The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition Feb/March 2021

THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 13 FEB-MARCH 2021 theconnectionsnj.com By Ruth Edelman, MSW A new year brings change, as we examine our lives and resolve to make some things better. How can we experience the feelings of satisfaction that come from reach- ing out to others? Is that even pos- sible in a global pandemic? How can we increase connections to others who may be facing isolation as well as meeting other volunteers who are helping to make the world a little brighter? Since 2005, Jewish Family Ser- vice of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties (JFS) has been engaging volunteers of all ages to get involved with families and iso- lated seniors. “Participating in the Senior Friendly Visitor program has been very rewarding to me. I have gotten as much personal sat- isfaction as I hope I have provided to my seniors over the past several years,” says Cathy Binder Siegel, Plainfield, a retired occupational therapist who has since joined the Board of Trustees of JFS. “The main benefit of volun- teering is knowing that I help out some great people that are restrict- ed due to the pandemic. Some of the senior citizens don’t move around the best so I’m blessed to be able to make their lives easier while keeping them healthy/safe,” explains Zachary Heishman, 22, of Bridgewater, a recent gradu- ate of Indiana University. While looking for full time employment post-graduation, Zach volunteered through JFS’ Senior Grocery Shop- per Program, picking up groceries for 7 low income seniors, iden- tified by the Somerset County Office on Aging for the program. After he began full time employ- ment, he continued to shop and talk with one of the seniors. “One lady stood out from the rest due to her kindness. She wouldn’t just tell me what groceries she needs, but we would talk about personal things. I’ve gotten to know her well through our conversations. Every time I help her out I could tell how thankful she is. I know she’s been through a lot and times are difficult now so I enjoy making her life a lit- tle easier.” A client in JFS’ Family Mentor Program told us, “My volunteer was a wonderful companion. We shared many good conversations. She was very helpful when I had bad days.” Volunteers consistent- ly give feedback like: “JFS’ pro- gram strength is that they provide responsive staff to support volun- teers. I appreciate that a qualified, experienced social worker is there for me – and for families.” You can check out all of our volunteer opportunities by checking out our website: www.Jewishfamilysvc.org, or for specific opportunities, please visit: Senior Grocery Shopper https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volun- teer-senior-shopper.php; Senior Friendly Visitor https:// jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer-se- nior-friendly-visitor.php; Family Mentor Program https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volun- teer-family-mentor.php Online Tutors are also being sought to support children with learning challenges. JFS is a not for profit, nonsec- tarian social service agency serving the needs of individuals and fam- ilies in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and of- fers a continuum of programs and services. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, cou- ple and family counseling as well as geriatric assessments, support- ive counseling and case manage- ment services for home bound elderly. The Family Mentor Pro- gram recruits, trains and matches volunteers with vulnerable young families or with elderly persons for friendly, supportive, in-home visits; Families with children with special needs are assisted through social groups, parent groups and through the Family Mentor Pro- gram. Career Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services of- fers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counseling to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the commu- nity. All information is confidential. Many programs are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ programs, please con- tact us at (908)725-7799, email us at Admin@JewishFamilySvc.org, visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org and like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. RESOLVE TO GET INVOLVED “The main benefit of volunteering is knowing that I help out some great people that are restricted due to the pandemic.” “My volunteer was a wonderful companion. We shared many good conversations. She was very helpful when I had bad days.” C ommunity N ews... SERVICES: Pay Bills Money Transfer Send Money Orders Sell Airline Tickets Make Document Copies Send a Fax Dominican Republic Peru Paraguay Columbia Costa Rica Guatemala Mexico Honduras El Salvador Nicaragua Panama Suramerica 908-722-2054 31 E. Somerset Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 contact@enviosdonbernie.com Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 7:00 pm | Sun. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm • The Betty & Arthur Roswell Counseling Center • Senior Services • Volunteer Programs: Family Mentor-Senior Shopper-Good Deeds Corps • Expanding Horizons Special Needs • Holocaust Survivors Assistance • Career Services • Ohr Tikvah Community Outreach • Evan Jaffe Memorial Fund for Emergency Assistance & Hebrew Free Loan Programs • Stress Reduction, Parent Support and Teen Support Groups offered remotely Providing Support for Life’s Challenges, One Person, One Family at a Time For more information, contact: Jewish Family Service 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 908-725-7799 Admin@JewishFamilySvc.Org • www.JewishFamilySvc.Org We’re Open and Continuing to Work Remotely to Offer You the Following Services