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For 36 years JFS has been providing counsel-
ing to individuals, couples and families living
in our community who are struggling with the
stresses of life. Following are examples of the
people JFS has helped and continues to help
every day.
Gary was a 15 year old high school student
when he first came to Jewish Family Service.
His father who had a kidney disease had
recently passed away. Gary was very close with
his father. They spend a lot of time together
and especially liking to participate in sports
together. When his father died suddenly Gary
became both angry and depressed. Although
he was a good student he began cutting class.
His grades fell dramatically and he became dis-
ruptive at home. His mother felt he needed a
male role model and reached out to JFS for
help over Gary’s objections. With encourage-
ment he kept the first appointment and over
time developed a very positive relationship
with the JFS therapist. Gradually his grades
began to improve. Time in the therapeutic ses-
sions was split between discussions about
school, relationships and the loss of his father
and shared a common interest in baseball and
the local teams. As the therapeutic relationship
developed Gary showed significant improve-
ment in his grades in both his junior and sen-
ior years. Gary is naturally smart and did very
well on his SAT’S and was accepted into a
prestigious university on scholarship. Now
when home on vacations he has sometimes
come to the office to update the JFS therapist
on his progress. With the help of his therapist
and JFS, Gary is back on track and feeling bet-
ter about himself coming to terms with the
loss of his father.
Ronald is an eight year old boy who was
referred to the agency by his second grade
teacher. The teacher was concerned about
Ronald’s sudden poor academic performance
and his developing anger in his interaction
with his classmates. Ronald’s parents were
equally concerned and participated in a com-
prehensive agency evaluation of the symptoms
Ronald presented as well as an exploration of
the overall functioning of the family.
The evaluation revealed that Ronald’s older
brother, Charles, was recently diagnosed with
juvenile diabetes. Charles’ medical problems
resulted in the parents becoming greatly pre-
occupied and worried about him to the extent
that Ronald’s needs for attention and affection
were, unintentionally, being neglected. This
situation was producing significant depression
and anger for Ronald, and was being acted out
in school. The evaluation also uncovered
Ronald’s fear of becoming ill, like his brother.
The therapeutic intervention involved individ-
ual sessions with Ronald and separate sessions
with his parents. The parents were helped to
understand how their concerns for Charles
were affecting Ronald. As understanding took
place, Ronald’s parents were able to focus more
on his needs. Individual sessions with Ronald
helped him to feel valued and cared about and
helped him deal with the fear of becoming ill
like Charles. As sessions with Ronald and his
parents progressed, Ronald’s symptoms slowly
abated and his teacher began to report a return
to good academic performance and improved
interaction with classmates.
In addition to providing Mental Health Serv-
ices, JFS is committed to serving the needs of
the entire community and offers a continuum
of programs and services. Licensed clinical
social workers provide individual, couple and
family counseling as well as geriatric assess-
ments, supportive counseling and case man-
agement services for home bound elderly. The
Family Mentor Program recruits, trains and
matches volunteers with vulnerable young
families or with elderly persons for friendly,
supportive, in-home visits; Families with chil-
dren with special needs are assisted through
social groups, parent groups and through the
Family Mentor Program. 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 counseling to
address the health, wellness and healing needs
of the community. All information is confi-
dential. 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 contact us at 908-725-7799,
visit our website: www.JewishFamilySvc.org,
like us on Facebook. Jewish Family Service of
SHW, Inc. 150-A West High Street,
Somerville, NJ 08876.
Life Can be Stressful- Let JFS Help
Submitted By: Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties
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PAGE 44
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