Community First

Honoring

Strengthening Partnerships to Improve Services for Holocaust Survivors

In January, JFS launched a new partnership with the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC) with the goal to integrate and improve services provided to survivors. JFS centralizes and oversees the BC grant process for the Jewish Conference Claims Grant. By placing a JFS case manager at VHEC one day per week, this partnership has increased access to social services, socialization programs, and resources among the Greater Vancouver survivor population.

Counselling: Women Empowerment

Throughout COVID, the number of women and children inquiring about counselling services doubled. In response, a new therapist, Dr. Abby Wener Herlin, joined our team to focus on working with individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Through individual and group work, Abby supports clients by working with them to explore topics about confidence, leadership, and self-expression.

Supporting Ukrainians Fleeing the War

Thanks to funding provided through the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, JFS was able to quickly mobilize to support Ukrainian families escaping the war. So far, this funding has allowed 30 Ukrainian families to access JFS programs and services, including assistance in navigating government services, including health care and legal aid, and in connecting with other local community services.