The JFSGNH Annual Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the JFSGNH Office, 1440 Whalley Avenue in New Haven. The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and will include a statement by Cindy Papish Gerber (outgoing President) and Jonathan Garfinkle (JFSGNH Executive Director/CEO). Installation of the new slate of officers and new directors of the board is also scheduled. The public is invited. Please RSVP to Lisa Merriman, 203-389-5599, ext. 102.
Author: Susan McCaslin
Food Pantry Provides Passover Assistance to Local Families
The JFSGNH Food Pantry and Nutritional Wellness Center provided Passover Assistance to more than 135 families in the Greater New Haven area. On Sunday, April 17th, B’nai B’rith Project H.O.P.E. volunteers and community members packed more than 380 bags, of which JFSGNH received 135 to distribute. The bags were filled with traditional Passover foods such as Gefilte fish, macaroons, matzoh, chamomile/mint herbal tea, matzo ball soup mix, pineapple tidbits, chocolate-covered marshmallows, apple sauce, borscht with beets, mayonnaise, tuna, oil, potatoes, cucumbers in brine, and grape juice, among other items. Each family also received a grocery store gift card to help offset the costs associated with their holiday shopping needs.
“It’s important to recognize those in our community who may not have the means to celebrate Passover,” commented Sandra Hagan, JFSGNH Food Pantry Director. “Many families may not attend a traditional Seder and working with Harold Miller of Project Hope is one way we help local families acknowledge the holiday and traditions.”
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.