Finding Strength Together:

The Impact of Rales JFS Support Groups

Rales JFS offers a lifeline for those navigating the challenging journey of grief through our compassionate support groups. These groups have become a safe haven for many, providing a space where individuals can share their stories, connect with others who understand their pain, and begin to heal.

One support group member shared her heartfelt gratitude: "I want to take this opportunity to tell you thanks. I lost my husband of 53 years in May 2023. I was lucky enough to get a call about a bereavement group 22 weeks ago. I know my grief will never go away completely, but after spending these weeks with some very special people who understood exactly how I feel, it has helped me a great deal."

This sentiment captures the essence of what our support groups strive to achieve—a community of understanding, empathy, and mutual support. Members come together to share their experiences, listen to each other’s stories, and find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their journey.

Another member expressed how the support group has been a transformative experience: "We've known each other a scant 10 months yet I feel I know you for longer and am indebted to you forever! Thank you for your professionalism, warmth, and kindness. I'm on my way to the next phase of my life with gratitude for your leadership and the confidence to know I will be fine. If not, I know where to find you!"

These words highlight the profound impact of the connections formed within the support group. The bonds created in this nurturing environment foster a sense of belonging and provide the strength needed to move forward.

Rales JFS is committed to offering support and resources to those dealing with loss and grief. Our support groups are just one of the many ways we strive to help individuals find hope and healing.

For more information about support groups and other services, please contact

Rales JFS at (561) 852-3333.

Rales JFS Welcomes

Clifford Gelber to the Board of Directors

Cliff S. Gelber graduated from the University of Hartford in 1977 with a degree in Business Administration and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1982. He began his career in New York, working at several CPA firms specializing in tax and accounting services for the garment industry. Later, he was recruited by a CPA firm focusing on real estate, manufacturing, and tax compliance for high-net-worth clients. In 1985, Cliff joined the Miami-based Spear Safer Harmon and Co (SSH), where he lectured to medical providers and managers during the Medicare Reform of the 1990s. He was also a featured contributor to Citibank’s popular publication “What’s Up Doc,” and his reputation as an advisor to medical professionals grew.

Cliff left SSH to work for a medical billing company gaining market share through mergers and acquisitions and was chosen to lead the M&A financial team. He continued his focus on the healthcare industry when he joined Gelber Appel & Co in the early 1990s. In 1996, Cliff founded Steiner & Gelber PA, which quickly became a boutique firm providing high technical services with an emphasis on client service for high-net-worth families. In 2008, Cliff opened an office in Boca Raton, which expanded rapidly due to its strong client service culture. This expansion led to Cliff’s move to Gerson Preston.

For nearly 40 years, Cliff has served clients in income, estate, trust tax compliance, accounting, consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and comprehensive strategic planning. He has experience in industries such as wholesale distribution, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional associations, and is particularly proficient in meeting the complex accounting needs of high-net-worth individuals and owners of closely held businesses. Cliff is especially adept at helping businesses develop succession planning that minimizes income and transfer taxes.

Welcome to the family, Cliff!

Attention South Palm Beach Residents:

Hurricane Season is Here!

Hurricane season has begun! Ensure your family is prepared by creating an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.

Seniors, make sure your emergency kit includes extra medications, glasses, hearing aids, and batteries. Keep a list of important contacts and medical info handy.

Plan ahead and develop a family emergency plan. Know your local evacuation zones and have a designated meeting place. Identify the nearest shelters, hospitals, and emergency numbers.

Download the Rales JFS Hurricane Guide for resources and information this Hurricane season below.

Interested in volunteering to be a resource in the instance of a storm? Visit the Volunteer Portal.

Connecting with the Community at

Delray Beach Pride Month

The Delray Beach Pride event, held on Saturday, June 8th, was a wonderful opportunity for Rales JFS to engage with the community.

Our team had an incredible time connecting with the community and showcasing the vital resources we offer. We were thrilled to meet potential volunteers, generate interest in our enriching summer camps, and even secure pledges from future donors. With enthusiastic support, Rales JFS continues to provide essential resources to those in need. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and made this event so special!

