What is JFS?

The Jewish Family Service is a multi-service social agency dedicated to the preservation of Jewish Family Life.
For help, call 203-794-1818.

Services Offered:

Information and Referral: Provides information on other services, agencies and resources in the community. We can help link you with volunteers for a family visit, to drive someone to the doctor, or to invite someone to their home for the holidays.


Counseling: We offer professional counseling and referrals for families, couples, individuals by an M.S.W. Social Worker.


Refugee Resettlement: Comprehensive services are available to help in the resettlement of Russian and other refugee families. If you are interested in becoming an active volunteer in the program, please call 203-792-6353


Greater Danbury Jewish Coalition for Literacy: America’s Jews share a love of books, respect for education and a commitment to social justice. Jewish tradition stresses the importance of tikkun olam – repairing the world. That’s why the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy has pledged to mobilize 100,000 volunteers to help America’s children learn to read. The Greater Danbury’s Jewish Coalition for Literacy is our Federation’s contribution to this nationwide effort. Come aboard as our Federation mobilizes to help young students gain a priceless skill – the ability to read!


Jewish Federation Seniors: The Jewish Federation office sponsors weekly programs for seniors in the greater Danbury area. Volunteer drivers can provide rides, if needed, for the second Tuesday event, the Senior Lunch Bunch. For all other dates, a local driver can provide rides for a very nominal fee.

 

Tele-Care ProgramWANTED: Elders wanting a phone companion.

NEEDED: Volunteers able to make regular phone calls to isolated seniors.

Jewish Family Service is now coordinating the Tele-care Program in the greater Danbury region. This program offers regular telephone checks to isolated or home-bound seniors in the community. The program will serve older adults in need of a friendly voice and companionship. The program is non-sectarian service and is free of charge.

Tele-care volunteers are asked to make phone calls either daily or weekly to a matched individual. The volunteer caller and elder are matched by the coordinator according to their similar geographic areas, common interests, or because of their similar backgrounds.

Volunteers of all ages are needed and will receive a one hour training session focusing on listening skills, reminiscence training and crisis intervention. The volunteer coordinator provides ongoing monitoring and support to see how the process is developing. Volunteers agree to a 6 month commitment. Call JFS for an appointment

Tele-care callers offer an opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of an individual in isolation by making a small commitment of time and energy. For more information, please contact Rosalind Kopfstein at Jewish Family Services at 203-794-1818 and leave your name and phone number.

 

2008/2009  Social Service Committee Members

Dan Wolinsky, Chair

Deborah Eiferman

Barbara Dobbin

Joe Ellis

Myrna Jacobs

Jeff Katz

Rosalind Kopfstein, Director 

 

Confidentiality Assured

Jewish Family Services respects each individual's right to privacy. All communication with the agency is kept confidential between the person and the counselor.

About the Director

Rosalind Kopfstein, Director of JFS since 2002, is a licensed clinical social worker, practicing since 1973 in the fields of Aging, Disability, and Developmental Disabilities. She is an adjunct professor of Sociology at Western CT State University since 2000. Rosalind has an MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work, and a Doctorate in Social Welfare in 1994 from the CUNY Graduate Center in NYC. Recent publications include Poverty in the Encyclopedia of Elder Care (2008), and Medicaid in the Encyclopedia of Social Problems (2008).

Rosalind Kopfstein, DSW, LCSW, MSW

thejfs@sbcglobal.net