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Capital Region Honors the Resilience and Legacy of Holocaust Survivors at Celebration
On June 4, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York (Federation) partnered once again to host a warm, intimate luncheon celebrating International Holocaust Survivor Day. Held at the Jewish Federation’s Golub Center in Albany, the event brought together local Survivors, their families, and community members from across the NY Capital Region to honor strength, memory, and the enduring continuity of the Jewish community.
The celebratory luncheon was made possible locally through a grant from the KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF). Attendees were treated to a special opportunity funded by the Seed the Dream Foundation, where professional photographs of Survivors and their families were taken and printed as meaningful mementos.
The afternoon struck a powerful chord as attendees listened to firsthand testimony from two local survivors. One survivor shared a harrowing, deeply moving recollection of being just five years old and the fierce efforts his mother made to protect him, another whose family fled from Belarus.
During the event, JFS proudly shared the profound local impact of their ongoing care management. In the last year alone, JFS staff dedicated nearly 550 hours of direct service to over 50 local survivors—navigating complex healthcare systems, resolving critical safety concerns, and managing benefits to ensure they can continue to live independently and with dignity.
One attendee (Larisa S.) remarked “I enjoyed today’s Holocaust Survivors Day Celebration. I particularly liked the music [played by Laura Melnicoff cellist] and reunited with many friends. I am very appreciative of this event and all that JFS does to support my family.”
“We have precious, limited years left to support and honor these extraordinary individuals—the youngest of whom is already over 80, and the oldest over 100,” said Jane Ginsburg, President and CEO of JFS of NENY. “Thursday’s luncheon was a beautiful celebration, but our true honor lies in the daily, critical work of keeping our Survivors out of crisis. The time is now to reflect our commitment to their strength and honor the memory of those we have lost.”
To support these efforts, JFS trying to raise $10,000, which will trigger a 1-to-1 match through KAVOD SHEF. This joint initiative directly provides over $20,000 annually to an emergency needs fund for local Survivors.
“Holocaust Survivors embody the resilience of our people, and supporting and honoring them is paramount to Federation’s mission,” added Rob Kovach, Jewish Federation President & CEO.
International Holocaust Survivor Day, originally launched by the JCC in Krakow, Poland, was celebrated this year across 32 KAVOD SHEF communities nationwide. The initiative spotlights the world’s remaining 196,600 Survivors not only as witnesses to history, but as bearers of wisdom whose lives continue to guide communities amidst rising global antisemitism.
Community members looking to learn more, view media coverage of the event, or contribute to the Holocaust Survivor Assistance match fund can visit jfsneny.org (via the orange “Donate” button) or call 518-482-8856 ext. 2. Donations can also be made by mailing a check to JFS at 184 Washington Ave. Extension, Albany NY 12203, indicating the match program.
About Jewish Family Services of NENY
Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) is a human service agency dedicated to supporting individuals and families of all ages and faiths through life’s transitions. JFS provides counseling and essential support services and fosters independence and healthy aging, guided by Jewish values to ensure that every person is served with Kavod HaBriyot—honor and dignity. Their mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors, ensuring that support for our community is always within reach.
About Seed the Dream Foundation
Seed the Dream Foundation, an impact-driven family foundation, advances lasting change in communities across the United States and Israel. Our philanthropy seeks to inspire hope and resilience in six priority areas: Educational Access, Combating Antisemitism, Israel & Peoplehood, Women’s Empowerment, Crisis Response & Health Initiatives, and Impact Investing.
Supporting Older Adults Through Compassionate, Expert Care at JFS
As older adults and families navigate the complexities of aging, trusted support becomes essential. At Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS), older adults are supported through compassionate, person-centered services designed to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life.
A key entry point into this support is the JFS Senior Resource Network, which provides aging information and referrals to connect older adults with the services they need before a crisis occurs. Senior Resource Specialists help individuals and families plan ahead by connecting them to in-home supports such as health care, home modifications, nutrition services, and transportation, while also offering guidance on long-term care options, caregiver resources, and essential planning documents like advance directives and financial or medical paperwork.
