(Courtesy of JFCS) On Wednesday, June 26, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Northern NJ (JFCS) held its annual meeting at Young Israel of Teaneck to mark the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The meeting opened with remarks from JFCS CEO, Susan Greenbaum, who outlined the agency’s accomplishments over this past year. From the emergency work they did around October 7 to the success of their new programs and services, JFCS continues to be the social and mental health lifeline that our community needs.
Following her speech, JFCS honored their volunteer of the year, Joanne De Scherer, who also received JFCS’s first Presidential Volunteer Service Award. De Scherer is a lifelong volunteer and is involved with JFCS socialization programs for older adults (Friendly Visitors and Telephone Reassurance).
JFCS then said their thanks and farewells to outgoing board members Sue Feldman, Sue Nagler and Helen Graf, who will be greatly missed. Their exemplary service to our community is a shining example of how to give back to those in need. As a surprise to all, it was announced that Graf’s family established an endowment fund in her honor. The Helen Graf Family Endowment for Food Insecurity will sustain the agency’s work in fighting food insecurity for decades to come.
Board President Sima Kern closed the program with inspiring words about JFCS’s mission of empowering people and transforming their lives. She expressed her pride in the JFCS team for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Northern New Jersey community. Kern ended the proceedings by installing the new board for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and welcoming JFCS’s five new board members: Ronit Arginteanu, David Bindelglass, David Goodman, Deena Jarashow and Ilene Laufer.
JFCS looks forward to the upcoming year as it continues to have a positive impact on those who need mental health and social services.
To learn more about JFCS, donate, volunteer or request services, please visit jfcsnnj.org or contact them at [email protected] / 201-837-9090.
