JFS Dedicates Boardroom Wall Art to Staff and Community

Posted on November 01, 2022

Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) brought together staff, Board members, community partners, and supporters on October 19th to dedicate a wall art installation in the Margate office boardroom. Inspired by the agency’s Anti-Racism Committee (ARC), the design was created to showcase the staff and the work they do in support of JFS’ core value “tikkun olam” (healing the world). The core value is written in seven languages and the wall displays three large screens highlighting staff, community and business supporters, volunteers, events, and awards. The dedication is another step in the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The JFS Anti-Racism Committee, Co-Chaired by staff members Vickie Perry and Fatimah Archie, works under the guidance of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. The ARC was formed as a proactive step to foster an environment of learning, compassion, and understanding for the struggles and challenges of diverse communities working to effect positive change. The ARC will continue to innovate and educate staff and the community on the ever-changing environment which will be reflected on the wall display.

As client Maria Delgado shared, “I would tell anyone who needs assistance to reach out to JFS. They are definitely good at helping people and will treat you as a person trying to better themselves regardless of your circumstance. With JFS, I know that I’m on a better life path.”

With more than 70 attendees, guests enjoyed presentations by JFS Board member and DEI committee member, Mark Sandson, ARC Co-Chair Vickie Perry, clients Maria Delgado and David Wirtz, and DEI Chair Nina Stolzenberg. Following the presentations, guests enjoyed food from local restaurants offering a variety of multi-cultural fare.

As Mark Sandson shared, “Today, we are here to celebrate the JFS staff, our partners, community members, volunteers, and those we serve. The dedicated artwork showcases an authentic representation of all of us.”

For more information on JFS programs and services or to view the staff recognition wall, contact 609.822.1108 x1.

Photograph #1

(Left to right): JFS staff members Abolanle Gbidi, Dr. Nina Stolzenberg, Vickie Perry, and Mary Jean Arreola, and guest Erika Paisley Salminen enjoy an array of diverse local foods from Platters Seafood & Soul Food, Nizam’s Indian Cuisine, Dim Sum & Then Some, and Taqueria Rendon after the Jewish Family Service Anti-Racism Committee staff recognition wall unveiling on October 19th at the Margate office.

Photograph #2

JFS Board member and retired Judge Mark Sandson spoke to more than 70 Jewish Family Service staff, Board members, volunteers, and special guests at the agency’s Anti-Racism Committee staff recognition wall unveiling on October 19th at the Margate office. The event highlighted JFS’ commitment and pride in the diversity of staff and those the agency helps in the community regardless of religion, race, gender, ethnicity, or background.