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News

JFS scholarships of $1,000-$2,000 are now available to support Jewish students with college-related expenses.

Scholarships are made possible by:

  • The David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund
  • The Hessberg Trust
  • Axelrod – Lichenstein Scholarship Award 
  • DeBeer Scholarship Fund 
  • Levi Fund 
  • Charles and Anne K. Lieberman Scholarship Fund 
  • Ludwig Fund 
  • Harriet I. Nathan and Murray R. Nathan Scholarship Fund 
  • National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Fund 
  • George and Marcia Simon Scholarship Fund 
  • Eli Werlin Fund 
  • The JFS Scholarship Fund

Eligibility requirements vary per scholarship. Students must be from Albany or the surrounding area, and/or attend college or graduate school locally. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.

To be considered for a 2024-25 JFS scholarship, applicants must also write a brief essay on:

  • JFS has a counseling clinical practice that offers support for all ages. We work with schools, camps, community and faith-based organizations to help address the growing teen mental health crisis. Please write a brief essay on what you wish you knew — and what your teachers, staff or counselors knew — when you were in middle school and high school that can help JFS in our efforts to make an impact in our community?

We hope you or someone you know will apply. Please share this with all potential applicants and have them complete our brief online application.

The deadline is Friday, November 1, 2024.

The recipients will be selected from submissions and will be awarded their scholarship in late November. Please note we may choose to use the winning entry in JFS publicity and marketing communications.

Application is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student must provide proof of enrollment/admission prior to scholarship being issued.

We are delighted to once again partner with our Jewish community organizations for our 5th Annual Mensches & Mimosas, but with a twist. This year, we added 29 more honorees, making the total over 140!

This year, mensches were captured in short videos. Watch them here:
 

We encourage you to make a tribute gift to JFS in honor of your favorite mensch(en). Donate online here or call 518-516-1102.

Proceeds help support and grow the free services we provide to our community.

2024 HONORABLE MENSCHEN 

This slideshow includes short blurbs as to why community organizations nominated their mensch(en).

Nancy Allen
DAUGHTERS OF SARAH COMMUNITY FOR SENIORS

Zakhar Berkovich
HILLEL AT UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY

Kenneth H. Carpenter
CONGREGATION AGUDAT ACHIM

Karen Davda
TEMPLE ISRAEL

Annette Farkas
CHEVRA KADISHA OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT

Bob & Lauren Finkle
SHALOM FOOD PANTRY

Linda Gellman
CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM

Sally Goldberg
B’YACHAD COLLABORATIVE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Michele Fisher Gomez
Bess Wadler
HEBREW ACADEMY OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT

Scott Hollander
ALBANY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Daniel & Tammie Kaufman
CLIFTON PARK CHABAD

Shayna Kudan
B’NOS ISRAEL MIKVAH

Susan Kushner (z”l)
CONGREGATION BETH EMETH

Daniella Steinberg Lans
MAIMONIDES HEBREW DAY SCHOOL

Linda & Dana Mandel
CONGREGATION OHAV SHALOM

Neal Packer
SCHENECTADY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Larry & Clara Sanders
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK

Alex J. Shoenbart
COLONIE CHABAD CHAI LIFE CENTER

Howie & Bettina Stoller
B’NAI SHOLOM REFORM CONGREGATION

Ellen & Stan Strauss
CONGREGATION GATES OF HEAVEN

Phyllis A. Wang
JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK

Karl Yesse
CONGREGATION BERITH SHOLOM

Here is a list of previous Mensches & Mimosas honorees.

As the details of the shooting in front of Temple Israel in Albany unfold, we at Jewish Family Services of NENY applaud the Albany Police, Mayor Sheehan and Governor Hochul for their swift response and leadership.
There is no place for hate of any kind in the NNORC, the Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, the City of Albany, or anywhere in the United States. JFS is actively working to combat anti-Semitism, racism, and hatred of any kind, and envisions a safe, supportive, resilient community — for our older adults, and all of our neighbors.
JFS is here to support people of all backgrounds in our community.
Please call 518-482-8856 or email info@jfsneny.org.

