March News

For International Women’s Month, we celebrate the incredible women who make Rales JFS so amazing—our dedicated employees, passionate volunteers, inspiring board members & donors, and the women we are honored to serve. Your strength, compassion, and resilience inspire us every day.

Thank you to the incredible women leaders of Rales JFS for their dedication, strength, and impact on our community.

Social workers are the heart of Rales JFS. Every day, they provide hope, support, and guidance to those facing life’s toughest challenges. Their dedication changes lives, strengthens families, and builds a more compassionate community. This Social Work Month, we honor their unwavering commitment to making a difference—one person at a time.

Meet Melissa Hoffman: Dedicated Leader and Community Advocate at Rales JFS

Meet Melissa Hoffman, a valued member of the Rales JFS family! Melissa is the Board Vice Chair of Financial Resource Development. Melissa has lived in Boca Raton for 10 ½ years. She graduated from Vanderbilt University and Emory University School of Law. Melissa previously practiced law at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in the restructuring group.

Currently, Melissa is the bookkeeper for a construction company based in New York. Her previous board experience includes serving on the Board of Governors for St. Andrews Country Club and for Project Preemie.

Melissa is deeply committed to community service.

We're thrilled to have her as a part of the Rales JFS family!

March is National Nutrition Month!

Nourish Your Body, Strengthen Our Community

March is National Nutrition Month! Eating well is essential for a healthy life, and the Jacobson Family Food Pantry is here to help. We provide nutritious food options to support our community’s well-being. Small, healthy choices can make a big difference.

Learn more about our Jacobson Family Food Pantry at www.ralesjfs.org/our-services/food-financial-assistance

Rales JFS Joins YMCA Inspiration Breakfast to Support Children’s Summer Camp Opportunities

Rales JFS had the privilege of attending the YMCA Inspiration Breakfast, featuring an inspiring keynote from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Through our financial assistance summer camp scholarship, we help send children to YMCA of South Palm Beach County summer camps, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you, YMCA, for hosting such a meaningful event and for your continued commitment to our community!



For more information on Financial Assistance, visit https://ralesjfs.org/our-services/food-financial-assistance/#finance

Make a Difference This Passover:

Help Deliver Kosher Food to Families in Need!

Join us in making a difference this Passover! Help deliver Kosher for Passover food to Jacobson Family Food Pantry clients and bring joy to local families in need.

Date: Thursday, April 10

Pick up at Jacobson Family Food Pantry (Delray Beach)

Choose a time that works for you (9:30 AM - 5:30 PM)

Deliveries throughout Boca Raton & Delray Beach

Students can earn service hours! Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Nutritious, Kosher Meals Delivered to

Homebound Seniors Through Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels Program delivers nutritionally balanced, prepared meals to homebound seniors. A financial subsidy is available to those who qualify.

This program allows participants to connect to our Rales JFS family and access a variety of other programs and services with the overall goal of enhancing and improving their quality of life.

• Meals include a protein and two side dishes
• Meals are delivered in a microwave-safe container
• Meals are low in sodium.
• Meals are Kosher



For more information on Financial Assistance, call (561) 852-3333.

Don’t let finances keep your kids from making unforgettable summer memories! The Rales JFS Center for Families & Children is now accepting applications for our 2025 Summer Camp Scholarship.



Key Details:

• Applications open: January 2025
• Deadline: June 30, 2025 (apply early—funds are limited!)
• Scholarships up to $1,000 per child (sent directly to the camp).



Eligibility: Must live in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or Highland Beach.

Help your child have the best summer ever! Apply today before funds run out.

Learn more and get started by clicking the buttons below.

Purim Celebrations Fill the Weisman Center with

Music, Joy, and Community

Purim came early at the Weisman Delray Community Center with a festive celebration featuring an incredible performance by the talented Ravit Allen! An international singer and actress fluent in Hebrew, English, and Spanish, Ravit filled the room with joy through Jewish music, Broadway classics, jazz, and more.

Our seniors celebrated the spirit of Purim with song, laughter, and togetherness, making it a truly unforgettable event.

If you would like more information about membership to the Weisman Center and the Feldman Family Clubs, please call (561) 558-2100.

The Weisman Center Hosts FAU SAGE Mentorship Program to Inspire Future Healthcare Professionals

The Weisman Center hosted the annual FAU SAGE (Senior Adult Geriatric Educator) Mentorship Program, bringing together FAU medical, nursing, and social work students with Palm Beach Atlantic University pharmacy students. Through interprofessional collaboration, students engaged with their senior adult mentors to gain valuable insights into healthy aging. This program fosters meaningful connections and a shared learning experience for all involved.

For more information on the Weisman Center, contact Rales JFS at (561) 558-2100.

Love at First Sight at the Weisman Center

It was love at 1st sight for this beautiful couple who met at the Weisman Center. Geri and Lou share that “Life can be beautiful if you make it!”

Check out this video for the heartwarming story. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the Weisman Center, contact (561) 558-2100.

Rales JFS Mental Health First Aid Training

Are you looking for a positive role model for your child? please join our virtual event to hear more about the Community Mentoring Program and how it can support your child’s growth and success!

What to Expect:

• Learn about our mentoring program and how it supports students

• Get answers to your questions in a live Q&A session

• Find out how to enroll your child and

start building a brighter future!

Who Should Attend:

• Parents, guardians, and caregivers of students aged 6-17

• Students (aged 6-17) looking for guidance, support, and a positive role model may attend

Date: April 16, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual Event

Rales JFS Golf Tournament Deadline Extended to March 21, 2025!

Join us on March 31, 2025, at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club for this premier event that has been a favorite among golf enthusiasts and supporters. With over 150 participants swinging for a cause, every drive and putt helps raise vital funds for Rales JFS programs and services.

Hit the greens on this stunning course and immerse yourself in a day of fun and camaraderie, complete with a delicious lunch, refreshing cocktails, gourmet dinner, and an exciting awards ceremony to celebrate the day’s achievements.

For tickets and more information, click the button.

Need Support? Rales JFS Is Always Here For You!

Join LGBTQ+ Silver Pride Groups

Check Out The Cooperman Center Therapeutic

Programs Calendar

Join Disability and Inclusion Support Groups

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

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.

DONATIONS MADE ON THS WEBSITE ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR RUTH & NORMAN RALES JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES (#sc-13201) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1(800) HELP-FLA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.  RALES JFS RECEIVES 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION.