JFCS - The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services

FOOD STABILITY IS COMMUNITY CARE

For many families, food insecurity is not about one missed meal. It is about the stress of not knowing whether there will be enough food by the end of the week.

Did You Know?

A recent study by The Williams Institute found that 21.8% of adults surveyed in Northeast Florida from marginalized communities reported food insecurity in the prior year. Among gender minority respondents, that number was even higher, with more than half reporting food insecurity.

Through the Max Block Food Pantry, we help individuals and families access nutritious food with dignity. During this month, we are reminded that food stability is part of what it means to build a safer, more caring community for everyone.

To learn more about our pantry services, visit https://jfcsjax.org/services/max-block-food-pantry.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/NEFL-food-security

📣COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: “WHEN THE RABBIS CAME TO TOWN” DEBUTS AT THE WATERWORKS 📣

Guests who have previously experienced our “We Could Not Be Silent” exhibit will recognize the history, memory, and moral courage that come together in "When The Rabbis Came to Town", a world premiere stage performance honoring Rabbi Allen Secher.

On June 17, 1964, Rabbi Secher answered an emergency appeal from Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and traveled to St. Augustine to join civil rights protests facing violent attacks, fire bombings, and death threats. The next day, he and 15 fellow rabbis were arrested during a prayer service at the segregated Monson Motel, marking the largest arrest of rabbis in American history.

This powerful performance features actor Adam Bell portraying Rabbi Secher’s eight-decade fight against racism and antisemitism. Immediately following, the two will take the stage for a discussion reflecting on Rabbi Secher’s arrest, his lifelong human rights work, and his continued commitment to confronting hate.

In addition to the 6pm performance, a private reception with Rabbi Secher will be held at The Waterworks at noon the same day. Reservations are required, and space is limited to 30 guests.

📍 The Waterworks, 184 San Marcos Avenue, St. Augustine

🕕 June 17 at 6pm

🎟️ Tickets for 6pm performance only: https://bit.ly/4dIWGWc

🎟️ Exclusive VIP tickets (includes reception at noon and 6pm performance): https://bit.ly/43c3pC4

These events are a co-production of the St. Augustine Film Society and the Heartland Independent Film and Drama Forum, both 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Donations to help support the cost of this production are welcome. For more information contact [email protected] or call (231) 720-0930.

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES BY MEETING BASIC NEEDS

At JFCS, we recognize the dignity, resilience, and lived experiences that shape and enrich the foundation of our community.

Through our agency, children, individuals, and seniors have access to critical resources that provide consistent access to food, housing stability, financial assistance, and coordinated care services.

This month, we are highlighting the ways in which community care can help meet basic needs, so that everyone, no matter their unique circumstances, can live with safety, dignity, and hope.

Learn more about our services at https://jfcsjax.org.

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📣NEW PANTRY PICKS FOR JUNE!📣

The Max Block Food Pantry helps to provide much-needed food items to our local neighbors. Our continued success in that mission depends on your generous donations!

The items we need for June are... canned veggies, Vienna sausages, canned chicken, and mac & cheese!

Please drop off all donations to the Max Block Food Pantry at the following locations:

JACKSONVILLE
Allison Stein Robbins Building
6261 Dupont Station Ct
Jacksonville, FL 32217
Mon - Fri | 8:30am - 5:00pm

MACCLENNY
Keller Center
420 S 8th Street
Macclenny, FL 32063
Wed & Fri | 10am - 12pm

MAX BLOCK FOOD PANTRY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION

A HUGE THANK YOU to VyStar Credit Union and their incredible volunteer team for continuing to show up for our community!

Once every month, VyStar employees roll up their sleeves to help unload the largest food delivery received by the Max Block Food Pantry, a massive undertaking that directly impacts thousands of individuals and families across Northeast Florida.

These volunteer days are more than just moving boxes. They are about making sure shelves stay stocked, families have access to nutritious food, and our neighbors know their community cares.

We are deeply grateful for this ongoing partnership and for the energy, compassion, and teamwork the VyStar volunteers bring every single time they walk through our doors. Their commitment is a powerful reminder of what can happen when businesses invest in the communities they serve.

If your company, team, or organization is looking for a meaningful way to make a direct impact, we would love to connect with you as well. Email Melissa Sturgis at [email protected] to learn more.

As National Foster Care Month comes to a close, we are reminded that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, connected, and cared for.

At JFCS, our case managers work each day alongside children, foster families, caregivers, and parents to help ensure families have access to the guidance, resources, and support systems they need to create brighter and more stable futures.

We are grateful for those throughout our community who continue helping children and families feel seen, valued, and supported every step of the way.

To learn more about our work supporting children and foster families across Northeast Florida, visit https://jfcsjax.org.

📣JFCS SUMMER KIDS' CLOTHING DRIVE📣

As families prepare for summer, many children in our community are in need of basic essentials, and you can help! 💙

JFCS is currently collecting:
🧦New socks and underwear for toddlers and children
👕New or gently used summer clothing (sizes 2T and above)

Donations can make a meaningful difference for local families facing financial hardship. Whether you donate a few items or organize a small collection drive with friends, coworkers, or your organization, every contribution helps.

To donate or learn more, please contact Melissa Sturgis at [email protected].

BUILDING STRONGER FUTURES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Young people transitioning out of foster care often face adulthood without the support systems many others rely on.

Did You Know?

Recent national foster care data estimate that approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year without permanent family connections. The transition into adulthood should not have to be faced alone.

At JFCS, we believe every young person deserves encouragement, guidance, stability, and the opportunity to build a strong future. Our professional case managers support young people and their foster families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Learn more about our critical work supporting foster children and their caregivers across Northeast Florida at https://jfcsjax.org.

Source: https://plainfoster.com/guides/aging-out

📣 MACCLENNY MAX BLOCK FOOD PANTRY HOLIDAY CLOSING 📣

The Macclenny Max Block Food Pantry in Baker County will be CLOSED THIS FRIDAY MAY 22 in observance of the Memorial Day federal holiday.

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YOUNG HEARTS HELPING VISITATION FEEL LIKE HOME:
B’NAI MITZVAH PROJECT

A huge thank you to Daniel and Tali for choosing our visitation room as their B’nai Mitzvah project this past week! At just 13 years old, they transformed the space by painting, furnishing, and stocking it with toys, books, and thoughtful touches to create a warm and welcoming environment for the children to visit their families.

Mazel tov, Daniel and Tali, and THANK YOU for helping make this space so special! 💙

Looking for a meaningful Mitzvah project? Other visitation rooms throughout our agency are available to “adopt” and refresh as well, a wonderful way to make a direct impact on our community.