Aging well and independently is the main priority for older adults so that they can enjoy a high-quality life in the comfort of their home. Albany, NY veterans, Joanne (US Army) and Bob (US Air Force) suffered illnesses later in life, making it difficult to safely navigate inside and around their homes. 

Joanne served as a nurse from 1972-1975 in Heidlberg, Germany. She treated soldiers injured in Vietnam. Bob, an honorable US AirForce Veteran, served from 1979-1983 as a unique specialist in the field of aeronautics attach control systems. Both are living in Albany with their families. 

Jewish Family Services (JFS) Aging In Place and Occupational Therapy Specialist, Lynda Shrager and an Occupational Therapy intern from Maria College conducted assessments in both veterans’ homes and made modification recommendations so that both Joanne and Bob could reduce their risk of falling and maximize their independence and safety. 

The modifications will be implemented on Friday, November 10, 2023 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and include removing bushes near an accessibility ramp, installing a more stable path to an outdoor garden and replacing a deteriorating fence. (Installation of grab bars and repairing an indoor step has already been completed inside Joanne’s home.) 

This work is made possible, in part, through a grant from the City of Albany, Albany for All funding program and President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, and The Home Depot Foundation. The actual work will be completed by Team Depot volunteers. 

 

 

JFS is here, caring for our community, making sure that everyone gets the support they need.

During this time of tragedy and uncertainty, once gain, our community looks to JFS for help in dealing with the emotional impact of yet another trauma.
In the past several weeks JFS:
  • Partnered with Bethlehem Chabad to host an online forum to help parents talk to the their children about Israel
  • Worked with Congregation Agudat Achim to host a a group for tees to empower them to help their friends cope with the emotional fall out of the Israel-Hamas war
  • Fielded calls from older adults who are feeling even more isolated and helpless as they watch countless news stories about Israel
We are here to:
JFS continues to be the community’s source for healing. As you make your plans for year-end giving, please help JFS achieve our mission to help enrich the lives of individuals, families and our community.

Thank you!

 

JFS scholarships of $1,000-$2,000 are now available to support Jewish students with college-related expenses. Scholarships are made possible by:

  • The David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund
  • The Hessberg Trust
  • Axelrod – Lichenstein Scholarship Award
  • DeBeer Scholarship Fund
  • Levi Fund
  • Charles and Anne K. Lieberman Scholarship Fund
  • Ludwig Fund
  • Harriet I. Nathan and Murray R. Nathan Scholarship Fund
  • National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Fund
  • George and Marcia Simon Scholarship Fund
  • Eli Werlin Fund
  • The JFS Scholarship Fund*

Eligibility requirements vary per scholarship. Students must be residents of Albany, the surrounding area, or attend college or graduate school locally. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university for the 2023-2024 academic year.

To be considered for a 2023-24 JFS scholarship, applicants must complete a brief online form , which includes writing a brief essay on

  1. Their understanding of Jewish Family Services’ impact on and for the community, and
  2. Suggest innovative ideas on how college students can support the mission of JFS and serve those in need.

Preference will be given to applicants who express interest in volunteering with JFS.

The deadline is Friday, October 24, 2023.

The recipients will be selected from submissions and will be awarded their scholarship in November. Please note we may choose to use the winning entry in JFS publicity and marketing communications.

* This fund is currently made up of the following funds: Frederick DeBeer Scholarship, Jewish Family Services Scholarship, Beatrice B. Levy Scholarship, George M. Simon Scholarship (restricted to a resident of Albany) and the Eli Werlin Scholarship.

Apply online here.

JFS is here, caring for our community, making sure that everyone is able to celebrate the High Holidays.

High Holiday Kosher Home Delivered Meals

JFS delivers meals to older adults who can no longer prepare their own. Weekend holiday meals are above and beyond our county subsidy and we are delivering more than 150 extra meals!

High Holiday Gift Gift Bags

Many we serve are isolated, lack nearby family are alone or live in long-term care facilities. We’re filling and delivering High Holiday bags so that they can celebrate as they have their entire lives.

