ABOUTSERVICESCONTACTEVENTS EVENTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION APRIL 2025 For centuries, the Passover seders have been a place to recount the Jewish people's journey from slavery to freedom, from narrowness to opportunity. We remember that dignity and freedom are worth fighting for, and that these freedoms should exist for all of humanity. At Jewish Family Services, we work every day to uphold these values—welcoming those who seek refuge, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry, and providing stability for those rebuilding their lives. This work is a modern expression of the Passover story, turning our shared history into meaningful action. Please take a moment to watch the short video below on how JFS embodies the work of freedom: freedom from fear, freedom from starvation, freedom toward peace of mind, and freedom to create a new home in a new country. Your support helps us continue this sacred mission. Please consider making a donation here, in honor of this Passover message. DINNER WITH THE CHEF IS BACK! An Evening You Won’t Want to Miss! Join Jewish Family Services on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. for a truly unique and meaningful dining experience — Dinner with the Chef — in support of our Nourish Nutrition Services Food Pantry and Kitchen. Enjoy a deliciously crafted three-course meal with wine pairings, prepared by Chef Jared Bobkin, a two-time contestant on FOX’s Hell's Kitchen. This intimate evening will take place right inside the heart of our operations — the JFS Food Pantry — offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how we’re feeding and nourishing our community. You’ll also hear directly from JFS staff about the growing impact of our work across Washtenaw County and beyond, and get a firsthand account from Chef Bobkin about his experiences on Hell's Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay — and what he’s up to now! Seating is limited — reserve your spot today and be a part of this special night of food, stories, and community impact. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER JFS VOICES At Jewish Family Services, every person who walks through our doors has a story to tell. JFS Voices is a monthly letter that brings those stories to life—through the words of the people who make our mission possible. From staff and volunteers to newcomers and longtime clients, each edition will highlight the real, personal impact of JFS’s work in our community.  Join us as we share moments of resilience, kindness, and transformation. These are the voices of JFS—stories of hope, dignity, and the power of human connection. Thank you for being part of our journey.  Elina's Story In 1979, my family came to United States from former Soviet Union as refugees and were resettled by the Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit. We had no family or friends here, but the Jewish community adopted us and thousands of others that escaped from the clutches of antisemitic soviet rulers. We found refuge, and our beautiful future right here in Michigan.    My grandmother who came with us, became the fastest employed person in our family, she couldn’t speak English, but she was a dress designer in Baku, so she could use her skillful hands to sew and fix anything with a needle and thread. A week after arrival, some nice store owner brought clothing to our apartment and thus Lily began her career in the US. My parents, an engineer and a doctor, began their difficult quest to continue practicing their professions in Michigan.  Both went on to have fulfilling, successful careers in their fields. They were always so grateful to be able to contribute to our adopted home, and to pay back to the country that have accepted us with open arms and gave them and their kids an opportunity to openly practice Judaism, to participate in the communal Jewish life. Throughout their lives they continued to donate their time and money to a variety of charities both locally in the Jewish community and the Detroit-based arts and Cultural institutions as well as HIAS, Israel nonprofits and Holocaust museums in DC, Farmington Hills and Yad Vashem. My parents provided us – my brother and I, with a blueprint for righteous living; to always contribute to your community in any way you can. Give tzedakah anonymously, welcome the stranger, repair the world with one good deed at a time, help your neighbors, respect and care for the elders, educate yourselves and your children.    My brother and I went on to become educated locally. I chose to attend Bais Yakov school for girls. I fondly remember my teachers, Rabbis and the girls that I studied and graduated with. My brother and I both have meaningful careers, amazing families, kids and grandkids!  