JFS also provides counseling services to support older adults through life transitions such as retirement, changes in health, relocation, or grief and loss. These moments can have a significant emotional impact, and counseling offers a space to process change, build resilience, and feel supported through each stage of aging. Additional programs like Project Five, which provides volunteer transportation for Jewish seniors, and NNORC, which supports older adults aging in place within their communities, further extend this network of care and connection.
Strengthening this work is the professional leadership within the organization. Jennifer Plouffe, LMSW, Chief Program Officer at JFS, is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence in aging services.
Through ALCA, JFS gains access to national standards, continuing education, and a network of aging care experts, helping staff stay current in their practice and bring informed, up-to-date guidance directly into their work with clients. ALCA membership also increases visibility through national directories used by families and professionals seeking trusted aging life care providers, helping more people discover and access JFS services when they need them most. In addition, ALCA supports professional development, workforce recruitment, and collaboration across the aging services field—strengthening the overall capacity of organizations like JFS to serve their communities effectively.
At its core, JFS remains committed to helping older adults age with dignity, connection, and support—ensuring that individuals and families are never navigating these decisions alone.
About Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
JFS provides counseling and essential support services and fosters independence and healthy aging. Our mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors, ensuring that support for our community is always within reach.
For more information, visit jfsneny.org.
You can also reach us at 518-482-8856 or email info@jfsneny.org.
Holocaust Survivors Day Celebration to be held June 4
Jewish Family Services of NENY (JFS) and Jewish Federation of NENY (Federation) will once again partner to celebrate International Holocaust Survivor Day on June 4th. This day highlights the incredible resilience of Survivors and celebrates Jewish peoplehood, bringing Survivors and their families together with community members from across the NY Capital Region to celebrate strength, memory, and continuity of the Jewish community.
The luncheon will be held on June 4, 2026 from 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Jewish Federation’s Golub Center in Albany, NY. Catered by 518Kosher, the event will be warm and intimate. As a special gift to Survivors, professional photographs of them and their families will be taken and printed for a meaningful memento. This special opportunity is wholly made possible by the generosity of the Seed the Dream Foundation.
Many Holocaust Survivors still reside in our region, and JFS and Federation, together, pledge to continue to support and honor them in every way possible. JFS provides robust care management and related programming for nearly 50 survivors, navigating healthcare and benefits. Together, they raise over $10,000 to support an emergency needs fund so Survivors can continue to live independently and with dignity. “Holocaust Survivors embody the resilience of our people and supporting and honoring them is paramount to Federation’s mission,” said Rob Kovach, Jewish Federation President & CEO. Jane Ginsburg, JFS’s exec, added, “we have limited years left to honor Survivors. The time is now to contribute to this effort and ensure JFS can continue to provide the in-depth care and emergency funds needed to help keep them out of crises and live safely.” The fund is supported by a 1-to-1 match through KAVOD SHEF, which, just like JFS and Federation, endeavors to provide Kavod HaBriyot– honor and dignity to every person we serve. Through the generosity of our community, over $20,000 is directly provided to Survivors’ needs annually.
To register for the event or learn more about this effort, please go to the JFS website at jfsneny.org or call us at 518.482.8856 ext.2. You can also donate to Holocaust Survivor Assistance at the top of the page, by clicking the orange “donate” button.
Register here for our 2026 International Holocaust Survivor Day Luncheon.
JFS Recognizes Volunteers at Spring Luncheon
In honor of volunteer recognition month (April) Jewish Family Services hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon. Nearly 50 people attended sharing a meal and getting to know others who are the heart of JFS. There were people who drive older adults to appointments, shop and deliver groceries, serve on the JFS board, do friendly visits with older adults who are homebound or isolated, and the volunteers who pitch in wherever JFS needs help. There were a few veteran volunteers who have given their time and talents to JFS for over 10 years.
“Volunteers are critical partners in our work. They extend the reach of the agency by providing more rides, more deliveries and more personal connection to clients throughout the region. We couldn’t do it without them, and it was truly delightful seeing so many volunteers feel appreciated and talk about how much they appreciate the feedback that they get from the clients. The benefits of volunteering goes both ways. It’s truly a win win,” said Jane Ginsburg JFS president and CEO.
