Jewish Family Services

11/07/2025

This week, JFS Rochester hosted three very different—but deeply connected—events that reflect how our work is woven throughout the community.

At The Counseling Center, we welcomed community partners and healthcare providers for a fall open house to experience the new space and learn more about the expert, compassionate mental health support available to people from all walks of life.

At Pencils & Paper, we ended the first half of our shopping year by holding our 2nd annual Librarian Shop, where librarians from all 119 schools we serve were invited to select books to share with students - more than 3,000 are now on their way to school libraries across the county. A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible volunteers who’ve helped teachers and students throughout this entire back-to-school season.

And at our Impact Briefing, CEO Deb Rosen led an important conversation about how changing demographics, access to mental healthcare, and the cost of living are reshaping the needs of our neighbors—from the growing number of older adults seeking support, to rising food insecurity and the shifting face of poverty across our community.

Three events. One mission: strengthening well-being and dignity for all, every day. For Good. For All. In Action.

11/04/2025

Register now: https://jccrochester.org/adult-center/

10/30/2025

This year, we’re celebrating what “For Good. For All.” means to the people who make JFS Rochester strong—our board, staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners.

This week, we hear from Jacquie and Ali, our dedicated Brighton Food Cupboard staff team, who remind us that for them, JFS is “For Good. For All. Feeding the Community.”

Every day, they see how food connects us all—how a stocked pantry brings comfort, how a delivered bag of groceries restores hope, and how one meal can ease the worry of what tomorrow will bring.

Right now, with threats to SNAP benefits looming and food assistance programs in jeopardy, that need has never been greater. Inflation and reduced food bank supplies have left too many of our neighbors struggling to put meals on the table, and local pantries like Brighton Food Cupboard are being stretched beyond capacity.

Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Drop off donations directly to Brighton Food Cupboard (2131 Elmwood Avenue) or order online from our Amazon Wishlist (link in comments). Because when every neighbor has enough to eat, we all thrive.

For Good. For All. Feeding the Community.

10/27/2025

With threats to SNAP benefits looming and the recent Federal shutdown putting food assistance programs in jeopardy, local food pantries like Brighton Food Cupboard are being stretched beyond capacity. Inflation, rising food costs, and reduced food bank supplies have already left too many of our neighbors struggling to put meals on the table — and the weeks ahead could be even harder. And while New York State has stepped in with $41 million in emergency food aid, it’s not enough to meet the growing demand. The reality is clear: our community needs us now.

We’re in urgent need of canned vegetables, cereal, rice, pasta, canned chicken and tuna, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, and canned fruit.

Drop off donations directly to Brighton Food Cupboard (2131 Elmwood Avenue)
Or order online from our Amazon Wishlist (link in comments).

Every item you give helps a family eat this week. Please help today.

10/20/2025

This year, we're celebrating what “For Good. For All.” means to the people who make JFS Rochester strong—our board, staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners.

First up is our Board Vice Chair Camille Verbofsky, who reminds us that for her, JFS is “For Families.”

At JFS, supporting families means a lot since everyone is part of a family, their own and our communities. Through the Brighton Food Cupboard, families find stability and nourishment when times are tough. Families with older adults get unique support for both the client and their caregiver. At Pencils & Paper, teachers and students get the supplies they need to make learning possible. At through The Counseling Center at JFS, families find guidance and healing to strengthen relationships and build resilience. Because when all families are supported, our whole community grows stronger.

For Good. For All. For Families.

10/13/2025

09/30/2025

Register now to become a Nurture volunteer! https://forms.gle/RLgQvAzuuegXNETdA

09/16/2025

Register here: https://jccrochester.org/adult-center/

09/15/2025

Thank you to the Women’s Philanthropy group of Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester for coming together to pack Holiday Baskets for Rosh Hashanah. Your generosity and spirit brought joy and dignity to local families celebrating the New Year. 🍎🍯