For Immediate Release
Page 3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elaine M. Shepard, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 413-455-1936 ext. 100
Nisa Joy Zalta, Director of Strategic Development 413-455-1936 ext. 106; Cell 413-584-3842
Robert D. Marmor, Executive Director, (413) 737-2601
www.jfswm.org
February 7, 2012
YYA Labor of Love! YY
JFS Responds to a Decade of Growing Needs in Our Community
SPRINGFIELD, MA– Jewish Family Service responds to a decade of growing needs in our community through
‘a labor of love.’ The success of JFS in the past ten years can be attributed to Bob Marmor, President & CEO, and strong leadership of the Board of Directors. Bob says “his work to meet the growing needs of our community is truly a labor of love!”
Bob gives credit to the passionate leadership of the Board of Directors and a creative and competent, diverse staff. He says, “This is a celebration of community at its best! From our clients, participants, staff and volunteers--- community matters!” Under Bob’s leadership, JFS is taking a bold approach to create innovative programs that respond to emerging needs of western Massachusetts communities.
“Community Matters when we solve problems and help families.” says, Marsha Shapiro, President of JFS Board of Directors. “Our community matters when we support people facing mental illness, financial troubles, the effects of a ‘hurried family life’ and day to day crises and challenges. When every member of our community is strengthened, we are a stronger community.”
JFS leadership has exemplified the kind of intelligent collaboration skills, business management and moral compass needed to strengthen community’s resources. “We are working across all socio-economic
boundaries to strengthen the entire community,” says Bob.
Joe Dorison, Lifetime Board Member, described the transformation of JFS under Bob’s leadership, “From its near-death financial status ten years ago, before Bob took the reins, to a decade of controlled financial management and strategic programmatic growth and recruitment of exceptional staff.”
With community support, in 2011 JFS opened new satellite offices at the Grinspoon Jewish Community Campus on Dickinson Street in Springfield, offering eldercare and counseling services to help people of all ages cope with life's planned and unplanned challenges and transitions.
FROM THEN TO NOW……
THEN- In 2001 / NOW- In 2011Counseling Clients / 0 / 650
Elder Services Clients / 35 / 710
Refugee Clients Resettled / 0 / 176
Community Programs / 0 / 20
JFS Offices / 1 / 5
JFS Staff Members / 6 / 43
Budget / $450,000 / $2,300,000
The agency has grown nearly 500% in the last decade. These community support programs include protecting elders through the Guardianship Program, Eldercare Services for caregivers of aging loved ones, Counseling Services and Refugee Resettlement for people around the globe that are fleeing religious or political persecution.
Jewish Family Service has grown nearly 500% in the last decade.
“Our community owes Bob a million ‘THANK YOUS’,” says Marsha Shapiro, President of the Board of Directors. “I am especially impressed with the enthusiasm, expertise and passion of the JFS staff. Their unwavering commitment to meet the needs of our community is a model for Jewish Family Service agencies across the country.”
Solving Problems… Helping Families… Community Matters.
To learn more or get involved with Jewish Family Service call (413) 737-2601 or visit the new JFS website, www.jfswm.org.
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Photo Caption: JFS President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert D. Marmor
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
| | http://www.jfswm.org
Hampden County Main Office: 15 Lenox Street, Springfield, MA 01108, (413) 737-2601
Jewish Campus Office: 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108, (413) 455-1936
Berkshire County Satellite: 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, (413) 236-5735
Hampshire/Franklin County Satellite: 253 Prospect, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 737-2601