Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, Inc.

As an employee for over 15 years, I have seen many changes at JFS. The Agency has grown tremendously over the years and I know how hard the staff works, whether it's by direct client service, fundraising or working "behind the scenes" to ensure programs and technology are running efficiently which enables us to help more people every day. I've seen the faces of hungry families leaving with food, I've seen the gratitude of someone who just got help with their rent payment. I've seen distraught people come for counseling and I've seen countless volunteers come through our doors who tirelessly donate their time and talents. I've met many of the donors who are loyal supporters of our Agency. Regardless of the role each of us has with the Agency, we all share one common goal....to reach out and help someone in need. It is the heart and soul of the Agency.

I helped to develop a program at Jewish Family Services called the Family Advocacy Program. If a family wanted to send their children to Hebrew or Sunday School in a synogogue, or wanted to send their children to join a program at the Jewish Community Center we would help them. They were families embarrassed to go to the temple or organization and say they needed financial or emotional support. We would become their advocate and represent them to the organization. We would also fund raise to have extra dollars to help families that had special needs. We would visit them in their homes and help them feel more connected with the community.

I have been a volunteer for the JFS for several years now. I am on the committee that plans the annual fund-raising gala. This is my favorite non-profit organization because it helps so many people in the community. It provides food for families in need through the food bank, counseling for famlies in crisis, and support and counseling for children to cope with family stresses. The JFS also provides meals and free transportation to the elderly. In this economy hard times can fall on anyone or any family. An organization that provides emergency help is needed more than ever.

I have volunteered for many non-profits for many years but JFS is the first one I have worked with that has helped so many people of all religions, ethnic backgrounds and all ages. Its mission is to heal the world and it does so much for so many people every day, week, month, year. However, there is never, ever enough money. I know that all organizations need money but I hope you will give JFS special consideration. Just think, no matter what color, what religion, what age, what ethnic background, this agency is there for you -- with food, rent money, gas money to get to a job, training to get a job and more. Please, consider helping JFS do what it can to help heal the world

JFS is a very worthy organization. It helps so many people in the community but could help even more with more funding.

I volunteer in the food pantry at JFS. I stock shelves and come into direct contact with people in need of food. The JFS food pantry is not big in size, but makes a tremendous impact. The thankfulness of the people going home with food says it all.

JFS is my favorite non-profit agency in town. The staffs tireless efforts help enrich the lives of so many people is the community. No matter what your faith, JFS serves all persons in need who are willing to reach out and ask for help!

Jewish Family Services reaches out selflessly to people, regardless of their faith. Their sole aim is to ease hurt and reinforce the integrity of family. They are truly a blessing to their community.