Ask the Experts: A Q&A Series from Goodman JFS
At Goodman Jewish Family Services, we believe knowledge is power. In this Ask the Experts Q&A series, Goodman JFS President & CEO Randy Colman sits down with our professional leaders for timely conversations on the issues that matter most to our community.
Whether you’re seeking insights, support or a deeper understanding of the services we provide, this series is designed to offer practical guidance and expert perspectives on mental health, family wellbeing and caring for our community. It’s just one more way we aim to serve by supporting those who need help and informing those looking to make a difference.
Q&A with Sandy Ala, LMHC, Chief Operating and Programs Officer at Goodman JFS of Broward County
Making a meaningful difference takes more than compassion. Behind every program and service at Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County are important decisions about how to meet growing community needs, allocate limited resources and plan for the future.
As demand for social services continues to rise, nonprofit organizations face a difficult balancing act: How do you help more people while ensuring the support you provide makes a lasting difference? And how do you know when it’s the right time to grow?
In this edition of Ask the Experts, Goodman JFS President & CEO Randy Colman sits down with Sandy Ala, LMHC, Chief Operating and Programs Officer, to discuss the business behind the mission, the importance of sustainable nonprofit growth and how collaboration turns ambitious ideas into meaningful community impact.
How is Goodman JFS responding to growing demand for social services in Broward County?
Randy Colman: As we look across our programs, we’re seeing growing demand for services throughout Broward County. What are some of the common challenges you’re seeing, and how are we responding?
Sandy Ala: The common thread is that needs continue to grow across nearly every program, often faster than our available resources. Whether it’s financial assistance, food insecurity or services for older adults, we’re continually evaluating how to expand our reach without compromising the quality of care.
That means listening closely to our program teams, identifying gaps in services and pursuing funding opportunities that address those needs.
It’s not simply about serving more people. It’s about making sure we have the right resources, staffing and infrastructure to make a meaningful, lasting difference.
How do nonprofits balance helping more people with providing more substantial support?
Randy Colman: One of the challenges we’ve discussed is whether it’s better to help more people with fewer resources or provide more substantial support to fewer individuals. How do you approach that balance?
Sandy Ala: I believe the goal is to help as many people as possible with the right level of support to make a real difference. Every situation is different, and providing assistance that doesn’t meaningfully improve someone’s circumstances isn’t necessarily an effective use of resources.
For example, helping someone with one month’s rent when they’re several months behind may not resolve their housing instability. We have to look at the bigger picture and determine what will actually help them move forward.
That’s what responsible stewardship means to me: making thoughtful decisions that lead to meaningful outcomes, rather than temporary fixes.
What does sustainable growth look like for a nonprofit organization?
Randy Colman: We often talk about the importance of growth, but growth also has to be sustainable. How do you determine when expanding a program is the right decision?
Sandy Ala: Funding is only one part of the equation. We also have to consider staffing, operational capacity and whether an expansion will genuinely improve services. Taking on additional funding without the resources to deliver effectively can put unnecessary strain on our teams.
I work closely with our program directors, managers and grants team to evaluate those opportunities. We ask whether the funding aligns with community needs, whether we can realistically deliver the services and what impact we expect to achieve.
Sustainable growth means strengthening our ability to serve people, not simply expanding for the sake of expansion.
How does Goodman JFS turn innovative ideas into programs that meet community needs?
Randy Colman: We’ve seen some exciting ideas become reality. What does it take to turn those bigger visions into action?
Sandy Ala: It starts with collaboration and creating an environment where our teams feel empowered to bring forward ideas. The people working directly with clients often have the clearest understanding of where the gaps are and what could make a meaningful difference.
Our Silver Care Older Adult Supportive Services program is a great example. What was once primarily an information and referral service has grown to include dedicated case management for older adults who need more comprehensive support.
That expansion came from recognizing an unmet need, listening to our staff and identifying the resources to address it.
Big ideas don’t happen overnight, but when you combine vision, teamwork and thoughtful planning, meaningful progress becomes possible.
Why are community partnerships and wraparound services essential to nonprofit impact?
Randy Colman: Partnerships have always been central to our work. From your perspective, how can stronger collaboration across the community help us make a greater impact?
Sandy Ala: No single organization can address every challenge a person or family faces. That’s why collaboration, both within Goodman JFS and with external partners, is so important.
We approach services with a wraparound mindset, recognizing that someone seeking financial assistance may also need food, counseling or other support. Our teams work together to identify those needs, while partnerships with organizations and local municipalities help us connect people with additional resources.
The more effectively we collaborate, the more comprehensive our support can be.
Ultimately, our shared goal is to help individuals and families achieve greater stability and independence.
Putting Mission Into Action
From expanding services for older adults to strengthening partnerships throughout Broward County, Goodman JFS approaches growth with a focus on what matters most: the people and families who depend on our services.
Meeting those needs requires careful planning, responsible stewardship and a willingness to adapt as our community changes.
Learn more about Goodman JFS, our programs and how you can support our mission of empowering those in need with the resources to succeed.
To contact Sandy Ala, email sala@jfsbroward.org.