There are so many ways to help JFS help others in our community. People can sign up for one-time opportunities, help periodically or commit to a weekly assignment. It’s a great way to do a mitzvah and to meet other people.
JFS provides counseling and promotes independence, healthy aging, and access to basic needs while mitigating food insecurity and social isolation. Our mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors, ensuring that support for our community is always within reach.
Call JFS at 518-482-8856, Option 0, email info@jfsneny.org or visit jfsneny.org to volunteer, get access to expert help and resources or to make a donation.
JFS Welcomes New Jewish Community Chaplain
Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Northeastern New York and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors (DOS) are proud to announce the hiring of Rabbi Adam Lautman as the new Jewish Community Chaplain. In this dual role, Rabbi Lautman will provide compassionate spiritual leadership, clinical pastoral care, and religious programming for seniors and families throughout New York’s Capital Region.
Rabbi Lautman will split his expertise between two vital organizations of the community. He will serve as the in-house Chaplain for Daughters of Sarah—supporting residents at the Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and The Massry Assisted Living Center—while also acting as a regional pastoral care specialist for JFS clients and Jewish residents in area long-term care facilities.
“Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors is very excited that Rabbi Adam will be joining us. With a warm presence and passion for the service of our elder community, he is a wonderful addition to our team,” said Samuel Weisblatt, MD, DOS President/CEO.
“We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Adam to our community to continue the tradition of providing compassionate pastoral support and connection to the Jewish community,” said Jane Ginsburg, JFS President and CEO. “Whether for those in long-term care communities or in their homes, the JFS community chaplaincy program has been core to the meaningful services JFS offers. Rabbi Adam has already proven himself eager and dedicated, and JFS is proud to partner with Daughters of Sarah to welcome him and support our older adults.”
Originally from Livingston, NJ, Rabbi Lautman brings a diverse and impressive background to the role. He earned an MA in Education at American Jewish University and was ordained at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2020. He completed clinical training at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Most recently, he served as the rabbi of Temple Har Zion in Mt. Holly, NJ, and as a spiritual counselor at Beit Teshuvah, a Jewish addiction recovery center.
“For me, joining JFS means becoming a part of the Jewish holy tradition of Tikkun Olam, repairing the universe; bikkur cholim, visiting the sick; being present and witness to joy, suffering, and our unique, individual Torah; and reminding each other of the Divine spark within each of us,” said Rabbi Adam Lautman.
In his new capacity, Rabbi Lautman will:
- Provide Pastoral Counseling: Offering one-on-one spiritual support for residents, clients, and families navigating the complexities of aging, illness, and loss.
- Lead Religious Services and Programs: Coordinating and conducting Shabbat and holiday services and programs to bring ritual continuity and joy to senior living environments.
- Educate and Consult: Serving as a primary Jewish resource for facility staff and advising on Jewish traditions and observances.
- Community Advocacy: Collaborating with colleagues, local clergy and community members to ensure Jewish residents across the region are supported.
Rabbi Lautman is known for his calm, steady presence and his ability to connect with people through music, midrash, and authentic conversation. An advocate for inclusive Judaism, his personal interests range from theology and Jewish history to playing guitar and piano.
For more information about the Jewish Community Chaplaincy program or other services provided by JFS, please visit jfsneny.org.
About Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
JFS provides counseling and promotes independence, healthy aging, and access to basic needs while mitigating food insecurity and social isolation. JFS programs and services rooted in Jewish values, available to all individuals regardless of faith. Their mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors, ensuring that support for our community is always within reach.
About Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors
Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors provides a continuum of care for seniors in the Capital Region, offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living services with a commitment to Jewish traditions and values.
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Emmy-Award Winner Alicia Jacobs Joins JFS as Director of Community Engagement
We are proud to announce Alicia Jacobs as the new Director of Community Engagement. An Emmy-Award winning TV producer with over 20 years of experience in mission-focused work, Jacobs joins JFS to spearhead fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and community-wide events.