This Pride Month, Rales JFS reaffirms our commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community. We offer a variety of services, including counseling and resource assistance.

To contact Rales JFS LGBTQ+ support, call (561) 852-3333, or email info@ralesjfs.org.

Expert Psychological Testing Available for Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Get the support and insights you need to understand your mental and behavioral health to enhance overall well-being.

Rales JFS offers comprehensive psychological evaluations, utilizing a series of tests to gather detailed information on an individual’s cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional strengths and challenges. These evaluations are crucial in identifying any areas where additional support or accommodations may be needed, ensuring tailored interventions that promote overall well-being and success. Whether for children, adolescents, or adults, our expert assessments provide valuable insights to guide effective treatment plans and educational accommodations.

For testing, contact Rales JFS Behavioral Services at (561) 852-3333.

Making Summer Camp Dreams Come True:

Rales JFS's Impact in Our Community

Rales JFS is proud to highlight the impact of our Summer Camp Scholarship program, which has been transforming the summer experiences of children in the community through generous financial support.

Impact and Collaboration:

• YMCA of Boca: Over $10,000 in scholarships have enabled more than 15 campers to attend summer camp, providing them with enriching experiences and lifelong memories.
• JCC: More than $63,000 in scholarships have been awarded, helping 55 campers, including those at Camp Kavod for children with special needs, to participate in diverse and inclusive camp programs.
• Overall Contribution: To date, nearly $140,000 in scholarships have been distributed, ensuring that children from families in need can enjoy the joys of summer camp.

Scholarship opportunities are still available!

Families who reside within south Palm Beach County (Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach) are eligible to receive scholarship assistance for summer camp!

– Scholarship assistance is available for ANY camp.

– Ages 3 to 18 may apply

– Day or overnight

– In or out of state

– Families must meet the financial criteria of eligibility set forth by Rales JFS

If you have questions or to check the status of a scholarship request, please contact VP of Financial Assistance, Wendy Goodman, at (561) 852-3171 or WendyG@ralesjfs.org

Together, we are making summer dreams come true for children in our community!

Rales JFS Honors Local Holocaust Survivors on Holocaust Survivor Day 

In recognition of Holocaust Survivor Day, celebrated worldwide on June 4th, local Holocaust survivors in south Palm Beach County gathered together to celebrate their bravery, sacrifices and survival. In their honor, Rales JFS planned a special program that included food, music and companionship.

Howard Horowitz, Director of Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program, shared that “Today, Rales JFS marked Holocaust Survivor Day along with communities throughout the world. An opportunity to honor the strength and resilience of our Survivors. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the Seed the Dream Foundation and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.” Danielle Hartman, President & CEO of Rales JFS explained, “Participating in Holocaust Survivor Day, along with communities around the world, represents our commitment to honoring the life and resiliency of our beloved Holocaust Survivors while they remain in our care for as long as possible. Hosting the event in our Weisman Delray Community Center, already a vibrant hub of activities for seniors, made the day even more joyous.”

Close to 100 people, including Holocaust survivors and guests, enjoyed a kosher lunch with musical entertainment. Holocaust Survivors Day provides Survivors the opportunity to socialize with each other, a truly meaningful and valuable experience that fosters kinship and improves their well-being.

In conjunction with the Rales JFS commemoration of Holocaust Survivor Day, Alpert JFS and Goodman JFS of Broward also hosted their own special events to honor local Holocaust survivors.

Read more about our commemorations in the Sun Sentinel HERE.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:

Ensuring Safe and Secure Lives for Our Seniors

Highlighted every June 15th, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) aims to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect that some older adults may experience. It serves as a reminder to governments, organizations, and communities to take steps to prevent elder abuse and protect the rights and dignity of seniors worldwide.

At Rales JFS, our services are committed to helping seniors remain safely in the home of their choice. We provide comprehensive support, including counseling, caregiver assistance, and case management, to ensure our seniors live safely and comfortably.

