This year, Jewish Family Service is coordinating the 27th Annual Passover Basket Food Distribution Project.  Last year, we packed and distributed over 150 boxes of food to individuals and families in need of assistance for Passover.  We are lucky to have Ann Rabin and Jenny Rich as co-chairs of the project, so it will surely be a huge success again!

The JFS Passover Food Basket Project is funded and executed solely by donations and volunteers. While Passover seems far away, it will be here before we know it, and we need your help to provide food to those in need.

If you are interested in volunteering:
We will begin packing boxes at 9:30am on Sunday, April 1st at the Uptown JCC.
Deliveries will begin at 10:30am.

Please email Suzy Lazarus, LMSW at suzy@jfsneworleans.org or call 831.8475 to sign up!

If you would like to make a donation (each basket costs $100) please make checks payable to Jewish Family Service and mail to:

Jewish Family Service
3330 W. Esplanade Avenue, Suite 600
Metairie, LA  70002

Julian H. Good Jr., CLU, ChFC, of New Orleans, Louisiana, secured a $2,500 grant on behalf of JFS of Greater New Orleans in honor of his service as the 2011 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) President. Good, a 28-year MDRT member, is an active supporter of JFS of Greater New Orleans. The MDRT Foundation grant will support JFS programs for children and teens.

The MDRT Foundation was created in 1959 to provide members with a means to give back to their communities. Since then, the organization has donated more than $27 million in grants to more than 67 countries throughout the world. MDRT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.

We are proud to share the news that Deena Gerber, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans, was honored on Thursday, December 15, 2011, as a Champion of Change through President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative.  The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant difference in their community through charitable work and innovative social programs. The award ceremony, conducted at the White House, also included a panel discussion with this year’s Champions. Click here to watch.

Ms. Gerber was recognized for her current work as well as her efforts in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Jewish Family Service was one of the first social service agencies to reopen during the crisis and the agency established satellite offices in Baton Rouge and Mandeville in response to the needs of the extended community. Under Ms. Gerber’s helm, Jewish Family Service continues to provide vital services to the Greater New Orleans population, including mental health counseling, elder-care services, case management, and resource referral information. To learn more about the services that JFS provides, visit our Programs and Services page.

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
- Dr. Seuss

What if you could have a birthday party for your child that could help reinforce the importance of literacy and the value of giving? Now you can! JFS is proud to introduce Bookasaurus – an innovative program that transforms a child’s birthday party into an exciting event with a powerful reach in the community.

The party theme can be as wide as your child’s imagination; guests and friends are simply asked to bring new or gently used children’s books to donate to kids in need throughout the New Orleans community. The Bookasaurus party kit provides all the fun favors and appropriate materials to help acknowledge and celebrate participation. Simply incorporate Bookasaurus and enjoy an opportunity to teach children about the joy of giving and caring for others.

To learn how your little one can party like a Bookasaurus, and to purchase a party kit, visit www.bookasaurus.org or contact Suzy Lazarus, LMSW, at suzy@jfsneworleans.org / 504-831-8475.

Girl Power is back! Registration is now open for the 6-week social skills program for girls 8 – 12 years old.

To learn more about Girl Power, as well as our other active 2012 groups, click here.

Save the date for Jewish Family Service’s Mission to Cuba

April 15 – 23, 2012 | Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad de Cuba

Join JFS on a uniquely insightful trip of cultural discovery and humanitarian effort. Experience the rich culture, history, and art of this tropical island nation. We will have experiences offered to few travelers. And you will be helping your brothers and sisters in Cuba.

Your passport must be valid for six months after our arrival in Cuba.

This mission is solely to assist the Jews of Cuba under a license issued by the US Department of the Treasury.

For more information and if you are interested in joining us on the Mission to Cuba,
please call Suzy Lazarus at 504-831-8475 or email suzy@jfsneworleans.org.

As part of our participation in the JFS mission to Cuba, each mission participant must bring approximately 15 pounds of medical supplies.

Please look at the following list to see if you are able to make donations to the Cuban Jewish Community. To make a donation, please email suzy@jfsneworleans.org or drop off at the JFS office.

In order of importance – this is what is most needed by the Jewish Community:

#1 – Prescription Medicines – of any kind

All medicines must be current. Expired medications are not allowed into Cuba. Half used bottles of pills are ok. Medical samples are welcomed.

Much needed are medicines for: asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes 2.

Recent Specific Requests:

o Zithromax;
o Cipro;
o Amoxicillin (children & adults);
o Azitromycin 500 mg;
o Mesalamina ( Canusa, Rowasa);
o Advair; Enalapril (Vasutec);
o Diclofenac; Singulair
o Beclometasone spray (Beconase AQ)

#2 – Non–prescription medicines & drugs etc.

Any over-the-counter medicines & drugs

Canes and walkers and old eyeglass frames

Adult & pediatric vitamins
Band-Aids, etc.
No aspirin please
Recent Specific Requests:
o Omega 3;
o Antibiotic creams; anti-fungal creams
o Vitamin C
o Zyrtec
o Condroitin Sulfate plus glucosamine
o Ibuprofen
o Thermometers
o Hand sanitizer
o Alcohol pads
o Cotton swabs
o Latex Gloves

#3 – Miscellaneous Hygiene Supplies

Dental products – toothpaste, brushes, denture creams
Sanitary napkins; toilet paper
Lice Shampoo; shampoo; soap etc.
Adults pampers (Small size)
Body wipes

#4 – Clothing – mostly for adults

Warm weather clothing – in new or almost new condition – sizes M and L for Men and Women
Underwear for men, women, children

#5 – Miscellaneous items

Pens & pencils; writing pads
Cosmetics samples
Candles
Sweet and Low
Sugar free hard candies
School supplies etc.
Emergency portable lighting (rechargeable flash lights & lanterns)
Batteries AA, AAA
HP printer cartridges No 21 and 22
Vinyl Table cloths

#6 – Reading and Religious materials

Prayer books in Hebrew and Spanish
Items relevant to the holiday close to your mission – toys at Janucka for example
Jewish children stories in Spanish; CD’s; coloring books
Judaica items – no kippot please
Tablecloth for Jewish holidays
Decorations for the synagogue for the various holidays
Books & DVD’s about Jewish life or by Jewish writers or with Jewish actors – best if they have a sound track in Spanish or are subtitled in Spanish

PLEASE NOTE: BASICALLY THEY NEED EVERYTHING!

PREGNANCY CLINIC IN TRINIDAD – prenatal vitamins, pregnant women
vitamins, baby clothes – anything related to pregnancy and child care.

STATE-RUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – school supplies