EVENING OF APPRECIATION: Making Connections, Collaborating and Celebrating Resource Parents and Volunteers

On November 2, we honoured our volunteers and resource parents at our annual Appreciation Event. Approximately 70 direct service volunteers, chaplaincy volunteers, MAP (multilingual access program) volunteers, resource parents and staff were in attendance.

Past resource/foster parents were recognized for their 10+ years of fostering children, followed by a speakers panel who shared their stories and involvement with the Agency. Everyone was inspired by their speeches about their meaningful experiences at Jewish Family & Child, volunteering and fostering. It truly was a remarkable panel!

“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.” Our volunteers and resource parents under the guidance of our skilled staff are all touching lives every day.

DRIVE FOR DREIDELS

It’s hard to believe it but it’s almost time for Giving Tuesday again! Happening on November 28, JF&CS will once again be participating in this online giving campaign to raise money for the following three programs: The Pearl Project, The Poverty Reduction Program & The Jewish Hospice Program.

For those who don’t already know, Giving Tuesday is an online giving campaign promoted after (American) Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in an effort to encourage philanthropic giving after people enjoy a weekend of self-indulgence.

We are very excited to announce that, for a second year, we have a matching gift opportunity! On November 28, donations of $18 or more to the JF&CS Annual Campaign will be MATCHED by the 150^th Leadership Fund!

The 150^th Leadership Fund will match 50 cents for every dollar donated, turning your $20 donation into $30 worth of impact!

If you would like to participate in Giving Tuesday, click here to make your donation on November 28!

TRUE STORIES: REBECCA

We offer more than a hand out, we offer a hand up. Many of our clients have experienced growth and improvement in various areas of their lives - housing, employment, social connections, emotional and physical wellbeing and financial.

When Rebecca first came to JF&CS, she was struggling as a single mother of two young children. She was passionate about early childhood education and wanted to go back to school but the thought seemed very daunting without any support. After expressing her interest, Rebecca’s social worker was quick to come up with some solutions. We connected Rebecca with a tutor so she could complete her high school credits and earn a spot at Seneca. We also covered the cost of babysitting when her children are off school for Jewish holidays and PD days. Learning that Rebecca was suffering from acute tooth decay and infection, JF&CS paid for extensive dental treatment.

Rebecca is now mid-way through her third and final semester of an early childhood education program at Seneca College. She has excelled at school and feels confident that she will have a job after she graduates. Rebecca’s sons are very proud of their mother.

To read more true stories, please click here.