Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity
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Monthly Report to the Community | |
CEO Lino Covarrubias presents awards during the JFS Annual Meeting - Clockwise: Carol and George Hengerle, Staff Member Sarah Leacu with Jennifer and Vivo Moshe from Carmel Movers, Sarkis Sarkisian and his team from the City of Framingham Planning & Community Development department, Rob Andrews, and Daniel Gilfix. | |
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Dear JFS Friends, Supporters and Collaborative Partners,
I hope this finds you well and that your summer is off to a good start.
The 46th JFS Annual Meeting was held recently; a few highlights are featured in the photos above. Thank you to Temple Beth Shalom of Needham for hosting and to Rabbi Elyse Pincus Abrahams, Dr. Jill Bloom, PhD, and Rabbi Braham David from Congregation Beth Elohim of Acton for being part of the program.
This was a great event and I was pleased to recognize volunteers Rob Andrews, Daniel Gilfix, Carol and George Hengerle, Lauren Marks and Sabina Rosenfeld with the CEO’s Roll Up the Sleeves Award for going above and beyond to support our clients. During the meeting, the following awards were also presented:
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Levi Lasser, a member of the JFS/Rashi Learning and Leadership Council, is this year’s recipient of the Ellen Bloch Youth Leadership Award.
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The Community Humanitarian Award was presented to owners Jennifer and Vivo Moshe on behalf of their team at Carmel Movers in Framingham.
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Sarkis Sarkisian and his team from the City of Framingham Planning & Community Development department accepted the Marc N. Jacobs Innovation Award on behalf of the City.
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Two staff members were recognized with the Lebold Award – Volunteer Services and Development team member Mandy Fleming and Immigrant Services team member Sarah Leacu.
These awardees represent a small sample of what fuels JFS’ success. Talented, committed, passionate – they devote their time and energy to working with some of the highest at-risk families in our community.
As we close the 2023/2024 JFS Board session and welcome two new Board Members to the team for the coming year, we will continue to execute our 5-year Strategic Plan and help the most vulnerable amongst our three cohort groups - Older adults, Immigrants, and Jewish Families - with a continued focus on our 3 strategic pillars:
A. Enhancing/changing direct service delivery to meet the current and future needs of our community- this includes navigating the housing crisis, fighting hate and antisemitism, and engagement of the Jewish community and broader community in our work.
B. Continuing to increase our branding and marketing/communications to enhance our ability to tell our human stories to collaborative partners, municipalities, donors, foundations and other stakeholders. We have been working tirelessly so we are no longer “that best kept secret” in social impact.
C. Increasing our future sustainability through more diverse funding streams from unrestricted/restricted philanthropy and also an increase in government funded grants. Sustainability also means an increased use of volunteers in all facets of our direct service work.
We are hyper focused on supporting the growing population of older adults, particularly those on fixed incomes, lacking affordable housing and needing services. Addressing the housing crisis is a top priority as it cuts across all our cohort groups and our establishment of the innovative Home-Share program - developed in partnership with the City of Framingham and the Callahan Senior Center – is one initiative that has the potential to not only help older adults who need assistance but also immigrant families who need safe and affordable housing. This is what we do at JFS – bringing together collaborative partners and community thought leaders, we push forward to find innovative ways to tackle the problem.
I am also excited about the next phase of growth at JFS. In the fall of 2023, we opened the JFS Center for Social Innovation in memory of Susan Copeland (z”l). The mission of the Center focuses on assisting JFS and local non-profit organizations to develop coordinated new/creative approaches to the many social challenges in the community, currently and more importantly in the future. The establishment of the Center aligns with our Strategic Plan objective to be a community convener and with the hiring of Adam Smith as Senior Director of Innovation and Community Engagement, the necessary leadership is in place to really get the work of the Center rolling.
It is only with the help of great collaborative partners like those named above can JFS continue to have a meaningful and positive impact in the lives of our neighbors and in our community. In order for us to continue to grow and expand our reach, we need your help.
Scroll down to learn the many ways you can get involved - join the JFS team as a volunteer, staff member, or supporter or consider how your organization or business can partner with JFS to affect change in the lives of people who need help the most.
Our greatest need currently is housing for refugees and migrant asylum seekers. If you or someone you know has an apartment coming up for rent, an in-law apartment available for rent, a house for rent, etc. please reach out to us. The apartment/housing stock is very tight and to find great places, we need the help of the community. Click here for other ways you can assist with these important, life-changing efforts.
Thank you to all who partner with JFS to support this vital work!
