ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2023

Note from Rashki

"We focus on and serve the most vulnerable in the Memphis community by providing an array of services."

Hello all! I am pleased to introduce myself as the Director of Social Services at Wendy and Avron B. Fogelman Jewish Family Service. "New Year, New Me", isn't that the saying? The New Year is a time that provokes change and analysis into our every-day lives. Professionally, it is also a time to reevaluate and assess needs. I am excited to be starting this e-newsletter as a way to connect with all of you, and the greater Memphis community.

Fogelman JFS is a centerpiece of the Memphis Jewish community, and is what we like to call "a hidden gem". We focus on and serve the most vulnerable in the Memphis community by providing an array of services. Fogelman JFS is there to help with financial needs, food insecurity, senior transportation, and to guide individuals in need of resources. We provide counseling on a sliding-scale from ages 3 and up, as well as a variety of programs for individuals in our Inclusion and Diverse Abilities program. 


Martin Luther King, Jr said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others." As we have recently celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this quote motivates my goal for the New Year. Fogelman JFS will continue to provide the services that are needed in the Memphis Jewish community, but as we look around and evaluate, come forward and speak up if there is a need or a way in which we can help further. If we have not yet met, please reach out, I would love to connect. Collaboration is key in helping others, so let's connect, create and break down barriers.


Rashki Osina, LCSW

Fogelman JFS Director of Social Services

rosina@jccmemphis.org 

Chanukah Gift Program

Every year, Betsy and Steve Libby, dedicated Fogelman Jewish Family Service volunteers, lead the Chanukah Gift Program. Chanukah gifts are provided to adult seniors, holocaust survivors and special needs adults who are struggling financially and often living alone or without family support. Gift recipients are also individuals and their families who are currently receiving food pantry and case management services from FJFS. This year, Fogelman JFS distributed 127 Chanukah gifts to FJFS clients, Jewish residents at Plough Towers and The Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab.

2022 Pickleball Palooza

In November 2022, the Memphis Jewish Community Center held its 2nd Annual “Pickleball Palooza” series to benefit the Wendy and Avron B. Fogelman Jewish Family Service. The event was an overwhelming success, raising over $50,000 benefiting the Fogelman Jewish Family Service! We are already looking forward to the fall 2023 event!

Kosher Food Pantry Drive


In November, Wendy and Avron B. Fogelman Jewish Family Service kicked off our annual Thanksgiving to New Year's food drive for the Peggy E. & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Kosher Food and Baby Pantry. In just 40 days, Fogelman JFS received 1,987 items. In 2022, Fogelman JFS distributed over 2,000 pantry bags. We are able to provide this service because of generous community donations.

Fogelman JFS: Meeting the Needs of Jewish Memphians


Get to know the Fogelman JFS Staff

Audrey J. May, MSSW, CRS

Fogelman JFS Intake, Referral, and Volunteer Coordinator

Favorite Board Game: Scrabble

Dale Steele

Fogelman JFS Senior Transportation Driver

Favorite Board Game: Dominoes

Emily Davis, LMSW

Fogelman JFS Special Needs Coordinator

Favorite Board Game: Uno

Miriam Cauley-Crisp

Fogelman JFS Administrative Assistant

Favorite Board Game: Monopoly

Rashki Osina, LCSW

Fogelman JFS Director of Social Services

Favorite Board Game: Stratego

Rebecca Frary, LPC-MHSP

Fogelman JFS Therapist

Favorite Board Game: Rummikub

Teresa Hughes, LCSW

Fogelman JFS Case Manager

Favorite Board Game: Scrabble

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM).

JDAAIM was founded in 2009 with the goal to raise awareness and acceptance of Jewish people with disabilities.


The Fogelman JFS Inclusion and Diverse Abilities program offers a variety of services to those living with developmental and acquired disabilities and their caregivers.


