BY JAY BODAS
Staff Writer
JAY BODAS Volunteers Irwin Levine of Highland Park and Phil Schreiber of Iselin prepare to go out on a run with JFVS’s Kosher Meals-On-Wheels program last Friday morning. EDISON — While bad weather on a recent morning might have kept some inside, it was just another Tuesday for Kosher Meals-On-Wheels (KMOW) volunteer Stanley Slobedien.
“In the last two years, we have not missed a single day due to bad weather,” said KMOW program coordinator Sara Ullman.
Slobedien, 74, spent much of that morning delivering meals of turkey and yams and corned beef sandwiches with orzo salad and cole slaw to those on his route.
“It’s worth it to find a way to give even an hour or two a week of your time,” he said.
But the Meals-On-Wheels program is just one out of many provided by Jewish Family and Vocational Service (JFVS), located at 551 Plainfield Ave.
The organization, now celebrating its 25th year, is a secular, nonprofit agency that serves the needs of Middlesex County residents through a wide range of social services, counseling and advocacy programs.
Since the organization was founded in 1979, its annual budget has grown from $32,000 to $2 million. More than 13,000 individuals sought its services in the last year alone.
“Our services are not limited to the Jewish population,” said JFVS President Ellen Clarkson. “Our resources are available to as many members of the community as possible.”
That includes recent immigrants to the area.
The Immigrant and Refugee Service program originally began as a resource for Russian refugees, said Debby Alter, who heads the program.
“Since then, we have expanded greatly to help all immigrants become adjusted to life in the United States,” she said. “Activities include culturalization workshops as well as classes to assist people through the citizenship application process.”
JFVS also works with various county welfare agencies and service providers, so that they are better prepared to address the specific needs of refugees and recent immigrants, she said.
Longtime residents in search of jobs can take advantage of NOVA Vocational and Employment Services, a program that helps job-seekers find work and assists companies through the recruitment process.
“Our main goal is to find people jobs,” program director Lisa Fiore said. “This program, like our organization in general, is secular, but it is based on Jewish values; that is, our goal is to enrich and strengthen lives.”
NOVA offers career counseling and testing for people from a variety of backgrounds — recent immigrants, the disabled, people with no work experience, as well as those recently laid off, she said.
On the employer end, NOVA offers structured training programs and outplacement services for companies in the midst of downsizing. NOVA also provides English classes for recent immigrants and general stress-management classes.
Those in need of more specialized help can speak with Lauren Balkan, a three-year JFVS veteran and career social worker.
“We provide therapy services ranging from marriage counseling to counseling for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. We also have support groups in the form of bereavement and divorce groups, as well as groups for young people.
Groups are started based on what the community wants and needs. Private medical insurance and Medicaid are accepted, she said.
Balkan’s department also offers counseling for people directly affected by the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks via a September 11 Recovery Grant from the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund.
“It has been a long time, but there are people who still need these services,” Balkan said. “Years after 9/11, they still have symptoms from the trauma of the incident. It was just a few months ago that I took a phone call from someone who was only now beginning to seek help.”
Leonard Ryskin, a Princeton resident, is grateful for the help JFVS gave his parents, Russian refugees who immigrated to the United States seven years ago.
His parents applied for citizenship five years later. One year after that, the couple was set to interview with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
But just two days before the interview, Ryskin’s father was hospitalized suddenly. His mother had to go the INS interview alone, he said.
“But the interview went badly because she was so exhausted from the events of the previous two days,” he said.
The application was rejected. Six months later, Ryskin’s parents received a letter from INS asking why his father did not attend the interview.
“My parents rescheduled their interview for a few months later,” Ryskin said. “This time Debby Alter even accompanied them to the INS, and their application was finally approved.”
But the JFVS volunteers are the heart of the organization, Ullman said.
“They are the core of the program,” Ullman said. “Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the agency, and they see our clients all the time. Many are even senior citizens themselves, and they are very community-minded.”
Slobedien volunteers one day a week delivering Kosher food to those in need.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of community-service organizations, and most volunteer organizations can always use more recruits,” he said. “This organization has hundreds of volunteers with programs that I can’t even begin to tell you.”
JFVS does not consider race, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs in determining eligibility for its services. Those interested in learning more about JFVS programs and services or about how to become a volunteer may contact E.J. Berman at (732) 777-1940 or at [email protected].