Shana Tova from JFS Orlando!

As with every year, the Jewish High Holy Days provide the perfect opportunity to look back and commit to a better future for ourselves and our world. We at Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando are very grateful for all those who have joined with us over the years to help all those in need in our community, not just during the holidays but EVERY day through our FAMILY of services.

With the increased capacity of the Pearlman Food Pantry, we distributed record levels of food not seen in our 45-year history. Four of the past six months have exceeded our previous record of 447 sets, with the highest being 581 in May 2023. A set is enough groceries to feed a family of 4 for a week. We estimate that by the end of 2023 we will provide close to 250,000 meals to those who depend on our assistance year-round.

But it is not just our Pantry that has been active. JFS therapists continue to provide quality counseling. Our RIDE Program is clearing the waitlist to transport seniors & disabled adults to essential appointments. Our Family Stabilization Program is as busy as ever and will begin its new application cycle in October. Our Kobrin Family Scholarship students are just starting a new semester at UCF.

And now, our FAMILY of services is growing with our new Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program, a case management program that will help those Survivors that reside in Central Florida with home care, food, counseling, and transportation.

The demand for our FAMILY of services remains high as we continue our efforts to bring a little hope to those in need and build a stronger community together. We ask you to join us in our annual High Holy Days' Hope Challenge, where every donation to JFS Orlando will be generously matched dollar for dollar by Lauren & Scott Zimmerman and the Zimmerman Foundation, with a total match of up to $25,000. To learn more and to donate, please visit JFSorlando.org/hopechallenge.

On behalf of the JFS Orlando Board of Directors, staff, and clients, may you and your loved ones be inscribed for a sweet 5784.

Philip Flynn III, President

Marty Sherman, Chairman