In her new role, Jacobs will oversee the planning and execution of JFS’s signature fundraising events, manage sponsor relationships, and support the agency’s annual campaigns. Her arrival comes at a pivotal time as JFS continues to expand its reach through the JFS Center for Counseling & Resilience and to serve older adults throughout the Capital Region.
“I’m delighted that Alicia has joined our team to ensure that our events are well-planned and in turn that we can support our partners in their incredible efforts,” said Jane Ginsburg, JFS President & CEO. “Alicia is the perfect addition to our team to help represent JFS and engage our community.”
Jacobs brings a diverse professional background spanning non-profits, healthcare, banking, and sports and entertainment. Most recently, she has been a prominent advocate for regional causes, serving in leadership roles as staff and Board member for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), A Toast ToLife! Co-chair, and as a volunteer campaign manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Read Alicia’s full bio here.
“I am excited to join a great team of compassionate individuals at JFS in their mission to enrich the lives of individuals and families from all backgrounds,” said Alicia Jacobs. “I look forward to collaborating with staff, donors, and community partners while making a difference in the lives of others.”
A resident of Clifton Park, Jacobs is an appointed member of the Town’s Open Space, Trails & Riverfront Advisory Committee and has been recognized with the 112th Assembly District 2020 Women of Distinction Award. She holds a Master of Arts in Communications from Western New England University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University at Albany.
About Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is a community-supported human services agency that provides counseling, promotes independence and aging well, and ensures access to basic needs. By mitigating food and housing insecurity and combating social isolation, JFS remains dedicated to its tagline: Cultivating Resilience for Generations. For more information, visit jfsneny.org.
Four Area College Students Awarded Scholarships from JFS
Thanks to the generosity of legacy donors, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York was able to award four scholarships to undergraduate students to help with college-related expenses. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants were asked to write a brief essay on how the Jewish values that guide JFS shape their own approach to academic or life goals. Their responses were not only reviewed for the scholarship selection process, but also considered as JFS continues to grow and evolve.
The 2025-26 Awardees:
ANDREW ALTSCHULE – Bray & JFS Scholarship Fund. He is a sophomore at Stony Brook University studying Health Science.
CHRISTIAN BIXLER – Bray & JFS Scholarship Fund. He is currently a freshman at SUNY at Albany.
DYLAN DEBICCARI – Bray & JFS Scholarship Fund. He is an undergraduate at Syracuse University studying Broadcast & Digital Journalism.
SHOHAM RANDALL – Hessberg Scholarship Fund. She is a sophomore at Brandeis University studying Business.
“Leaving a legacy can be done in many ways. It is particularly special to leave a portion of a person’s estate to a charitable organization for the good use of the organization and related uses,” said Jane Ginsburg, president & CEO at JFS. “We are honored to steward planned gifts from donors who established scholarships in their Wills for the organization to distribute.”
For more information on establishing a planned gift in your estate to benefit the important services JFS provides, please contact Jane Ginsburg at 518-516-1101 or jginsburg@jfsneny.org.
JFS has evolved over its 170-year history to meet the needs of the community – identifying trends and developing both data-supported, proven programs and new, innovative initiatives to fill community service gaps. Today, JFS provides a continuum of support services to help people across the Greater Capital Region – all ages and genders, religious, racial, and cultural backgrounds – achieve stability, remain secure, and build resilience.
Services focus on three primary areas: aging well and safely, promoting mental health resilience, and accessing basic needs. The mission of JFS NENY is to enrich the lives of individuals, families from all backgrounds and strengthen the community by providing compassionate, collaborative human services, guided by Jewish values.
JFS Receives $90,000 Funding Boost from Assemblymember Gabriella Romero
Earlier this week, Assemblymember Gabriella Romero (NY-109) presented JFS with a $90,000 grant to expand the impact of the Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC) — a program of JFS that is heading into its 20th anniversary year of supporting local seniors.
The funding, allocated from Assemblymember Romero’s discretionary funds, is earmarked to bolster programs that help Albany’s older adults age in place with dignity, health, and independence.
CBS 6 Albany covered the story HERE (though the anchor said JFC, we know, he knew we are JFS!).
