JFCS & NCJW: Partnering to Serve Our Community
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.