The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition Sept/Oct/Nov 2019

PAGE 59 12 East Main Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908-450-7450 Tues thru Sat 10:30 am to 6:30 pm !& $! " #$! * )!&# !( # %$ ! " ) !# ! !$ ) $ !# #%(!# ALL SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE. AFFORDABLE PRICES! Doggie Tees Available ) & + ! & %) ' %$ "!#%$ + #% )$ + #%(!# #! !% ! & + ! " ) ! !$ % GimmeeGimmeeTees.com • Make a difference in someone’s life • Find meaning and purpose • Share your knowledge, experience & compassion • Receive ongoing support For more information contact JFS at 908-725-7799 or admin@jewishfamilysvc.org or www.JewishFamilySvc.org “Take hold of him that he fall not and come to need” - Maimonides Volunteering leads to better health, a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and increased life satisfaction! Volunteer Opportunities: Be a mentor to a family - Provide companionship to a frail senior Do Grocery Shopping for frail homebound individuals Cook with a senior and share a meal - Offer to Drive Grow vegetables to share with those in need Volunteers receive training, supervision, and support Volunteers Wanted Family Mentor Senior Family Mentor Cooking Companions Senior Shopper Good Deeds Corps Healthy Harvest Volunteer Programs Can you remember a time when you felt alone or vulnerable? Perhaps it was after a move to a new area, after the loss of a parent, or a job or simply just a tough day. You may have wished you had some- one to talk to who could be impartial and nonjudgmental. Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Coun- ties (JFS) has created a program designed to address these needs for fam- ilies with elementary school age or younger children. Our Family Mentor Program matches volunteers with fami- lies with these kinds of feelings of vul- nerability. And, our volunteers tell how much they receive in return; especially the satisfaction of helping someone else by giving back what they have learned. Ms. Jackson, a single mother to 2 chil- dren, was matched with Tina who is also a mother. Ms. Jackson has a medical con- dition that has left her with nerve dam- age which causes difficulty in speaking. She struggled to navigate the school sys- tem for her children as well as adjust to a new town they recently moved to. Tina visited Ms. Jackson weekly and they spent their time doing different things. Sometimes they filled out necessary paperwork and sometimes Tina and Ms. Jackson just talked. Tina listened to Ms. Jackson’s feelings about her deteriorat- ing health and struggles of managing young children. Ms. Jackson said “Tina is a huge help to me and I’m truly thankful. She provides her opinion and helps me think things through.” Tina also feels rewarded every time Ms. Jackson and the kids’ faces brighten when she comes to visit. This is one of the ways our mentors sup- port the families in the program. Our vol- unteers are called “a friend, a role model, huge help and listening ears” by the fam- ilies. They are a consistent presence and sounding board for the family. Through The Family Mentor Program, families receive emotional support and the vol- unteers make a difference in the com- munity by building healthy relationships. The next volunteer training will be held in September 2019. If you are interested in more information about becoming a volunteer or attending the fall volunteer training, please contact JFS at 908 725- 7799 to speak with Young-In Shin. If you, or someone you know could benefit from having a volunteer, please call us, as well. The Family Mentor Program is supported through grants from the Blanche and Irv- ing Laurie Foundation and the Somerset Board of Chosen Freeholders. Services are provided at no cost to the family. JFS is a not for profit, nonsectarian social service agency serving the needs of indi- viduals and families in Somerset, Hunter- don and Warren Counties since 1980. JFS is committed to serving the needs of the entire community and offers a con- tinuum of programs and services. Licensed clinical social workers provide individual, couple and family counseling as well as geriatric assessments, support- ive counseling and case management services for home bound elderly. The Family and Senior Mentor Programs 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 Program. The Senior Shopper, Cooking Compan- ion Project and Good Deeds Corp pro- vide friendly home visits for seniors. Career Counseling helps individuals in many aspects of their job search. Ohr Tikvah-Light of Hope Jewish Healing Services offers presentations, support groups, and individual spiritual counsel- ing to address the health, wellness and healing needs of the community. All information is confidential. Many pro- grams are at no cost, on a sliding fee scale or payable through third party insurance. If you are interested in learn- ing more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at 908-725-7799, visit our web- site: www.JewishFamilySvc.org, like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES THROUGH MENTORSHIP By: Young-In Shin, LSW shop somerville theconnectionsnj.com