Sincerely,
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A Message from Board President
Allison Kates
I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the beautiful weather. I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I was installed as Board President. To say the year went by fast is an understatement! For me, it was a year filled with opportunities for growth and learning, forming new relationships and connections, and having the privilege to be an ambassador for JFS. I’m so honored to be leading a board made up of so many diverse and dedicated professionals who all share one goal – to carry out the JFS mission.
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At the end of May, our Board Engagement and Education Committee planned a fun night out at Jack’s Abby in Framingham. We met one of the owners, who shared the history of Jack’s Abby and took us on a tour of the brewhouse. It was fascinating to see the equipment and learn how the beer is made. The pallets of cans stacked floor to ceiling was amazing! Thank you to all who were involved in the planning of that event and to all who attended.
Earlier this week, our Annual Meeting was held at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham. Our guest speaker, Dr. Jill Bloom, spoke about various types of trauma, it’s impact on mental health and well-being, and why it’s important to create a trauma-informed workplace. As you know, mental health is a topic that is very important to me. We know that many of our clients, and even some of our staff, have experienced significant trauma. We are working hard to create a trauma-informed culture at JFS, as well as to find ways to support the well-being of our staff and the mental health needs of our clients. This work will surely continue during the next year.
The Annual Meeting is also when we say goodbye to our outgoing Officers and welcome our new board members. I’d like to recognize Tiffany Lillie, Omawali Stewart, Shai Tabb, and Nadia Valentin, who have been discharged from the board. I’d also like to recognize Jeff Swartz and Javier Cevallos for their long-time commitment (8 years and 9 years, respectively) and dedication to JFS. Although you won’t be serving as board members anymore, I hope you’ll stay involved and I thank you for all you’ve done for JFS. I would also like to welcome our new board members, Ann Budner and Cheryl Carner. Both Ann and Cheryl bring many skills and experiences, both personal and professional, to our board and I look forward to working with them.
If you were at Seize the Dream, or if you had a chance to watch the ‘One Word’ video, you might remember that the word I used to describe JFS was HOPE. I am HOPEFUL because there are so many people – staff, board, donors, volunteers, community partners – who remain committed to supporting JFS with their time, talents, and treasure. I am also HOPEFUL that by working together, we can continue to provide needed assistance to so many vulnerable individuals and families who have come to rely on JFS. I truly believe that JFS is a beacon of HOPE for our clients and I am proud to be a part of such an impactful organization.
I wish you all a restful summer surrounded by friends and loved ones doing whatever makes you happy and I look forward to our continued partnership!
|  | Allison Kates, Board President | |
2024/25 New Board Members | |
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Ann Budner
Ann is the Founder and Principal of ABudner Strategy Consulting, offering strategic planning, board development, outcomes measurement, and meeting facilitation services to nonprofit organizations.
Prior to striking out on her own in 2016, she led the Nonprofit Practice at Carlisle & Company in Concord, MA for 17 years where she was responsible for managing the company's pro-bono and reduced rate consulting work. Ann’s clients include Acton-Boxborough United Way, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, Enterprise Bank, Foundation for MetroWest, Mount Wachusett Community College's Center for Nonprofit Success, and MetroWest Nonprofit Network.
Her nonprofit leadership includes work as Executive Director of three different nonprofit organizations in Boston, Cambridge, and MetroWest, and has served on Governance, Program and Fundraising Committees. Ann currently serves on the Board of her synagogue, as Co-Chair of the Social Action and Social Justice committees.
Ann is the mother of two and co-founder, dancer and choreographer for Encore Dance Ensemble. She holds a M.Ed. from Harvard University and a B.S. from Northwestern University.
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Cheryl Carner
Cheryl is currently a Senior Managing Director and Head of Originations at SLR Credit Solution, a non-bank direct private credit provider. She is responsible for business development and marketing strategy and is a member of the company’s investment committee. Prior to SLR Credit Solutions (formerly known as Crystal Financial), she held business development roles focused on the retail, consumer, and restaurant sectors at GE Franchise Finance, CapitalSource and Fleet Retail Finance.
Cheryl has supported several nonprofit organizations, including More Than Words, Boston Impact Initiative, Combined Jewish Philanthropy, and Pan Mass Challenge. She recently served as Co-chair for CJP’s Miriam Fund.
She received her MBA at the F. W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College and her BBA at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
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Each year during the month of June, individuals from around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month, as we push for equal justice and equal opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community and elevate their many contributions to our society!
JFS is PROUD to support our LGBTQIA+ staff, friends, family, and community members–especially BIPOC folks–as we celebrate a commitment toward equality, inclusion, and visibility this month and always!
Click 'learn more' for LGBTQIA+ Resources in the Metrowest area and beyond!
