JFS is an active partner with community organizations in the Jewish and interfaith community. During this summer, we are again partnering with the Springfield Jewish Community Center to help send New American children to Camp! The JCC generously saved ten camp spots for us. This partnership, dating back to 2018, has long supported New American children as they integrate into their new home community.
The Youth Program at JFS has also been supporting refugee youth with summer school enrollment, summer camp enrollment, sports and extracurricular activities, and will run our soccer program from July 8th – August 8th as part of the Emergence Academy summer school and partnership with the Springfield Public Schools.
Additionally, JFS works with the Pioneer Valley Interfaith Refugee Advocacy Group (PVIRAG) to educate local community members about the benefits of immigration into our region and to support the needs of newcomers. This year, VIRAG ran a gift card drive to provide much-needed direct support for newcomers. We are so grateful to say that their gift card drive raised over $4,000 for our clients!
JFS strives to be a community leader, and is grateful to work alongside such amazing partners to cultivate resilience and welcome people to Western Massachusetts!
