Agency History: Our Roots

 

Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (JFS) officially began serving the Greater Orlando community in 1978. At that time, the agency was staffed by a volunteer director and volunteer professionals under the leadership of a volunteer Jewish Family Service Task Force and a $25,000 grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. Our mission was determined "...to enhance family life and to meet the human service needs of individuals and families residing in the Greater Orlando community."

30th Year Anniversary Cake

 

Over the years and under the leadership of a full-time executive director and a diverse volunteer board of directors, JFS has grown to a staff of 25 dedicated individuals. Although the mission statement was redefined: Jewish Family Services strives to provide vital, high quality and innovative social services to those in need, our focus has remained the same. We are a provider of vital and high quality services in the community through the delivery of critical programs and services that include counseling services, emergency services, family stabilization programs and volunteer services.

 

imageIn today’s nonprofit social service environment, no single organization can meet its mission without the benefit of partners to help support every aspect of its existence. Partnerships, from financial to program development and delivery to marketing to community collaboration to our volunteers, are the lifeblood that enables JFS to meet our mission every day. The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando continues to be a major contributor. In addition, the Heart of Florida United Way, grants, and endowment funds supplement our budget. Members of our community, "our family," generously contribute all year long through their participation in our fundraising initiatives. Together, they help make it possible for programs to reach the people we serve every day.


Annual Report

 

Annual Report 2008 - Click to View

 

STAFF


Administration

Barry J. Kudlowitz, MSSW, ACSW

Executive Director

Bonnie Haas

Office Manager

Teneshia Maxwell

Receptionist Winter Park Office

Dana Morrell

Receptionist Southwest Orlando Office

 

Center for Counseling Growth and Development

Susan Weissmann, MSSW, LCSW

Clinical Director

Counselors:

Teresa Brown, MSW

Pamela Goldsmith, MA, LMHC

Elizabeth Gorovitz, MS, LMFT


Centerpieces for Tzedakah

Terry Nebel, Coordinator


Community Rabbi

Rabbi E. Arny Siegel


Development

Es Cohen, MA

Director of Development and Marketing

Terry Nebel

Development Assistant

Deborah Knispel

Marketing Assistant

 

Emergency Services

Adrienne Gordon Cooperman, MSW

Program Manager

Case Managers:

Vanessa Claros, BA

Dianne Daza, MSW

Brenda Medina, MSW

Nancy M. Mendoza, BSW

 

Finance

Angie Jensen

Accounting Manager

Carol Sabin

Business Manager

Elsa Pena

Data Manager


KidsKonnect

Unju Chung-Canine, MA, LMHC, NCC

Program Coordinator

KidsKonnect Facilitators:

Carol Dougherty, MA, LMHC

Bryce Foulke, MA

Jill Schaffer, MA

Amy Smith, MS

Teresa Brown, MSW


Pantry Assistant

Jerrey Weiss

 

Program Development

Karen Broussard, MSW, LCSW

Director of Program Development

Heather Betts

Program Assistant


Volunteer Services, Women's Forum

Marni S. Chepenik

Volunteer Services Coordinator


Board of Directors 2009-2010

Martin H. Sherman - President

Tayler Gold - 1st Vice President

James Riola - 2nd Vice President

Denise Johnson-Allen - Treasurer

Craig Pearlman - Secretary


Board of Directors

Diane Andrews

Jackie Brockington

Roz Fuchs

Barbara Grossman (Emeritus)

Francine G. Haynes

Ilene Koller

Barry J. Kudlowitz

Jennifer Lee

Rosalind Levy

Michael McKee

Robert M. Meyer, MD

Alfred Miller

Robert Petree

Leigh Schwartz

Debra Simms

Blanquita Trabold

Neil Webman

Robert Weissmann

Madeline Wolly

 


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Spotlight Stories

Heather learned about the Family Stabilization Program (FSP) at JFS through the Seminole County Coalition. She was willing to try anything to preserve her family and improve their quality of life.

Since enrolling in the FSP program, Heather has found affordable housing, earned her GED and plans on enrolling in nursing school. She says of the program, “JFS saved me from becoming homeless. I am blessed to have found them.”

Upcoming Events

JFS Women's Forum

March 17, 2010 at 12:00 pm

2100 Lee Road in Winter Park

Topic: Myth Busters on Herbal Remedies

Jeff Ward from Longwood Healing Center and Spa will be giving a Myth buster 101 on herbal remedies for everyday wellness and better living.

 

Fee:$7 - Lunch included.

 

RSVP to Marni S. Chepenik at marni.chepenik@jfsorlando.org

or call 407-644-7593, ext. 227

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