Jewish Family Services

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You can make your tax deductible donation to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford online using the PayPal button below (a PayPal account is not required).

Your contribution will help support our organization and our Jewish Family Services Programs.

JFS Volunteers, Ziskind School Students Bring Hanukkah to Autumn Glen Residents
From the 2012 Jewish Messenger.>

It has become a good tradition for the Jewish Family Services committee to collaborate with Autumn Glen Assisted Living on enriching the lives of its residents. \Autumn Glen has a diverse population, and we are committed to ensuring that all traditions are respected and celebrated,. said its new executive director Mark Barwise. Under the leadership of Ruth Glicksman, JFS has brought Jewish holiday celebrations to Autumn Glen twice a year, on Hanukkah and Purim. \It is a part of our outreach to the elderly program,. said Ruth Glicksman. On December 22nd, Jewish Family Services volunteers ( Myra Goldberg, Joan Farrow, Cindy Yoken, Liz and Ken Ackerman) were joined by several Ziskind school students in celebrating the festival of lights with Autumn Glen residents and staff. Rabbi Raphael Kanter opened the party by telling the story of Hanukah and giving his audience a short quiz. In the meantime, the volunteers, assisted by activities director Gale Williams and her staff, had prepared everything necessary to make special Hanukah cookies. Equipped with dough, cookie cutters, and sprinkles, each resident shaped and decorated several cookies. While the cookies were baking, the students, Abby and David Ackerman, David Bacdayan, and Julia Levin taught the seniors how play the dreidel game. Mark Barwise, the new Autumn Glen executive director, joined the party and showed a great skill in spinning the dreidel. Freshly baked cookies were then enjoyed by all. "Thank you for the wonderful Hanukah program you celebrated with our resident at Autumn Glen. Our residents, staff and families were talking about it for days. The warm feelings and comfort you bring to our community is greatly appreciated and I know our residents look forward to your next visit," said Mark Barwise.

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Meals-on-Wheels

Hot kosher meals are delivered five days a week to home-bound Jewish elderly in New Bedford and surrounding towns. 

For questions or to sign up for this program, please call Olga Yorish at 508-997-7471 or email at oyorish@jewishnewbedford.org.  We guarantee full confidentiality.

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Seniors: Do You Need Assistance with
Transportation to Doctors' and Other Appointments?

Federation is here to help. In cooperation with Coastline Elderly Services, we will help you gain access to local agencies that provide transportation assistance to the seniors. Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. coordinates a network of transportation options and will assist you in meeting your transportation needs.

Please call us at 508-997-7471 if you need assistance with transportation to doctors' and other appointments.

 

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Counseling 

A licensed social worker is available for counseling individuals and families who need assistance.  Please call Olga Yorish at 508-997-7471.  We guarantee full confidentiality.

 

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Passover Relief Drive

Every year, the Jewish Federation, in cooperation with local rabbis, Rabbi Barry Hartman of Ahavath Achim Congregation and Rabbi Raphael Kanter of Tifereth Israel Congregation, coordinates an annual Passover Relief Drive.  Funds are collected in order to buy special Passover food for the needy families in the Jewish community. 

For centuries, Jewish communities around the world have collected Maot Chittim ("Wheat Money"), so that those of limited means may celebrate a joyous and kosher Passover.  The giving of Maot Chittim, which enables families in need to purchase wine, matzah, and the other Pesach necessities, is a basic mitzvah every Jew is obligated to fulfill.

This year, we provided Passover food packages to 22 families (the total of 37 individuals).

If you have any questions, or would like to make a donation to Passover Relief Fund, please call Olga Yorish at 508-997-7471 or email her at oyorish@jewishnewbedford.org.

 

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Blood Drive

The Jewish Federation has a long-standing tradition of cooperating with St. Luke's Hospital in organizing annual blood drives as well as encouraging its members to donate blood throughout the year.  This year, the Drive was held on Sunday May 4, 2008 and was chaired by Barbara Rubin who was successful in recruiting 30 members of the Jewish community to donate blood.  This effort enables us to guarantee free supply of blood for all Federation members and their families.

 

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