On Thursday, July 31, the Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) will hold its fifth annual Long Island fundraising day, “Fun in the Sun” at Glen Head County Club.
Numerous Roslyn area residents are involved with the planning and operation of the fundraiser. They include Pearl Halegua, who is JAFCO’s Northeast Chapter president. Halegua is being assisted in preparing for the big day by longtime Roslyn resident Ronna Niederman. Other local residents assisting Halegua and Niederman are Deborah Agulnick, Laurie Drucker, Kim Floam, Joan Grant, Alexis Kaminoff, Lisa Levine, Amy Levy, Susan Lipper, Linda Moskowitz, Ronna Niederman, Rose Schecter, Stacey Spitalnick, Susan Tashlik and Dorine Wulwick.
Based in south Florida, but with long-range plans to expand to the New York area, JAFCO currently serves abused and neglected children as well as those with developmental disabilities. Though JAFCO was founded to service the Jewish community, the agency is privileged to serve any child in need.
JAFCO serves its youngsters through its Family preservation, Foster Care and Adoption and Mentoring programs. Its Children’s Village includes group homes and an emergency shelter. Recently, JAFCO opened a new Children’s Ability Center for youth with disabilities. This building also offers respite services for parents and families.
As part of its strategic plans to expand in the northeast, JAFCO recently opened an office in Philadelphia. JAFCO officials plan for future expansion to New Jersey and New York.
Halegua is a retired teacher who has worked tirelessly for many years to bring the organization’s message to Long Island. She originally learned of JAFCO’s work through a family member whose relative founded the group.
The July 31 event, geared to raise awareness about JAFCO and its programs that support abused and neglected children, as well as children with disabilities, will include a luncheon, game day, yoga and shopping boutique with local vendors.
In addition JAFCO Executive Director Sarah Franco will speak about JAFCO’s mission, history and the organization’s future plans to continue to serve children in need.
For more information, contact Pearl Halegua at 516-319-0769 or Rana Bell, JAFCO director of Northeast Development at 610-525-1040 or e-mail rana@JAFCO.org.
