JFS CHANGES LIVES – FRIENDS CAMPAIGN 2021
Category: Uncategorized
CEO of Jewish Family Service to Retire
by MiriYam Judd, Shalom New Haven Writer
Amy Rashba first walked into the Jewish Family Service (JFS) offices almost three decades ago—a 27-year-old social work student two years into her master’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University. She was an intern, just there for her field placement. Now, over 35 years later, she is finally walking out.
Rashba’s commitment and dedication to the Jewish community of Greater New Haven cannot be understated. In her time at JFS, she has headed a number of initiatives, from the mental health program to the aging adult program. Rashba is best known for her work with adoptions, having run and transformed the infant adoption program during her years with the organization. “One of my favorite things I did here was start the Stars of David program,” Rashba said, referring to the social group for Jewish families brought together through adoption. “It’s a really incredible, beautiful thing to see, families who have adopted all coming together to celebrate each other. It means a lot for a child to look around the room and realize, ‘I’m not the only one with a family like this.”
Even though Rashba hasn’t run the adoption program since her appointment as CEO in 2018, she still receives cards, photographs and updates from families she worked with. But programs and initiatives pale in comparison to what some describe as Rashba’s most important contributions to JFS.
“When I think about Amy running JFS these past several years,” said Heni Schwartz, a social worker at JFS since 1986, “the thing that jumps out at me the most is the word, caring. Caring for the agency’s health and vibrancy, caring for the clients that we serve, caring for the staff, caring for the Jewish community, and caring for the community at large.”
Schwartz noted Rashba’s eagerness to expand programs to serve more people in need and her receptiveness to the needs of any given population among her most impressive accomplishments during her time at JFS. “We were lucky to have her,” Schwartz said. This was a common description of Rashba among her coworkers.
Sydney Perry, former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, explained the difficult position one is in when they go from being someone’s coworker to their superior. Rashba worked at JFS for nearly 30 years before being named CEO in 2018, interrupted only by two short moves to Israel in the early 90’s. Rashba, Perry explained, handled this transition with grace and poise.
“It’s a tough situation to be in, the switch from being someone’s colleague to being their boss,” Perry said. “But it wasn’t tough for Amy, because people always knew they could trust her. She has so much humility and empathy, and she always wants to listen to what people have to say. She is a natural leader.” More than just a leader, Perry explained, Rashba has always been and will always be a social worker at heart.
“No matter her role at JFS, leader or not, Amy was always a social worker. She always cared, she was always so dedicated,” Perry explained. “She never let ego get in the way of her work. And she brought great people in to help her, because that’s what great leaders do. Even when she’s not there, they will be.”
Ilene Rosalimsky Bronen, who serves as president of JFS, explained the profound impact Rashba has had on the community and the legacy she leaves as she departs. “Amy identified the need for and started the Shalom Group in 1987. She was responsible for leading our Adoption Program. The positive and emotional impact on these families will continue,” Rosalimsky Bronen said. “Her leadership as CEO exemplifies integrity and a work ethic which we are all grateful for. She has been a passionate advocate for JFS clients and our programs, and we will miss her very much.”
As Rashba’s time at JFS comes to a close, her gratitude and impact on the Greater New Haven Jewish community only continues to grow. “My entire professional career has been spent at JFS,” Rashba explained. “I was 27 and unmarried. All sorts of amazing life events have occurred during my time here. When I think about the career I was able to have at JFS, I will be forever thankful, to both the people I worked with and the people who came to me for help. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Hadassah Magazine – Living on the edge of food insecurity
The November/December 2021 Issue of Hadassah Magazine features an article that mentions the Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven Food Pantry. Reporter Cathryn J. Prince’s “I Never Thought I’d be Needing This” – Living on the Edge of Food Insecurity explores food insecurity nationwide and visited the Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven Food Pantry to talk about its food assistance program.
BLOOMIN’ 4 GOOD BOUQUETS TO BENEFIT JFS DURING NOVEMBER!
Throughout the entire month of November, Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven’s Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation for every $10.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 112 Amity Road in New Haven. It’s a great month to purchase a bouquet to show “Thanks” to family or friends, or as pick me up, or just because. Flowers can make someone’s day, spread smiles and brighten up a room. Now they can feed the hungry, too! It’s as simple as that! The Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquets with the red circle sticker are located in the floral section of the store or you may ask the Amity Stop &Shop Florist for assistance.
Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquets Benefit JFS During August!
Throughout the entire month of August, Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven’s Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation for every $10.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 112 Amity Road in New Haven. Purchase a bouquet as a pick me up, a thank you, or just because. Flowers can make someone’s day, spread smiles and brighten up a room. Now they can feed the hungry, too! It’s as simple as that! The Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquets with the red circle sticker are located in the floral section of the store or you may ask the Amity Stop &Shop Florist for assistance.
School Supply Drive For Families in Need
JFSGNH is collecting new school supplies for children and teens (between the ages of 4-17) whose families use our agency services. Items currently needed include: one-subject, wide ruled notebooks; Multi-subject notebooks (both wide rule and college rule): two-pocket folders; No. 2 pencils; pens blue or black; child safe scissors; colored pencils; child safe pencil sharpeners; water based markers; white glue sticks, erasers; loose-leaf notebook paper; construction paper; highlighters, etc. Donations may be dropped off at the JFS Food Pantry, 1440 Whalley Avenue on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you are an organization, business or school and you would like to conduct a collection to assist us, please contact shagan@jfsnh.org or call the Pantry at 203-397-0796. Please note that in September we have days off for the high Holidays. We highly recommend calling the Pantry to make sure someone will be there or to schedule a drop off day and time. Thanks in advance for helping our kids to get ready for a great school year ahead!
Journey Through Grief Virtual Support Group – New Day and Time!
If you are an older adult who is grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other and would like support and guidance at this time, the Aging Adult Program at Jewish Family Service would like to help. Our virtual support group will meet on Zoom the second and fourth Monday of every month at 1:30 p.m. Come talk about what you are experiencing in a supportive and safe environment. If interested, please reach out to Andrea Joseph, LCSW at ajoseph@jfsnh.org or 860-800-9494. Upcoming dates are – August 9thand 23rd; September 13th and 27th; October 11th and 25th
Mental Health Post COVID – We’re Here for You
As restrictions are lifted, we are hearing more about the effects of the past year due to social isolation, unemployment/economic losses, working from home while caring for children/other family members and personal health issues. According to Psychiatric Times these stressors contributed to the fact that 40.9 % of adults surveyed reported at least 1 adverse mental or behavioral health issue related to the past year. Of these adults, more than 30% reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. These symptoms won’t just go away when restrictions lift. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression can have lingering effects – especially without intervention. JFSGNH can help you emerge from the past year of fear, anxiety, panic and isolation. Currently, JFSGNH has openings in both our Children’s and our Adult Outpatient Mental Health Clinic We have a sliding fee scale and can even work with those who are unable to meet their deductible. Give us a call today at 203-389-5599, ext. 115 to start your journey toward wellness.
SOS Program Helps the Vulnerable
Through the Social Work Outreach Services Program, JFSGNH offers a lifeline to individuals/families in crisis who find themselves struggling to provide for their own basic needs. JFS offers assistance to vulnerable and at-risk community members in the areas of food, housing, utility, transportation and medical needs, to name a few.
Through a combination of social services and financial assistance, JFSGNH provides short-term stability to families to stem their immediate crises, and then works with them to ensure long-term well-being and self-sustainability. Our goal is to help people in economic crisis to help themselves. We do so while respecting the dignity and confidentiality of clients.
Services Available
One-time Emergency Financial Assistance
Basic Needs Assistance (utility, transportation, and/or food)
Help individuals navigate community, state and federal resources
Referral to JFS Mental Health/Counseling Services
Resources and Referrals
Find out if the Social Work Outreach Services Program (SOS) is the solution you or someone you love might need.
CALL Jessica Maselli 203-916-1680 or jmaselli@jfsnh.org
Caring, Compassionate Counseling for Adults, Adolescents and Children
Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven is now accepting new clients into its Mental Health/Counseling Programs. If you or someone you know has concerns or is struggling with any of the issues below, give us a call today.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Child Rearing or Parenting Concerns
- Divorce or Separation
- Trauma Related Issues
- Couples Counseling
- Post Adoption Counseling
- Loss and Grief
There is no wait list. JFS accepts most insurances and offers a sliding scale for those without insurance. All ages, religions, ethnicities, LGBTQ and backgrounds welcome.
Call 203-389-5599, ext. 115 and begin your journey toward wellness today!