For you, your family, and your passion for volunteering.

We are committed to providing family and youth services that enrich both the mind and body.
We are strengthening the individual, the family and the community through comprehensive, caring social services along with recreational, cultural, and educational programming.


At a glance...

 

What our Family & Youth Area of Impact can do for our community:

"PJ Library books make our night at home. We read one, and then discuss how we can relate to the story. We even love reading books every Shabbat afternoon with the kids. They are, undoubtedly, mostly PJ books."

 

Over 1,000

children (up to age 8) are currently enrolled in PJ Library, and an additional 268 children (ages 9 - 11) are enrolled in PJ Our Way

 

3,000+

teens and tweens participated in JFCS Building Healthy Relationships workshops this past year, a program to educate students about dating violence

 

332 children

participated in the JCC's Junior Maccabi Youth Basketball Program this year, an instructional and recreational basketball league that includes skills development, fun, and friendship

 

 

How can we help you?

 

Health & Wellness

Fitness classes specifically designed for ages 5 - 15, that are intended to introduce children to new skills and spark their interest in fitness, including boxing, cooking skills, yoga, zumba, and various sports.

 

From group fitness classes to personal training and sports leagues, the Katz JCC Fitness & Wellness Facility is more than just a gym. Dedicated to providing the highest quality fitness programs and services for everyBODY, the team is there to guide you if you're looking to get back into exercise, try something new, or if you're just beginning.

 

The JFCS Domest Violence Program, Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships at Home), provides multi-faceted services which include offering resource information, safety planning, case management, and other forms of assistance to help individuals who are victims of domestic violence and their families.

 

The JFCS professional staff of experienced, licensed therapists can help you navigate life's twists and turns, enabling you to gain emotional strength and insight. Adult, child, adolescent, family, and couples counseling are available at convenient day and evening hours.

 

Support groups enable participants to make connections and share their feelings, including groups such as: LGBT, memory challenges, caregivers, loss of a child, loss of vision, siblings with disabilities, and widows/widowers.

Resources

If financial burdens overwhelm you, turn to the Jewish Federation for help. One of our primary goals is helping members of our community when they are in need, from students, to educators, to families, the Federation is there for you.

 

The Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program (FAP) helps thousands in our community who need assistance securing food for their families, making ends meet, or are victims of domestic violence. 

 

Give your child the gift of Israel: FREE money towards a priceless Teen Israel Trip. This no risk MATCHing fund allows you to DOUBLE your contribution with a match from the Jewish Federation and your synagogue.

Children & Teens

 

A national book and Jewish family engagement program, PJ Library sends high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish books and music to families each month - with no strings attached.

 

Located at the Katz JCC, the Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center offers full day infant/toddler care, nursey school and preschool, full day certified Kindergarten, pre-K, and transitional Kindergarten for ages 6 weeks through 6 years.

 

From the status of anti-semitic activity in America to modern day anti-semitism/anti-Israel, and advocacy skills and training, students in grades 9 - 12 can strengthen their Jewish identity and bolster their resume with this JCRC leadership opportunity. 

 

Whether it's helping your kids with their homework, playing in our imaginarium indoor play structure, dancing, cooking or crafting with friends, the Katz JCC After School Programs are the after-school destination for your children in kindergarten through 8th grade.

 

For kids aged 3 - 14, and 2 - 7 respectively, our camps enrich their lives by teaching values and life skills in a fun and safe Jewish environment. Your children can build their imagination, creativity, and storytelling. 

 

Child & Me Programs are all about providing a place for families to spend quality time together. The Katz JCC's unique, hands-on classes and activities are perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to spend time with their little one. Our Youth & Family Fitness classes also include yoga, boxing, cooking, and zumba.

When you need a helping hand, the Federation is there.

Bethany came to the Jewish Family & Children's Service a few years ago, in need of services from the Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program (FAP). She was in the process of getting divorced and in financial despair.

 

Since then, she has obtained donated food and personal items from the food pantry, received holiday gifts and scrip collected by the community, and enjoyed holiday meals prepared by local houses of worship. Bethany has been grateful for the help that she has received for herself, and her family, whenever they have been in need.

 

Recently, Bethany suffered the loss of her mother. She was completely overwhelmed by her mother’s financial affairs, which were in disarray. Once again, Bethany turned to us, and was able to get a free consultation with a financial advisor who helped her formulate a plan and figure out her next steps.

 

Bethany now has the tools to make informed decisions about her mother’s financial affairs, and a new hope for the future.

 

“I am beyond grateful. You have given me hope and direction that I have already started to put into action.”

Programming

 

Family & Youth programming is available through The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and these select agencies:

 

Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey

 

Katz Jewish Community Center

 

Jewish Family & Children's Service

 

Jewish Community Foundation, Inc.

 

Jewish Community Relations Council

Volunteer

 

Make a difference in someone's life by volunteering. Learn more at jewishsouthjersey.org/volunteer.