News

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.

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.