A Milestone for Aging in Place
The Albany NNORC, a signature program of JFS, has spent nearly two decades providing essential community activities and health-related resources to residents aged 60 and older. As the program prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, this new funding arrives at a pivotal moment.
“Jewish Family Services helps our elder population age in place — with dignity, full health, and fun,” said Assemblymember Romero. “I’m proud to make this investment… 90k will help JFS expand programming and improve programming for our elders in Albany.”
Expanding the Reach
JFS leadership expressed deep gratitude for the windfall, noting that the funds will allow the organization to “do more for more people.”
Jane Ginsburg, President and CEO of JFS, recalled her first meeting with the Assemblymember, noting Romero’s keen understanding of both the vulnerabilities and the “incredible power” of the older adult community.
“These funds will allow us to explore how we can continue to expand our services to help even more age in place safely, healthfully, and happily,” Ginsburg stated.
Jennifer Plouffe, JFS Chief Program Officer and former Director of the Albany NNORC, highlighted the strategic importance of the grant. “As we celebrate the NNORC’s 20th anniversary, we see tremendous opportunity to build on its legacy and continue meeting the evolving needs of older adults in our region.”
How the Funds Will Be Used
JFS has already begun outlining a roadmap for the $90,000 investment. Key initiatives include, but are not limited to:
- Increased Outreach: Identifying and connecting with older adults who may not yet be aware of available support services
- Counseling and Mental Health: Providing support from the new JFS Center for Counseling & Resilience to foster emotional and psychological well-being for residents
- Enhanced Programming: Expanding current social and educational activities to foster community connection and lifelong learning.
- And much more…
The Albany NNORC remains a vital lifeline for the city’s seniors, ensuring that those who choose to stay in their own homes have the navigational tools and support systems necessary to do so.
About JFS
JFS provides counseling, promotes independence, aging well, and access to basic needs, mitigates food insecurity and social isolation. Our mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors to ensure support for our community is within reach.
JFS Officially Opens the Center for Counseling & Resilience with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
In the years since the pandemic, communities across the Capital Region have faced a quiet but persistent mental health aftershock. Anxiety, depression, grief, and chronic stress have continued to rise, revealing one clear truth: people need connection now more than ever. After years of distance and virtual interaction, many are seeking the grounding presence that in-person counseling provides.
In response to this growing need, Jewish Family Services has opened the JFS Center for Counseling & Resilience at 184 Washington Ave. Ext. The ribbon-cutting brought together community partners, supporters, and lawmakers to celebrate a space designed to offer safety, support, and true human connection for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Over 40 people were in attendance, and despite the cold, the commitment to JFS and its mission was unmistakably strong.
The Center was made possible through significant public and philanthropic support, including a 2024 $250,000 LoCAP Grant sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin, a $100,000 non-profit grant from Empire State Development, and $25,000 grants from Senator Patricia Fahy and Assemblymember Phil Steck. Additional support came from the Massry Family Foundation, the Neil and Jane Golub Foundation, and The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation.
“Resilience is about giving people the tools and support to navigate challenges,” said Jane B. Ginsburg, JFS President & CEO. Board Chair Garry R. Sanders credited the Jewish Federation of NENY for championing the agency’s expansion.
Senator Patricia Fahy added, “Jewish Family Services continues to step up at a time it’s needed most.”
JFS clinicians support clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, school stress, identity development, chronic illness, disordered eating, and more. Services are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and religions, with an extensive list of accepted insurance plans.
Office hours are Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–8 p.m., with Friday and Sunday appointments available. For more information, call 518-482-8856, option 0, or visit jfsneny.org/counseling.
Thank you, NEWS10, for helping share this important moment with our community. Read the interview with JFS President and CEO Jane Ginsburg here.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jane Ginsburg, President and CEO of JFS, is flanked by elected officials celebrating the opening of the JFS Center for Counseling & Resilience. (Left to Right): Albany Mayor-Elect Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Garry Sanders, JFS Board Chair, Ginsburg, former state Senator Neil Breslin, Senator Patricia Fahy, Albany County Deputy Executive Mike McLaughlin, and Assemblymember Phil Steck’s Legislative Director Dylan MacQuoid.