Laura Rodgers, Director of Mental Health Partnerships, Ann Thoresen, Supervisor of PATHPlus Services and Kate Mattleman, Housing Locator, spent the day meeting with Senators Robert Menendez and Frank R. Lautenberg as well as representatives Holt, Ferguson, Payne, Rothman, Sires, and Smith.

(L to R: Laura Rodgers, Ann Thoresen,
Congressman LoBiondo, Kate Mattleman)

The focus of the meeting was to discuss the results of the annual "Point in Time" census survey that was held last January. This census was the first to provide sufficient data for annualized estimates, including the finding that one out of every three homeless individuals in New Jersey is a child. Congressman Frank LoBiondo also met with the JFS staff while they were in Washington to discuss these alarming results.

Through the guidance of the JCC, JFS and the campers’ parents, the children learned a valuable life lesson about helping the less fortunate.

The excited young campers shared stories from home on how their parents supported their efforts and set good examples for them in their daily lives. 

Andrea Steinberg, JFS Executive Director said, “It is heartwarming to experience such young children performing mitzvot (acts of human kindness). As parents, we are responsible for training our children. They are the key to our mission’s survival.”