ABOUTSERVICESCONTACTEVENTS EVENTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION MARCH 2025 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.  Shrina's Story In 2009, I joined JFS as a Bachelor of Social Work intern with very little knowledge of what refugee resettlement was.  I quickly learned that resettling refugees was not just about providing shelter, food, and resources. It was about helping individuals, whose lives were shattered, with the foundation to live their lives with hope, support, and dignity.  Throughout my internship I learned that every conversation, hand held, cake and coffee shared, every milestone, big or small, was a step toward healing. I was humbled and inspired by the clients I had the immense privilege to serve.    I left JFS and obtained my Masters in Social Work. After I graduated, I came back to JFS to work as a resettlement case manager. As my responsibilities grew, so did my understanding of the complexities of refugee resettlement. I heard stories of loss, struggle, and survival. I often thought of my own family’s journey to the United States. Although my family did not arrive as refugees, they experienced similar challenges like meeting immediate needs, employment challenges, language barriers, cultural integration, racism, and discrimination. These were challenges I knew we had a responsibility to address and became involved with developing programs to ensure our client’s needs and goals were met.  Working at JFS has provided me with an ongoing education in empathy, perseverance, patience, and strength. It has also profoundly impacted me and enabled me to believe in the kindness, bravery, determination, and the power of our community. I have never worked for an organization that embodies as much heart and commitment as JFS does. We have big plans for the future, even if we need to put some of them on hold for now while preserving the core of our operations. We have felt the compassion of our supporters when there has been a need, especially now more than ever. I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to lead our RISE programs and carry forward our unwavering mission to create solutions, promote dignity, and inspire humanity. I hope you will consider continuing to support us so that we can continue to serve our community.   Shrina Eadeh Senior Director of Resettlement and Integration Programs.  Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County  CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION Join us on Sunday, March 23rd for an inspiring and dynamic celebration of Entrepreneurial Artists! DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS EXCITING EVENT! Join Jewish Family Services (JFS) as we celebrate three incredible entrepreneurial artists making an impact in our community! □✨ □ Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025 □ Location: [Insert Location] □ Free & Open to the Public! Enjoy light refreshments while hearing from inspiring speakers from Google, Comerica Bank, and NEI, and learn how JFS continues to support our community in innovative ways. Spread the word and RSVP now!  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Multi-Sector Collaborations Create New Pathways to Behavioral Health Care Read about how JFS partnered with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to provide culturally sensitive behavioral health services to refugee and immigrant youth, who often have unique needs and face significant challenges in accessing care.  READ HERE Spousal Caregiver Support: Finding Strength in Community Read about how JFS helps individuals navigate the challenges of caregiving through the Spousal Caregiver Support Group. READ HERE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN START YOUR TEAM TODAY! NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Join us as we WALK to help JFS of Washtenaw County raise the vital funds necessary to help address the ongoing needs of the Refugee Resettlement program and provide support to our clients in the form of personal safety, nourishment, guidance and more as they settle into their new community.  As we navigate an increasingly challenging landscape for welcoming newcomers, 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. JFS' critical initiative provides: Arrival assistance and placement; Intensive case management; Youth and women's empowerment services; Health and behavioral health services; Nutrition support through our Nourish Nutrition Services; Entrepreneurial business development and training through our Micro Enterprise Development programs. We are still actively serving resettlement clients, as assistance does not stop after 90 days, often extending to years of service. HELP US BRIDGE THE GAP AND CONTINUE PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED. Join us by registering to WALK a mile in our clients shoes and fundraising along the way! CLICK FOR MORE  EVENT  INFO 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 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 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  VOLUNTEER VOICES "The volunteer work I've done through JFS has been incredibly meaningful to me. Even a small amount of time can make a big difference to someone who is new to the US. Donating money is very important, but it's often invisible, unlike spending time with people. Through volunteering I've met wonderful people who have impressed me with their resilience and joy. While helping them navigate things in the US, I have had the pleasure of learning about their language, food, and culture, and in the process have seen my own country through new eyes. A few years ago, I was working with a family from East Africa, and the two brothers got a job at one of the U-M Dining Halls. The hours were going to be quite long, so we went to Target and spent a while choosing lunch bags and thermoses because they were concerned about bringing their dinner from home. When I met them after their first shift, they didn't say anything about how the work had gone or how they had managed communicating with their boss. All they could talk about was pizza and especially chocolate milk, which they had tasted for the first time!" -Ruth, JFS Volunteer THRIVE YOUTH COUNSELING JFS' Thrive Counseling and Support Services is now welcoming new youth clients! Every young person deserves a safe space to navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and thrive. If your child or teen could benefit from compassionate, professional support, reach out today. LEARN MORE 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 [email protected]734.769.0209www.jfsannarbor.org