Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley

Core jfs services include counseling and older adult case management along with a community food pantry serving the 18104 zip code and the Jewish community of the entire Lehigh Valley. Therefore, 120 households come to the pantry once a month. When needed, food can be delivered by volunteers through our shop gap program. Jfs volunteers pick up food donated by wawa and various other grocery stores along with fresh food during the summer from monocacy farm. These donations provide extra special food for our pantry recipients. Jfs also collects children's coats in the winter and school supplies in the fall along with feminine hygiene products that are not covered by the supplemental food assistance program. Continued on schedule o. Because of the pandemic jfs has not been able to return to a choice pantry yet, but every effort is being made to enrich the community food pantry experience. As we enter a new stage of the pandemic our licensed clinical social workers have continued to provide 'tele-therapy' very successfully, in adapting to this unprecedented situation. Many of our clients with emotional challenges find this to be a useful option becasue they don't need transportation to come to the office. We see an increased need for counseling services and we have been seeking ways to expand what we offer in this arena. There have been limited home visits due to the pandemic and occasionally the older adult case manager has had the opportunity to meet with the client in an outside space. Older adults benefit from our monthly meal delivery program and friendly phone caller program. When possible, volunteers facilitate holiday celebrations at older adult residences. Our retired men's group continues to meet either in person or on-line offering men an opportunity to socialize. Jfs continues to emphasize accessibility and inclusion. Our accessibility and inclusion coordinator has been working on increasing digital inclusion, supporting decision-making, and partnering with other agencies that offer services for individuals who have disabilities. Jfs' ability to respond to the needs of members of our community with compassionate care is always in the forefront of our efforts.