JFSGNH Honors Vines and Scolnics During Spring Event

Over 260 people turned out to honor Rabbi Benjamin and Dorene Scolnic of Hamden, and Hyla and Barry Vine of Woodbridge, at Jewish Family Service of New Haven’s 75th anniversary fundraising event.  The event, held March 26 at Temple Beth Sholom, was a tribute to their lifetime of contributions to the community and especially to JFSGNH.  Proceeds from the event went to the JFSGNH Emergency Assistance Fund, which serves families in crisis. Pictured (left to right): Barry and Hyla Vine, JFSGNH Board President Cindy Papish Gerber, JFSGNH Executive Director Jonathan Garfinkle, and Rabbi Benjamin and Dorene Scolnic. 

JFSGNH Offers New Summer Social Skills Group for Children

Don’t let your child’s progress in social skills wane over the summer months.  You can help maintain and expand your child’s skills through this unique offering.  Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven, Inc., is now taking registrations for a Summer Social Skills Group.  This social skills program addresses the play needs and social skills deficits of children ages six to eleven years of age.  Dates and times will be determined by the participants in each group.  Group size is limited to 6 children.  For more information or to register your child, contact Amy G. Rashba, LCSW at (203) 389-5599, ext. 113 or arashba@jfsnh.org

Social Skills Group  (6-8 yrs. old)
These small group sessions enable children to interact and learn new skills with a group of appropriately matched peers.  Sessions include a lesson targeting identified skills, cooperative play time (crafts, games, activities) and discussions organized to practice and enhance targeted skills.  A parent briefing follows each session.  A parent/child interview and an intake form are required prior to registration.  All children who may benefit from a social skills group are welcome to participate in these sessions.

Social Skills Group  (9-11yrs. old)
This small group will focus on increasing appropriate peer interactions and practicing skills related to getting along with peers and working cooperatively in a group setting.  Fun social skills games and projects will provide activities to reinforce positive appropriate behaviors.  A parent/child interview and an intake form are required prior to registration.  All children who may benefit from a social skills group are welcome to participate in these sessions.

JFSGNH Teams Up with Gateway Community College

The JFSGNH Food Pantry has teamed up with Gateway Community College and its Allied Health Program to help educate clients on healthy and nutritious choices. Students will be stationed at the  Pantry throughout this semester to meet and discuss with clients different ways to reduce sodium and sugar; how to read and understand nutritional labels; and how to make wise choices to help alleviate, or combat common illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.  Pictured are Nara Balbi and Michelle Taylor-Hall with their stock pot of heart healthy borscht and information regarding stroke prevention and key nutrients for health and wellness.

2015 ‘Family Champions’ Recipients

Congratulations to JFSGNH Adoption Coordinator Amy Rashba, LCSW, and David Ottenstein, a member of the JFSGNH Board of Directors on recently being named the 2015 Family Champions for Jewish Family Service of New Haven. The pair were celebrated by the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies during a reception June 8th at the Trumbull Marriott. This award recognizes one staff member and one board member who have gone above and beyond. Please continue reading for the bios for each champion. Continue reading “2015 ‘Family Champions’ Recipients”