THE INSIDER
IT’S ALMOST GIVE716 DAY!!
This month, JFS is participating in the epic giving event Give716! From July 15th at 7:16 p.m. to July 16th at 11:59 p.m., the virtual event will let donors “shop” for non-profits to donate their funds to. Coordinated by the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres Foundations, this event is also sponsored and supported by private organizations who often match donations during certain power hours or provide incentive prizes for those interested in donating.
This year, all donations to JFS will go toward our Family Support Fund. As part of our efforts to encourage donations during the event, we’re looking to tell some impact stories about how our Family Support Fund has aided our clients in times of need. In order to collect these testimonials, we’re looking to staff to provide us with some examples from your clients.
If you’re interested in submitting an anonymous (for both you and the client(s)) story about a time when you utilized the Family Support Fund to provide assistance to any of your clients (i.e. grocery gift cards, bus passes, etc ), please click the button below
All stories must be submitted by Friday, July 12 by the end of the business day.
INTRODUCING THE INITIATIVE SMALL WINS
As a new Health and Wellness Committee initiative, we’re collecting “Small Wins” from staff to celebrate every victory, no matter the size, at JFS! Example Small Win: “I recently heard from one of our employment partners that a client is really thriving in their new role!”
If you’d like to share one (or as many as you want) small win(s), click below for it to be featured in upcoming editions of the Insider!
NIAGARA FALLS TEAM COLLABS WITH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
By: Jaimi Stapf, Niagara Falls
On Tuesday June 25th, members of the Niagara Falls Adult Health Home and Resettlement teams took part in the Fun Day at Henry J Kalfas School in Niagara Falls - where a few of our client's children are enrolled.
The day was filled with fun stations throughout the building and outside that the grade levels rotated through all morning. Some of the stations included were bounce house, yoga, bracelet making, bubble tag and a very popular dance routine lead by Miss Courtney from Legacy Dance Studio. The afternoon concluded with a foam dance party and DJ send off to end the school year
As we wrap up another successful year of partnership with Niagara Falls School District we look forward to summer camp - safari themed this year - summer open house and, before you know it, back to school and an amazing Walk the World Event Be on the look out for more events and how you can get involved!
GARDEN PHOTOS!
Thank you to everyone who submitted garden photos!
TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024
TST-R AND PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE - YEAR THREE UPDATE
By: Bijoux Bahati, TST-R
July 8, 2024, marked year three of partnership with Providence Farm Collective through Erie County Department of Social Services’ Summer Youth Employment Program. About 44 youth, age 14-21, will embark on an 8-week long journey together at PFC this summer. Youth come from diverse cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, some born in the U.S. and from various countries such as DRC, Tanzania, Burundi, Berma, Somali and so many more.
Our TST-R team joins the youth in providing skills-based groups. Topics covered in weekly sessions include team building, cultural differences around communication, identity development, and the impact of migratory stressors on social emotional well-being. The TST-R team is looking forward to forging new and strengthening existing relationships with the youth.
Beyond connecting cultures through agricultural and skills-based groups, youth will also enjoy workshops to learn mediation, business and theater skills. Additionally, youth will participate in Midsummer Youth Celebration at the PFC Farmers Market (130 Grant Street) on Saturday, July 27 10-2pm with variety activities from community vendors including community class on West African Dance and Drumming.
Lastly, for our inaugural partnership with the Culinary Institute, youth will enjoy a field trip in Niagara Falls for a tour, meal preparation onsite with chefs and learn about career pathways in culinary. Thanks to Emily W. Wirth and the team for making this trip possible. We are very grateful for all the partnerships that make it all possible to provide summer enrichment programming for our youth.
Stay tuned for more TST-R updates!
KATHERINE MALAIS - LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER - R
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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024
UPCOMING EAP SESSIONS
SUMMER WELLNESS CHALLENGE
C+FS EAP is excited to be partnering with Lindsay Amico, founder of Picture Perfect Mind, and Jared Byer, owner of Made 2 Move Fitness, to lead this year’s summer wellness challenge
This 6-week Summer Email Challenge will run from July 17th to August 21st. Registered participants will receive weekly emails filled with information, videos, and engaging challenges. You will have the opportunity to track your progress after each week by completing a confidential form. Two lucky participants will win a private coaching session with Lindsay or Jared.
Topics that will be covered include:
Week 1: Pack Your Own Lunch
Week 2: Unplug and Recharge
Week 3: Sleep Science
Week 4: Make Space
Week 5: Move More
Week 6: Find the Good
REGISTER FOR THE SUMMER WELLNESS CHALLENGE
INSIDER CONTRIBUTERS
MADISON RUFFO
MOLLY CARR
LAUREN MAGUIRE
KELLY BROWN
BIJOUX BAHATI
JAIMI STAPF
EMILY WIRTH
JILL GAVIN
KARA KANE
HAVE AN IDEA FOR THE INSIDER? WANT TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE? WANT TO PROMOTE AN EVENT?
SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS HERE!
