JFCS provides social services to all in Greater Louisville and what really sets us apart is our holistic approach to meeting the needs of everyone we serve. Everyone faces their own unique challenges throughout life, and the expert staff at JFCS meet each individual where they currently are in life. JFCS staff and clients work together to break down barriers, achieve goals, and expand their personal possibilities. At every stage of life, JFCS provides individualized, holistic services while connecting our clients to community partners and resources.
Mary Rose’s Story
Mary Rose first came to JFCS years ago. Over time, she has taken advantage of our clinical and career services to improve her life. In the past year, like many members of our community, Mary Rose felt the squeeze of inflation and an uncertain economy. She visited the JFCS Sonny & Janet Meyer Food Pantry to stretch her food budget and provide nutritious meals. When she mentioned she had an upcoming job interview and networking event, we utilized one of our outstanding community partners – the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) & the Nearly New Shop – and provided vouchers so Mary Rose could purchase some new clothes. She has always felt supported by JFCS, saying “you fill a need that many places do not fill.”
NCJW & The Nearly New Shop
NCJW and the Nearly New Shop are proud partners with JFCS in helping community members with their job search and career needs. One of the core obligations of the Nearly New Shop is to provide in-kind donations and store vouchers to individuals in need to uplift and help advance their personal welfare, including their career goals.
Nancy Chazen, Executive Director of NCJW, told us that “wearing appropriate ‘work clothes’ promotes a positive self-image, especially for job interviews to enhance the candidate’s first impressions to a prospective employer. Job interviews are stressful enough without having to worry about what to wear – and what clothing items may not already be in their closets. Through the generosity of merchandise donated to the Nearly New Shop, we can offer clothing and accessories to people to eliminate this anxiety factor.”
Mary Rose was able to find a beautiful jacket and two skirts at the Nearly New Shop that boosted her confidence. Not only did she excel at the interview and get the job, but she wore the same jacket to the 50-year alumni luncheon at the University of Louisville University Club and was featured on their website!
As we navigate through 2023 and beyond, JFCS and NCJW will be here to support Mary Rose and others like her with comprehensive social services and partnerships throughout the Greater Louisville community.
Rising Stress Levels
This is the time of year for giving, gatherings, holiday celebrations, and – inevitably – stress. Americans report anticipating more stress this holiday season than last year, according to a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Assocation (APA). While concerns of spreading COVID-19 have diminished, stressors such as affording gifts and meals have risen. The APA found that:
- 31% of adults say they expect to feel more stressed this upcoming holiday season compared to last. This is an increase of 9 percentage points since 2021.
- Potential drivers of stress include worries like affording holiday gifts (50%) and meals (39%) and finding and securing holiday gifts (37%). Younger adults and those making less than $50,000 are more likely to worry about affording the holidays.
- Compared to 2021, adults are less worried this holiday season about spreading (35% in 2021 versus 25% in 2022) or contracting (38% in 2021 versus 26% in 2022) COVID-19 at a holiday gathering. Adults are also less worried about spending time with family who have different views about COVID-19 (30% in 2021 versus 18% in 2022).
You can learn more about the APA’s findings here.
Ways to Cope
Kathryn Cowart, JFCS Assistant Director of Programs, offered this advice for those experiencing stress during the holidays:
“It is important to remember that while we focus on our loved ones near and far, creating holiday memories, and coming together during the holidays we must also take time to de-stress and care for ourselves. This holiday season take time to slow down, breathe in deeply the joy and light intended for the season, practice letting go of the things that are outside of our control, and participate in the simple pleasures that help us more fully enjoy what is happening around us and allow us to be more fully present in the moment.”
JFCS is here to provide support and guidance for anyone in our community struggling with stress. Reach out to us at 502-452-6341 or services@jfcslouisville.org to learn more.
Jewish Family & Career Services proudly announces the five outstanding individuals who will be honored at the 2023 JFCS MOSAIC Awards. “The JFCS MOSAIC Awards are all about honoring Louisville’s diverse leaders, changemakers & humanitarians. We are constantly reminded of how important it is to celebrate diversity because it is what makes Louisville such a wonderful city,” said JFCS CEO David L. Finke, Ph.D. “The inspirational stories of the five 2023 JFCS MOSAIC Honorees prove that we succeed when we expand possibilities for everyone, creating a Greater Louisville that celebrates diversity.”
We are thrilled to announce the 2023 MOSAIC Honorees:
- Natalia Bishop: Investor | Founder | Inclusive Innovation & Entrepreneurship Leader, University of Louisville – Health Equity Innovation Hub
- Luis de León: Journalist, Musician & Visual Artist, La Esquina
- Victor Eddie, Clinical Counselor, New Hope International
- Maha Kolko, Sponsorship Developer, Kentucky Refugee Ministries
- State Representative Nima Kulkarni, Managing Attorney, Indus Law Firm
Since 2006, JFCS has honored over 75 individuals with the MOSAIC Award, an artistic representation of Multicultural Opportunities for Success and Achievement In our Community. This annual event benefits JFCS and bolsters the work we do every day to expand possibilities for each person and every family in Greater Louisville.
The 2023 JFCS MOSAIC Awards will be held on May 16, 2023, at The Olmsted.
If you are interested in corporate sponsorship of this incredible event celebrating diversity, contact JFCS Director of Advancement Courtney Evans at 502-322-1928.
JFCS Crime Victim Services
One of the Jewish values that guide our work at JFCS is Kavod: respect for the undeniable humanity of each person. We serve individuals of all backgrounds and at all stages of life. As the seasons shift, our focus turns to our older adult population, who may face hardships in the form of social isolation. The seclusion already experienced by many seniors during the pandemic sadly increases during this time of year. Criminals and scammers are looking to take advantage of that isolation and are using the time of giving to prey upon vulnerable seniors. It’s more important than ever to stay connected to our senior loved ones.
JFCS Crime Victim Services advocates for individuals 60+ who may have experienced crime or a form of elder abuse. Our goal is to promote recovery and increase awareness in the community to avoid potential threats. According to Senior Crime Victim Advocate Paul Troy, “Seniors in our community face unique barriers in the legal system; we provide advocacy to help overcome those barriers, participate fully in society, and live safely.”
Avoid Holiday Scams
According to the AARP, scams targeting seniors are on the rise this year. Learn about how you can avoid falling victim to common scams:
- Research shows that nearly a quarter of gift cards bought or received have no funds on them. Avoid purchasing the first or last card in a stack handled by the general public; instead, try to purchase directly from a retailer’s physical location or website.
- Criminals will often impersonate government agencies, legitimate businesses, and even friends and relatives to get their victims to pay a phony debt using a gift card. This is always a huge red flag for a scam. No legitimate business will demand payment in the form of a girt card.
- Fake charity scams are the number one holiday scam most people encounter this time of year. Use online tools like Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or BBB Wise Giving Alliance to read reviews and see how your donation is being spent.
- Criminals are now impersonating legitimate shipping companies via email and text to send out phony messages claiming a delivery issue with a link to solve the problem. Never click on this link; call the company directly if you’re uncertain.
Elder abuse comes in many forms and holiday scams are just one way this abuse robs seniors of their dignity and security. JFCS is here to support seniors through Senior Crime Victim Services, both advocating for individuals and educating the public on how to spot the signs of abuse. Together, we can help strengthen our community, connect with isolated older adults, and live the value of Kavod.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, contact Paul Troy at 502-322-1918.