An Interview with Debbie Gotbetter, JFS of Metrowest Board Member, 2025 Seize the Dream Honoree, and Volunteer Coordinator of the Immigrant Justice Group (IJG) of Temple Beth Elohim
As told to JFS Board Member Chase Carpenter
As part of our ongoing spotlight on community partnerships and impact, we spoke with Debbie Gotbetter, who has been deeply involved in immigrant justice work in collaboration with JFS of Metrowest since 2016. Through a blend of hands-on volunteering, strategic planning, and community advocacy, Debbie has helped support the resettlement of 21 refugee families.
Debbie and the Leadership Team of Temple Beth Elohim Immigrant Justice Group (IJG) are honorees of JFS of Metrowest’s annual Seize the Dream Celebration to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 6 p.m. at the Westin Waltham Boston.
Q: How did you first get involved with JFS of Metrowest?
It all started at Temple Beth Elohim (TBE) in 2016. A small group of us from TBE were watching the heartbreaking events unfold in the Syrian Civil War and asking ourselves, “What can we do?”
As the US was not yet welcoming Syrian refugees, we considered ways that we could address the needs of those fleeing Syria. When we learned that the reform temple in Toronto was working to resettle Syrian families, we actively began fundraising to support their efforts. Months later, when the US started accepting Syrian refugees, we found an incredible partner in JFS of Metrowest, to shift from fundraising to resettlement.
Marc Jacobs and Lucia Panichella, JFS’s former CEO and Senior Director of Programs & Partnerships, respectively, reached out and said, “Let’s meet.” We held a meeting at TBE inviting all those interested in learning more about JFS’s resettlement efforts and how we could get involved. JFS had the vision and the organization, and we had access to eager volunteers.
I was honored when later that year, Lucia called and asked if I would join the board of JFS of Metrowest.
From the beginning, I’ve been deeply impressed by the staff at JFS of Metrowest. They are trusted and responsive. When a crisis hits, they don’t retreat—they reach out. Relationships are critical, and they continue to lead with humility and flexibility.
Q: What areas of impact has the TBE Immigrant Justice Group (IJG) focused on?
A big part of our work has been resettling Syrian refugee families. Most recently, through the Welcome Corps (now Sponsor Circles Program), partnering with HIAS and JFS, we’ve welcomed four families who just arrived in September, December, and January. We’re still actively supporting them through the critical 3-month, 6-month, and one-year resettlement milestones.
Volunteers work directly with families helping them navigate their new surroundings and access community resources, all toward the goal of self-sufficiency. We raise funds to subsidize rent and living expenses as families secure employment and manage their budgets.
Many of us have developed meaningful friendships with those we have welcomed over the past 8 years from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela and Algeria. We stay connected, remain as reliable resources, checking in to ask, “How are you?” With the help of JFS, we have been checking in with each to ensure families know their rights and have the documentation they need to respond to ever-changing immigration policies.
We’ve also responded to federal policy changes with political advocacy. When resettlement was limited, we pivoted: reaching out to legislators, joining trainings with other agencies, and staying active. IJG continues to grow and evolve in response to what’s needed.
Q: What have been the most challenging and rewarding parts of your work with TBE and JFS?
My role has shifted over time. Initially, I was very hands-on working with families, driving to appointments, babysitting children while mothers attended ESL class, shared stories and our lives over cups of teas and coffee while leading volunteer teams, doing the work side-by-side. That part has been joyful and deeply fulfilling.
With so many committed volunteers, I’ve moved into more of a support role—supervising, helping others navigate their own work. Still, the relationships I’ve formed remain so powerful. We’ve laughed, learned, and grown together.
One of the most meaningful parts has been involving my daughters. They’ve tutored kids, played with them—and built their own bonds. This work has inspired them, and that’s something I cherish.
The hardest part? Not having enough time. You want to do more—not because it’s demanded, but because it matters.
Q: How can donors or organizations get involved in this work today?
There are so many ways to be part of this. What’s important is finding something that fits where you are in your life. Sometimes that means saying “Not right now,” and that’s okay—it means when you do show up, you can give with your full heart.
Financial donations are always helpful. We subsidize rent and living expenses, but urgent needs come up—for example medical costs not covered by MassHealth or ESL and preschool tuitions. If you care about education, help fund ESL classes. If you love sports, cover the cost of a baseball program. Know a summer camp? Maybe they’d host a family for a week. Even a single connection can open a door.
Right now, we aren’t accepting household donations—but we are building a strong, face-to-face volunteer community.
And advocacy matters. Contact your representatives. Make sure our community is protected and supported.
Most of all, figure out how you want to engage—and then take that first step.
JFS of Metrowest would like to thank Debbie, TBE and all its supporters and partners who make this life changing work possible.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of people who need help the most!
- To donate to JFS of Metrowest, please visit https://jfsmw.org/donate/
- For volunteer opportunities with JFS of Metrowest, please visit https://jfsmw.org/volunteer/
- For more information about our 2025 Seize the Dream Celebration, please visit https://jfsmw.org/seize-the-dream/