Annual Report 2006-07 >

Counseling and Case Management

The heart of JFS is represented by the dedication of staff and Board to meeting the needs of those who seek counseling or require case management. This was a typical year of very significant needs in serving some of the most difficult cases in the community, but each one had the special caring and commitment that is represented by the way in which the client was served. Whether it be a marital, family, substance abuse, monetary, budgeting, residential, clothing, furniture, care for the frail elderly, or whatever the situation, JFS was there as a support system. The year saw at least 150 counseling and case management clients.

Resettlement

Our Resettlement Coordinator worked with ten cases this year and helped in many ways. Whether it be a citizenship processing need, an interpreter, special support, or any other circumstance, help was provided. The opportunity was presented to assist each former Soviet Union New American with compassion and technical advice that makes it easier for those who have chosen Wyoming Valley as their home to be able to turn to the appropriate agency staff for advice and counsel. Clearly, even those who have been here a number of years still need the special support of JFS.

Jewish Caregiver Assistance Program

This program, first available in fiscal year 2005-06, was restarted with a new grant from the John Passan Foundation, in memory of his mother. It provides monetary caregiver assistance for a specified period of time, especially for those that may be returning home from a hospital setting. It usually is an elderly person that requires unskilled care, and JFS helps arrange an individual to be considered by the client who selects the caregiver. This program is being continued into fiscal year 07-08.

Kids Care Club

The Kids Care Club (KCC ) is a special and unique service that has youngsters as early as kindergarten providing a project for less fortunate youngsters and/or senior citizens. It is an award winner that has been recognized as a major contributor to service learning at the earliest age possible. The number of projects and people served has gone well over 2000 since it started, and many more will be served in coming years. Examples of projects this fiscal year include the following: Emergency Storm Boxes for Seniors, Grandparent “Fun Bags”, Placemats for Jewish Home residents, SPCA “Kitty” take home boxes, 50 wheelchair bags made by Peace Center for VA Hospital, bibs for disabled children in Ecuador.

Emergency Financial Assistance

This program provides short term financial assistance to Jewish families or individuals facing temporary financial difficulty, whether it be mortgage, utility, insurance or other need. Staff analyzes each situation and determines what is supportable, and at the same time attempts to direct the client to other sources of aid as well. This year, 25 families or persons were served.

Jewish Small Business Assistance Program

Small businesses represent the major economic backbone in the region. JFS provides assistance to Jewish small business entrepreneurs, either starting a business, attempting to have the business grow, or inventing a new product or service. While not a normal service of a social service agency, the program was initiated as a result of the Executive Director's background in economic development, and ties to the income and employment needs of the individual or family. This year, several persons were either assisted with a new business, employment needs, or product development opportunities.

Kosher Home Delivered Meals (KHDM)

The KHDM program is a long term service of JFS. Funded through the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties , the program provides weekly delivery of kosher food to needy individuals in Wyoming Valley . The food is prepared by the Jewish Home in Scranton , delivered to JFS by a paid driver, organized in packages by JFS staff, and delivered to a client by volunteers. Approximately 20 persons per week are assisted, and the program this year won first prize in the Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center awards program . The first place award was $200 from PennStar Bank.

Children and Youth

This Committee, chaired by Board member AW Weinberg, highlighted a special study funded through the Rosenberg Endowment that survey Jewish youngsters connected to BBYO, with the cooperation of JCC staff member Paul Williamson. The survey made several recommendations that are being followed up by the Committee and others. In fact, there is now a need to survey younger Jewish youngsters in the community, and attempts are being made to secure funding for this purpose.

Aging Services

This Committee is chaired by Board member Sally Connor and helps to organize ways that the elderly can be assisted in the community. Reports are given to the Board periodically on senior citizen activities that are provided through JFS. More and more, aging services are being requested in many different ways, a trend that is expected to be present for many years.

Student Loans and Grants (Student Aid) 

This Committee, chaired by Board member Sandy Warshal, provides guidance on the loans and grants available through JFS to Jewish students attending a higher education institution. Funds for loans are available through the Rella Roth Fund that is invested through the Jewish Federation, the Betty Liberman Sirotkin Fund, the Max Bartikowsky Scholarship Fund, and grants through the Gelb Estate. This year 11 students were assisted, with approximately $7,000 in scholarships and $9000 in loans.

