Our Impact

I’ve never written a love letter before…at least not one like this.

Dear JFS,

While I know it may have been just another Tuesday for you, I still remember the day we met. October 6th, 2020. I realized what it meant to find a home away from home, a second family of sorts.

Everyone knows you as Goodman Jewish Family Services, but to me you have always been JFS.

Falling in love catches you by surprise. I remember finding a volunteering flyer nestled on my car’s windshield that day, and without even realizing, found myself driving to you.

Some may say there’s nothing alluring about packaging canned matzo ball soup and figurines, but it never mattered to me. After all, you know what they say about personality always beating out looks! The more I worked, the stronger our connection grew. I felt honored to just be with you, admiring the work you do for Holocaust survivor families daily.

So, thank you JFS. Thank you for showing me what it feels like to love without any expectation for reciprocation. Love without anything to gain, just merely the contentedness of contributing to something larger than myself.

Thank you for introducing me to Michelle Pines, the person I owe my newfound drive and passion to, and the best mentor I could have ever asked for.

And thank you for bringing me one step closer to my Jewish community.

Know that this is not a goodbye but a see you later.

I am writing this with a sigh of relief. I called Joshua’s Path to get some information about services for my adult son who is on the spectrum. Sharlene answered all my questions and linked me with resources and direction. I am grateful for the assistance.

As a parent of one of the Joshua’s Path ZoomTogether participants, and Legal Guardian to another participant, I am so thankful to Goodman Jewish Family Services for offering this necessary service to this population. I think it is so important to shed light on what parents who are caring for adults with disabilities go through on a daily basis, especially now during the COVID crisis. I also need to express my gratitude to Goodman JFS and the Joshua’s Path department for stepping up and creating an innovative, unique and timely program, reminding us that we are not alone. I know I am just one parent and sharing my one story, but the programs and services made available through your disability program have become my lifeline and I know they have been the same for so many others.

As you are aware, adults with I/DD experience isolation, depression and anxiety once they age out of federally funded programs at the age of 22. The ZoomTogether Program offers adapted, purposeful, engaging content. Samantha Sehter is a gifted teacher and leads the class with confidence, enthusiasm and patience. Samantha’s passion and understanding for this population is apparent. Thanks to Goodman JFS, my daughter and others like her with I/DD have the opportunity to learn, socialize and connect virtually.

I know I have thanked you many times for your kindness and for the food distribution from Goodman JFS. What a surprise this month’s pick up was! I felt like a child opening up my Channuka presents. I am always delighted to be able to have some food and fruit, etc. This month went way beyond my expectations. Thank you for providing me with healthy food so I don’t have to worry about where my next meal comes from since I have not worked in two years due to my health. Please thank the volunteers for taking the time to package the food so carefully and for being there to help.

I appreciate your time in contacting the sources in search of support and resources/referrals for me. Thank you for the “above and beyond the call of duty” service. I am grateful. Thank you again for all you do and for your service to Goodman Jewish Family Services. You’re such a great example to us all and a wonderful asset.

Not only is the food and delivery service great but the spirit of everyone within Goodman Jewish Family Services is truly gracious, godly and first class. Your people are some of the most wonderful I have ever met. Everyone who has brought me food makes me feel important and respected. May the light of God always surround you and your families.

My daughter LOVES the new Joshua’s Path ZoomTogether program. She smiles and laughs during every class and looks forward to it each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Not sure what we would have done without this engagement. Thank you so much!

This is the best organization on the planet. They truly help the needy, the sick and the poor. They have helped me so much…words are not enough to express my gratitude. I wouldn’t be here if it not were for their help. On that note I’d like to thank Goodman JFS from the bottom of my heart for listening to my plea and helping me and my disabled son. Many blessings, especially for Melinda. You are loved.

Your food delivery to me has helped my situation very much. Being able to receive Kosher food and additional items from The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard are the only sure security I have as I don’t have much income. I thank you so much.

Not only is the food and delivery service from The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard great, but the spirit of everyone within Goodman JFS is truly gracious, godly, and first class. You are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Everyone who has ever brought me food makes me feel important and respected.