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.