Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley

Jfs is a small social services agency. Jfs's ability to respond to the needs of members of our community with compassionate care is always in the forefront of our efforts. Core services include counseling, older adult case management, and a community food pantry serving the 18104 zip code and the Jewish community of the entire Lehigh Valley. 160 households are served by the choice model pantry each month. Jfs has a robust volunteer program which helps the agency provide services and programs. Volunteers pick up food donations from local organizations including wawa, giant, and wegmans along with fresh produce during the summer from the monocacy farm project. These donations give clients an opportunity to have more food, and greater variety. Jfs also conducts community-wide drives for children's coats in the winter and school supplies in the fall for food pantry clients. "item of the month" collections bolster the personal hygiene section of the food pantry, as these products are not covered by the supplemental food assistance program. Licensed clinical social workers meet with clients in the office and provide 'tele-therapy' when needed. Older clients, and those who live far away find this to be a useful option because they don't have access to transportation. the older adult case manager, who is completing a certificate in gerontology, develops treatment plans for clients based on an in-depth older adult assessment. Older adults benefit from our monthly meal delivery program and friendly phone caller program. Volunteers facilitate holiday celebrations at long term care residences across the Lehigh Valley. the retired men's group continues to meet monthly for peer-to-peer learning and socialization. the older adult program coordinator partnered with the cedar crest college art therapy department to pilot an art therapy program for older adult clients. Jfs continues to emphasize accessibility and inclusion. the accessibility and inclusion coordinator leads workshops in digital accessibility, supported decision making, and partners with other agencies to offer services for individuals who have disabilities.