Agency History: Our Roots


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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."

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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. From cradles to rocking chairs, we are a provider of vital and high quality services in the community through the delivery of critical programs and services that include adoption services, counseling services, emergency services, senior adult services and volunteer services.

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In 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 2007 - Click to View


STAFF


Administration

Barry J. Kudlowitz, MSSW, ACSW

Executive Director

Laura Victoria, MHR

Assistant Director

Angie Jensen

Accounting Manager

Es Cohen, MAOM

Director of Development and Marketing

Karen Broussard, MSW, LCSW

Director of Program Development

Carol Sabin

Business Manager

Bonnie Haas

Office Manager


Support Staff

Elsa Pena

Receptionist

Terry Nebel

Development Assistant


Adoption Services of Central Florida

Bernice Walker Schwartz, MSW

Adoption Coordinator


Center for Counseling Growth and Development

Susan Weissmann, MSSW, LCSW

Clinical Director

Counselors;

Karen Broussard, MSW, LCSW

Pamela Goldsmith, MA, LMHC

Elizabeth Gorovitz, MS, LMFT

Jim Wilde, MSW, LCSW


Centerpieces for Tzedakah

Terry Nebel

Coordinator


Community Rabbi

Rabbi E. Arny Siegel


Emergency Services

Adrienne Gordon Cooperman, MSW

Program Coordinator

Case Managers;

Brenda Medina, MSW

Nancy M. Mendoza, BSW


Pantry Assistant

Jerrey Weiss


KidsKonnect

Unju-Chang-Canine, MA, LMHC, NCC

School Services Coordinator

KidsKonnect Facilitators;

Carol Daugherty, MA, LMHC

Lynn Hamilton, MA, LMHC

Rhonda Rittenhouse, MA

Shelley Ryan, MSW

Talia Silver, MSW


Kinneret Outreach

Joyce Fader, BSN

Director of Social Services

Mary Siegel, MA, NCC

CHSP Coordinator


Older Adult Services

Jim Wilde, MSW, LCSW

Supervisor of Older Adults


Volunteer Services, Family Advocacy, Women's Forum

Marni S. Chepenik

Volunteer Services Coordinator


Board of Directors 2007-2008

Martin H. Sherman - President

Robert I. Weissmann - 1st Vice President

Jim Riola - 2nd Vice President

Taylor Gold - Treasurer

Diane Andrews - Secretary


Board of Directors

Denise Johnson - Allen

Jackie Brockington

Roz Fuchs

Tayler Gold

Barbara Grossman

Francine G. Haynes

Barry J. Kudlowitz

Rosalie Levy

Robert M. Meyer

Alfred Miller

Craig Pearlman

Robert Petree

Michelle Radcliffe

Jill Riola

Jim Riola

Debbie Simms

Blanquita Trabold

Neil Webman

Madeline Wolly


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Spotlight Stories

Story 1

“I have always been the volunteer helping others, but have never been on the receiving end. I was very reluctant to ask for help. I thank my lucky stars that JFS exists. The kindness they extended to me and not feel ‘looked down upon’ because of my situation is really appreciated.” -Jen

Upcoming Events

Event 1

May 8, 2008
Celebrating 30 Years of Community Outreach
Millenia Art Gallery
505 S. Lake Destiny Rd
Orlando, FL 32810
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Ticket Price: $30 per person
Call: 407-644-7593 for more information

Event 2

Hold the Date
JFS presents
2008 Evening of Valor
Honoring Ordinary People, Extraordinary Ways
Sunday, October 26, 2008
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Orlando Marriot/Lake Mary

Affiliates