Fogelman JFS has a longstanding adult social group that is designed to enhance independence and quality of life through several weekly activities. Fogelman JFS also provides professional, affordable and compassionate case management services to families with children of all ages. Our social worker will work with you and your family to feel empowered, to maximize the quality of your life, and help your child reach their full potential.

BeWell Memphis is a teen wellness initiative to help combat mental health issues.


Did you know… 

  • 1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. 
  • 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s. 
  • Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth age 15-19. 


This program is provided in partnership with Memphis Jewish Federation, Jewish Federations of North America, and Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies.


Fogelman JFS is now offering Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid trainings. To see the schedule of trainings, please visit the Fogelman JFS website. Private trainings are also available. To learn more and schedule a training, email rosina@jccmemphis.org

Note from Jonathan


2022 was an incredibly busy year for Fogelman Jewish Family Services. As we emerged from the pandemic, FJFS interacted with members of our community last year 700 more times than in 2021, and increased those served by more than 10%.


I urge you to learn more about the work being done every day by FJFS and consider opportunities to volunteer. It’s incredibly satisfying.


As Anne Frank wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” The staff of Fogelman Jewish Family Service make a difference in people’s worlds every day.


And most importantly, when you or a friend or family member need assistance, they’re here for you!

 

Sincerely,


Jonathan Epstein

MJCC Vice Chair for Social Services

Our Services

If you or a loved one would like more information about our services,

or would like to volunteer, please call 901.767.8511.

Transportation through Kay & Allen Iskiwitz Shalom Shuttle

Our experienced driver provides transportation to members of the Jewish community who are at least 60 years old as well as adults with documented disabilities. Transportation is provided with door to door assistance to locations within Shelby County.

Please note, we are unable to accommodate individuals in wheel chairs.


Volunteer Services

Fogelman JFS volunteers have several opportunities to work with home bound Jewish seniors: Volunteer Driver for medical appointments and shopping, Kosher Meals delivery, Friendly Visitor, Stay in Touch telephone assurance, Handy Helper for home chores, and Drivers with our Special Needs activities. We also need volunteers to work on various special projects and other programs and services.


Educational Programs

We offer a variety of workshops for both professionals and the community-at-large. Many are NASW TN approved events.

Counseling & Support Groups/ Classes

Our licensed counselors offer individual, family, and couples counseling. All services are offered on a sliding scale basis. Current support groups focus on Holocaust survivors, dementia, and those individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. There is no charge for these groups. We also offer a Parenting Through Divorce class which is a state-mandated co-parenting class for couples who are getting divorced and have minor children. There is a fee for this class.


Intake and Referral

Our Intake Coordinator assesses needs, provides information, and helps community members access services at the Wendy and Avron B. Fogelman Jewish Family Service (Fogelman JFS) and elsewhere in the area.


Judy and Larry Moss Senior Services

Our Case Manager enhances the lives of seniors by providing comprehensive support to them and their loved ones. This is done through evaluating and coordinating ongoing support services.

Inclusion and Diverse Abilities

Our Inclusion and Diverse Abilities programs provide a variety of services for the Jewish community, both educational and social. Programs are available for individuals living with developmental and acquired disabilities, as well as their caregivers. Services include assistance in navigating the legal, medical, and educational systems.


Finestone Family Home Delivered Meals

Our home-delivered meal program provides Kosher frozen meals to seniors of the Jewish community who qualify


Peggy E. & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Food and Baby Pantry

The Peggy E. & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Food and Baby Pantry at Fogelman JFS, is open to all who qualify. The Kosher food pantry provides shelf-stable food to serve those who are food insecure. The baby pantry serves children, newborns to 2 years. Inventory is based on community donations and includes baby essentials such as diapers, baby wipes, bottles, and pacifiers. We do not provide clothes or toys.

Stay tuned for details of your next senior-focused continuing education workshop on April 20.

FJFS Staff

Donate

FJFS Website

Get In Touch
Facebook