Supporting our Community Chaplain

JFS Community Chaplain, Rabbi Ami Monson is providing special visits, spiritual guidance and religious services for those living in long-term care throughout the community.

Here are a few examples of where your generosity can help:

$54 provides 3 High Holiday gift bags.

$118 Covers 6 home delivered High Holiday meals for older adults*

$250 Helps JFS with holiday gift bag fulfillment and administrative coordination

$360 Support High Holiday gift bag deliveries to long-term care facilities by our community chaplain

$500 Provides 25 visits and check-ins with socially isolated older adults

$1000 Offers 10 High Holiday services and programming for Jewish residents in long-term care communities

 

Can we count on you this High Holiday season?

All donors to the JFS 2023 High Holiday campaign will be acknowledged in our distributions. Thank you for your thoughtful generosity.

Gifts can be made online, by mail or phone 

518-482-8856 • info@jfsneny.org • jfsneny.org

 

 

Job Type: Part-time
Location: Albany, NY, primarily remote
Pay: $20-$25 per hour, depending on experience 

Jewish Family Services is seeking a highly motivated, self-starting marketing and development associate. Working remotely, but located in the Capital Region, this position offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a team of human services professionals who provide a range of supportive and essential services throughout the community. 

Responsibilities include:  

  • Develop relevant content for social media (2-3 posts weekly) including messaging and visuals for social media (using Adobe, Canva or similar programs)
  • Collaborate with internal staff to create weekly Constant Contact emails for donors, older adults and JFS constituents 
  • Conduct media research for JFS publicity opportunities including newspapers, synagogue and partner agency newsletters, e-news, websites and social media. 
  • Update JFS website content weekly 
  • Attend JFS events and capture photo/video for social media and JFS website 
  • Coordinate special projects, including fundraising mailings, communique and events 
  • Report to with Director of Marketing, in coordination with President & CEO, to conceptualize projects and develop monthly strategies. 

Requirements include: 

  • Undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in graphic design, marketing, business administration, liberal arts, journalism, public relations, or related. 
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills 
  • Familiarity with the Capital Region Jewish community a plus 
  • Understanding of non-profit industry
  • Experience with fundraising and development
  • Software experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Express or Canva 
  • Comfortable working in social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Linked In) 
  • Familiarity with email (Constant Contact, Mail Chimp) and website (WordPress) platforms a plus  
  • Able to work in a collaborative team relationship  
  • Able to work flexible hours and complete assigned tasks within identified time frames 

Background 

Since 1854, Jewish Family Services has continuously provided a range of support, services and resources throughout the greater Capital Region for children, adults and families across the lifespan. Services include care management, counseling, support groups, grocery shopping and meal delivery, private transportation, support for aging in place, home modification recommendations, long-term care referrals and resource planning, specialized occupational therapy and chaplaincy services. 

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter with relevant work sample to:
mtan@jfsneny.org
jginsburg@jfsneny.org

Exciting News!

JFS has received a NYSOFA (New York State Office for the Aging) Legislative Initiative to help provide health care-related services for Holocaust survivors in the Greater Capital Region. These funds can help address immediate medical needs, food insecurity, aging well at home, social programs, and end-of-life support.

We can help Russian speaking friends from the Former Soviet Union and other victims of Nazi persecution with:

  • Paying for hearing aids, dentures, glasses or other needs not covered by your health plan
  • Receiving grocery gift cards to help with holiday costs
  • Receiving compassionate guidance, support and Chaplaincy services before, during and after the end of life.
  • Participating in social and cultural programs
  • Accessing needed information and referrals
Download the flyer in English and Russian here.
GET INVOLVED! Join the team to reach Survivors and help identify needs. Details are here.

To see if you or someone you know is eligible, please contact Clara Simon:

518-516-1115 or csimon@jfsneny.org

 

JFS is seeking a Clinical Director and a clinician. A career at JFS is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to enrich the live of individuals and families in our community.

Read more here about the available positions. Both allow for flexible hours as well as in-person and telehealth counseling. Clinician have the opportunity to be a mentor graduate students doing internships in social work, counseling and psychology for area universities.

PROVIDING SUPPORT, SERVICES & RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

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