As WEAAD approaches, we want to bring attention to the increasing threat of internet scams targeting older adults. Early Warning Services, LLC, the company behind Zelle®, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) have launched a national campaign to educate and empower older adults with knowledge on how to spot and avoid online scams. In 2023 alone, most internet fraud complaints were filed by adults age 60+, with losses reaching a staggering $3.4 billion.

We’re taking action to shine a light on financial abuse in the form of online payment scams, and we need your help. Join us in raising awareness and supporting our seniors to ensure they remain safe and secure.

For more information on Rales JFS Senior Services, please contact us at (561) 852-3333 or info@ralesjfs.org. Together, we can make a difference.

Approximately 31% of children are classified as having a disability, and a significant majority of these children have siblings. Providing support and recognition to these siblings

is essential for their emotional well-being.

Sibshops provides siblings a fun, new way to make friends, as well as have the opportunity to speak openly and honestly with others about their experiences having a brother or sister with varying needs and abilities. The groups include a lively mixture of games, activities, and guest speakers. To participate, register your child here.

Join Our June Disability and Inclusion

Support Groups

Rales JFS is committed to ensuring access and meaningful participation for all community members. We strive to build an inclusive community where everyone, regardless of abilities, is given the same opportunities and respect.

Our Disability Inclusion Services provide vital support to families with individuals of varying needs and abilities. Join our June support groups to connect, share experiences, and receive practical advice in a safe and welcoming environment. 

For more information and to join, contact us at (561) 852-3333.

Aliyah Longhurst Awarded

June Employee of the Month

Rales JFS is proud to announce and celebrate that Aliyah Longhurst has been named Employee of the Month for June, 2024. Aliyah is the Vice President of the Toby and Leon Cooperman Therapy & Resource Center. It is with Aliyah's hard work and leadership skills that the Cooperman Center has continued to successfully grow since its opening. We are grateful to have her here at Rales JFS.

Aliyah Longhurst has been with Rales JFS for just over 2 and a half years. With over 20 years of experience working in the behavioral health field focusing on children and families with varying needs, she has helped to grow the Cooperman Center over the past two years.

“It is such an honor to receive this recognition, especially when you work for an organization filled with passionate and talented individuals. From the consistent unwavering support of my supervisor and leadership team, to the genuine quality and care provided by each of the therapists on my team, I am honored to work shoulder to shoulder with such a superb group of individuals. Of course the best rewards are the smiles, laughter and satisfaction of our clients, who are the reason that we do what we do each day. Thank you again!”

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month, Aliyah!

Rales JFS Celebrates Family at

Annual Staff Meeting

On June 7th, 2024, the entire staff of Rales JFS came together for our Annual Staff Meeting. The day was filled with fellowship as the team enjoyed brunch, games, and fun activities, all while celebrating our collective achievements.

A highlight of the event was honoring Bonnie Goldberg as our Employee of the Year, a testament to her exceptional dedication and hard work. We also took the opportunity to recognize staff members celebrating significant milestones with Rales JFS: 5 years, 10 years, and 25 years of service.

JFS Staff – 5 years

Lauren Wildy – Senior Holocaust Grant Analyst

Ariel Mantzoor - Therapist

Abigail (Horowitz) Daitchman – Case Aide

Kayla Katz – Program Director Domestic Abuse

Ron Corbin – Sr. VP Behavioral Health Dept



JFS Staff – 20 years

Melissa Marnell – Fiscal Grant Specialist

Special Recognition Awards

Risa Demato

Tali Abrahmi

Danielle Greenblatt

JFS Staff – 10 years

Bonnie Goldberg – Sr. Exec Asst.

Martin Laser – Therapist

Susan Riskin – Counselor

Isabela Aba Ramirez – CFO

Special Recognition Awards

Risa Demato

Tali Abrahmi

Danielle Greenblatt

Employee of the Year Award

Bonnie Goldberg

Our mission to provide top-quality services and programs to our community is made possible by our devoted team. At Rales JFS, we truly are a family. Thank you to our amazing staff for your unwavering motivation, commitment, and dedication to improving the lives of others!

Need Support? Rales JFS Is Always Here For You!

Check Out The Cooperman Center Therapeutic Programs Calendar

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.