I graduated with a business degree from Wayne State, but little did I know at that time that I would spend the rest of my professional career working for Jewish non-profit. My career at JFS in Detroit began many decades ago, when I answered a need for bi-lingual resettlement case managers. It was meant to be, I was giving back to the Agency and community that resettled my own family. Fast-forward just 7 years, in 1997 I met a brilliant young CEO of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Anya Abramzon, who convinced me to drive to Ann Arbor to establish and run the Employment Services at the tiny agency. The rest is history… I will be celebrating my 28 years at JFSWC this year. I cannot imagine my life without my JFS family in it. I wouldn’t change a single life decision that brought me to this point, I have been blessed to find my professional meaning of life. This work has brought me such joy and fulfillment in the work this Agency does, the staff, Board members, volunteers, our clients and our community has helped me, a refugee kid, realize my parents’ hope and dreams for their children.  I am forever grateful to this country, my family, Anya, JFS Family and our community for giving me this opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s lives every day, I am very lucky! Please consider supporting the vital work that JFS does in Washtenaw County and beyond, by donating, volunteering, and advocating on behalf of our clients.   Elina Zilberberg Chief Operations Officer  Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County  CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION THRIVE Counseling for Youth and Teens. As parents, we want the best for our kids—including their emotional well-being. If your child or teen is struggling with stress, anxiety, or other challenges, JFS offers professional mental health support tailored to their needs.   Experienced youth therapists. Virtual & in-person sessions available. A safe space for them to talk. Guidance for parents or caregivers. LEARN MORE SAVE THE DATE! JFS HOSTS TOWN HALL PANEL ON REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT  Please join our panel of experts on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. via zoom to hear the most up-to-date information about refugee resettlement policies, as well as how existing policy changes have affected, and will continue to affect, our local community. Registration coming soon. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN START YOUR TEAM TODAY! NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Witnessing the hardships refugees are facing can be overwhelming, but YOU have the power to make a difference.  Join us in standing with those forced to flee their homes, offering them the support they need to rebuild their lives in our community. By walking together, we send a powerful message: we see them, we welcome them, and we will not stop providing vital support to those who need us. Your participation helps provide essential resources—housing, employment support, and community connections—so that every newcomer, no matter when they arrived, has the opportunity to thrive. We need your support now more than ever. Government funding that once supported legal immigrants has been halted, leaving many neighbors from around the world without critical resources to help them build stable self-sufficient lives. In response, JFS remains steadfast in its mission - but we cannot do it alone. Join us by registering to WALK a mile in our clients shoes and fundraising along the way! CLICK FOR MORE  EVENT  INFO 2025 WALK SPONSORS INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS LIST AND SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT OF JFS? CLICK BELOW TO SEE BENEFITS OFFERED AT EACH LEVEL! CLICK FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION VOLUNTEER VOICES "Being a bus volunteer means getting to meet people literally where they are. It's cool to explore new routes and parts of town with clients. I feel a little bit like a travel agent sometimes. One of the best times I had was with two sisters who had been here for several months but had never been to downtown Ann Arbor. They had a list of places they wanted to see, and we spent a great half hour exploring downtown including the library and CVS. They were so excited to go back to their family and share what they learned--it really helped them get their bearings and learn about our community firsthand. I've also had a few too many chances to laugh helplessly with clients when we run for a bus and watch it go by..." -Jessamyn, JFS Volunteer VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS CAREGIVER CONVERSATIONS Join us for connection, sharing and ideas around caregiver issues as we navigate our lives during challenging times. The group will include educational content, is facilitated by a licensed JFS Social Worker, and is open to anyone who cares for someone aged 60+. REGISTER SPOUSAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT Join us for connection with others in a similar situation to your own, sharing ideas and experiences around caregiver issues that arise while caring for a spouse or significant other. The group will include educational content, is facilitated by a licensed JFS Social Worker, and is open to anyone who cares for their spouse or significant other. REGISTER GRIEF SUPPORT Join us for connection with others navigating the challenges of experiencing  grief. The group will include educational content, is facilitated by a licensed JFS Social Worker, and is open to all who have lost a loved one REGISTER JFS Welcomes Megan Carmen as Director of Clinical Services at Thrive Counseling  Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Washtenaw County is pleased to announce the addition of Megan Carmen, LMSW, CCTP, as the new Director of Clinical Services at Thrive Counseling, the mental health arm of JFS. Carmen brings over a decade of experience in youth mental health to the growing Thrive team, where she will help lead efforts to expand services for children, youth, and their families.  