All Parent Ed classes are currently being postponed as mandated by the state. We will contact you as soon as we can safely reschedule the classes. In the meantime, please email or call Rachel Scolnic Dobin at rsdobin@jfsnh.org or 203-389-5599, ext 109 with any parenting plan or co-parenting concerns you may have while navigating this very difficult time.

By donating to the JFS Annual Friends Campaign, you are helping us continue the following community programs and services:

• Adoption
• Adults with Developmental Disabilities
• Aging Adult Services
• Child Permanency Programs
• Community Outreach Services
• Counseling and Family Support
• Energy Assistance
• Food Pantry and Nutritional Health Center
• FOOD4KIDS
• Foster Care
• Jewish wellness and Healing Center
• Ken’s Closet
• Parent Education Program
• Vocational Services

Together, we can directly impact the lives of individuals and families in the Greater New Haven community.  Since 1841, JFS has made a difference.  Now, we ask for your help to continue our mission to serve and assist those facing times of urgent need.  Please help by clicking here and choosing “Friends Campaign” as your designation of gift. We thank you in advance for your help.

At any given day, there are over 4,000 youth in Connecticut in need of a home, and the number will continue to increase as foster families dwindle. These youth, who lack the nurturing relationships that is crucial to their development, deserve an equal opportunity at a successful life, and sometimes their only hope is the love and care of a foster family. As National Foster Care Month arrives, Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven desperately seeks families and individuals of all backgrounds who are interested in providing the necessary care for a youth in need.

Foster parenting is not for everyone, but we believe that if more people spread the word regarding our mission, then it would help us find more families; those who have the time, care and patience it takes to parent one of these youths. There are families and individuals out there who have lots of love to share. We just need you to help us reach them.

Although they might not show it, every youth that is placed in our program needs a solid support system. It is our goal to place these youth in a stable home, so we will work with you every step of the way. We get to know all of our families prior to placement, and ensure that the needs of the youth match the strengths of your parenting style. We provide extensive training, and our case workers are on call ready to assist in urgent situations. The stipend supports household stability, so that we can help create a bright future for these deserving individuals.

If you would like to hear more about the program, attend an informational session, or have someone you would like to refer, please reach out as we look forward to your correspondence. Contact our Foster Care Team Leader Elaine Benevides, LCSW, at 203-389-5599 ext. 115 or ebenevides@jfsnh.org. People of all religions, races, sexual orientation or cultural backgrounds are welcome to apply as the youth come from varied backgrounds.

Thank you,

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven, Inc

Amy G. Rashba, LCSW, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven (JFSGNH). “We are thrilled that Amy has accepted this leadership role,” says Linda Caplan, JFSGNH Board President.  “Her energy and devotion to JFS is inspiring.”

Rashba’s career at the agency began in 1986 when she came to JFS as a MSW student.  Shortly after joining JFS, Rashba developed the Shalom Group, offering educational enrichment and social interaction to developmentally disabled Jewish adults.  During her 30-plus years with the agency, she has created new programs, helped families adopt children and provided counseling services throughout our community to children, families and aging adults and takes great pride in directing both the adoption and mental health programs. “Having spent my entire professional career here, it’s a privilege to lead JFS, an agency I am passionate about,” says Rashba. “I’m grateful to the staff and Board for their support and look forward to many years of collaborating on the future of our beloved JFS.  I am humbled to have made a difference in the lives of those in our Jewish community.”

“Amy’s ability to develop and cultivate relationships with staff, board and community makes her a natural to lead JFS”, says Caplan.  “She has a unique combination of approachability and positivity and is well-respected by clients, peers and community members.”

Rashba’s local Jewish roots run deep.  A Hamden native, she attended the New Haven Hebrew Day School, and her father owned the renowned Glick’s Delicatessen in New Haven.  She and her husband Steve were married at B’nai Jacob and their children attended local preschools- daughter Ilana at Yeladim, and son Jordan at Temple Beth Sholom.  The family has been members of Temple Beth David of Cheshire for over 20 years.

A summa cum laude graduate of Quinnipiac College, Rashba earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Southern Connecticut State University. Upon being named CEO, she said, “It is my honor to be leading the amazing staff at JFS who all work hard every day to provide quality services to our community- protecting children, creating families, feeding the hungry and healing hearts.”

Amy Rashba looks forward to bringing more awareness of JFSGNH’s many programs and services to the Greater New Haven region.

To contact her: arashba@jfsnh.org

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven (JFSGNH) is excited to launch a new program called Ken’s Closet, clothing for men and women. This program honors the memory of the late Ken Sperling, who had passion for JFSGNH, as well as a clear understanding of how looking presentable positively affects self-esteem.

Through Ken’s Closet, JFSGNH will supply work-ready clothing to clients who need help navigating the challenges of the job market — with employment as their goal; in addition to other life situations/circumstances. Prospective Ken’s Closet clients will be screened through JFSGNH programs such as Social Work Outreach Services, Mental Health & Counseling and the Food Assistance.  To schedule an appointment with a social worker, please contact Rachel (ext. 109) or Liz (ext. 117) at 203-389-5599.

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven has created a foster care specific Facebook page called “JFS Foster Care Resources.”  The purpose of this page is to educate the general public on the importance of foster care and to highlight the need for loving families and individuals to become foster parents.   At any given time, there are over 4,000 children and teens in foster care.  By educating and motivating others to open their homes and hearts to children in need, we hope that the number of children in foster care will decrease over time. Please visit and like this Facebook page (JFS Foster Care Resources), as well as our agency Facebook page (JFS of Greater New Haven) where we post updates, events, timely news and program information.

The High Holidays begin on the first day of the Jewish calendar and include two of the most important Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

Prior to the start of the High Holidays, the JFSGNH office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday,  September 3rd.  Then in observance of the High Holidays, the JFS office will be closed on the following dates:

Closed Monday, September 10th and Tuesday, September 11 (Rosh Hashanah)
Close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18 (Yom Kippur)
Closed Wednesday, September 19 (Yom Kippur)
Closed Monday, September 24th and Tuesday, September 25th (Sukkot)
Closed Monday, October 1st (Shimini Atzeret)
Closed Tuesday, October 2nd (Simchat Torah)

JFS is participating in the Great Give.

The Great Give 2018 is almost here! This 36-hour event takes place on May 1-2, 2018, but donors can give now during the Advance Giving period. Visit https://www.thegreatgive.org/organizations and search for Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven. Your donation will help us to continue to provide valuable services to those in our community.