Arts and Culture

This Committee, chaired by Board member Sheree Klemow planned, organized, developed, and implemented a concert as part of a series of cultural events of JFS. The concert featured nationally acclaimed violinist Elliot Rosoff and two other musicians who played to an audience at the home of Jack and Helene Rosenzweig in Mountaintop. Many other events are being planned for future years.

PHOTO: Elliot Rosoff on violin with flutist Allison Johnson

Food Assistance

Through a variety of financial sources such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Gelb Estate, and others, food is made available to needy Jewish families. Sara's Table is inside the JFS office, and is used frequently. Food certificates are available as needed. This program has been in existence for many years.

Health & Wellness program

This new initiative was funded through the Blue Ribbon Foundation. It enabled individuals 60 years or older to be assisted in nutrition and physical activity as a goal of avoiding cardiovascular disease. The partnerships developed were strong, including the Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, and Pittston Senior centers, the Jewish Community Center, Steps to a Healthier Luzerne County, Penn State Cooperative Extension Service, Marywood University, Wilkes University School of Pharmacy, YMCA, and others, including Dr. Herb Weinman. Educational programs were held, blood pressure screening provided, and one on one assistance provided in analyzing the medicines utilized by the seniors. At least 200 individuals were assisted in this program.

PHOTO: Charles T. Adams Senior Center members participating with
Wilkes University Pharmacy students.

Holiday Assistance

During special Jewish Holidays as well as Thanksgiving, gift certificate for toys, turkeys, and other items are made available to needy families. This year 60 persons were served, and the program is very popular with youngsters and their parents. This year, through a special donation, a Bicycle Fund was established for youngsters, and several bikes were bought for needy youngsters.

PHOTO: Lisa Morgan with Sarah Klee and her new bicycle

Holocaust Survivors Program

This year marked the seventh consecutive year that a partnership between the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre JFS organization provided service to victims or their families of the Holocaust. In Wyoming Valley , 16 families or individuals were assisted, and through special Claims Conference monies, grants totaling $5000 was made available.

Jewish Family Life Education (JFLE)

This year marked the 20 th anniversary of the B'nai Mitzvah program of Temple Israel and a partnership between the Temple and JFS. Ann Smith, former JFS staff social worker and past President of Temple Israel provided the technical services to student reaching Bar and Bat Mitzvah age and their parents. Ann has retired from this program and provided a 20 year history of the program to JFS. She served eight students this year. In other ways, JFLE is provided through other programs such as Resettlement and through cooperative partnering with JCC and others in the community.

Annual Art Contest

The annual children's art contest was held during the year and winners received prizes. The theme was “Jewish Holidays” and the results have been shown in the JFS Reception room. The contest includes the cooperation of several Jewish organizations and is planned to continue in 06-07. This activity is administered by staff member Lisa Morgan. The winners were: Leah Karassik, Abbey Capin, Madeline Ross, Marissa Prince, Bailey Fender and Samantha Zimniski.

PHOTO: Bailey Fendler with her winning entry.

Many Other Activities

Here are a few other activities during the fiscal year that became part of the JFS program

• Grandparents raising Grandchildren through the NEPA Intergenerational Coalition
• Elder Issues Coalition for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties
• Annual meeting, Ad Book and Raffle as funding Opportunities as well as Friends Campaign
• Clinical seminars
• AJFCA Conference attendance by JFS President and Executive Director and technical support from our national organization.
• Community Forums with JCC that reached, on an average, forty people per session with ten sessions during the year.

Funding for JFS

This year, JFS wishes to again acknowledge the financial support of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, the Jewish Federation of Wyoming Valley, the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, the Blue Ribbon Foundation, other foundations that helped support Kids Care Club and other programs of JFS, its many members who contributed to the annual Friends Campaign(over 300), and others who during the year gave of themselves to help JFS provide the services and programs that assist clients in need. We could not accomplish our goals without the generosity of many others. The Board and staff of JFS thank all of our friends and partners who have made this a successful work program fiscal year.

Budget Breakdown

The following pie chart shows how the funding of JFS occurs and how the funds are spent. The budget breakdown for JFS for 06-07 is also shown.

The official registration and financial information of Jewish Family Service of Greater Wilkes-Barre may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within PA, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.