Thrive Counseling is broadening its focus to meet the rising mental health needs of young people in the community, particularly those impacted by trauma and adverse experiences. Carmen’s appointment is a key step in this expansion, bringing specialized expertise in trauma, depression, anxiety, and acute stress to the organization.  A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Michigan and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Carmen has spent the last ten years working directly with youth to address complex emotional and psychological challenges. Her compassionate, trauma-informed approach aligns with Thrive’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care to individuals and families across Washtenaw County.  “I am thrilled to join the Thrive Counseling team and contribute to the important work of supporting the mental health of children and youth in our community,” said Carmen. “This is a critical time to expand services, and I’m eager to bring my experience to this new role.” With Carmen's leadership, Thrive Counseling will continue to strengthen its services and partnerships, ensuring that more young people have access to the support they need to thrive.  A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Michigan and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Carmen has spent the last ten years working directly with youth to address complex emotional and psychological challenges. Her compassionate, trauma-informed approach aligns with Thrive’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care to individuals and families across Washtenaw County.  “I am thrilled to join the Thrive Counseling team and contribute to the important work of supporting the mental health of children and youth in our community,” said Carmen. “This is a critical time to expand services, and I’m eager to bring my experience to this new role.” With Carmen's leadership, Thrive Counseling will continue to strengthen its services and partnerships, ensuring that more young people have access to the support they need to thrive.  VOLUNTEER TODAY! Jewish Family Services urgently needs volunteers for Nourish, Washtenaw County's only specialty food pantry and commercial kitchen. Join us in combating food insecurity and preserving dignity in our community.   How You Can Help: Prep nutritious meals for delivery. Deliver food directly to neighbors in need. Organize the pantry and package groceries.   Be part of a mission-driven team, gain valuable experience, and make a meaningful difference for families, seniors, and individuals.   The need is urgent. The time is now. SIGN-UP NOW  WISE AT THE J WISE at the J is a congregate lunch meal program that takes place at the JCC on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The event is organized by JFS of Washtenaw County. All are welcome! REGISTER HERE MISSION TOURS AT JFS Join us for an inspiring one-hour in-person group tour at JFS.  Experience the heart of our community at Jewish Family Services (JFS)! We're thrilled to showcase the incredible range of services we provide to support and uplift our neighbors. From essential basic needs like food and transportation for older adults to our cutting-edge out-patient behavioral health clinic for individuals and families, JFS is here to make a difference. Discover how you can become an integral part of our mission.  REGISTER NOW  COMMUNITY CORNER Reflections on the Network’s Clinical Trip to Israel- NetTalk In February 2025, The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies launched a unique global clinical learning experience focused on trauma and crisis response. The experience offered a seven-day training and volunteer program in Israel for mental health clinicians working in Network member agencies and was sponsored by The Network and Birthright Israel Onward. Clinicians engaged in hands-on learning with Israeli experts in trauma treatment with NATAL, an organization renowned for its work with individuals affected by conflict and collective trauma. Participants also volunteered with local organizations serving communities impacted by these ongoing challenges, offering them firsthand exposure to the nuances of trauma-informed care in high-stress environments. On Tuesday, April 22nd, from 2:00-3:00pm ET, join us for a panel discussion featuring clinicians who participated in this immersive learning experience. During the discussion, they will share reflections on resilience, collective trauma, and the complexities of bearing witness to the suffering of others. They will also highlight how they are integrating insights into their practices, and the ways in which this experience may have shaped their clinical approach to supporting communities and individuals dealing with trauma and crisis. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER [email protected]734.769.0209www.jfsannarbor.org