Life’s Getting Brighter

My Brothers

My little brother Jack is getting help too. Mom always felt like she was fighting every battle for him on her own. Now she’s learning about the many supports available for kids and families with developmental disabilities and how to advocate for him.

At school, Sam is navigating what it means to be a Jewish teen today. Antisemitism in our city can feel confusing and sometimes unsafe. “I’m proud to be Jewish,” he shared, “but I don’t always feel safe wearing the necklace Bubbie gave me.”

JF&CS connected him to a school-based group, which they developed called Roots, Ruach, and Resilience where he could safely connect with other Jewish students and express pride in his identity. It reminded him he’s not alone. Now he even wears the necklace our Bubbie gave him again.

And me? I got to go back to camp! Thanks to generous donors, my brothers and I received camp subsidies that made it possible. We also received awesome stuff like sleeping bags, towels, and clothes. When I stepped off the bus at camp again, it felt like getting a piece of my life back.

Moving Forward

That’s my story. The fear that we might lose everything isn’t as loud anymore. Mom says that thanks to JF&CS, we found a community that continues to support our family every step of the way. We still miss Bubbie every day. Grief doesn’t disappear. But our story is changing and we’re rebuilding our lives.

Many families face moments like ours, when everything feels uncertain and the path forward isn’t clear. JF&CS helps people move forward with hope, dignity, and compassion.

Sometimes all it takes is one call for help. This is where the story changes, and a new chapter begins.

Camp

Camp is where children discover confidence and a sense of who they are, but for many families, it’s out of reach. JF&CS makes it possible.

The Impact of Your Gift

Provides two holiday meal boxes

Helps a caregiver access 10-15 hours of respite time

Subsidy for a youth to attend camp in 2027

Replenishes food pantries at three JF&CS branches for 1 month.

Provides support for a family securing stable housing.