News and Events

Updated June 2010.

2010 Heroes

On June 10, 2010 Jewish Family Service of the North Shore hosted the 13th Annual Community Heroes Event, honoring Susan Callum, Dr. Maura Copeland, Joan Finn, Cara Gilberg, Ralph Kaplan, Alex Patkin, Minnie Singer and Joel Wingarten for their volunteer efforts and devotion to community. The Sagan-McQuirk family also honored the memory of Charles "Chuck" Sagan by naming The Charles N. Sagan Adoption Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial support to families who wish to adopt.

The scholarship fund was strengthened by more than $20,000 in contributions through the event. In total, the event rose over $130,000 to support the critical services of Jewish Family Service, and was attended by over 375 people! "This has been the most successful event in our history," said Jon Firger, Chief Executive.

The evening was more than a financial success; it also showcased the inspirational stories of the honorees and the role of JFS. Rabbi Baruch Ha Levi delivered a very powerful message about the critical nature of JFS services for our community and encouraged all to support the agency. This was followed by a poignant video about JFS of the North Shore. As the evening went on, the audience was focused on every word of the friends and family members who skillfully articulated the many accomplishments of the honorees. As the participants lingered over their dessert at the end of the evening, they were already talking about next year's event! To see photos from the evening and the Jewish Family Service video, visit the JFSNS Homepage.

If you missed this opportunity to contribute to the Charles N. Sagan Adopton Scholarship Fund and/or JFS through this event, it's not too late! Contact Naomi at ndreeben@jfsns.org and she will help you with your contribution and make sure that the Sagan-McQuirk family and/or the Honorees receive a tribute in your name.

Telephone Bingo

Every other Wednesday at 11:00, thanks to a generous donation from Greater Lynn Senior Services, seniors can play bingo over the phone. Gift cards are awarded as prizes. For information on how to participate, please contact Jerry Tardiff at 978-741-7878 or e-mail him at jtardiff@jfsns.org

Food Pantry Celebrates Ten Years of Service

The JFSNS Kosher Food Pantry is celebrating ten years of providing kosher food deliveries to Jewish residents of the North Shore. According to Alyse Barbash, Manager of the Food Pantry program, it's all about serving the community. "We provide recipients with food for over 1,600 meals each month. That's our commitment to the Jewish community. We feed families who need some help. "

Volunteers, who participate in the sorting, packing, and delivery of food on a monthly basis, form the core of the program. "It's the volunteers that make my job easy" Barbash says. Depending on the month, between ten and forty individuals, some in family groups, arrive at the pantry ready to work. One volunteer, Lois Afrow, remarked, "I didn't realize the program was so big!" She also said that volunteering at the Kosher Food Pantry "really makes you appreciate the houses we live in and the life we have given our kids." She hopes her kids appreciate it, too.

The Kosher Food Pantry is currently housed at Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody. Each month, several packages of food are delivered to Jewish families who have indicated their need through JFSNS. Items in their packages include staples such as pasta, sauce, cereal, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, rice, canned vegetables and fruits, and breads. Recently, Barbash has developed relationships with Trader Joe's, Perfecto's, and Zucker's Bakery, all in Peabody. Contributions from these donors enhance the monthly deliveries, often with fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.

To apply for Kosher food delivery, contact Jerry Tardiff at Jewish Family Services (978) 741-7878 or email him at jtardiff@jfsns.org. To make a donation to JFS to support the Kosher Food Pantry, donate online or send your check to Jewish Family Service of the North Shore, Attn: Food Pantry, 2 East India Square, Suite 200, Salem, MA 01970.

We welcome your feedback, and encourage you to send your comments to info@jfsns.org. Check back regularly for our latest news, updates, forthcoming events and activities