October 2025, 1st Edition

Rales JFS Honors State Legislators for Securing Vital Funding That Supports Seniors and Families in South Palm Beach County



On Friday, September 26, 2025 Rales JFS hosted a special luncheon honoring Florida Senators Tina Polsky and Lori Berman, and Representatives Peggy Gossett-Seidman and Debra Tendrich for securing vital state funding that supports seniors and working families in South Palm Beach County. From senior services to summer camp scholarships, these programs are changing lives—thanks to their advocacy and your support! Several clients shared their stories and expressed gratitude as recipients of this vital funding.

For more information about the programs and services offered at Rales JFS, please call (561) 852-3333 or visit ralesjfs.org.

Tune In: Rales JFS President & CEO Danielle Hartman Shares the Organization’s

Powerful Impact

Tune in to WRMF for South Florida Sunday to hear an interview with our President & CEO, Danielle Hartman, as she shares all about Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services. Hear firsthand how Rales JFS programs are making a meaningful impact—from behavioral health, family & children’s services, food & financial assistance, senior services, philanthropy, and volunteerism—in this inspiring radio interview with our President & CEO. Danielle emphasizes that Rales JFS is a family that provides for the well-being of its children, its seniors, and everyone in between — regardless of race or religion.

The interview aired on WEAT, WFTL, WIRK, WMBX, and WMEN and can be found on the South Florida Sunday podcast pages.

You can also listen to the interview on our website.

Thanks to You, Rales JFS Wins 2025 Boca Raton Observer Readers’ Choice Award for Human Rights & Community Development!

Thanks to your incredible support, Rales JFS has been named the Winner in Human Rights & Community Development in the Boca Raton Observer’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards!

Whether you voted, volunteered, donated, or simply stood with us, this award belongs to all of you. Together, we continue to protect dignity, uplift lives, and build a stronger community.

From all of us at Rales JFS, thank you.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

At Rales JFS, we are committed to building safer, healthier relationships through community training and support.

Our Domestic Abuse Education & Action program offers:

1. Confidential case management and crisis intervention
2. Coaching and safety planning
3. Financial assistance and referrals
4. Food assistance
5. Educational workshops for teens and adults

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact us at (561) 852-3333 or info@ralesjfs.org. 

Shine a Light on Domestic Violence. Purple Thursday is October 23rd!

On October 23rd, people across the nation wear purple to honor survivors of domestic violence and raise awareness. Join Rales JFS in showing your support — wear your purple and take a stand against abuse.

Take a photo with family, friends, or co-workers, and tag @RalesJFS with #DVAM2025.

Let’s show survivors they are seen, valued, and never alone.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

At Rales JFS, we proudly support inclusion, access, and opportunity for individuals of all abilities. Our Disability & Inclusion Services empower people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

Looking for support in finding meaningful work or building skills for greater independence? Rales JFS is here to help teens and adults with disabilities gain the confidence, tools, and opportunities to thrive, at work and in life.

For more information, call Rales JFS Disability Inclusion Services at (561) 852-3333.

Alice has been raising her 12-year-old grandson while her family battles the challenges of addiction. For the past five years, the Jacobson Family Food Pantry has been her steady source of hope and support. With every delivery, Alice and Jack receive not just food, but stability, care, and connection.

Together, we can continue to nourish families like Alice’s.

For more information about Rales JFS, visit www.ralesjfs.org or call (561) 852-3333.

Join the Jacobson Family Food Pantry Challenge and Help Stock Our Shelves

Each Month!

Join the Jacobson Family Food Pantry Challenge!

Help us stock the shelves and support our community! Each month, we'll focus on collecting a different type of food. The person who collects the most will be announced at the end of the month on our social media channels. Consider hosting a food drive in your neighborhood to gather even more donations.

How to Participate:

1. Collect as many items as you can for the monthly challenge. For online Amazon orders, visit online. Please include your name for entry to be counted.
2. Drop off or ship your donations at the Jacobson Family Food Pantry.
3. Follow us on social media for updates and winner announcements! @RalesJFS

October: Condiments, Salad Dressing & Olive Oil.

Students who participate in the challenge will receive an hour of volunteer time.

Now Offering:

Prolonged Grief Therapy

Are you, or someone you know, struggling with grief that feels unrelenting? Rales Jewish Family Services is now offering Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT), a short-term, structured therapy designed to help people adapt to loss and restore well-being. 

About PGDT:

• Developed at Columbia University

• Typically delivered over 16 sessions

• Helps patients accept the reality of the loss and rebuild life in meaningful ways

• Supported by strong research evidence

What to Expect:

PGDT is an individualized therapy that combines structured exercises (like revisiting memories and working with reminders) with ongoing therapist support. The goal is to help people live with their grief in a way that fosters healing, meaning, and connection. Currently, clinic availability is Thursday afternoon and early evening. Available in-person and via telehealth.

Insurance Accepted: Medicare, Aetna, Cigna and BCBS Age Group: 55 plus 

For more information, contact Rales JFS MD Psychiatry Resident Dr. Jake Teich at jaket@ralesjfs.org or (561) 851-3446.

Free Dental Care Program Transforms Lives of Holocaust Survivors Through DASH

DASH (Dental Assistance for Survivors of the Holocaust) – Dental care is especially critical for Holocaust survivors because of the suffering, illness, disease, and starvation they endured. Rales JFS Holocaust Survivors program offers this free dental program for those who qualify. This program is made possible by the tremendous generosity of the compassionate and highly skilled dentists who volunteer their time and expertise to treat our Survivors in need. Since its beginning, DASH has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars of free dental care for over 100 program members.

For more information, please contact Susan Price at SusanP@ralesjfs.org.

Delivering Holiday Joy:

Rales JFS Brings High Holiday Meals to

130 Homebound Seniors

Rales JFS delivered High Holiday meals to 130 homebound seniors—clients of the Jacobson Family Food Pantry in Delray Beach. 45 cars picked up meals, challah, apples, and honey, helping bring warmth, dignity, and tradition to those who would otherwise go without.

Join Us for the Annual Not Your Mother’s Game Night!

Experience an evening of excitement and camaraderie at the Rales JFS Annual Not Your Mother’s Game Night! This premier event brings together a variety of vibrant women—including moms, daughters, sisters, and friends—for a memorable night of socializing and fun.

Enjoy a selection of cocktails, lite bites, and delightful desserts as you participate in friendly competitions and engaging games. Our event features a variety of activities, including Mahjong, Canasta, Bridge, Bubbly Bingo, and some fabulous vendor shopping!

Not Your Mother’s Game Night is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of community and support for Rales JFS. Launched in 2022, this “friendraiser” aims to unite women across different generations for an evening of enjoyment and connection, all for a great cause.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night—come for fun, stay for the friendship, and contribute to a meaningful cause!

For tickets, visit https://ralesjfs.org/gamenight

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

Join Breast & Ovarian Cancer Support Groups

Connect With Us!

Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (Rales 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, Rales JFS programs and services include food and financial assistance, senior services, behavioral health 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.