When steel support beams rose two years ago for construction of the JAFCO’s Children’s Abilities Center in south Florida, both the building and the children served by it were “soaring to new heights,” according to Sarah Franco, the organization’s executive director. Founded to serve children in need, the organization is growing, and helping more precious youngsters each day.
Next month, JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options) will hold its seventh annual Long Island fundraising event, titled Fun in the Sun, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1 at Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich.
A nonprofit organization, JAFCO serves abused and neglected children as well as those with developmental disabilities. Established 23 years ago with a mission to fill an unmet need in the Jewish community, the founders of JAFCO noticed that Jewish children were being placed in non-Jewish foster homes, therefore loosing their religion. JAFCO leaders believe that “it is our pleasure and our privilege to help any child and any family in need,” Franco said. “We take that extra step to preserve all our children’s heritage, holidays and customs.” Placing the children in foster homes within the Jewish community ensures the survival of their culture.
Based in south Florida, JAFCO currently is housed on two campuses. At the first location, its exemplary Children’s Village, the group serves abused and neglected children through its family preservation, foster care, adoption and mentoring programs. Its second and newer location is the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center.
Now up and running for two years, this unique center “supports the entire family,” Franco explained. It is the first of its type in the United States to offer family support, therapy, child enrichment and respite, all under one roof. The Abilities Center is all the more important today, she noted, as “one in six children born today have developmental disabilities.” It offers “a very innovative model of social services that support families’ needs.”
A clinical staff, including social workers, psychologists and other professionals, works at the Abilities Center. When a new family reaches this JAFCO site, professionals develop a one-on-one plan, including emotional support, counseling and connection with JAFCO and community services. The center is open 365 days a year, and currently serves 300 families. While youth are engaged in enrichment activities, such as learning practical life skills, parents may take part in support groups or simply have much-needed time for themselves.
These initiatives and more, including the recent opening of a JAFCO Philadelphia office, and the long-range vision to expand to New York, have been possible because of support groups like JAFCO’s Long Island volunteers. Unfortunately, if a Jewish child on Long Island is in need of a foster home, there is currently no option for them to be placed with a Jewish family. However, Franco sees groups such as the local team on Long Island as crucial to helping JAFCO grow, both geographically and in its range of services. “Once the community is able to support the operational costs of an office and social work staff, JAFCO will begin planning an office on Long Island,” Franco said.
A loyal Long Island/New York board has worked with JAFCO chapter president Pearl Halegua of Old Westbury to plan this year’s event, and to help educate others about the organization’s mission to strengthen families.
Board members include Kim Floam, Joan Grant, Alexis Kaminoff, Lisa Levine, Amy Levy, Linda Moskowitz, Ronna Niederman, Dr. Rose Schecter, Stacey Spitalnick, Susan Tashlik and Dorine Wulwick.
The Aug. 1 event, geared to raise awareness about JAFCO, will include a program with an informative video, a festive luncheon, game day and fabulous shopping boutique. In addition, Franco will speak about JAFCO’s mission, history and the group’s future plans to continue serving children in need.
For more information, or to attend this year’s Fun in the Sun day, contact Pearl Halegua at phalegua@gmail.com; chapter vice president Alexis Kaminoff at afritz@mykidville.com or contact Sarah Franco, JAFCO executive director, at 954-315-8680 or email at sarah@JAFCO.org.
—With Reporting by
Charlotte Murphy
