September News

September is Suicide Prevention Month: Rales JFS Offers Accessible Behavioral Health Services and Support for All

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and offer support to those in need. At Rales JFS, we provide comprehensive Behavioral Health Services on a sliding scale, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to receiving care. We offer financial aid and accept some insurance coverages, so everyone can access the help they deserve.

You're not alone—reach out today. Visit us our counseling and psychiatry services page online for more information.

Contact Behavioral Health Services at (561) 852-333 or intake@ralesjfs.org for support and services.

In This Time of Tragedy, Support Is Here: Reach Out Today

Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn the loss of six innocent lives taken by Hamas. In times of such profound tragedy, it's important to know that you're not alone. Rales JFS is here to support our community with counseling services available for all ages. Whether you're struggling with fear, grief, or anxiety, our compassionate professionals are ready to help you navigate these difficult emotions.

Please reach out—together, we can find strength in one another.

Contact Behavioral Health Services at (561) 852-333 or intake@ralesjfs.org for support and services.

Rales JFS Helps Shirley Reclaim her Life Amidst Husband’s Battle with Alzheimer’s

At the age of 87, Shirley reached out to Rales JFS in a time of deep need. Her husband, suffering from advancing Alzheimer's disease, had become verbally abusive, a stark departure from his usual self. He had always been Shirley's main source of support, and this new reality was taking a toll on her well-being. Through therapy, Shirley learned coping mechanisms, developed a new routine, and established goals.

She learned how to manage her anxiety when faced with outbursts, identified her core values, and reconnected with her sense of fulfillment. Now, after successfully achieving her therapy goals, Shirley is emotionally and physically better, free from anxiety, and surrounded by a supportive community of friends and family. Shirley shared that Rales JFS has brought her a sense of security, peace, and contentment.

Contact Behavioral Health Services at (561) 852-333 or intake@ralesjfs.org for support and services.

September is National Hunger Action Month: Raise Awareness and Take Action Against Food Insecurity

Did you know that millions of people around the world, including right here in our own community, face hunger every day? September is National Hunger Action Month. Join Rales JFS in partnership with United Way of Palm Beach County as we raise awareness and take action against food insecurity in our neighborhoods. This month, we’ll share educational content, challenges, and opportunities for you to make a difference through volunteering, donating, and advocating for those who experience food insecurity in our community.

Just as you would support your own family in times of need, please consider donating to your JFS family. Your contribution can have a meaningful impact. Click to donate today. Family doesn’t let family go hungry. Be part of the solution.

Join the SNAP Challenge



Join the 2024 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Challenge from September 11-15th and experience the struggles of low-income families by living on the average daily SNAP allowance. Lets raise awareness for hunger and advocate for stronger SNAP support. Share your journey on social media using #HungerActionMonth24 and tag @RalesJFS. Let us know you're participating by contacting HungerRelief@UnitedWayPBC.org and NicoleK@RalesJFS.org. 

Make a difference by donating to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry here or by giving non-perishable goods.

Sun Sentinel Highlights Vibrant Seniors at Weisman Delray Community Center Embracing Online Dating and Active Lives

Check out the heartwarming Sun Sentinel feature on the senior men and women at our Weisman Delray Community Center! Weisman Center members Karen Cohen, Sam Schleider, and Herb Caplan are proving that online dating is for all ages. Read the article to learn more about how these vibrant Seniors are navigating the digital dating scene. They, and the other 650 members of the Weisman Center, know how important it is to live an active life, filled with enriching activities and friendship.

Call the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center at (561) 558-2100 or visit online to see for yourself just how special it really is to these seniors.

iTHINK Financial Treats Weisman Center Members to an Ice Cream Social

Thank you to the staff at iTHINK Financial for treating the members of the Weisman Center to an ice cream social. What better way than to cool off on a hot day with a sweet treat!

We are grateful and look forward to future partnerships.

If you or your business would like to give back to the community, contact Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333.

Join us September 29th for Disability & Inclusion's Sibshops!

What are Sibshops? Sibshops are a lively mixture of games, discussions, activities, and guest speakers.

Who are Sibshops for? Sibshops are for any person who is a brother or sister of an individual with any type of varying needs and abilities.

Become a REST Companion for Respite Care

Join us for the upcoming REST Virtual Training and become a certified REST Companion! This interactive program equips you with the tools and education needed to confidently offer respite care to adults and children. Don’t miss this opportunity on Tuesday, October 15th, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Click below to RSVP.

Help Feed the Hungry This High Holiday Season

Join Rales JFS for a mitzvah opportunity to help the Jacobson Family Food Pantry prepare for the High Holidays! Deliver Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur meals on Sunday, September 22nd, from 12-2 PM. Pick up meals and a delivery list through a safe, drive-up line. Deliveries take under 2 hours, and students can earn community service hours (volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

Register online, spots run out quickly!

To register please contact Jill Waldman at JillW@ralesjfs.org or (561) 852-5013.

Meet the Institutional Advancement Team at Rales JFS: Driving Growth and Impact Through Fundraising!

The Institutional Advancement team at Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (Rales JFS) plays a vital role in fueling the organization's long-term impact and growth. Led by Amanda Nickeson, Chief of Institutional Advancement, this team is spearheading the development and implementation of a strategic, comprehensive and best-practice fundraising program. Together, they are transforming fundraising into a powerful force for change, igniting hope and creating a brighter future for the populations served by Rales JFS.

Reach out introduce yourself and see how you can become part of our family!  

AmandaN@ralesjfs.org

SharonS@ralesjfs.org

AlanaS@ralesjfs.org

HeatherK@ralesjfs.org

JillW@ralesjfs.org

MelinaS@ralesjfs.org

Jaclyn Tureff Awarded

September Employee of the Month

Rales JFS is proud to announce and celebrate that Jaclyn Tureff  has been named Employee of the Month for September 2024. 

Jackie Tureff is the Senior VP of Community Services and has been with JFS for over 9 years. Jackie is a clinical social worker and through her years at JFS her position has varied from facilitating support groups, providing counseling, overseeing the financial assistance department and more. She now oversees many of our community focused programs such as meals on wheels, the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, Community Outreach, Domestic Abuse Education and Action and Disability Inclusion Services.

Jacky shares that, "Working at Rales JFS has been such an incredible and rewarding experience. I am fortunate to have an exceptional and supportive supervisor and a team that is always willing to work together. I also love the opportunity to engage with our community and witness the meaningful difference Rales JFS makes in people’s lives."

Thank you Jacky for your dedication and the profound impact you make every day!

Need Support? Rales JFS Is Always Here For You!

Community Support Groups During the War in Israel

LGBTQ+ Senior Support at Rales JFS (Sept. 9th due to Labor Day)

Check Out The Cooperman Center Therapeutic

Programs Calendar

Join August Disability and Inclusion Support Groups

Sibshops: Brothers & Sisters of Individuals with Varying Needs and Abilities

Join September's Cancer Support Group

Connect With Us!

Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) provides a comprehensive range of programs and services which support people of all ages and beliefs. With locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, JFS programs and services include food and financial assistance, senior services, behavioral health services, career and employment services and many volunteer opportunities. Funding is provided by private and corporate support, grants, special events and individuals whose generosity helps thousands in need each year. Learn more at ralesjfs.org or call 561-852-3333.