Spring has sprung, and so has the Family Resource Centre (FRC)! Over the last several weeks, we have planned so many exciting programs at the FRC and cannot wait to connect with you in person again. As a community hub that serves young families, youth, adults, seniors, and newcomers of all ages, the FRC is the perfect place to meet other community members. We welcome multi-generational families from all cultures, religions, and backgrounds and offer a variety of programs throughout the year.

Our Family Drop-In Program provides a hub for children and caregivers to socialize in a larger group setting. Programs available through the Family Drop-In Program include:

• Parent Child Mother Goose - an 8 week attachment-based course for new parents to learn songs, rhymes and chants to aid in daily transitions.
• Rhythm of Reading - a literacy program for parents and grandparents promoting the benefits of reading stories to toddlers.
• Children As Authors - a parent and child book-making workshop.
• Weekly Shabbat Party - a special circle time offered to families who attend the Drop-In on Fridays to participate in welcoming the Sabbath.
• Community Birthday Party! - Celebrate a child’s birthday in a community party, where everyone is welcome, including your special guests. Small fee covers a cake, gift for the birthday child, and a circle celebration dedicated to them!
• Bounce Back & Thrive - a 10 week resiliency training course for parents of children 8 years old and under.

The Family Resource Centre is responsive to the needs of families in the community, currently offering both in-person and virtual programming. We also offer spectacular opportunities to volunteer, such as Homework Club tutoring and engagement in our Conversation Café. For more information on volunteering at the FRC, please click here, and for programming updates and information, please visit www.jfandcs.com/frc.

As Yael prepared for her Bat Mitzvah this month, she reflected on the ways in which she could contribute to the Jewish community. Because she loves camp and feels grateful for the friendships and opportunities it has provided her, Yael thought that donating camp supplies to JF&CS was the perfect way to give back. She was excited to help other kids enjoy the experience of camp, and put together Simcha baskets full of camp necessities such as beach towels, water bottles, and flash lights.

Sending a child or youth to camp is often an expense that Jewish families in the GTA cannot afford. It is through JF&CS’ Jewish camp subsidies program, and the generous donations of community members like Yael, that more Jewish children are able to attend summer camp each year. Last year, JF&CS was able to provide 169 children with the opportunity to attend camp.

Interested in learning more? Please click here!

Shoes and clothing are a big expense for parents. Many JF&CS clients have difficulty affording new shoes for their growing children, which is why National Council of Jewish Women of Canada Toronto (NCJWC) has launched a campaign to help raise funds to purchase new running shoes for kids. 

Kickoff to Camp 2022 is an initiative designed to provide children receiving camp subsidies through JF&CS with a brand new pair of runners. In 2021, JF&CS provided 169 children and youth with camp subsidies. This year, NCJWC Toronto intends to send children to camp with new shoes, and any excess funds from the project will go towards the purchase of other camp necessities such as toiletries, beach towels and hats. Regardless of the size of the contribution, donations to Kickoff to Camp have a significant impact on the lives of children and fulfill an ongoing need for the families supported by JF&CS.

The initiative is taking place from now until June 1, 2022. To donate, please contact Shabina Arfeen at 416-633-5100 or online at www.ncjwctoronto.org by clicking on the Donate button! To learn more about Kickoff to Camp, please contact Executive Director, Robin Gofine at rgofine@ncjwctoronto.org.

Passover has come and gone, but the positive impact that the community has had on the lives of JF&CS clients continues. Jewish holidays have looked very different in recent years. Prior to the pandemic, clients were able to attend community Seders. In the past 3 years, JF&CS has ensured that clients can partake in the holiday with the delivery of Passover seder meals and food boxes to their home. 

With Passover Tribute Card sales, as well as generous donations from First Narayever Congregation, the Brand Family, and other community members and organizations, we raised just over $17,600! We would also like to thank Paula Zivot and Lissie Sanders for creating a social media campaign which inspired others to give. Proceeds raised through these donations provided Passover Seder meals for vulnerable and isolated members of our Jewish community. In partnership with Chabad of Midtown Toronto and Beth Chabad Israeli Community Centre, JF&CS delivered 353 Passover Seder meals to clients last month. One client shared: “I just wanted to thank you and your team for all that you have done for me. It is greatly appreciated and it helps with more than just a hand-out. Its a gift of life.”

In addition to Passover meals, JF&CS also delivered Passover gift bags full of goodies to our kids and youth in care, in foster and adoption homes, as seen in the photo. Inside each bag were Chocolate Charm Seder plates, packages of Shmurah Matzah, a flyer which provided an overview about Pesach, and a greeting card from JF&CS.

Thank you to all who helped us ensure that vulnerable individuals were able to celebrate a meaningful Passover this year!

Donations to JF&CS come in many shapes and sizes. For example, did you know that you can donate items such as school supplies, camp necessities and gift cards that will be distributed directly to clients? In-kind donations like this offer our clients new items and experiences, while also freeing up resources to support other agency initiatives.

Donating gifts-in-kind products is an incredible option for those looking for an alternative way to support JF&CS clients. Donor, Leslie Gales’, recent gift of ballet tickets was immediately claimed by one of our clients who was so excited to enjoy this experience. A community group of young women, as seen in the photo, provided 10 of our woman abuse clients with craft supplies for a new support group being offered at the agency. Additionally, we’ve received tickets to Blue Jays games and other sporting events that are extremely popular amongst our clients, especially this year!

Interested in donating to JF&CS? Click here to learn more or call our donation line at 416-638-7800 x 6999.

The last couple of years have brought about challenges for everyone, but our teachers have done a fabulous job adapting to the uncertainty. They put our minds at ease, and have yet again shown how passion and a smiling face can improve your day!

Our teachers are truly an inspiration and we cannot be more grateful for their unwavering dedication. It is because of their creativity, energy, and guidance that the children and youth of today can be the leaders of tomorrow.

If you would like to acknowledge your appreciation, send a teacher a Teacher Appreciation e-card while supporting JF&CS. Click here to send one today.

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