From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: July 2024

It’s often said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” While taking my necessary daily hike last week, I passed two neighborhood lemonade stands where the child proprietors were advertising their summertime treats. While the refreshments looked pretty much the same as they did when I was a child, or even when my children were young and entrepreneurial, the one thing that has changed is the monetary exchange. Since no one carries cash or coins any longer, these kids were accepting Venmo! Needless to say, the lemonade was delicious!

As things both change and stay remarkably the same, we notice at JFCS how the types of services people seek from us throughout the year tend to remain steady even during the summertime. With children away at summer camp, grandparents and older adults used to their welcome visits may experience greater isolation. However, taking advantage of summer to organize projects with the help of a case manager can be a great way to manage those chores that have been put off for too long, as well as discuss the challenges of coping with isolation.

For parents who are already thinking ahead to the next school year and feeling anxious about what lies ahead, checking in with their JFCS therapist (or their child’s) can be productive time spent in helping to begin the new school year with emotional tools and positive frameworks. For people thinking about career changes, but are finding it difficult to do this and manage family day-to-day tasks and activities, summertime can serve as the space needed to meet with a JFCS Career Services staff member. Our staff can help with job search, résumé development, and interviewing.

Summertime is also expensive. This summer is no different than others, when we notice the uptick in families in need of food assistance and financial assistance to manage unforeseen expenses that pop up while the kids are out of school. For those who find they have a little bit of extra time on their hands while the kids are away or busy with summer activities or jobs, JFCS is a great place to volunteer. Opportunities to help out take place year-round.

Hope you are enjoying all that summer has to offer, and remember JFCS is Here for all. Always……and don’t forget to support your neighborhood lemonade stands!