LEARN MORE
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We are happy to announce that the JFS Lucy and Joe Press Food Pantry has been selected for Stop & Shop's Bloomin' 4 Good Program!
JFS of Metrowest has been selected by local Stop & Shop store leadership as the benefiting hunger organization in the Stop & Shop Bloomin' 4 Good Program for the month of June! Every $10.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker (pictured above) sold at the store located at 19 Temple Street, Framingham MA supports the JFS Lucy & Joe Press Food Pantry.
Help to fight food insecurity and support JFS by purchasing a Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet at this Stop & Shop location!
LEARN MORE
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The JFS/Rashi Learning and Leadership Council visited the JFS Resource Room at Framingham Public Schools. Over 40 Rashi students arrived with 11 bins filled with essential supplies collected in response to a challenge issued by classmate Levi Lasser.
After stocking the shelves of the JFS Resource Room, JFS Senior Director of Immigrant Services Alma Cothias, spoke about the importance of the Resource Room to many community members. Inspired by her words, the students then assembled bags for children in need to be “safe and fun in the sun.”
The day was further enriched by a visit from Rabbi Marc Baker, President and CEO of CJP. It was evident that they were inspired and viewed Rabbi Baker as a role model.
JFS is grateful to partner with The Rashi School in developing the next generation of passionate repairers of the world and leaders for the Jewish people. The world needs them!
LEARN MORE
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JFS was honored at Metrowest ESL's Annual Fundraising Event and received the Social Services Agency Award! JFS CEO Lino Covarrubias, Senior Director of Immigration Services Alma Cothias, Manager of Immigration Services Maggie Kenney and Immigration Services staff Oksana Andreieva and Vera DeSouza were in attendance to accept the award.
JFS is a long-time community partner and funder of The MetroWest ESL Fund. The Metrowest ESL Fund has programs such as the Framingham Adult ESL+ that take place in Framingham Public Schools. Many of our refugee clients have attended their classes at all levels. They also provide wrap-around support services to support people in their personal and professional lives.
A big thank you to the Metrowest ESL Fund for honoring JFS and our wonderful partnership!
LEARN MORE
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One of the main reasons people attend a Memory Café is the sense of community they foster. These cafés become spaces where everyone feels understood and accepted, reducing the isolation families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. At our cafés, experts from Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions are on hand to answer questions and share resources!
LEARN MORE
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Juneteenth is a day of celebration, recognition, continuous self-development, and respect for all cultures.
JFS supports and stands with our Black community members and is committed to promoting racial justice now and always.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed a bill officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
In observance of Juneteenth, JFS will be closed on June 19, 2024.
To honor the holiday, the City of Framingham invites all to attend Juneteenthfest on Saturday June 22nd hosted by Community Vibes at Farm Pond Park and there are many other events happening in the Metrowest area.
Click here to learn more.
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Adam Smith
Senior Director of Innovation and Community Engagement
JFS is excited to announce that Adam Smith has joined the Executive team as Senior Director of Innovation and Community Engagement. In this position, Mr. Smith will accelerate JFS’ effort in strategy implementation specifically focusing on innovation and engaging community in JFS’ social impact work including fighting hate/antisemitism and new social impact work.
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“I am inspired by the vision, connections, and transformative power of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest,” said Mr. Smith. “From the values-based impact work helping thousands of people, to the mobilization of community leaders and resources … I’m humbled and excited to join this incredible organization, and to explore how I can contribute to such a dynamic and dedicated team.” | |
CELEBRATING SEIZE THE DREAM | |
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JFS of Metrowest, in collaboration with the City of Framingham Office of Community Development and with the Framingham Council on Aging - Callahan Center has launched the Framingham Senior Home-Share pilot program. This innovative program connects older adults with extra space in their homes with others looking for affordable housing to rent.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please click here to complete the form and a representative will contact you shortly. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this program, please contact Diana O'Brien via email dobrien@jfsmw.org or by phone at 508-875-3100 x 700.
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Need help caring for an aging loved one?
JFS Geriatric Care Managers can help.
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JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
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JFS in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) provides support to eligible clients who are unemployed or underemployed.
LEARN MORE
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Are you in need of mental health services?
CLICK HERE
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JFS Supports Our Veterans | | | |
WANT TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE? VOLUNTEER! | |
New Volunteer Opportunities: | |
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Family Assistance Network (FAN) Food Support Volunteer
Role & Responsibilities
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Support FAN staff by assisting with tasks related to helping clients obtain adequate food
- Meet with clients to assist with pantry use
- As requested by staff, gather food from the pantry and deliver it to the clients house
- Organize and update food related resources for staff and client use
- Calls to area pantries to update the pantries list
- Assist clients with basic SNAP applications
- Create pamphlets/information sheets for clients to save money and eat well on a budget
- Additional administrative tasks to support the program
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Any background in human services is helpful
Preferred Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills for working with clients
- Highly organized
- Strong phone and computer skills
- Comfortable with phone research and computer searches
- Able to work independently once trained and set up
- Comfortable with paperwork and managing documentation
A flexible schedule is helpful but not required.
