ABOUTSERVICESCONTACTEVENTS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2025 SNAP Benefits Halted Tomorrow — Thousands Will Go Hungry Tomorrow, Nov. 1, 2025,  SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- Food Stamp) benefits, the program that helps thousands of local families afford groceries, are expected to be halted. You’ve likely heard about this in the news, maybe from a friend or family member. But do you know what it really means, and what it means for the our community and the JFS Nourish Pantry? It means that nearly 9% of Washtenaw County, over 34,000 of your neighbors, won’t have the means to pay for food. It means that children will go to bed hungry. It means that older adults will have to count coins just to buy a few cans of soup. It means that parents will be forced to decide: “Do I put gas in the car to get to work, or do I feed my family tonight?” One mother shared through tears,“I’ve done everything right. I work two jobs. But if my SNAP benefits stop, I don’t know how I’ll feed my kids.” This is not just about hunger. It’s about dignity. It’s already difficult enough to ask for help. Now, with benefits gone, the fragile thread holding many families together will break. And when that happens, there is only one answer left: our local food pantries. The JFS Nourish Pantry is unique in Washtenaw County. We’re the only one that provides: -Conventional pantry staples for families in crisis -Culturally appropriate foods for those who keep Halal or Kosher -Medically tailored meals for people with special dietary or allergy needs -Home-delivered groceries for those who are homebound As the crisis deepens, the calls to our office grow by the hour. The need is real. The gap in resources is widening. We must raise $350,000 to continue providing these essential services and to expand them to meet the wave of hunger that’s coming. “No one should ever go hungry,” says our CEO, Anya Abramzon. “Not on our watch.” Make your support known. Make a stand. Let every mother, father, grandparent, and child in our community know that you see them, and you will not let them go hungry. Donate Now to the JFS Nourish Pantry. Because when SNAP ends, we continue.   SONGS FOR SUPPORT TICKETS ON SALE SOON! JFS is excited to invite you to the second annual Songs for Support concert on Saturday, January 10, 2026. In partnership with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater & Dance, JFS is excited to present BROADWAY IN ANN ARBOR FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY! Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and ad space will be on sale soon.  Proceeds from this event directly support critical JFS programs. A Taste of Home: Refugee Garden Provides Plots and Resources for Families Putting Down New Roots For a little over three years, a quiet half-acre plot nestled at Campus Farm has provided place and opportunity for refugee growers. A partnership between Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Washtenaw County and MBGNA, the Refugee Garden serves community members who have been in the US for fewer than five years.  Click here to continue reading. MDARD Awards Over $1.8 Million for Projects That Create Jobs, Boost Local Agriculture Businesses Grants will fund 26 projects to retain, attract, expand or develop ag processing in Michigan.  Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Inc (Ann Arbor): $48,500 for purchasing a large blast chiller for their kitchen to process and flash freeze large amounts of locally grown produce for their Meals On Wheels and Medically Tailored Meal programs. Click here to read more. October is National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month Let’s bring awareness to how common--and treatable—depression and other mental health challenges can be. Screening is one powerful tool to help identify when someone may need support.     Watch for these signs: -Persistent sadness or emptiness -Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed -Fatigue or low energy -Difficulty concentrating -Changes in appetite or sleep -Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness   If these symptoms last for weeks or interfere with daily life, it’s time to reach out.   What you can do: -Take a confidential mental health screening -Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or health professional -Seek therapy or counseling when needed -Share resources and encourage others to check in on their mental well-being   Depression and other mental health conditions affect millions, but they often go undiagnosed. Early screening and care can lead to better outcomes.   You’re not alone—and help is available.   Visit www.jfsannarbor.org/thrive to learn more about our services. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER? JFS is partnering with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to offer small business support at no cost for eligible small businesses in Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE A2J Climate Action JFS recognizes the existential nature of the climate crisis. We have joined with other local Jewish organizations to share our climate action stories and best practices.    Click here to read the current issue of the A2J Climate Circle. FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! THE TIME IS NOW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!   Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? The JFS Nourish Food Pantry & Kitchen is seeking compassionate, reliable volunteers to help us prepare and deliver nutritious meals for individuals and families in need.   Volunteering just a few hours of your time each week can make a big difference in someone’s day.   Your time helps us bring comfort, hope, and dignity to those who need it most. SIGN-UP NOW  NEW DATE 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  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 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 COMMUNITY CORNER [email protected]734.769.0209www.jfsannarbor.org