Director’s Article

by Tova Friedman, L.C.S.W., Executive Director

Multi-Faceted Agency

The following is a fictionalized case history in which names and events have been changed to protect the client's confidentiality. This case demonstrates the multiplicity of services provided by Jewish Family Service to the community.

Beth called JFS even before she moved into the community. “I'm newly divorced,” she told the intake worker. “I'm moving to your community to be with my 82 year old mother. I have a 10 year old son, Brian, and a 19 year old daughter, Samantha, who will be going to a community college.” Beth proceeded to tell the worker that she wanted to know about temples, schools, job opportunities, and “where the Jewish community lives.” The agency information and referral worker mailed her a list of temples, a JFS newsletter, and a brochure showing JFS services, a Federation newspaper and JCC brochure. She was also given the names of local realty offices and housing developments.

Beth came to the office within a week of her arrival to the community. “I feel as if I know you already,” she said. She shared with the therapist that her mother's deterioration had made it impossible for her mother to be left alone for any extended period, thus handicapping her own job search. She herself was still having trouble dealing with her recent divorce and her children were also having difficulty adjusting. “It's so different from Chicago, and they miss their friends and, especially, their father,” she added.

Beth made an appointment to see the JFS therapist for individual counseling and joined the divorced woman's group, in order to work on her divorce issues and the adjustment to a new community. The agency's gerontology worker made a house visit to assess the mother's situation, and as a result, a part-time home health aide was hired to take care of Mrs. B allowing.Beth to look for employment. The JFS career counselor helped Beth identify part-time job possibilities where she would still be available to her mother and children. The counselor also assisted Beth in writing her resume', in learning new interview skills and locating courses at the community college that sharpened her computer skills. Through the monthly job seekers group and through the women's divorce support group, Beth met people in her situation and felt less isolated. Since her finances were low, our emergency food pantry was very helpful to the family, and she especially appreciated the holiday food baskets. “It makes me feel that I'm part of a community although I've been here a very short time.” Both Brian and Samantha were seen periodically by the family therapist to help them with their adjustment process.

Jason, 8, was recommended by his teacher to “get some therapy.” He's the oldest of 3 children and is having a difficult time in school and at home. “He listens to no one and has a terrible temper,” his mother told a JFS counselor.

Apparently, both of his parents are very involved with their 1 ½ year old daughter who has been suffering from seizures. “Jason must feel neglected,” admitted Mrs. B, “ but at this point we have no choice.” She was delighted to learn about JFS mentoring program that sends to the home a trained volunteer on a weekly basis to help both mom and Jason deal with their issues.

A year has gone by since Beth came to the community. She has a decent part-time job with a local dentist and her mother is on a waiting list to get into a nursing home. Neither Brian nor Samantha had an easy year. They miss their father, who visited them only twice during the year, and it hasn't been easy for them to make new friends. However, the turmoil in their lives has somewhat subsided; they feel more rooted. A few days ago, Beth came to the office with a home-baked apple pie. “This is for all of you, who have been so wonderful. You feel like family to me.”

Although these particular accounts are fictitious, they demonstrate the versatility of the agency and the many services provided.

JFS staff includes experienced, licensed therapists who deal with a variety of issues. The agency provides individual, couple, family and group counseling; in-home counseling and support services for the elderly and their families; employment counseling; and assists immigrants from the former Soviet Union. A very active Jewish Family Life Education program provides speakers to temples, organizations, clubs, etc. discussing mental health issues. If you have any questions about therapy in general or about your particular issue, feel free to call 908-725-7799 (Somerville) or 908-806-7899 (Flemington).

JFS is a beneficiary agency of Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties and United Way of Somerset County and is supported by Friends of the agency and contributions. The Friends Campaign is on its way. We are depending on you, our friends, to help us help others.

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Director’s Article Archives

"Structured Separation Therapy"

"Family Rituals"

"Adult ADD"

"Multi-Faceted Agency"

"Helping Adult Children Care for Aging Parents"

"Pain is Inevitable"

"Loving Touch"

"Anxiety"

"Trauma"

"You Can Go Home Again"

"ADHD"

"Jewish Grandparenting"

"Gender Matters"

"Mitzvah Project"

 

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Mentor Training Dates

Call 908-725-7799 for information on future training dates.