Flexible expectations in case the needs of the program shift from week to week
Interested? Click here to complete the form!
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Introducing Carol and George Hengerle
Carol has been volunteering with JFS since 2018 and George started his tour of duty in 2020. Exceptional and dedicated volunteers, these are two people who have answered the call every time we have reached asked for help.
From basic needs distributions to meal deliveries, from sorting clothes at the JFS/FPS Resource Room to assisting with the Seize the Dream celebration, their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have had a profound impact on our organization and the community we serve. Their selfless acts of kindness and generosity have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for the invaluable support they have provided.
Carol and George, your enthusiasm inspire us all, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our team.
Thank you for making a difference and for being shining examples of compassion and service!
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Second Chance Cars is a Massachusetts nonprofit with a mission to connect low income working adults with affordable vehicles so they can maintain living wage jobs and support their families.
SCC solicits “gently used” car donations from the public and offers in return:
- The highest tax deduction – the car’s retail value
- The most rewarding donor experience – meeting who got your car
- The most impact – getting someone to work
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Make a Legacy Gift to JFS of Metrowest and
Join the JFS Generation to Generation Legacy Circle
Your concerns and priorities have helped shape JFS today. Your legacy gift will help shape tomorrow.
To ensure that the values and concerns that have inspired your involvement in JFS will endure for generations to come, consider:
- Including JFS in your estate planning -
- Making a gift to JFS as a bequest in a will or trust -
- Designating a gift to the JFS Endowment Fund -
Together, we can maintain the agency’s promise to the community to stand up for those left behind.
Contact Jayne Lampert, Senior Director of Philanthropy today
to learn how you can become a member of the Legacy Circle
Email: jlampert@jfsmw.org - Call: 508-875-3100 x 430
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Framingham History Center is hiring a Part-Time Community Engagement Manager
Job Responsibilities:
• Outreach Partnerships: Serve as an ambassador and facilitator for the Framingham History Center, building relationships and partnerships with institutions that align with our mission in order to meet the needs of our diverse community.
• Community Events: Oversee our presence at community events, including Farmer’s Markets, festivals, and other local tabling opportunities.
• Development Support: Play a crucial role in the coordination and scheduling of engagement
opportunities with donors and sponsors, building skills and learning best practices in the field of Development.
Click here to apply!
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Framingham History Center is hiring a Part-Time Education Manager
Job Responsibilities:
- Educational Programming Leadership: Oversee the comprehensive Third Grade Program with plans for expansion to other grade levels, ensuring programs are engaging, educational, and accessible.
- Curriculum Development: Spearhead in-school project development, including the creation of innovative lesson plans, docent training programs, and the traveling trunks initiative, to bring local history alive within schools at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
- Onsite Tour Development: Create engaging tours for onsite visitors to explore temporary and permanent exhibitions at the Framingham.
Click here to apply!
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JFS COMMITTEE ON ANTI-RACISM & FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM | |
To learn about upcoming news and events as they occur, like/follow the JFS Committee on Anti-Racism and Fighting Antisemitism social media channels, and CLICK HERE for a list of resources specific to this work.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT...
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JFS is a multi-year recipient of the 4-star Charity Navigator rating with a 100% PERFECT SCORE! Less than one-tenth of one percent of charities rated earn a perfect score.
- JFS serves over 7,800 individuals yearly, 40% of whom are not Jewish
- JFS engages over 300 volunteers across 17 programs
- JFS distributed over 7,000 clothing items for children of low income families in the past six months
- JFS serves 3,500 older adults by increasing access to healthcare and safe aging solutions
- JFS, in partnership with CJP, distributed 6,000 holiday meals for Passover and Rosh Hashanah
- JFS resettled almost 300 displaced refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Venezuela in partnership with local faith organizations
- JFS works hand in hand with immigrants and families from 60+ countries
- JFS is a community convener in the areas of bigotry and antisemitism
- JFS works with over 100 collaborative community partners throughout Massachusetts
- 80% of JFS' total annual revenue is philanthropic dollars, supported by donors like you!
Partner with JFS and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Make a donation now!
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Thank you to all who partner with JFS to
Accelerate Social, Academic and Health Equity in our community.
Your help is needed - get involved today!
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