ABOUTSERVICESCONTACTEVENTS EVENTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION NOVEMBER 2025 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A TICKET, BECOME A SPONSOR, OR PURCHASE AN AD IN THE EVENT PROGRAM CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Thrive is happy to announce that we have partnered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southeast Michigan to provide the therapy component to their therapeutic mentorship program.  Big Brothers, Big Sisters provides one-to-one matching of youth with an adult mentor to provide extra support.  Through their grant, they were able to expand services to include a therapeutic component to their program, which is where Thrive comes in.  Our team of therapists are able to further support the littles enrolled in BBBS through compassionate, person centered, therapeutic care.  Each little enrolled in this program has been matched with a therapist through Thrive to address their mental and emotional health needs and work towards their goals for therapy.  The kick-off event was held on September 16, 2025 at JFS Ann Arbor with food, fun, and a chance for the families and littles to meet Thrive staff in person.  Since then, littles have received support through individual therapy and once monthly group therapy events where Thrive partners with BBBS to meet the evolving needs of the youth we serve. This partnership has allowed Thrive and BBBS to work towards our shared goals of supporting the youth in our communities and empowering them to meet their challenges and achieve their goals.  We at Thrive look forward to continuing to support the youth and families enrolled in this program and in our communities across Michigan in general.  UM Students Conduct JFS Research Study Students at the University of Michigan are conducting a research project to better understand volunteer motivations at JFS. The  survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete, and your thoughtful input will greatly benefit both the students and JFS. Please feel free to forward any survey related questions to [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your time and willingness to share your experiences with the research team. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY Local Artist, Andy Schiff, Sells Art in Support of JFS. Local artist and friend of JFS, Andy Schiff, will graciously be donating all proceeds from sales on Andyschiff.com and at the MAKESHIFT GALLERY (located at 407 E Liberty, Ann Arbor) to support the Nourish Food Pantry as they navigate the current crisis. Purchase directly at the gallery or if you see something on the website that you would like to purchase, contact Andy to make a payment and she will deliver it after December 6.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ONLINE GALLERY NOVEMBER IS CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH  Honoring Those Who Give So Much  November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time dedicated to honoring the compassion, strength, and devotion of those who care for loved ones who are aging, ill, or living with disabilities. Caregivers are often the quiet heroes of our communities, balancing work, family responsibilities, and personal well-being while providing consistent care and emotional support to others.    Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, but it also brings unique challenges. Many caregivers experience emotional fatigue, stress, and isolation as they manage the needs of others while putting their own self-care aside. This month serves as a reminder that caregivers deserve recognition and support, not only for what they do but for who they are—people filled with empathy, resilience, and love.    At JFS, we understand that caring for another person requires more than physical effort. It calls for patience, understanding, and emotional endurance. Through the CARES program, JFS provides a range of services to support caregivers in every stage of their journey. This includes counseling, educational workshops, respite resources, and support groups that create a space for connection and understanding. These programs are designed to help caregivers strengthen their coping strategies, manage stress, and maintain their own health while continuing to provide care for others.    Caregiver Appreciation Month is also an opportunity for the wider community to express gratitude and awareness. Simple gestures, such as offering a kind word or a moment of acknowledgment, can remind caregivers that their work is seen and valued. Many caregivers find strength in knowing they are not alone and that others recognize both the challenges and the rewards of their role.    Throughout the year, JFS remains committed to providing caregivers with the tools and emotional support they need. Through compassion, education, and community connection, we aim to help caregivers care not only for their loved ones but also for themselves.    If you are a caregiver seeking support or resources, we invite you to connect with the JFS CARES program. For more information, contact Roberta Hirshon, MA, LMSW, at 207-233-1051 or [email protected]. Additional information about our caregiver services is available at www.jfsannarbor.org/cares.    Caregiver Appreciation Month is a time to pause and recognize the invaluable contributions of those who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to others. You are not alone, and your care makes an extraordinary difference every single day.  FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED WE NEED YOU!   The JFS Nourish Food Pantry & Kitchen is seeking compassionate, reliable volunteers to help us prepare nutritious meals for individuals and families in need during these uncertain times.   Volunteering just a few hours of your time each week can make a big difference in someone’s day.   We are still in need of more drivers! You can choose to sign up for a specific shift, regular shifts, and/or become a member of our new “On Call Drivers” list who will receive an email on Fridays when there are not enough volunteer drivers the following week.   Your time helps us bring comfort, hope, and dignity to those who need it most. SIGN-UP NOW  PINS FOR A CAUSE JFS is excited to introduce Pins for a Cause — a simple, powerful way to stand with refugees in our community. Find these pins at Van Boven Clothing, an upscale men’s boutique in downtown Ann Arbor, Brewed Awakenings Cafe, a family owned gem on US12 and State St., and Bivuoac, a downtown Ann Arbor staple. More locations coming soon! Choose from 4 inspiring designs: ✔️ Support Refugees. Stand For Humanity. ✔️ No One Leaves Home Without a Reason. ✔️ American as apple pie... And hummus, And borscht, And pho. ✔️ Proud Ingredient in America’s Melting Pot. Make a donation of any size (even $1!) and pick your pin. Every dollar helps JFS provide critical resources to newcomers rebuilding their lives. FREE SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT IS HERE! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 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 SENIOR CENTER 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 NEW DATE AND TIME FOR MISSION TOURS AT JFS Last Wednesday of the month at 12:00 p.m. One Hour to See, Learn, and Make an Impact! 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 This Thanksgiving week (November 24 - 30, 2025), Genesis of Ann Arbor needs YOU to help provide a warm, safe haven for 25 respectful unhoused men. This essential program runs solely on the generosity of our volunteers. We have a critical need for Overnight Hosts – your presence is the heart of this shelter! (2 per night, 9:15 PM - 7:00 AM). Every role, big or small, makes a profound difference. CLICK  HERE TO SIGN-UP CLICK HERE TO REGISTER [email protected]734.769.0209www.jfsannarbor.org