes: Isa Beck, Ann Beckerman, Phyllis Bernstein-Kuchner, David Brooks, Seth Dombeck, Harriet Goldman, Barbara Halberstadter, Jo Ann Halberstadter, Susan Klapper, Deborah Klee-Wenger, Robert Lowenstein, Aliza Milstein, Barbara Rood, Michelle Rosen,  Steven Rosen, David Roth, Joanie Schwarz-Rosenthal, Donald Shapiro, Mimi Stadler, Abe Suckno, Sonnie Suckno, and Charlotte Zimmerman.

Contact us at info@jfscentralnj.org for further information.