Jewish Family Services of Delaware

This Shabbat, JFS Delaware recognizes World Refugee Day.

At JFS Delaware, we believe hope has no borders. Every person, no matter where they came from or the path they’ve taken, deserves the chance to live in safety, rebuild their life, and dream again.

As Delaware’s only refugee resettlement agency, our RISE (Refugee & Immigrant Support and Empowerment) program stands alongside individuals and families as they begin anew—offering support, dignity, and a community that welcomes them.

This —and every day—we honor the courage it takes to start over and celebrate the resilience that carries hope across every border.

Shabbat Shalom.

Today, we honor Juneteenth—a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and reminds us that the pursuit of equity and justice continues.

As we reflect on this important day in our nation's history, we recognize our shared responsibility to care for one another and strengthen communities rooted in equity, dignity, and justice.

From all of us at JFS Delaware, we wish you a meaningful Juneteenth. 💙

Great conversations build stronger communities. 💙💪

We were grateful to be joined by community members and leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay; Son-Djerry Cameus from U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester's office; Rony Baltazar Lopez from the Delaware Office of New Americans; Massa Dopoh from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)'s State Office of Refugee Resettlement; and community leaders Keda E. Dorisca and Midline Estimable of the Haitian Coalition of Delaware for an honest and inspiring conversation about the needs, challenges, and contributions of refugees across our state.

Participants shared their experiences and explored ways to create a more welcoming and connected Delaware for everyone.

A special thank you to Raina Harper-Allen for facilitating the discussion and to everyone who joined us at the table. Your willingness to listen, share perspectives, and engage in thoughtful conversation about helping newcomers succeed in Delaware made this gathering so meaningful.

Thank you to the Delaware Community Foundation's On the Table initiative for creating space for connection, new ideas, and collaborative solutions.

A few members of the JFS Delaware team recently attended the Jewish Federation of Delaware Women’s Philanthropy WOW (Women of Wisdom) Luncheon featuring The Smart Human with Aly Cohen MD.

We left inspired by her insights on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and plastics and making healthier choices in everyday life. Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for an empowering and informative conversation that reminded us how small changes can support our overall health. Special thanks to the Jewish Federation of Delaware for bringing our community together for this wonderful event!💙

Sometimes connection begins in the most unexpected places.

For participants in our RISE (Refugee Integration and Support Efforts) Mental Wellbeing Group, a recent visit to the Delaware Art Museum sparked conversations about identity, shared experiences, and the emotional impact of immigration and resettlement.

Through art and discussion, participants reflected on their journeys, connected with one another, and strengthened their sense of community.

Thank you to Highmark Delaware Blue Prints for helping make these mental wellbeing sessions possible. 🙏 💙

🎉 JFS Delaware is thrilled to announce John Fisher-Klein as our new Chief Executive Officer.

A familiar leader within JFS Delaware, John previously served as Chief Administrative Officer and Acting CEO, where he helped strengthen operations and advance our mission of supporting Delawareans through mental health and family support services.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience across nonprofit management, public policy, education, and human services, John brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to community care.

We are excited to begin this next chapter under his leadership and remain focused on expanding access to vital mental health and family support services across Delaware.

Please join us in congratulating John Fisher-Klein on his appointment!

https://www.jfsdelaware.org/jfs-delaware-names-john-fisher-klein-as-chief-executive-officer/

Caring for someone with cancer? You don't have to do it alone. 💙

JFS Delaware's Cancer Care Connection is launching a FREE twice-monthly Caregiver Support Group for anyone caring for a loved one diagnosed with cancer. Whether you're a spouse, partner, family member, friend, or caregiver, this supportive space is for you.

Please help us spread the word to those who may benefit.

Questions or interested in joining? Contact Kanyah Woods at [email protected].

From all of us at JFS Delaware, we wish peace, joy, and blessings to all who are celebrating Eid al-Adha. Eid Mubarak. ✨

JFS Delaware is excited to be part of the Brandywine Spring Festival of the Arts this weekend! 🎨

Join us on:
📅 Saturday, May 16 | 10 AM – 6 PM
📅 Sunday, May 17 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Siegel JCC (The J), 101 Garden of Eden Rd., Wilmington, DE

Enjoy a family and pet friendly weekend featuring over 100 artists, live music, food, local vendors, and community organizations. Be sure to stop by the JFS Delaware table for swag, resources, and a chance to connect with our team. We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

Sometimes the things that ground us most say the most about who we are. In this month’s issue of Jewish Living Delaware, our Acting Chief Executive Officer, John Fisher-Klein, reflects on his love for gardening, the lasting influence of his grandparents, and what this new season of leadership at JFS Delaware has felt like so far.

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/knXJ50YZmzo