By Sue Cullen

In a city known for open-handed generosity bestowed through a myriad of worthy non profits, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee shines a bright promise of hope and help to people of all walks of life.
Although it will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, it is an organization whose mission and purpose are sometimes misunderstood even as the need for its services has never been greater in modern times. Because of its name, some people are not aware that JFCS serves all people on a non-denominational basis, not just the Jewish community. “While our services are based on Jewish tradition, we serve the entire community,” said Rose Chapman, JFCS President and CEO. “People are coming to us in droves for financial assistance. They need everything from food to counseling in order to cope with these difficult times, and we do our best to help them all.” JFCS literally helps people from the cradle to the grave, Chapman said, and the demand for its assistance has grown by 53 percent with nowhere to go but up in a deteriorating economy.
“While counseling is our core offering to help people deal with life’s stresses and challenges, we are seeing a tremendous demand for our other programs as well. Our food pantry is helping parents who must decide between feeding their children and paying rent as well as seniors who must choose to buy food or medication,” Chapman said. Dispelling the misconception that JFCS serves only the Jewish community is not easy, nor is the notion that JFCS’ wide range of counseling and social services are only for the poor. “It is true that we never turn anyone away based on their ability to pay,” Chapman said, “but we also have one of the finest staffs of skilled, licensed and master’s level clinicians in town, and we do have clients who can afford to pay our full fee.” In addition, unlike many private practices, JFCS counseling services are accredited by the international Council on Accreditation, ensuring a high standard of excellence, she said.
Some 31,415 individuals were helped last year by JFCS’ licensed counselors. Thousands of others received aid through its many other programs. To accommodate the surge in demand, JFCS has begun construction of a 6,000 square foot addition to its main campus at 2688 Fruitville Road. A community-wide $5 million capital campaign is underway that has benefitted from a $1 million challenge grant from Betty Schoenbaum and The Schoenbaum Family Foundation.
“Of all the organizations I belong to, I think JFCS is one of the finest,” said Schoenbaum, who is honorary chair of the Building for a Better Community Campaign. “They help people at any time of life from birth to 100 and beyond. No matter what color, race or creed you are, JFCS is there to help you. They don’t just give people things to tide them over for a short time. JFCS gives them the tools to improve their lives and their futures.”
Another benefactor, Roland Abraham, 91 years old and a long-time JFCS supporter, now knows firsthand the benefits of its services. A low-key and humble man, Abraham was known for wheeling all over town on his bicycle. When balance problems made biking impractical, Roland, like many seniors, needed support to get out and stay engaged. He now is a participant in the agency’s weekly Senior Outreach Service, which includes the opportunity to socialize, a nutritious lunch and group counseling. “I really enjoy being there. They have great programs and activities for us to do,” Abraham said. “I particularly enjoy the counseling group.”
The new expansion will house the Senior Services Program as well as the Jewish Healing Program, an expanded Counseling Center, 21 additional offices, two group meeting rooms and a large conference center. Included in the $5 million is a $2.4 million endowment in support of the building’s ongoing maintenance and to provide funds for continued services.
Nate Benderson, founder of Benderson Development and member of the campaign committee, is providing oversight for the construction as well as endowment funds for the project. “It is a privilege and an honor to be associated with JFCS. I admire all of the things that they do to help people,” Benderson said. “Our contribution is to ensure that once the building is completed, it remains in good repair so that JFCS can continue helping people in need.”
JFCS’ capital campaign also has received a grant from the prestigious Kresge Foundation. “We requested $300,000, and in recognition of the quality of our services, the vital programs offered to the community and our fundraising capacity, the Kresge Foundation awarded us $600,000,” Chapman said. “The grant was not just for funding the building, but for creating an endowment to assure that we are in it for the long run. It will be a long time before we come out of this recession, and people need to know they have a place they can turn to for help.” The Kresge Foundation funds are in the form of a capping grant to ensure JFCS makes it the final leg to its goal.
Capital Campaign Chair Barbara Brizdle said she and her husband support JFCS because they have seen firsthand the positive impact of its programs. Having supported JFCS Summer Camps for at-risk middle-schoolers, Brizdle said they have been touched by the difference the program makes in helping children see more possibilities for themselves and what they can achieve.
As an organizational effectiveness expert, she has championed the development of operational processes and best practices at JFCS. “It is all about being transparent and responsive to the community. We were transparent long before it became a buzzword,” Brizdle said. “The fact that other organizations come to us for help in solving problems speaks to our strong reputation for quality and the recognition that we are one of the leading social services agencies in the community.”
Chapman said construction on the building is underway, and they are looking for community support to reach their goal. “Even in the face of difficult financial times, we had to begin the project. The demand was already there, and we are dedicated to serving all those in need with the respect and dignity that this expansion will allow,” she said. “JFCS’ tagline is When You Can’t Do It Alone. We are here no matter your situation or the challenge you face, and we can’t do it alone either. We need the community’s financial help in order to continue to meet the growing need for caring, considerate, compassionate services.”

JFCS services are provided to the entire community on a non-denominational basis, guided by the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam, which means helping make the world a better place. To help people confronting life’s challenges, it offers the following programs and assistance.

Counseling Services:
o Individual counseling services
o Group sessions covering Parenting Skills, Anger Management & Nurturing Healthy Relationships
o Healthy Families/Healthy Children Program offers parenting, life skills and communication training to new and expectant parents
o Building Strong Families Homelessness Prevention Program offers emergency assistance and case management
Youth Services:
o Safe Alternative to Out of School Suspension for youth at designated schools in Manatee and Sarasota Counties
o Diversion and counseling for at-risk youth
o Wrap Around Facilitation for children with mental health diagnoses
Senior Services:
o Senior Outreach Services including socialization and counseling
o Caregiver support group
o Geriatric care management services
o Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities educa-tional and outreach programs to help seniors age in place
Jewish Healing Program:
o Hospital visitation and home visits to provide spiritual and emotional support
o Bereavement Counseling
o Community religious outreach to Jewish residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities
o Companionship, comfort and emotional support to care recipients and families facing serious illness and end-of-life issues

To contact JFCS for information about our programs or to make a donation, visit our website at jfcs-cares.org or call 941-366-2224