Dear Friends,
I am excited to start the year at the helm of JFS and continue the agency’s important work. Supporting our community in need, building strong and effective collaborative partnerships and serving as an incubator for innovative programs that fill gaps in services are at the core of the JFS mission. Our dedicated and talented staff is also excited and our amazing volunteers continue to fuel our success. Accelerating Social, Academic and Health Equity is at the forefront of all efforts and impacts.
The 2019 Report to the Community highlights both past accomplishments and present priorities, as well as changes to programming and leadership.
More recent updates include:
◾ The JFS website at JFSMW.org has been redesigned! Explore the site and check out the new features:
- Easy to use navigation and search tools
- Program stories, announcements, videos and JFS news published in the Blog section and highlighted on program pages throughout the site
- Mobile-friendly and cross-platform compatibility
◾ We are also excited to announce the addition of Gail Gregory to our team. She will assume the role of Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Engagement later this month. Gail has been a friend and supporter of JFS for many years and brings a wealth of experience and acumen to this role – join us in welcoming her aboard! https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-gregory-6b673812/
◾ As you update your 2020 calendars, don’t forget to save the date, Thursday May 7, 2020 for the 30th annual Seize the Dream gala when we will honor JFS CEO Emeritus Marc Jacobs, community leader Bob Fields and the team at CommCreative and JFS Max Michelson Humanitarian Awardees Barbara and Samantha Shapiro. Sign up now to reserve a Special Friends sponsorship.
◾ The Patient Navigator program has reached a great milestone. Thanks to the support of our many donors and volunteers, the program completed its 3,000th appointment! With over 375 older adults currently enrolled and new clients signing up weekly, demand for the service is growing and new volunteers are desperately needed. Perfect for active retirees and parents with weekday availability, spending a couple of hours volunteering as a Patient Navigator provides the care and support our older adult neighbors need to stay healthy and maintain their independence as they age. Trainings are scheduled Jan 27 and Mar 9, click now to learn more.
◾ As part of the Pathways to Academic Growth, Empowerment and Success (PAGES) program [formerly known as Reducing Achievement Gaps], JFS piloted the first Homework Dinner and Academic Support Night in December which brought together community partners, parents, educators and young learners at the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Click here to read the news story.
◾ In recognition of JFS’ sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency, Charity Navigator has once again awarded JFS a 4-Star rating and a coveted score of 100! Click here to access a deep JFS profile, including 990s, audited financial statements and more.
◾ JFS has taken a lead role in Metrowest in partnership with CJP’s JEMS (Jewish Emergency Management System) to make available to the faith community trainings on security and safety. The next training is on Feb 3rd from 1-6 PM at Temple Beth Am in Framingham. Registration is required. This training is specifically for staff, lay leaders, and ushers of faith organizations.
◾ A Celebration of Diversity Concert. February 4, 7-9:30 PM. Dwight Hall, Framingham State University. Come listen to musician Lerner & Moguilevsky – Artists-in-Residence. An evening for students, families, and neighbors to celebrate the multi-cultural nature of our community. Concert is free of charge. RSVP required. https://jartsboston.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F4o000004Ome1EAC
New leadership, new website, new programs and new staff will allow JFS to increase our commitment to diversity and inclusion and high quality effective services that demonstrate and drive measurable impact in our community. I look forward to sharing with you news and updates as the great work of JFS unfolds over the coming year, and I am honored for the trust to lead JFS into the future. Please share/follow us on social media. I look forward to you joining me and my team on this journey.
Sincerely,
Lino Covarrubias |
